The White Council

Re: Bilbo and The Ring

Tolkien and Inklings Discussion

: : I first read The Hobbit thirty years ago. During a recent re-reading I noticed how harmless the ring appeared to be, and how little effect it appeared to have on Bilbo or his actions. True, Bilbo tried to keep the ring hidden and secret, but wouldn't you if you had a magic ring. When Bilbo put the ring on his finger, he never had a vision similar to Sam Gamgee's or any other vision. The only instance I noticed in which the ring may have exerted its influence is during the capture of the dwarves by Thranduil's elves. The dwarves sit patiently waiting, but Bilbo puts on the ring and escapes capture. Did the ring influence or control Bilbo in order to avoid being taken by Sauron's long time enemy?

: The last point, I dunno, but we must remember that when Sam put on the One he was at the treshold of MORDOR, he could (I think) see the Dark Tower. This was the centre of Sauron's power and he was at the height of it and actively both excerted it and searched for the Ring. : I hope this clarifies the point a bit, it seems logical to me, but that has often not been enough in the past.... (I must be strange) : Neithan Turambar

My conjecture that the ring influenced Bilbo at the time of the Dwarves capture is based on what Bilbo was aware of at that time. He had been to Rivendell and met Elrond and Elves. They had given him food, lodging and boots for his trip thru the Misty Mountains. No doubt he would believe that Elves friendly. Thranduil's elves appeared with weapons, but the Dwarves had also entered Mirkwood bearing weapons. The Dwarves did not assume a defensive posture, but sat quietly. Given what Bilbo was aware of, the influence of the One Ring appears to be the motivation for him to hide from the Elves.

It does seem logical that the closeness and power of Sauron might enhance the One Ring's effect. However,we know that at the time Bilbo and the Dwarves entered and made their way thru northern Mirkwood, Sauron was at Dol Guldor in southern Mirkwood,and his stength was growing. Untill Frodo bore the ring into Mordor, this was the closest the Ring had come to Sauron after its loss. A great distance to Sauron and he not yet a full strength might be the answer.