Understanding the Rejection of the One Ring: Isildur and Gollum

One of the most intriguing aspects of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is the behavior of the One Ring towards its various bearers. Some have questioned why the Ring rejected its previous bearers, Isildur and Gollum, but the reasons behind its actions are rooted in its nature and the desires of Sauron, its master.

Isildur’s Interaction with the Ring

Isildur’s case is particularly fascinating. The Ring was a formidable artifact, forged in Mordor by Sauron himself. The Ring did not reject Isildur in the traditional sense; rather, it left him when the opportunity arose. The precise wording is important here: Isildur intended to take the Ring far from his lands and have its fate decided by others. The Ring, sensing its master's presence, did not want to be removed from a proximity where it could more easily make its return.

When Isildur encountered an orc ambush, the Ring abandoned him. It did not want to leave Mordor and had no interest in being taken to Gondor, where Isildur was heading. The Ring's journey with him ended abruptly, despite his efforts to dominate and control it. This incident highlights the Ring's insidious nature; it always seeks to return to Sauron, its true master.

Gollum’s Relationship with the Ring

Similarly, Gollum's interaction with the Ring was marked by a lack of clear use, more a matter of possession than actual agency. Gollum was content to keep the Ring hidden for centuries, using it merely for his own preservation. The unprecedented distress that the Ring caused Gollum stems from his eternal confinement within the caves, a fate that it actually desired for its preservation.

The Ring wanted Gollum to be a vessel that would eventually leave the caves and venture out, allowing the Ring to slip into the open and ultimately find its way back to Sauron. However, Gollum's fondness for the caves and his aversion to leaving them made him an unsuitable host. When Gollum was disturbed by the goblins, the Ring left him unceremoniously, hoping that a goblin or another creature might find the Ring and return it to Sauron.

Concluding Thoughts

In both cases, Isildur and Gollum, the Ring's actions stemmed from its foundational desire to return to Sauron. The Ring, being a remnant of Sauron's will, cannot be used by anyone who does not align with Sauron's goals. Its rejection of Isildur and Gollum was not an act of benevolence or malice but a manifestation of its unyielding loyalty to Sauron.

Ultimately, the Ring’s refusal to be used by Isildur and Gollum underscores its inherent malevolence and its relentless drive to reunite with its master. The One Ring’s tragic existence is a testament to the enduring power and dark desires of Sauron, the very essence of which the Ring embodies.