The Intrigue of the One Ring

The weight of the One Ring is not merely a physical burden for Frodo Baggins as he navigates the perilous journey to Mordor. It is also a profound test of will and character. Sauron, the malevolent Dark Lord of Mordor, had bloodstained desires for this ring of power. What if, hypothetically, Sauron had known that Frodo was carrying the ring? Would he have sent an army to stop him? The answer is multifaceted, with implications reaching far beyond mere military strategy.

Understanding Sauron's Mindset

Sauron is a master manipulator, and his schemes are far from simple. His assumption was that anyone who found the One Ring would seek to use its power to defeat him. This was a logical deduction based on past experiences, where he believed that a powerful enemy who coveted his power would naturally choose to wield the ring against Sauron.

However, if Sauron had known that Frodo was not using the ring but instead intending to destroy it, his devious mind would have thrown the plan into chaos. The ring, in his view, was meant to consolidate his power and extend his reach. Knowing that it would be destroyed would have been a catastrophic revelation, a divine omen of his ultimate defeat.

The Nazg?l and Their Role

The Nazg?l, or Ringwraiths, were once great kings corrupted by the power of the One Ring. Their struggle was not just physical but also spiritual, as they clung to the ring even after being separated from it. What if they had been tasked with stopping Frodo? Would they have had the desire or the means?

Technically, the Nazg?l could have been commanded to follow Frodo. However, their allegiance to Sauron was primarily to serve his objectives, not to directly eliminate threats. The Nazg?l were powerful and could have sensed the presence of the ring. If Frodo had been wearing the ring, they would have been more inclined to follow his lead. But seeing the ring on him might have triggered their hunger, and they could have crossed over to Sauron’s side, compelling him to act.

It is also plausible that the Nazg?l would not have sought to kill Frodo. Instead, they might have brought him to Sauron to gain insight into his plans. Sauron might have seen this as an opportunity to glean intelligence about the hobbits' intentions or find a way to use Frodo for his own ends. Alternatively, Sauron’s hatred and greed could have driven him to execute Frodo directly, ensuring that the ring would not be destroyed.

The Key to Success: An Unseen Stealth

The fate of the One Ring was intricately linked to its secrecy. Had Sauron known of the plan to destroy it, he would have taken measures to enhance his defenses. He would have fortified Mordor more heavily, placed more guards on the entrances to Mount Doom, and secured the approaches to prevent any interference. The quest of Frodo and his allies would have faced insurmountable obstacles, potentially falling to Sauron’s increased vigilance.

When Frodo put the ring on and claimed it at Mount Doom, Sauron’s plans were suddenly revealed. The battle of wits between Sauron and the Fellowship reached its climax. Tolkien describes this moment as a pivotal point where the true nature of Sauron’s intentions was exposed. Yet, by then, the destruction of the One Ring was already upon him. Any action Sauron might have taken at this point would have been too late to prevent his final descent into darkness.

Conclusion

The hypothetical scenario of Sauron knowing of Frodo's intentions adds a layer of complexity to the journey of the One Ring. It highlights the multifaceted nature of Sauron’s plans and the delicate balance of power in Middle-earth. The Nazg?l and Sauron themselves were deeply influenced by the presence of the ring, leading to varied possible outcomes. This narrative underscores the importance of secrecy and the unexpected turns of fate in the epic journey of Middle-earth.

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