: Bacchus

:
: :I don't think that Tolkien tells us what kind of character Smeagol had prior to Deagol finding the Ring. I have always assumed, without much evidence, that the Ring was already working its corrupting influence on both of them. Of course that contradicts the idea that the Ring affects only the current possessor. And yet there is some evidence that may support the possibility that the Ring could act at a distance toward some one not holding it. The case in point is Boromir. Was he being corrupted by the Ring, or was he already corrupted? As far as we know Boromir was an honest, forthright individual, who spoke his mind plainly - and without diplomacy. In other words a guy who told you to your face just what he thought of you, and took responsibility for his actions. But this strong and moral individual was seduced by the Ring. Or did he seduce himself? I believe there are one or two statements in the book suggesting that the Ring was working its treachory.

: :Perhaps some one can clarify this point.

: :Goodgulf

: The Ring ensnared would be owners by showing them what they could do with it. Boromir was indeed an honorable and honest man, but he was desperate to save Gondor. The Ring deceived him into thinking that he could use it to that end. At the end of FOTR, just before he attempts to take the Ring, Boromir describes the glorious victories that he could have with the Ring on his finger. Yet the most compelling argument that he is not fully in control of himself occurs just after Frodo evades him. Paraphrasing:

: Boromir fell to the ground and wept. "What have I said? What have I done? Frodo! A madness came upon me, but it has passed."

: The Ring attacked him through his pride, and his love for Gondor. As Faramir stated in TT "Alas for Boromir! It was too sore a trial"

: Similarly, Gandalf and Galadriel were both tempted by the Ring. In "Shadow of the Past," Gandalf refuses to take the Ring from Frodo, saying something along the lines of "Tempt me not, I will have need of such strength." Galadriel also refuses the Ring, although she admits that she had been tempted to take it by fear or force.

: Gandalf also told Denethor that even if the Ring were buried beneath the roots of Mindoullin, still it would eat at his mind.

: This post rambles and jumps about, but the overall idea is that the Ring definitely affected people other than the possessor.

Good points. Thanks.