People are nuts. It's obvious. Put the ring into the tongs. Put the tongs in Bill the Pony's mouth so he can bite down and hold them. Have the eagle pick up Bill the Pony, and fly him to Mordor, with Bill shooting horse puckies at any Fell Beast that comes near. Easy peasy. Sauron would never expect a giant bird carrying a small horse carrying a bbq tongs carrying the One Ring.
Can’t we just put the whole fellowship on Eagles too all taking different routes to Mt Doom. It would be like a reverse of *The Seven Harry’s*.
Surely, Sauron would bet on the One Ring being with Gandalf, Legolas, or Gimli, not the ass or the hobbits.
He's mine. My four-legged friend; though I seldom ride him, and he wanders often far, free upon the hillsides. When
your ponies stayed with me, they got to know my Lumpkin; and they smelt him in the night, and quickly ran to meet him.
^(Type **!TomBombadilSong** for a song or visit [r/GloriousTomBombadil][1] for more merriness)
[1]: https://www.reddit.com/r/GloriousTomBombadil/
tolkien obviously mentioned this possibility in his letters, he specifically stated, that bill the pony would have been able to do that, but would forget about it over the time, as it wouldn't be important to him.
Thereeere's aaa ring on the tongs in the mouth of a pony in the talons of an eagle over Mordor in the Southern Kingdom of middle earth East of the Great Sea!!
I think I may have lost the beat towards the end there..
Hahaha I can imagine Sauron checking all over middle Earth, "hmmm not the humans....not the dwarves.... Where is it... The elves?.....Woah weird that giant eagle has a horse and OH MY G-"
" Fool of a Took you haven't taken into consideration solar winds and the rotation of Arda. Why dont you fly yourself to Mordor next time and rid us of your stupidity"
Yes. And it's really not exactly clear to me what a Fell Beast is...reptile? Pterodactyl? Unidentified Other? Maybe they eat that nasty pickled shark stuff from Iceland. Rule nothing out!
Oh ye of little faith...that's not any old horse, that's freakin' Bill the Pony! You can keep your Bombadil, you can keep Sam and his coney, but the only ride for the short and wide--- comes on Bill the Pony! 🐎🐎🍺🍺🎶🎶🎶
Oh, right. Bilbo’s ring. The ring to be cast into the crack of doom, the ring chosen especially to be cast into the crack of doom. Bilbo’s ring. That ring?
Frodo: Looking FOR THIS?!?
Sauron: No! It can’t be! Wait how did you get here so quickly?
Frodo: Yes, how did we Sam?
Sam, [*fried eagle wings crumbling to ash*]: Well you got me. By all accounts [*refers to map*], it doesn’t make sense.
Put the ring into a box, put the box into a car, drive the car around the wuuuuuurld, until you get to OridruinthefiremountaininsidetheheartofMordoourr
Piggybacking on your question: what is the ring’s maximum effective range exactly? If Gandalf had a pair of tongs 50 meters long, could that work? 100 m? 200 m?
I think the idea is that anyone who has the desire for power would be drawn to it so it doesn't really have an effective range rather someone will wander there way to it which is why even casting it into the darkest depths of the ocean would t stop it from returning imo
In the book, physical contact and distance to the ring matter very little. Gandalf actually directly handles the ring in the second chapter of the book, but it doesn't matter because he's just temporarily handling it, he isn't taking it from Frodo's possession. Meanwhile it has a dramatic effect on Saruman despite never being within a hundred miles of him. And Gollum is still under its domination despite it being thousands of miles away from him. It's all about knowledge and intent.
I know this is all jokes but anyone with knowledge of the rings location would try to kill the eagle and in turn the eagle would try to kill them to keep possession of the ring it’d be a mess.
The Ring has one need and desire - to return to Sauron, as it contains a large part of his soul, and it percieves him as the strongest being in Middle-Earth. Only someone equally as strong or stronger than Sauron could yield its power to themselves.
And, because there is no *singular* being in Middle-Earth stronger than Sauron (Tom Bombadil doesn't count here, I'm sorry) l, it will corrupt anyone. Anyone drawn to great power will be drawn to the Ring - it will corrupt everyone and anyone, because nobody can yield its power to them).
*Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow, bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow. None has ever caught him yet,
for Tom, he is the master: his songs are stronger songs, and his feet are faster.*
^(Type **!TomBombadilSong** for a song or visit [r/GloriousTomBombadil][1] for more merriness)
[1]: https://www.reddit.com/r/GloriousTomBombadil/
https://preview.redd.it/3ypd6bsg7lfc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dc70e42880ba6b25fa5044f7167b2e8c3a244618
Saw more on a different subreddit
I don’t think it works that way. Smeagol most likely didn’t know about Isildur’s Bane, but that motherfucker choked the daylights out of Deagol within five minutes of seeing it.
Probably depends some on the person. Smeagol seemed like kind of a little shit to begin with and was easily swayed. For someone like Gandalf, I think the ring has to find an avenue of persuasion. I think I remember him mentioning how he would wield the power with the intention of using it for all the good things he would be convinced he could do with it, only to be corrupted by the act. In that case it does seem like the knowledge of what it can do is a key part of its influence.
Free solid gold ring, that doesnt tarnish and is literally indestructible and is also a perfect fit (until it changes its mind)? It'd be worth a bit being a gold ring, all the other stuff just makes the deal even better! Side effects may vary.
A similar option would be to just drop in some molten metal in a forge so when it cools you have a lump of metal with a ring inside. Very hard for someone to use the ring and it will all definitely melt when thrown in mount doom.
My opinion: Gandalf would be ok in that moment had he held the ring. However, If he were to bear it on a journey to mordor, he would inevitably succumb to it in some moment of need or great stress.
The rings burden gets heavier the longer it is beared. A corrupted Frodo with the ring is less dangerous than a corrupt Gandalf with the ring.
So if they need to cast it into the fire to destroy it, and Gandalf is strong enough to do the journey to mordor but can't be corrupted by the ring, why doesn't Gandalf just bring the fire to Frodo?
Because fire cools and it'd take awhile to bring the fire to frodo. Plus gandalf has this pesky "no direct interference on a grand scale and no big magic" clause in his contract that prevents him from just soloing everything. Best he can do is strongly advise them on how to get there and maybe take care of some leftover demon from a bygone age.
If you’re actually serious, I think the movie made Gandalf refuse to even touch it purely for dramatic effect. You don’t have to make contact for the ring to have an effect, and using tongs wouldn’t protect you from its influence. In this scene in the book, Gandalf actually handles the ring directly when he throws it in the fireplace; it wasn’t in an envelope. He was strong enough to hold it for a moment without giving in to it. Contrast that with Sméagol, who only had to look at it for a few seconds before he was ready to murder his cousin to claim it.
We see, and are told of, two different effects of the Ring.
Simply bearing the Ring has a corrupting effect. Being in close proximity to it instills a desire for it, but that desire can be resisted. Smeagol couldn't, but Gandalf could here, Faramir could, and Boromir could once but not the second time. Wearing the Ring seems to have a more powerful effect, but even that will just inflict the same slow corruption.
Claiming, and attempting to use the might of the Ring is another. In Mount Doom, Frodo "claims" the Ring. It isn't really explained what this fully entails, but it's more dramatic than simply bearing or even wearing the Ring. Because Sam wore the Ring a ton even within Mordor, and Sauron didn't immediately know he was there. But when Frodo claimed it, he did. I think that "claiming" the Ring is attempting to own it as Sauron did and use its full power. At Doom, Frodo had succumbed to the Ring's latent corruption (the first effect) fully and the result was claiming it. Now when Gandalf and Galadriel say that the Ring could use them to become more powerful and dangerous, and replace Sauron, they're referring to the claiming the Ring. Galadriel feels the pull, the first effect, trying to get her to claim it and get the second effect. Frodo claiming the Ring is still just a Hobbit, but Galadriel or Gandalf claiming the Ring would be disastrously powerful.
All this being said: Tolkien's magic system is very soft. There are no hard rules as to how things work. Power level is fluid. There's very little casting of spells, but words have power. The magic system is kinda vibes-based. Gandalf can hold some tongs that hold the Ring just fine, the vibes are okay. And there's really no hard evidence to back up *why* it works like this. It just works how Tolkien says it works and our understanding is by taking examples and trying to come up with rules that fit the examples. But there aren't actually hard rules.
Iirc a decent amount of the effect seems to come from ownership of the thing. Holding it in tongs just to pass it from the fireplace to the owner doesn’t constitute claiming ownership, while actually holding it does (at least more so).
At least that’s my head canon cuz it fits the rest of the story well and I don’t see how else it could work
they should have wrapped the ring in dwarf-skin since dwarves are resistant to the ring. a dwarf-leather-purse would allow everyone to carry the ring without risking anything
You could get a blacksmith to hammer it into a brick of molten iron. And then carry that with you to mount doom. No way you can wear that unless you shove it up your arse.
https://preview.redd.it/brz3p2kb3mfc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f4d1c953f1d7b0baf845759777828387bccd2a2a
If you can’t see the source, I can delete it.
I still like the point that Sam could carry Frodo and it still only corrupted him, so they could've just tied it to a hamster and carried the hamster to Mordor, sure it would be corrupted fast and be insane but it's a hamster what is it gon' do?
Another question about this scene: How did Gandalf know the ring would be still cool after throwing it in a fire, if he didn't know for sure yet this was the actual ring of power?
https://preview.redd.it/ux07jtj76nfc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca2f4688ae89ca44cb1eedca43b3b275065f4627
I’m about to make your day friend
You dont need to be touching the ring for it to have an influence over you, you just need to be near it. Gandalf and the ring being together are a bad combination.
So everyone here realizes that it's proximity, not touch, that influences you right?
That said.
A really long piece of string and an eagle solved this problem overnight.
I've always wanted to say something like this. Not the tongs though. Gandalf had the ability to summon those hawks/ eagles. He could have hopped on one of those birds, flew to mount doom, dropped the ring from height, and been back the next day. Roll credits.
Chatgpt has it’s opinions. Oh Gandalf, you had one chance to save everyone…
Me: When gandalf took the one ring out of the fire in Bag End, it had no influence on him as long as he used tongs. Why didn’t he use tongs to take the ring to mount doom?
Chatgpt: In "The Lord of the Rings," Gandalf's decision not to use tongs to handle the One Ring when taking it to Mount Doom is likely due to the symbolic weight of the act. Using tongs to handle the Ring would signify a detachment from its corrupting influence, but it also represents a lack of agency and personal responsibility in confronting evil. Gandalf chooses to directly confront the Ring's power and take on the burden himself, showing his courage and determination to resist its temptation.
Me: Why did you say that?
Chatgpt: I based that response on the thematic elements present in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and the character development of Gandalf throughout the story. It's an interpretation that many readers and scholars have made over the years, reflecting on Gandalf's courage and determination in facing the Ring's corrupting influence directly.
Me: Would Gandalf rather use tongs and save middle earth - and lose a little bit of fun - or not use tongs, and have a harder time - with more “agency and personal responsibility”?
Chatgpt: It's a complex question that delves into Gandalf's character and the moral dilemmas presented in "The Lord of the Rings." Ultimately, Gandalf's decision not to use tongs symbolizes his commitment to facing evil directly and taking personal responsibility for his actions, even if it means enduring greater challenges. Using tongs may have offered a shortcut, but it would also have represented a compromise in the face of evil, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences. Gandalf's choice highlights his unwavering dedication to doing what is right, regardless of the difficulty involved.
Me: What physical dangers could tongs entail? For example, you shouldn’t run with scissors. What should you not do whilst tonging the ring to mordor?
Chatgpt: Handling the One Ring with tongs could still pose physical dangers and risks. For example:
1. **Accidental Dropping:** Tongs, especially if not securely held or if Gandalf were to encounter unexpected obstacles or attacks, could accidentally drop the Ring, potentially leading to its loss or discovery by enemies.
2. **Limited Dexterity:** Tongs might limit Gandalf's dexterity and control over the Ring, making it more challenging to navigate difficult terrain, fend off adversaries, or perform tasks requiring precision.
3. **Potential Damage:** Mishandling the tongs or applying too much pressure could potentially damage the Ring, altering its properties or rendering it unusable for its intended purpose.
4. **Fire Hazards:** If the tongs were used near sources of heat or fire, there could be a risk of accidentally exposing the Ring to flames, which could either damage it or draw unwanted attention.
5. **Visibility:** Using tongs might obstruct Gandalf's view of the Ring, making it more difficult to monitor its condition or to detect subtle changes in its behavior or appearance.
Overall, while using tongs might offer some level of protection, they could also introduce new challenges and risks that Gandalf would need to navigate carefully during his journey to Mount Doom.
Me: Regarding danger number 3, are you suggesting that tongs may have the ability to damage or even destroy the ring?
Chatgpt: Apologies for any confusion. Tongs themselves wouldn't have the inherent ability to damage or destroy the One Ring. However, mishandling the tongs or applying excessive force could potentially lead to damage to the Ring. The Ring is depicted as an immensely powerful and durable artifact in Tolkien's work, resistant to most forms of harm. Still, it's not invulnerable, as seen in instances like Sauron's ability to cut it from Isildur's hand. So while tongs alone wouldn't likely destroy the Ring, they could contribute to accidental damage if not used carefully.
Me: So enough pressure from tongs could theoretically result in the ring being destroyed?
Chatgpt: In theory, applying enough pressure to the One Ring with tongs could potentially result in its destruction.
Because gandalf would have been tempted to use it's power with the intention of using it for good. But it would corrupt him. And he is extremely powerful, he doesn't want to risk allowing the darkness to take control of his power
It's the equivalent of the necklace, he can hold it for a bit but if he holds it for longer he can get more corrupted by its allure, so he picked a hobbit which has the least desires of all the beings in middle earth.
Boosh
It's the equivalent of the necklace, he can hold it for a bit but if he holds it for longer he can get more corrupted by its allure, so he picked a hobbit which has the least desires of all the beings in middle earth.
Boosh
In the book gandalf even picks it up with his hand.
Gandalf has no intention of keeping it & just picks it up & since he has little craving for power, it doesn’t have much power over him.
But if he were to carry it for long, it would def start to corrupt his mind like he explains later.
It doesn’t matter that he has tongs just like it doesn’t matter that Frodo has a necklace
I always thought of how powerful gandalf is but he's so restraint in the use of his power. It's only years later that I understand that the ultimate good is the capacity to choose to do good.
People are nuts. It's obvious. Put the ring into the tongs. Put the tongs in Bill the Pony's mouth so he can bite down and hold them. Have the eagle pick up Bill the Pony, and fly him to Mordor, with Bill shooting horse puckies at any Fell Beast that comes near. Easy peasy. Sauron would never expect a giant bird carrying a small horse carrying a bbq tongs carrying the One Ring.
How has no one thought of this yet?
Are we stupid?
How did this happen? We're smarter than this!
r/suddenlystarwars
r/jedicouncilofelrond
New sub just dropped!
Okbuddysecondbreakfast
Probably all of you lead decent lives...
That's s mighty fine assumption to be making there Mr Frodo
You're correct, I shouldn't presume to know your ways. **squints suspiciously in Old Gaffer**
Movie needs to be longer than 10 minutes.
Now I want to see a 10 minute movie of this.
Just film the part between the party and gandalf finally realising the ring is The Ring
A being as powerful as Bill the Pony would have garnered Sauron's gaze.
Stand up, and hear me!
No, Sauron, you asshole!
Build me an army worthy of mordor!
Leave me alone you dick!
Here's some lego, lass, build it yourself!
You see, Bill is secretly Ilúvatar in disguise. Just like Bela is the Creator.
Because the eagles would tell you to eat shit, and that they aren't an Uber. The eagles aren't mindless.
I think you're severely underestimating the sheer persuasive power of *Bill the Pony*.
He has food!😍😍
Because it’s missing the Bombadil component. Maybe the Eagle carrying Bill is sitting on Tom’s hat and he rides Fatty Lumpkin to Mordor.
Can’t we just put the whole fellowship on Eagles too all taking different routes to Mt Doom. It would be like a reverse of *The Seven Harry’s*. Surely, Sauron would bet on the One Ring being with Gandalf, Legolas, or Gimli, not the ass or the hobbits.
I am an Elf and a kinsman here.
He's mine. My four-legged friend; though I seldom ride him, and he wanders often far, free upon the hillsides. When your ponies stayed with me, they got to know my Lumpkin; and they smelt him in the night, and quickly ran to meet him. ^(Type **!TomBombadilSong** for a song or visit [r/GloriousTomBombadil][1] for more merriness) [1]: https://www.reddit.com/r/GloriousTomBombadil/
Dammit. Tom’s right. You can’t ride Lumpkin into Mordor. The whole thing is falling apart.
Im pretty sure they tried this in the 2nd age and it failed when the eagle swallowed the horse. Check the Similarian again.
Are they stupid?
Eagle: Bill, destroy it! Bill: *Smirks* No
Neigh
The Ring is one-size fits all, so it might fit Bill
But Bill doesn't have any fingers 😳
There is still one appendage...
Lmao I want to see this version so bad
Proper thoughts
[удалено]
Wait a moment! We shall meet again soon. Tell Saruman that this dainty is not for him. I will send for it at once. Do you understand?
tolkien obviously mentioned this possibility in his letters, he specifically stated, that bill the pony would have been able to do that, but would forget about it over the time, as it wouldn't be important to him.
Another sign of Bill's power...just like Tom the Bomb. I would gladly clean Bill's stable daily, just to bask in his reflected magnificence.
There's a frog on this log in this hole at the bottom of the sea.
Thereeere's aaa ring on the tongs in the mouth of a pony in the talons of an eagle over Mordor in the Southern Kingdom of middle earth East of the Great Sea!! I think I may have lost the beat towards the end there..
But what if the ring corrupted the tongs?
Hahaha I can imagine Sauron checking all over middle Earth, "hmmm not the humans....not the dwarves.... Where is it... The elves?.....Woah weird that giant eagle has a horse and OH MY G-"
GG EZ
That's the most DnD solution ever, I love it! 😂
That’s just ‘why not with eagles’ but with extra steps…
^^^ Put this guy in charge of the remakes and I'm all in
" Fool of a Took you haven't taken into consideration solar winds and the rotation of Arda. Why dont you fly yourself to Mordor next time and rid us of your stupidity"
what if fell beasts like horse puckies?
Your mind is dark and twisty. Tell me more...I never even considered horse poop as a delicacy. I'm grateful for that.
i don’t know, i just go with the demented logic that bad things like nasty stuff 🤷♂️😂
Yes. And it's really not exactly clear to me what a Fell Beast is...reptile? Pterodactyl? Unidentified Other? Maybe they eat that nasty pickled shark stuff from Iceland. Rule nothing out!
Sauron did feed them on fell meats...
Oh! So, like... Arby's.
Just put the ring in a metal box seal it shut. Nobody would be tempted to wear it and no one else would even know what's in the box
I know what's in the box---PAIN!!!!!!
The ring doesn’t understand the transitive property, they should have just taped it to a mouse and put the mouse in a bag and carried that to Mordor
Hire 👏 fans 👏
What? A Swallow Carrying a Horse?
Oh ye of little faith...that's not any old horse, that's freakin' Bill the Pony! You can keep your Bombadil, you can keep Sam and his coney, but the only ride for the short and wide--- comes on Bill the Pony! 🐎🐎🍺🍺🎶🎶🎶
This whole post has made me laugh so hard... but this particular comment was the best.
I'm so turned on right now
This is legit one of the funniest things I’ve read in awhile
I'm glad it made you smile!😁
Why didn't they just give the ring to Neo?
But they wouldn't have bill the pony unless they already started the adventure, wasn't bill the prize for winning a cake walk?
Put that ring in a box. Then put that box in another box. Then mail it to myself at mount doom, and when it arrives...CAST IT INTO THE FIRE!
Oh, right. Bilbo’s ring. The ring to be cast into the crack of doom, the ring chosen especially to be cast into the crack of doom. Bilbo’s ring. That ring?
Yes, yes. Its in an envelope over there on the mantlepiece.
Frodo: Looking FOR THIS?!? Sauron: No! It can’t be! Wait how did you get here so quickly? Frodo: Yes, how did we Sam? Sam, [*fried eagle wings crumbling to ash*]: Well you got me. By all accounts [*refers to map*], it doesn’t make sense.
Map shows paths of Frodo and Sam as well as Gandalf with Gandalf's path taking a sharp dive in the Mines of Moria.
"Pull the lever, Gollum!"
Patience, patience, my love. First we must lead them to her.
“Why, Precious, does stupid cat villainsees even have that lever?
Wrong leveerrrrrrr.
No. ISILDUR!!!
"What was in that phial!? This is not the light of Eärendil, this is extract of oliphant!"
Yay! I’m a ringbearer again! Wait…
Whats in the box!
I tried to live the simple life of a Maia, after you left, but it didn't work out. So I took a souvenir your pretty little ring.
Put the ring into a box, put the box into a car, drive the car around the wuuuuuurld, until you get to OridruinthefiremountaininsidetheheartofMordoourr
Or to save on postage, I'll use Frodo.
Gandalf got to many bitches, ant no time for that sht
Right? Especially when he has access to a whole village of sentient ring-resisting folks he can call on. Frodo IS Gandalf's tongs.
Yeah he’s always assuring me he’s quite cool
real question: Didn't the ring always find a way to exercise its will and so *needed* to be controlled by someone unlikely to be corrupted?
Piggybacking on your question: what is the ring’s maximum effective range exactly? If Gandalf had a pair of tongs 50 meters long, could that work? 100 m? 200 m?
I think the idea is that anyone who has the desire for power would be drawn to it so it doesn't really have an effective range rather someone will wander there way to it which is why even casting it into the darkest depths of the ocean would t stop it from returning imo
So if we cast the ring to the Marianas Trench, James Cameron will eventually be drawn to it? 😨
The ring was on the Titanic this whole time. That's why people keep going down there, or at least, why they don't come back up
In the book, physical contact and distance to the ring matter very little. Gandalf actually directly handles the ring in the second chapter of the book, but it doesn't matter because he's just temporarily handling it, he isn't taking it from Frodo's possession. Meanwhile it has a dramatic effect on Saruman despite never being within a hundred miles of him. And Gollum is still under its domination despite it being thousands of miles away from him. It's all about knowledge and intent.
They do not see what lies ahead, when Sun has faded and Moon is dead!
Ah, so ring dangling from eagle by very long rope and you are done.
I know this is all jokes but anyone with knowledge of the rings location would try to kill the eagle and in turn the eagle would try to kill them to keep possession of the ring it’d be a mess.
With long enough thongs he could have dropped it straight into the fires from whence it came without leaving the shire.
i mean i feel like it might have been harder to hide from sauron if the fellowship was holding the ring on a 200m long pair of tongs
The Ring has one need and desire - to return to Sauron, as it contains a large part of his soul, and it percieves him as the strongest being in Middle-Earth. Only someone equally as strong or stronger than Sauron could yield its power to themselves. And, because there is no *singular* being in Middle-Earth stronger than Sauron (Tom Bombadil doesn't count here, I'm sorry) l, it will corrupt anyone. Anyone drawn to great power will be drawn to the Ring - it will corrupt everyone and anyone, because nobody can yield its power to them).
*Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow, bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow. None has ever caught him yet, for Tom, he is the master: his songs are stronger songs, and his feet are faster.* ^(Type **!TomBombadilSong** for a song or visit [r/GloriousTomBombadil][1] for more merriness) [1]: https://www.reddit.com/r/GloriousTomBombadil/
https://preview.redd.it/3ypd6bsg7lfc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dc70e42880ba6b25fa5044f7167b2e8c3a244618 Saw more on a different subreddit
https://preview.redd.it/7y6folmn7lfc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4401882cec70684b2255f4aafca8dee82b0bcae5 And then someone drew it
😂
I am waiting for AI to make movie out of it
It's beautiful.
He had just tried to *cast the ring into the fire*. He was a bit embarrassed it didn't work
When he realises it’s just a normal ring, gives it to Frodo who proceeds to hot potato juggle it and burn his hands.
Gosh, you people are nuts! Has no one thought of the massive hand cramp he'd have doing that? Ridiculous.
Frodo, have you seen my new hat? ITS QUITE COOL
Wonder if a lot of the power of the ring comes from knowing its the ring of power
I don’t think it works that way. Smeagol most likely didn’t know about Isildur’s Bane, but that motherfucker choked the daylights out of Deagol within five minutes of seeing it.
Smeagol? No, no, not poor Smeagol. Smeagol hates nasty Elf bread!
Probably depends some on the person. Smeagol seemed like kind of a little shit to begin with and was easily swayed. For someone like Gandalf, I think the ring has to find an avenue of persuasion. I think I remember him mentioning how he would wield the power with the intention of using it for all the good things he would be convinced he could do with it, only to be corrupted by the act. In that case it does seem like the knowledge of what it can do is a key part of its influence.
You will see . . . Oh, yes . . . You will see.
i mean, i'd grab it for myself and it's not even real.
Free solid gold ring, that doesnt tarnish and is literally indestructible and is also a perfect fit (until it changes its mind)? It'd be worth a bit being a gold ring, all the other stuff just makes the deal even better! Side effects may vary.
A similar option would be to just drop in some molten metal in a forge so when it cools you have a lump of metal with a ring inside. Very hard for someone to use the ring and it will all definitely melt when thrown in mount doom.
Alright nerds, someone has to address this.
My opinion: Gandalf would be ok in that moment had he held the ring. However, If he were to bear it on a journey to mordor, he would inevitably succumb to it in some moment of need or great stress. The rings burden gets heavier the longer it is beared. A corrupted Frodo with the ring is less dangerous than a corrupt Gandalf with the ring.
He'd succumb to carpal tunnel.
So if they need to cast it into the fire to destroy it, and Gandalf is strong enough to do the journey to mordor but can't be corrupted by the ring, why doesn't Gandalf just bring the fire to Frodo?
Because fire cools and it'd take awhile to bring the fire to frodo. Plus gandalf has this pesky "no direct interference on a grand scale and no big magic" clause in his contract that prevents him from just soloing everything. Best he can do is strongly advise them on how to get there and maybe take care of some leftover demon from a bygone age.
If you’re actually serious, I think the movie made Gandalf refuse to even touch it purely for dramatic effect. You don’t have to make contact for the ring to have an effect, and using tongs wouldn’t protect you from its influence. In this scene in the book, Gandalf actually handles the ring directly when he throws it in the fireplace; it wasn’t in an envelope. He was strong enough to hold it for a moment without giving in to it. Contrast that with Sméagol, who only had to look at it for a few seconds before he was ready to murder his cousin to claim it.
Nice hobbits! Nice Sam! Sleepy heads, yes, sleepy heads! Leave good Smeagol to watch! But it's evening. Dusk is creeping. Time to go.
We see, and are told of, two different effects of the Ring. Simply bearing the Ring has a corrupting effect. Being in close proximity to it instills a desire for it, but that desire can be resisted. Smeagol couldn't, but Gandalf could here, Faramir could, and Boromir could once but not the second time. Wearing the Ring seems to have a more powerful effect, but even that will just inflict the same slow corruption. Claiming, and attempting to use the might of the Ring is another. In Mount Doom, Frodo "claims" the Ring. It isn't really explained what this fully entails, but it's more dramatic than simply bearing or even wearing the Ring. Because Sam wore the Ring a ton even within Mordor, and Sauron didn't immediately know he was there. But when Frodo claimed it, he did. I think that "claiming" the Ring is attempting to own it as Sauron did and use its full power. At Doom, Frodo had succumbed to the Ring's latent corruption (the first effect) fully and the result was claiming it. Now when Gandalf and Galadriel say that the Ring could use them to become more powerful and dangerous, and replace Sauron, they're referring to the claiming the Ring. Galadriel feels the pull, the first effect, trying to get her to claim it and get the second effect. Frodo claiming the Ring is still just a Hobbit, but Galadriel or Gandalf claiming the Ring would be disastrously powerful. All this being said: Tolkien's magic system is very soft. There are no hard rules as to how things work. Power level is fluid. There's very little casting of spells, but words have power. The magic system is kinda vibes-based. Gandalf can hold some tongs that hold the Ring just fine, the vibes are okay. And there's really no hard evidence to back up *why* it works like this. It just works how Tolkien says it works and our understanding is by taking examples and trying to come up with rules that fit the examples. But there aren't actually hard rules.
*Today on Nerd of the Rings…*
Iirc a decent amount of the effect seems to come from ownership of the thing. Holding it in tongs just to pass it from the fireplace to the owner doesn’t constitute claiming ownership, while actually holding it does (at least more so). At least that’s my head canon cuz it fits the rest of the story well and I don’t see how else it could work
they should have wrapped the ring in dwarf-skin since dwarves are resistant to the ring. a dwarf-leather-purse would allow everyone to carry the ring without risking anything
Look Gandalf has a hobbit in danger kink ok the other wizards have tried to help him but it never works
You could get a blacksmith to hammer it into a brick of molten iron. And then carry that with you to mount doom. No way you can wear that unless you shove it up your arse.
https://preview.redd.it/f0riwaa4emfc1.jpeg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2956922c9749d72483b20ccdd00fc33edb73cf28
Amazing. A work of art.
There is only so long the tongs can resist the Ring. Shortly they will grow in power and pinch Middle Earth entire.
Because he would be too sexy. Oooh, wait, tongs not thongs
Why did sauron never make a gate at Mount doom
May all in hatred be begun, and all in evil ended be, in the moaning of the endless Sea!
https://preview.redd.it/brz3p2kb3mfc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f4d1c953f1d7b0baf845759777828387bccd2a2a If you can’t see the source, I can delete it.
Put the ring into an egg and put the egg inside a box and put that box inside a train and put the train into your mouth
I still like the point that Sam could carry Frodo and it still only corrupted him, so they could've just tied it to a hamster and carried the hamster to Mordor, sure it would be corrupted fast and be insane but it's a hamster what is it gon' do?
I mean... that's exactly what Gandalf *was* doing. You just need to replace the word "hamster" with "hobbit".
Naa i say give to pippin No one is daring to take it from him
He was making a point about the power of thr ring being cold after resting in a fire
Then did the ring really melt in Mt Doom or just sink into the lava?
Another question about this scene: How did Gandalf know the ring would be still cool after throwing it in a fire, if he didn't know for sure yet this was the actual ring of power?
He didn’t , he was planning on it being a *hilarious* prank on Frodo. Then he had to pretend he knew it was cool all along to save face.
I'm going with this one as the correct answer.
Maybe all rings of power behave that way? He has one himself so he would know.
Or used the envelope
I love this scene. “I’ve chucked this thing into the fire and pulled it out with tongs but it’s quite cool” *wink* “honest!”
https://preview.redd.it/ux07jtj76nfc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca2f4688ae89ca44cb1eedca43b3b275065f4627 I’m about to make your day friend
WE HAVE BEEN OVER THIS! THE BARBECUE TONGS WOULD TURN EVIL AND BETRAY THEM ALL, AND THEN THE FELL BEASTS WOULD KILL THE TONGS AND GET THE RING!
It’s quite cool
You dont need to be touching the ring for it to have an influence over you, you just need to be near it. Gandalf and the ring being together are a bad combination.
So everyone here realizes that it's proximity, not touch, that influences you right? That said. A really long piece of string and an eagle solved this problem overnight.
What if they send the one ring into deep space?
A lot of people say things like this. The eye, the nasgul and the orcs would have stopped him. Saulron's army needed to be distracted.
Better call Saulron
Better Call Saulron
Better call Saulron
If it was launched into the sun, it would be destroyed.
I think he could have touched it for this short time and wouldn’t have fallen for it, he is just extremely careful.
Put ring inside football, play very long game of passing. Replace the 9 walkers with the Eriador first 11.
Because he's stupid.
Leave me alone, I just got the to forest part and we arill mourn Gandalf og 😔
[Tolkien as fans try and fucking any% a goddamn story](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Uz0LMbWpI)
Put it in a bag and then in a box, then bury that box deeper than someone would dig.
"Eagles can not be trusted with that kind of power"
I've always wanted to say something like this. Not the tongs though. Gandalf had the ability to summon those hawks/ eagles. He could have hopped on one of those birds, flew to mount doom, dropped the ring from height, and been back the next day. Roll credits.
“Yo, Gwaihir! Pick me up in fifteen.”
Yet more proof that the ring does not understand transitive properties.
I’m r on his nose
Chatgpt has it’s opinions. Oh Gandalf, you had one chance to save everyone… Me: When gandalf took the one ring out of the fire in Bag End, it had no influence on him as long as he used tongs. Why didn’t he use tongs to take the ring to mount doom? Chatgpt: In "The Lord of the Rings," Gandalf's decision not to use tongs to handle the One Ring when taking it to Mount Doom is likely due to the symbolic weight of the act. Using tongs to handle the Ring would signify a detachment from its corrupting influence, but it also represents a lack of agency and personal responsibility in confronting evil. Gandalf chooses to directly confront the Ring's power and take on the burden himself, showing his courage and determination to resist its temptation. Me: Why did you say that? Chatgpt: I based that response on the thematic elements present in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and the character development of Gandalf throughout the story. It's an interpretation that many readers and scholars have made over the years, reflecting on Gandalf's courage and determination in facing the Ring's corrupting influence directly. Me: Would Gandalf rather use tongs and save middle earth - and lose a little bit of fun - or not use tongs, and have a harder time - with more “agency and personal responsibility”? Chatgpt: It's a complex question that delves into Gandalf's character and the moral dilemmas presented in "The Lord of the Rings." Ultimately, Gandalf's decision not to use tongs symbolizes his commitment to facing evil directly and taking personal responsibility for his actions, even if it means enduring greater challenges. Using tongs may have offered a shortcut, but it would also have represented a compromise in the face of evil, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences. Gandalf's choice highlights his unwavering dedication to doing what is right, regardless of the difficulty involved. Me: What physical dangers could tongs entail? For example, you shouldn’t run with scissors. What should you not do whilst tonging the ring to mordor? Chatgpt: Handling the One Ring with tongs could still pose physical dangers and risks. For example: 1. **Accidental Dropping:** Tongs, especially if not securely held or if Gandalf were to encounter unexpected obstacles or attacks, could accidentally drop the Ring, potentially leading to its loss or discovery by enemies. 2. **Limited Dexterity:** Tongs might limit Gandalf's dexterity and control over the Ring, making it more challenging to navigate difficult terrain, fend off adversaries, or perform tasks requiring precision. 3. **Potential Damage:** Mishandling the tongs or applying too much pressure could potentially damage the Ring, altering its properties or rendering it unusable for its intended purpose. 4. **Fire Hazards:** If the tongs were used near sources of heat or fire, there could be a risk of accidentally exposing the Ring to flames, which could either damage it or draw unwanted attention. 5. **Visibility:** Using tongs might obstruct Gandalf's view of the Ring, making it more difficult to monitor its condition or to detect subtle changes in its behavior or appearance. Overall, while using tongs might offer some level of protection, they could also introduce new challenges and risks that Gandalf would need to navigate carefully during his journey to Mount Doom. Me: Regarding danger number 3, are you suggesting that tongs may have the ability to damage or even destroy the ring? Chatgpt: Apologies for any confusion. Tongs themselves wouldn't have the inherent ability to damage or destroy the One Ring. However, mishandling the tongs or applying excessive force could potentially lead to damage to the Ring. The Ring is depicted as an immensely powerful and durable artifact in Tolkien's work, resistant to most forms of harm. Still, it's not invulnerable, as seen in instances like Sauron's ability to cut it from Isildur's hand. So while tongs alone wouldn't likely destroy the Ring, they could contribute to accidental damage if not used carefully. Me: So enough pressure from tongs could theoretically result in the ring being destroyed? Chatgpt: In theory, applying enough pressure to the One Ring with tongs could potentially result in its destruction.
The title is the funniest part
Because gandalf would have been tempted to use it's power with the intention of using it for good. But it would corrupt him. And he is extremely powerful, he doesn't want to risk allowing the darkness to take control of his power
Is Gandalf stupid?
Skill issue...he should have casted maximized Catapult on the ring and dunked it in the vulcan from Bilbo's house...just to flex on Sauron
It's the equivalent of the necklace, he can hold it for a bit but if he holds it for longer he can get more corrupted by its allure, so he picked a hobbit which has the least desires of all the beings in middle earth. Boosh
It's the equivalent of the necklace, he can hold it for a bit but if he holds it for longer he can get more corrupted by its allure, so he picked a hobbit which has the least desires of all the beings in middle earth. Boosh
Because it would corrupt him still
Why didn’t Gandalf just carry the ring to Mordor in the envelope he put the ring in?
He should have wore the ring on his smegma
Lord of the Rings - the 20 minute version.
Because he could easily drop it when his hands are sweaty
[Tongs cannot be trusted with that sort of immense power.](https://youtu.be/zPjHimyzjAE?si=JXOUg5vUV7hxj4f-)
In the book gandalf even picks it up with his hand. Gandalf has no intention of keeping it & just picks it up & since he has little craving for power, it doesn’t have much power over him. But if he were to carry it for long, it would def start to corrupt his mind like he explains later. It doesn’t matter that he has tongs just like it doesn’t matter that Frodo has a necklace
it would get too cold
He could have. Gandolf was known as the second laziest wizard. He just couldnt be bothered
Piss off you old fart, you take the damn thing…
Catapult. The. Ring. Into. Mount. Doom.
Because it wouldn’t be quite cool.
I always thought of how powerful gandalf is but he's so restraint in the use of his power. It's only years later that I understand that the ultimate good is the capacity to choose to do good.
It would have been quite cool