The Ifs and Maybes: How Beorn Would Have Fared with the One Ring

While we can only speculate in the absence of Tolkien's explicit answers, the idea of what would have happened if Beorn had found the One Ring is intriguing. Would the ring have sought his domain just as it sought others, or would it have chosen someone else altogether? This article delves into the potential fate of Beorn if he had worn the Ring and explores the implications of his encounter with this artifact of immense power.

Introduction to Beorn

Introduced in The Hobbit, Beorn is a massive man who manages a wilderness of his own, leading a diverse community of various creatures, including bears, trolls, and Men. He is known for his strength and wisdom, often helping the hobbits travel safely. However, if Beorn had found the One Ring instead of Gollum, the course of Middle-earth history would have taken a drastically different turn.

Could the Ring Actually Do Anything Without Being Worn?

A key question in considering this scenario is whether the One Ring would have exerted its corrupting influence on Beorn even without him wearing it. Tolkien never addressed this directly, giving us the freedom to explore these nuances. The Ring’s power lies in its ability to influence the wearer, often by promising power and immortality. Would Beorn be subject to these temptations even if the Ring could not physically fit on his fingers?

The Potential Outcomes

1. Beorn Rejects the Ring

One possibility is that Beorn would find the Ring and instinctively reject it. Given his commitment to good and justice, Beorn might see the Ring for what it is—a tool for domination and destruction. Gandalf and Galadriel also rejected the Ring, and Beorn’s integrity might have led him to do the same. In this scenario, the Ring would fade into obscurity, perhaps left by Beorn’s fortress until discovered by Gollum.

2. The Ring Expands to Fit Beorn’s Finger

Another possibility, while speculative, is that the Ring would expand to fit Beorn’s finger. However, if this were the case, Beorn’s unique strengths and virtues might have been overshadowed by the Ring’s influence. The balance of power in Middle-earth could have shifted, leading to unforeseen consequences.

3. Beorn Falls Under the Ring's Influence

If the Ring had a direct effect on Beorn without being worn, it might exploit his sense of justice and his desire to protect his domain. Orcs and other dark creatures have infested his lands, and the Ring could easily manipulate these fears. Beorn might see the Ring as a means to strengthen his position and protect his people, leading to a dangerous path of ambition and conquest.

Consequences of Wearing the Ring

Wearing the Ring would have led to a tragic fall for both Beorn and his community. The Ring’s corrupting influence is absolute, and even those who initially resist it eventually succumb to its power. The path of Beorn might have mirrored that of Boromir, tempted by the Ring and driven by a desire for glory and power. The consequences would have been devastating, with Beorn’s domain falling into darkness and his people suffering under his corrupt rule.

Conclusion

While we can only speculate, the possibilities of what would have happened if Beorn found the One Ring are thought-provoking. The ability of the Ring to seek and influence individuals like Beorn suggests a far-reaching power that transcends mere possession. Whether the Ring would have been beneficial or destructive for Beorn depends on one’s perspective, but the most likely outcome is that it would lead to a fall from grace and the doom of Beorn and his people.