What if Frodo Dropped the One Ring into Mount Doom While Asleep?

The story of The Lord of the Rings is a well-known classic, but what if one of its pivotal moments had taken a different turn? Imagine a scenario where Frodo accidentally dropped the One Ring into Mount Doom while he was asleep. How would this have altered the outcomes and the overall narrative? This article explores the potential scenarios and impacts such a change might have had on the story.

The Immediate Impact on Sauron

One of the most immediate and significant impacts would have been the immediate dissolution of Sauron. The One Ring is not merely a symbol; its true power lies in its ability to preserve Sauron's spirit and form. If Frodo succeeded in dropping it into the fires of Mount Doom, Sauron would have been utterly destroyed.

The mention of 'game over' implies that once Sauron is destroyed, there would be no further resistance from the Dark Lord. With his spirit and essence eliminated, his overwhelming presence would fade to nothingness. His minions, the Nazg?l, would lose their master and the leader who infused them with fear and purpose. Consequently, without this driving force, many of the remaining forces of darkness would begin to disintegrate and lose their will to fight.

The Effects on the Nazg?l and the Minions

The Nazg?l, often referred to as the nine Ringwraiths, would face a significant challenge in their continued existence. Their primary allegiance and allegiance to Sauron would be severed when he is destroyed. This disconnection would likely cause them to rapidly age or deteriorate, as the special rings that gave them their undead form and power would lose their enchantment.

Without Sauron as their leader and inspiration, the Nazg?l would wander aimlessly, often becoming easy targets for the Free Peoples' armies. This turn of events would have created a moment of vulnerability for Sauron's forces, which could have been exploited to weaken the Dark Lord's hold over Middle-earth.

The Unexpected Outcomes for Frodo and His Companions

Were Frodo to unexpectedly drop the One Ring, the quest might have been accomplished with a twist. If the Ring had been destroyed while Frodo was asleep, it's possible that Samwise, Merry, and Pippin might have taken the ring from his pocket and disposed of it. This act would not have required any conscious effort from Frodo, thus maintaining the illusion of his heroic journey.

Had this happened, the story would still unfold, but possibly with some added twists. For example, the destruction of the One Ring might have seemed a miracle or a result of the fellowship's collective efforts, thus adding a layer of religious or mystical significance to the event.

Alternative Scenarios

While the above scenario presents a plausible and impactful twist, reality sets in, and the story's creators had other plans. Consider the arguments against such an event:

No Intentional Nap: As someone noted, no one knowingly and willingly takes a nap at the edge of a precipice. The likelihood of Frodo deciding to sleep at the Crack of Doom is exceedingly small, given the dangers and the responsibility he carries.

Coherent Narrative: If Frodo had fallen asleep while carrying the One Ring, one might question the coherence of the narrative. J.R.R. Tolkien crafted the story with meticulous detail, and such a major event would have required a plausible explanation, which would have likely undermined the credibility of the story.

Author's Intent: The author, J.R.R. Tolkien, had a clear vision for the story. The Ring's destruction required Frodo's act of will. A drop while asleep would have seemed like a cop-out, a defeat of the narrative's central theme, which relies on Frodo's strength of will and determination.

In conclusion, while the idea of the One Ring dropping into Mount Doom while Frodo was asleep presents an interesting theoretical scenario, it would have posed numerous challenges to the story's narrative and the central themes. The original events, as written by J.R.R. Tolkien, remain the most coherent and impactful outcome of the quest to destroy the One Ring.

Key Points to Remember

The One Ring's destruction would have caused Sauron's defeat and the subsequent collapse of his forces. The Nazg?l would have rapidly aged or deteriorated without their master. The fall would have had significant impacts on the battle narrative and the story's overall coherence.

Would such a twist have been a better fit for the original story? The answer remains subjective, but it underscores the importance of strategic storytelling and the author's vision in creating a compelling narrative.