The Elusive Fate of the One Ring: Why Could Only the Eldar Ndor and Gollum Fulfill This Prophecy?

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the usurping Magician Sauron created the One Ring to control the other Rings of Power. This pivotal artifact played a crucial role in the narrative of the Rings of Power. The most prominent character tasked with the destruction of the One Ring is Frodo Baggins, yet the ultimate decision and act of casting it into the fires of Mount Doom fell not to him but to an unforeseen and mysterious figure. Understanding why the All-Knowing Eldar and Gollum were chosen for this critical stage reveals a deeper look into the forces at play in the world of Arda.

Task Impossibility and the All-Knowing Eldar

Elrond, the Elf-prince and wise leader of Imladris, faces an insurmountable challenge. According to J.R.R. Tolkien himself, the destruction of the One Ring is a task that no one lesser than a Vala or the Creator Eru Ilúvatar or the mysterious Tom Bombadil could achieve. Even among the most powerful of the Eldar, there is a recognition that such a task is beyond their capacity. Elrond, the heir of Elros, would surely fail in his attempt to throw the ring into the fires of Mount Doom. His limitations in power and influence highlight the scale of the task at hand.

Similarly, other notable figures like Gandalf, Glorfindel, and Galadriel possess immense power and wisdom but are too constrained within their roles to accomplish this task. Gandalf, although a Maia and immensely powerful, faces the same prohibitions that bound the other Eldar. He, too, is aware of the inescapable nature of the destruction of the One Ring and knows that his efforts would be in vain. The text suggests a recognition of this among the highest of the Eldar.

The Indomitable Will of Gollum

Even Elrond, with his unparalleled wisdom and strength, would fail. The reason given by Tolkien himself is clear: it would require a force greater than any living creature, with the exception of a Vala or Eru Ilúvatar, to tackle the One Ring. The culmination of this narrative is captured in the fate of Gollum, whose obsession with the One Ring led him to a precarious yet fateful moment. It is through Gollum's betrayal and ultimate fate that the One Ring was destroyed.

When Gollum, in his obsession and torment, managed to seize the Ring from Frodo and, in a moment of celebration, fell accidentally into the fires of Mount Doom, the ultimate destruction of the One Ring was accomplished. This event was not solely due to the fall of Gollum but was perhaps 'nudged' by the mighty influence of the One Above All, Eru Ilúvatar. The text of the books and the wisdom of the author himself suggest that the Ring's destruction was recognized as impossible for any lesser being to enact.

Ancient Functions and Prophecies: The Role of Gollum

It could be argued that the ancient prophecies and hidden knowledge that are a part of the lore of Middle-earth, combined with the survival and manipulation of the Ring by Gollum, fulfilled an ancient and intrinsic destiny. This prophecy was not aimed at Gollum, but the enduring influence of the Ring on its carrier suggests that a fate was always meant to play out in a certain way, ensuring the ultimate destruction of the One Ring.

The One Ring had a will of its own and sought to escape destruction, making the task of Frodo and his companions even more daunting. Gollum’s actions, driven by his obsession and manipulation by the Ring, led him to the fires and ultimately to his demise. However, his fall into the molten lava symbolized the final battle against Sauron's influence, bringing about a new era for Middle-earth free from the shadow of the Ring's corruption.

Conclusion: An Insurmountable Task

The One Ring's destruction through the fall of Gollum into the fires of Mount Doom highlights a unique confluence of fate and destiny. While it is clear that the task itself was beyond the capabilities of many powerful figures in Middle-earth, the Ring's eventual destruction is a testament to the enduring power of prophecy and the will of the Creator. The narrative ultimately suggests that certain fates are predetermined and beyond the control of even the most powerful beings in Arda.