The Origin and Journey of the One Ring in Middle-earth

In the vast and intricate world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, the One Ring plays a pivotal role in the history and fate of its inhabitants. From its creation by the dark lord Sauron to its arrival in the hands of Frodo and Bilbo, the journey of the One Ring is filled with twists and turns that shape the course of the wars and destinies of many cultures and races.

The Forging of the One Ring

The One Ring, also known as the Ruling Ring, was crafted by the Dark Lord Sauron in the fires of Mount Doom in the Second Age. Sauron, in his desire to dominate Middle-earth and reclaim his power, ordered the creation of the Ring in order to gain control over all other rings and their bearers. After the defeat of Sauron in the War of the Last Alliance, the Ring was lost for centuries, hidden in an unknown location, awaiting the right moment to be found and wielded.

Recovery and Ambush

Over 2500 years after its creation, the One Ring was fished out of the Anduin River by Deagol, a Stoorish hobbit. Through a tragic event, Deagol was killed by his cousin Sméagol over the Ring, sparking a curse that transformed Sméagol into Gollum, a withered and twisted creature with a relentless desire for the Ring.

Bilbo's Discovery and Gift

The One Ring remained in the possession of Gollum for over five hundred years, until Bilbo Baggins stumbled upon it in the Misty Mountains during the quest for the Arkenstone. Bilbo was unaware of the true nature of the Ring at first but soon became deeply entangled in it. The Ring's power drove Bilbo to obsession, leading to a moral quandary and ultimately causing him to leave the Shire with the Ring on his 111th birthday.

Bilbo decided to gift the Ring to Frodo Baggins, his dear nephew, before leaving the Shire. Frodo accepted the Ring, unaware of the burden that lay ahead for him.

The Fall of Isildur and the Ring's Fate

Isildur, the surviving son of Elendil, took the Ring as a war trophy after slaying Sauron. However, he never fulfilled Elrond's advice to destroy it.

Isildur, carrying the Ring on his journey to Rivendell, was ambushed by an army of orcs. In those dark moments, he used the Ring to save himself by hiding, but fate and the growing power of the Ring had other plans. As Isildur swam away, trying to escape the enemy, the Ring's power caused it to make itself visible, and it slipped from Isildur's finger and vanished into the Anduin River, where it remained hidden for nearly two and a half millennia.

Concluding the Story

The One Ring was fished out of the river by Gollum and then it was hidden from the world, only to be rediscovered by Bilbo Baggins. This Ring would continue its journey, passing from Frodo to Samwise, as the inevitable battle against Sauron and the ancient evil of the Ring reached its climax.

Keywords: One Ring, Tolkien, Lord of the Rings