Did No One Notice When Frodo Threw the Ring into Mount Doom?

In the epic saga of The Lord of the Rings, one of the most pivotal moments is when Frodo Baggins finally destroys the One Ring in Mount Doom. However, the question often arises: did no one else notice this momentous occasion? Could such a powerful artifact's destruction be so silent? Let's delve into the lore to uncover the truth.

The Fate of the Ring

Frodo did not 'throw' the Ring into Mount Doom; rather, he succumbed to its corrupting influence, a testament to the dark power the Ring wielded. As Frodo donned the Ring, it became overwhelmingly captivating, forcing him to take it back and make it his own. This act drew the immediate attention of Sauron, who was aware of the Ring of Power's location and its original master's power.

Sauron's Awareness

As the true master of the Ring, Sauron was instantly cognizant of the ring's whereabouts. The sharp surge in power that emanated from Sauron through the Ring meant that he was acutely aware of even the slightest fluctuations in its position. The instant Frodo claimed the Ring, Sauron knew his peril had arrived. This was a dire moment, as it signaled that the Ring’s destruction was imminent, and with it, Sauron's ultimate downfall.

The Nazg?l's Desperate Drudge

Alerted to the Ring's proximity to Mount Doom, Sauron sent the remaining Nazg?l on a final, desperate mission. These agents of evil rushed to the mountain like a storm, ready to do Sauron's bidding. It is worth noting, however, that their efforts were in vain, as events unfolded in a way that the master of the Ring could never have anticipated.

The Involvement of Gollum

In the midst of the Nazg?l's frenzied haste, an unexpected twist occurred. In Gollum's fatal attempt to reclaim the Ring, the unique artifact slipped from his grasp and fell into the depths of Mount Doom's fiery chasm. In a tragic twist of fate, Gollum, who had worshipped the Ring for centuries, ended up losing it in the very place he had once sought to conquer. Thus, Sauron's gaze was momentarily diverted, and the Ring was finally and forever destroyed.

The Immediate Aftermath and Sauron’s Downfall

With the destruction of the Ring, Sauron's power was irreparably diminished. The Ring contained a substantial portion of the Dark Lord's strength, a fact that was crucial to his ultimate defeat. Without the Ring, Sauron fell to his knees, reduced to a mere shadow of his former self. This moment marked the beginning of a long period of darkness and despair for the realm, but also the end of an era of evil.

The Irony of Plot and Villainy

Now, one must consider the wise counsel often attributed to the films being non-canonical to the books. In the Lord of the Rings saga, both Morgoth and Sauron are indeed "plot-induced stupidity" villains. Their continuous pursuit of power only served to weaken them, a stark reminder that overreach and excess can lead to one's downfall. Sauron's position without the Ring was indeed much stronger, emphasizing the Ring's role in his eventual defeat.

The Warning of the Ring

It is essential to remember that the Ring's destruction was not the moment when Sauron's Eye became aware of its location. Sauron's awareness came from Frodo's claim of the Ring itself. This act was the moment of truth that foretold the end of Sauron's reign. The ring's power lay in its very essence, and its destruction was the ultimate symbol of Sauron's defeat.

Thus, the answer to why no one else noticed when Frodo threw the Ring into Mount Doom is that they did not, as the moment Frodo claimed the Ring, Sauron was immediately aware. The Ring's power was too significant, and its destruction foreshadowed the ultimate defeat of the Dark Lord, Sauron.