The Journey of the One Ring: From Isildur to Gollum

The history of Middle-earth would have taken a vastly different path if not for the mysterious journey of the One Ring. From its discovery by Isildur, through its concealment and eventual re-emergence with Gollum, the ring has played a pivotal role in shaping the entire narrative. This article delves into the story of the One Ring, focusing on its path from Isildur's defeat to Gollum's possession.

Isildur's Loss and the Ring's Burial

Isildur, upon winning a decisive battle and vanquishing Sauron, was not elated with the victory but preoccupied with something far more pressing. He was not enjoying the victory in the traditional sense; he was in a state of urgency. Isildur, unlike most heroes, was not looking for treasure or titles; he was escaping an impending ambush. The ring, a symbol of his testing, slipped off during the chaos of the battle, and in the confusion, it was lost, forever hidden in the rivers of Anduin.

The phrase, "A ring of power looks after itself," is more than a quaint line. It reflects the ring's inherent supernatural nature, which ensured it was not lost in obscurity. For centuries, the ring remained at the bottom of the river, a silent guardian and, more importantly, a silent killer. While "A ring of power looks after itself," the phrase also underscores the ring's capacity to seek out a new potent holder, as will be evident when Smeagol embarks on his path to corruption.

Smeagol's Discovery and the Rise of Gollum

The journey of the One Ring continued as it was eventually found by Smeagol, a minor character in the shadow of Sauron's reign. This discovery occurred around the year 2463 of the Third Age. While Smeagol had no grand plans, nor was he searching for power, fate led him to this fateful moment. The ring found its new owner through a dark twist of events; Deagol, Smeagol's friend, found it while fishing, and the power corrupting qualities of the ring prompted Smeagol to steal it, leading to the demise of his friend.

This event, seen from a neutral perspective, was simply one man killing another. However, when viewed through the lens of the ring's journey, it marked the beginning of its corruption and the rise of Gollum as a force for malice. The ring, despite its power, sought to control its bearer, and in the end, it did. Smeagol, driven by this power, became Gollum, a shadowy figure in the misty mountains, his life consumed by the relentless pursuit of the ring.

From Isildur to Gollum: A Timeline

The One Ring's Journey

Isildur: Lost the ring at the Battle of the Gladden Fields, sunk into the river Anduin. Deagol and Smeagol: Deagol found the ring while fishing, Smeagol stole it and killed Deagol. Bilbo: Found the ring in the Misty Mountains, used and eventually gave it to Frodo. Frodo: Carried the ring to Mordor and ultimately destroyed it.

This timeline of events highlights the significant and often unexpected turns in the journey of the One Ring, from its inception to its ultimate destruction. Each owner, from Isildur to Bilbo, played a crucial yet distinct role in its path, indicating the importance of the One Ring and the ultimate fate of its wielders.

The Gollum's Point of View: The Burden of the Ring

Beyond the epic battles and grand narratives, Gollum's story is a dark and individual one. Gandalf, in his detailed accounts, does provide some insight into Gollum's early life with the ring: he was driven away from his family and tribe because of horrific acts committed while under the ring's influence. This isolation, however, fueled his desire for more power and control, turning him into the ruthless and paranoid figure he became in The Lord of the Rings.

The ring did not just pass into Gollum's possession; it consumed him. The later parts of Gollum's life were marked by solitude and a relentless hunt for the ring, a testament to its power and the corruption it inflicted. The ring became the center of his existence, driving him to the Misty Mountains, leading a life filled with uncertainty but fueled by a never-ending desire for power.

The story of Gollum and the ring explicitly demonstrates how a powerful artifact can transform both its physical host and the environment around it. The stones and the caves became darker and more polluted by the ring's presence, while Gollum himself embodied the ring's malevolent nature, driven by a perpetual hunger for control.

Conclusion: The Power and Corruption of the One Ring

The journey of the One Ring from Isildur's loss to Gollum's possession highlights the overarching theme of power and corruption in Middle-earth. Each owner of the ring, from the great Isildur to the small Smeagol, served as a pawn in the great game of good versus evil. The ring not only sought to evade detection but also to find new bearers, always seeking to define its path in the tapestry of westward history.