The Fate of the One Ring After Bilbo Takes It from Gollum

After Bilbo Baggins takes the One Ring from Gollum in the famous "riddle game" at thestart of "The Hobbit," the story's focus shifts to the adventures of the Ring and its impact on the characters. Throughout both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the One Ring plays a central role, but its ultimate fate is often the subject of intrigue and curiosity among readers and viewers alike. In this article, we shall explore what happens to the Ring and its significance in both the books and the movies, based on the evidence found within these works.

What Happens to the Ring in the Books

The narrative of what lies after Bilbo discovers the Ring in the books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings is richly detailed. Gollum, after being defeated by Bilbo, retrieves the Ring from the dragon Smaug's hoard and begins the journey to the Misty Mountains, where he faces Bilbo again. During their confrontation, Bilbo taps into the Ring's hidden power and puts it on, much to Gollum's chagrin. This action marks the beginning of Frodo's quest to destroy the Ring.

Later in the books, Gollum's efforts to retrieve the Ring from Frodo increase in intensity. In the infamous scene from The Fellowship of the Ring, Gollum follows Sam and Frodo as they make their way to Mount Doom. It is during their journey that Gollum ultimately succeeds in obtaining the Ring. However, his victory is short-lived, as he himself falls into the fires of Mount Doom, destroying the Ring and thus sealing his own fate.

The destruction of the Ring leads to several significant consequences. When Frodo finally puts the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, it releases its contained power, triggering a catastrophic event. The Ring's melting in the lava causes an earthquake, violent storms, and the eruption of Mount Doom. This event not only destroys Sauron's physical forms but also leads to the collapse of all structures that had been built with the Ring's power, further diminishing the evil that once threatened Middle-earth.

What Happens to the Ring in the Movies

The interpretation and depiction of the Ring's fate are also explored in the film adaptations. In the movies, the process of the Ring's destruction is visually dramatic, with the melting of the Ring being shown through a series of images of Frodo's finger in the lava, followed by the Ring's complete destruction. The film adaptation effectively conveys the significance of this event, emphasizing the Ring's evil aura and the impact of its destruction on the world.

The movie "The Fellowship of the Ring" significantly emphasizes the journey of Gollum and his obsessive pursuit of the Ring. In the later scenes, Gollum's determination to reclaim the Ring is highlighted, culminating in the climactic showdown at Mount Doom. After seizing the Ring from Frodo, Gollum's fall into the fires of Mount Doom, though slightly less detailed, is captured in the film, depicting the Ring's destruction and Gollum's tragic end.

Conclusion

In both the books and the movies, the ultimate fate of the One Ring is a defining moment in the narrative. It is a pivotal event that symbolizes the end of the threat of darkness and the restoration of hope in Middle-earth. The significance of the Ring's destruction lies not only in its physical demise but also in its impact on the characters and the world they inhabit. By understanding the story's details, we can better appreciate the complexity and legacy of the One Ring in the legendarium of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Key Points to Remember

Despite Gollum's attempts to retrieve the Ring, Frodo ultimately destroys it in Mount Doom. The Ring's destruction leads to the downfall of Sauron and the collapse of all structures built with its power. The ultimate fate of the Ring is a defining moment that shapes the destiny of Middle-earth.

Overall, the story of the One Ring after Bilbo found it in Gollum's hands is a complex and compelling narrative that has intrigued readers and viewers for generations. Understanding its fate is crucial for anyone wishing to delve deeply into the world of The Lord of the Rings.