Thoughts on Thranduil and the Ring of Power: A Deviation from History

Many have wondered about how the history of Middle-earth might change if Thranduil, the Elf Lord of Mirkwood, had been granted a Ring of Power instead of Elrond. This possibility presents a fascinating alternative to the events that shaped the world of The Lord of the Rings. However, it is highly unlikely, and understanding why is crucial to comprehending the decisions made by the Elves and the forces that led to the creation and subsequent distribution of the Rings.

Understanding the Distribution of the Rings of Power

The Rings of Power were powerful artifacts that, in the hands of the Noldor, had the ability to grant immense power and influence over the course of the Second Age. These rings were crafted by Celebrimbor, the leader of the Noldor of Eregion, with the assistance of Sauron during his initial guise of Mairon. The Noldor Elves eventually broke away from their relationships with Sauron and secretly made the Three Rings: Narya, Nenya, and Vilya, which were given to Galadriel, Cirdan, and Elrond respectively.

Galadriel, Cirdan, and Elrond were chosen due to their significance and loyalty to the Noldor. Elrond, in particular, became a trusted representative of the Noldor and Gil-Galad at the White Council, being appointed the Vice-Regent of Eriador. This choice demonstrated the desperate need for a successor in the face of potential danger and could be seen as a form of ensuring continuity within the Noldor realm.

Thranduil and His Position

Thranduil's role as the Elf Lord of Mirkwood was quite different from his more prominent counterparts. While Oropher, the father of Thranduil, was a powerful leader of the Mirkwood Elves, he was not the one who ultimately inherited the leadership of that realm. Thranduil himself was not part of the core High-Elf realms, and his role was more peripheral to the immediate events surrounding the creation and fight against the rings.

The rings of power were given to the elves of Eregion, and while there is a version of the story that suggests one ring was given to the dwarves, this does not pertain to Thranduil. Thranduil was more isolated, with the elves of Mirkwood holding themselves apart from the Noldor, a throwback to King Thingol's ban on the Noldor. Even when Gil-Galad called for the Mirkwood Elves' participation in the war against Sauron, they were not engaged as actively due to their lack of preparedness and smaller numbers. This detachment from the central events and leaderships of the Second Age would make Thranduil an unlikely candidate for receiving a Ring of Power.

The Significance of Choosing Elrond

Elrond’s ring exemplifies the strategic foresight and the need for a capable and loyal deputy in times of crisis. Gil-Galad, knowing he might not survive, chose Elrond, who, despite not being a Noldor, was the best candidate at the time. Elrond's deep knowledge, wisdom, and lasting loyalty made him an unparalleled choice for such an important role.

Moreover, the Three Rings were given to three specific individuals for their extraordinary and secured trustworthiness. If Thranduil were to receive a Ring of Power, it would mean a significant departure from the documented history of the rings. It would suggest a shift in the dynamics of power among the Elves, which seems highly improbable given the context and previous choices.

In conclusion, while the idea of Thranduil receiving a Ring of Power is an intriguing what-if scenario, the in-depth analysis of the historical context and the specific roles of key figures in the history of the Rings of Power reveals that such a scenario is highly unlikely. The distribution of the rings was a strategic choice made with considerable foresight and trust, and deviating from this would significantly alter the course of Middle-earth's history.