Why Didn’t Sauron Take Back The One Ring After Isildur Failed to Destroy It?

The answer is right there in the question itself. "After" has a significant meaning in this context. Once the Ring was destroyed, it ceased to exist, thereby rendering it useless for Sauron's purposes.

However, many readers often overlook the intricate details of Tolkien's story, leading to misunderstandings. For instance, Isildur did not destroy the Ring; he only took it from Sauron's body. A closer examination reveals that Sauron never had the opportunity to take back the Ring because it had been destroyed.

Isildur’s Role in the Fate of the Ring

Isildur did not go to Mount Doom and destroy the Ring as the movies and books often suggest. He kept the Ring until he was killed by Orcs in the River Anduin. The Ring fell into the mud, where it was later found by Deagol, who was killed by his friend, Smeagol, known as Gollum, for it.

Tolkien’s Intentions and the One Ring’s Exclusive Nature

It is crucial to understand that the One Ring was a one-of-a-kind item created by Sauron, containing the bulk of his supernatural power. If there had been another Ring, Sauron could have retrieved it, but there wasn't. This is why Sauron could not take it back. Tolkien wrote the story in his way, ensuring that the One Ring’s significance and uniqueness are paramount.

Sauron’s Defeat and the Implications

Sauron was not defeated by Isildur: Sauron was defeated in the Second Age by Gil-galad and Elendil. Isildur cut the One Ring from Sauron’s dead body. However, Sauron did not regain the Ring through the Third Age. The heat of the Cracks of Doom melted the Ring, dispersing the power that was bound within it, effectively ending Sauron's ability to exert influence through the Ring.

The Power of the Ring and Gandalf’s Role

This also brings us to Gandalf's role. Gandalf did not want to take the Ring himself, as he explains to the hobbits, because the power of the Ring would have tempted him in ways he could not resist. The destruction of the Ring at Mount Doom, with the power dispersing, marked the end of Sauron and enabled the Fellowship to continue their journey without the Ring's temptation.

Conclusion: Sauron did not take back the One Ring because it no longer existed. The story of The Lord of the Rings is rich in detail, and understanding these nuances provides a deeper appreciation of Tolkien’s masterpiece.