Did Sauron Truly Recognize Frodo's Claim on the Ring?

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring, the conflict between good and evil is epitomized by the struggle for the One Ring. As one delves into the intricacies of this struggle, one question often surfaces: did Sauron recognize when Frodo claimed the ring during the attack on Weathertop?

Presumably, he did not. However, this claim raises interesting questions about Sauron's knowledge and control over the Ring. Let us explore this further through the lens of the pivotal moments in the narrative.

Understanding Sauron's Intentions

It was not the holder of the Ring that primarily interested Sauron, but the Ring itself. The Ring's power and potential to corrupt lie at the heart of his obsession. Sauron's primary goal is to reclaim the Ring and use its power to dominate Middle-earth.

A Case Study: The Attack on Weathertop

The attack on Weathertop is a significant event where the evil forces were directly engaged with the Hobbits. However, Gollum, Sauron's slave, was right there to act for him. Despite Gollum's efforts, Frodo called upon Elbereth, invoking a protector from the Valar, and thwarted his attempt to steal the Ring.

Another critical point to note is that Frodo wore the Ring for brief periods, which was insufficient for Sauron to locate him accurately. The closest call occurred when Frodo was at the Seeing Stone on Amon Hen, where he briefly had the Ring on in response to Boromir's pressure. Sauron did act on this instance, but Gandalf the White intervened, providing a brief respite for Frodo.

The Limited Power of Remote Control

Sauron's power over the Ring was also limited. Until Gollum was captured and revealed the location of the Ring, Sauron was unaware of its fate. The Ring's wearer, unless near Sauron, could not be detected or controlled at a distance. The closest he could come was by putting pressure on the Ring's wearer through his servants and agents.

The Role of the Nazg?l and Other Forces

At the attack on Weathertop, the Nazg?l were virtually on top of Frodo. They were Sauron's most powerful forces, but their presence and Sauron's actions were mitigated by Gandalf's intervention. Shortly after, Sauron set forces of werewolves and wargs into Eriador, a movement that the Fellowship had to face before reaching Moria.

The next time Frodo used the Ring, at Amon Hen, Sauron himself nearly dominated Frodo. Following this, orcs and flying Nazg?l were in the area, indicating that Sauron's influence was not limited to just immediate threats. The capture of Merry and Pippin by the orcs further demonstrates Sauron's indirect but significant presence in regional conflicts.

Conclusion: Evasion and Awareness

In conclusion, while Sauron took what action he could from a distance, he was not continuously aware of the Ring's fate or the Ring's wearer's location. The Ring's power to evade detection and control was a significant factor in the survival and success of the Ring's bearers. In contrast, Bilbo Baggins, though a Ring-bearer, was never regularly noticed by Sauron during his decades in the Shire, underscoring the importance of being either nearby or actively seeking Sauron's attention to be noticed.

Thus, while Sauron may have been aware of the Ring's presence at critical junctures, the broader control and recognition of the Ring's bearers, such as Frodo, remained elusive. The ever-changing dynamics of power and control in the narrative of The Lord of the Rings highlight the intricate and often unpredictable nature of Sauron's ambitions.