How Were Bilbo and Frodo Able to Resist the Evil Powers of the Ring for So Long Unlike Gollum?

In J.R.R. Tolkien's classic trilogy The Lord of the Rings, the character of Gollum is often depicted as deeply corrupted by the One Ring. However, Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins also managed to resist the ring's influence for extended periods of time. This article explores the reasons behind their ability to resist and the contrast with Gollum's fall.

How Long Did Each Character Have The Ring?

It is crucial to understand the durations each character possesses the One Ring. Gollum had it for six hundred years, which profoundly impacted his psyche. Bilbo Baggins had the ring for sixty years, and Frodo Baggins carried it for approximately seven months. Sauron's influence grew over time, making the ring's effect more potent.

How Was the Ring Handled?

The way each character handled the ring also played a significant role in their ability to resist its influence.

Bilbo Baggins

Bilbo kept the ring in a pouch on his vest, keeping its influence minimal. He used the ring only in the last few days of his possession, meaning he spent most of that time unaffected. Additionally, the ring's effectiveness increased with Sauron's return, making Bilbo's resistance more significant.

Frodo Baggins

Frodo wore the ring on a chain around his neck, causing it to be in constant contact with his skin. This direct contact accelerated his corruption. Furthermore, Sauron's influence over the ring had become pervasive when Frodo had it, making him more affected.

Gollum

Gollum kept the ring in a pouch, but its prolonged possession deeply affected his psyche. Despite this, Gollum's resistance was lessened by his split personality, with Smeagol being largely subsumed by Gollum.

Character Traits and Circumstances

Several factors contributed to Bilbo and Frodo's ability to resist the ring:

Bilbo

Bilbo was never tasked with destroying the ring, which reduced his mental burden. Sauron's power had grown, meaning the ring's influence had become stronger. Bilbo's resistance lasted until he had to throw the ring into Mount Doom, the place of its creation and thus its greatest power.

Frodo

Frodo's ability to resist for so long is a testament to his pure and innocent nature. He only succumbed completely when he had to destroy the ring, at a moment of ultimate mental and physical stress. His proximity to the ring also played a crucial role, as its consistent contact with his skin continuously tested his resolve.

While both Bilbo and Frodo had a lot of resistance to the ring, neither was entirely immune. Their resistance was a combination of their mental toughness, moral purity, and the ever-growing power of Sauron.

Conclusion

The journey of Bilbo, Frodo, and Gollum with the One Ring illustrates the profound impact of such a powerful artifact on the human psyche. Their differing responses highlight the complex interplay between the characters' individual traits, the ring's influence, and the overall context of the story.

Keywords

Lord of the Rings One Ring Resistance