What If Gollum Tried to Take Back the Ring after Losing It?

The journey of the One Ring and the characters of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth#8217;s The Lord of the Rings has captured the heart of many. One intriguing scenario is to consider what would happen if Gollum tried to reclaim the Ring after already losing it.

Theories on Gollum's Possible Actions

Most interpretations of the story involve Gollum's eventual death after the Ring is destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom. In this context, trying to re-take the Ring seems a futile and doomed pursuit. But let#8217;s dive into some alternative hypothetical scenarios and analyze the potential outcomes.

Reclaiming the Ring After It Was Lost

Suppose Gollum had the opportunity to reclaim the Ring. The most efficient pathway to this scenario involves him transferring the ownership of the Ring from Sam and Frodo to himself. This process would likely require the elimination of Sam and Frodo, as these actions are necessary for Gollum to achieve his ends. However, if either (or both) of them were to survive, the Ring would continue to function as a mechanism to disrupt the relative peace established at the end of the Fellowship's quest.

Consequences for the Quest

Assuming Gollum successfully reclaims the Ring, the immediate effect would be a severe setback for the quest to destroy the Ring. With the Ring in his possession, Sauron would quickly become aware of Gollum and the Ring would once again be back in the hands of a creature of immense malice. This would streamline Sauron's plans, as the Nazg?l, the remnants of his fearsome army, would be dispatched to recover the Ring.

The Role of the Nazg?l

According to the narrative, the Nazg?l had been sent to Mount Doom the moment Frodo claimed the Ring. They would have immediately recognized Gollum and Frodo as individuals involved with the Ring. Without any pretense of claiming Gollum as a new master, the Nazg?l would likely bring both back to Sauron with the Ring. This scenario would bring an abrupt end to the quest and the restoration of Sauron's power.

Alternate Endings to The Lord of the Rings

The retaking of the Ring would drastically alter the ending. Instead of the serene ordinariness of Frodo and Sam's life in the Shire, Sauron would resume his power, leading to conflict and discord. The scenarios following the destruction of the Ring would be replaced by a re-emergence of tyranny and darkness, making The Lord of the Rings a much more pessimistic and dangerous tale.

What If Gollum Kept the Ring for 500 Years?

Let's consider another scenario where Gollum kept the Ring for approximately 500 years. Despite the Ring's power, Gollum's primary motivation was not to use its power but simply to possess it. He wished to maintain the creature known as "Precious." However, if Gollum held onto the Ring for such a long period without destroying it, what would have transpired?

Long-Term Possession and Its Implications

If Gollum managed to retain the Ring without giving it to Sauron, the situation would be significantly different. He would likely continue to use the Ring's invisibility and other powers sparingly, mainly to escape from his goblin pursuers or for hunting in the goblin tunnels. However, his possession of the Ring would still be a factor in Sauron's schemes.

Sauron's Awareness and Actions

Sauron would remain aware of Gollum's possession of the Ring. In his keen understanding of the cosmos, Sauron would have noticed any significant development surrounding the Ring, including Gollum's long-term control over it. This awareness might prompt Sauron to act decisively, seeing an opportunity to reclaim the Ring through Gollum's eventual demise or manipulation.

The Nazg?l in a Different Role

Even if Gollum managed to avoid capture and destruction by Sauron, the Nazg?l, aware of the Ring's continued existence, would still be dispatched to retrieve it. Their actions could be more challenging to predict, as their strategy might involve more concealment and less direct confrontation.

Critical Points for Analysis

How would Sauron respond if Gollum retained the Ring for 500 years?

What strategies might Sauron employ to reclaim the Ring?

Would the Ring's continued existence significantly disrupt the balance of power in Middle Earth?

The hypothetical scenarios involving Gollum's efforts to reclaim or retain the Ring offer fascinating insights into the complex dynamics of The Lord of the Rings. These scenarios not only enrich our understanding of the narrative but also prompt us to consider the multifaceted challenges faced by the protagonists in their quest to destroy the Ring and preserve Middle Earth from Sauron's rule.