Why did Frodo Volunteer to take the Ring?

[Maedhros]

From The Lord of the Rings:The Council of Elrond
No one answered. The noon-bell rang. Still no one spoke. Frodo glanced at all the faces, but they were not turned to him. All the Council sat with downcast eyes, as if in deep thought. A great dread fell on him, as if he was awaiting the pronouncement of some doom that he had long foreseen and vainly hoped might after all never be spoken. An overwhelming longing to rest and remain at peace by Bilbo's side in Rivendell filled all his heart. At last with an effort he spoke, and wondered to hear his own words, as if some other will was using his small voice.
`I will take the Ring,' he said, `though I do not know the way.'
Why did Frodo volunteer to take the Ring, because he felt that it was his duty or because he didn't wanted to be kept away from the Ring.

[Blackboar]

Both

I think its more complicated than that. But I cant explain it!

[Hasty Ent]

I've always felt that he took it because he realized that it was his destiny. It was the destiny, also, of the hobbits, a race that had long lived outside of the histories of heroic deeds and wars of other races. I don't think this realization, however, was wholly conscious. I believe it was a feeling he had, and he intuitively acted upon it and accepted it. Only my opinion, of course, and I'm far from a Tolkien scholar. I have read LotR every year for the past 20 years, but have only just started on the Sil...:o

[Elf.Freak]

I thought it was because all the other arguing gave him a headache, so he wanted to shut them up!:p

[Elfhelm]

He was one quarter Took on his mother's side. Primula must have been a heck of a woman mixing the traits of the Tooks and the Brandybucks. Both families were known to be given to adventures, of all things! Frodo and Merry were 1st cousins once removed, and Frodo and Pippin were 2nd cousins once removed. And I think the Bolger influence can't be overlooked. For while the Bolgers were never known to be given to wild excursions, they did tend to marry into families that had that reputation.

So how could he NOT take up the quest?!?!

[markedel]

Perhaps it was the will of God. This is hinted at by Gandalf at various times. More than the strategems of the valar are at work.

[Sister Golden Hair]

Originally posted by Elf.Freak
I thought it was because all the other arguing gave him a headache, so he wanted to shut them up!:p That was the way it was in the movie, not the book.

I believe Frodo volunteered to take the Ring for a couple of reasons. It had come down to him from Bilbo and so obligated him to a degree to the quest. He had brought the Ring as far as Rivendell through great peril. When the Council gathered to decide how to proceed, and there was of course no one that could ask or order another to do such a dangerous task and they were all at a loss, it seemed I think to Frodo only right to continue on as the Ringbearer and complete the quest when he saw that there was no other solution.

[Nibs]

I think some of Gandalf's comments also swayed him towards bearing the ring. He knew he wasn't being forced to do it, but also felt it was his destiny, as mentioned by Hasty Ent.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Maedhros!!

[Maedhros]

Do you realize that Frodo couldn't destroy the Ring? Then why did he volunteer for such a quest, can it be that he desired to keep it with him until the Last possible moment?
From LOTR:
Frodo drew the Ring out of his pocket again and looked at it. It now appeared plain and smooth, without mark or device that he could see. The gold looked very fair and pure, and Frodo thought how rich and beautiful was its colour, how perfect was its roundness. It was an admirable thing and altogether precious. When he took it out he had intended to fling it from him into the very hottest part of the fire. But he found now that he could not do so, not without a great struggle. He weighed the Ring in his hand, hesitating, and forcing himself to remember all that Gandalf had told him; and then with an effort of will he made a movement, as if to cast it away - but he found that he had put it back in his pocket.
It was precioussssssssssssssss.
From LOTR: The Shadow of the Past
Gandalf laughed grimly. 'You see? Already you too, Frodo, cannot easily let it go, nor will to damage it. And I could not "make" you - except by force, which would break your mind.
Did Frodo really intended to destroy the Ring?
Thanks Nibs.:)

[WallRocker]

I would say that there are three reasons that Frodo took the Ring to Mount Doom.

One: Gandalf says(I hope I'm not confusing the books and the movie here) that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, just as Frodo was meant to have it.

Two: The Ring already had a strong hold on Frodo. As you see in ROTK, Frodo can't throw the Ring away. Neither could he at the Council of Elrond.

Three: Even though it doesn't say so in the book, I believe that Sauron was talking to Frodo during the Council, tempting him to take the Ring.

[Entlover]

I don't agree with all those reasons, Wallrocker. The first is ok, because Gandalf had told him he was meant to find the ring and he had a part to play.
But the other two? I think Frodo was anxious to get back to a peaceful life in the Shire, and not at all anxious to hold on to the Ring, and I don't believe that Sauron was tempting him to take it. Sauron is not all powerful and probably was not even aware of the council.
I believe his reasons were uniformly good, aimed at helping the world survive; that is the premise that made him able to achieve the quest in the end. If he had done it with evil or selfish motives he couldn't have succeeded.


I know, he didn't destroy the ring -- but it was destroyed because of him all the same.

[Cirdan]

Frodo's character is as important in his choice as his motivation. Not only the fact that he was part Brandybuck and Took but also the fact he was an orphan molded him into a person with less of a connected feeling to the community. This wasn't an anti-social aspect but more a loose affliation of ties that caused him to look far afield (for a hobbit) and be more adventurous. His adoption by Bilbo, a caring and generous person, gave him a greater sense of gratitude and responsibility. In all his dealings in Middle Earth he is always virtuous and honest. Even with Gollum he sees the best and gives him every opportunity to reform. It is this quality most of all that draws the loyalty of the people around him. He hesitates only out of respect for the council. He knows that he is the one who must take the ring when he sees that know one else knows who should.

[cassiopeia]

Gandalf laughed grimly. 'You see? Already you too, Frodo, cannot easily let it go, nor will to damage it. And I could not "make" you - except by force, which would break your mind.

That is an interesting quote. Does that mean that Frodo could never have any chance of destroying the ring? If Gandalf knew that, then why did he let Frodo be the ringbearer? I wonder what would have happened if Gandalf was at Amon Hen when the fellowship broke. Would he have let Frodo and Sam go on alone, if he thought Frodo could not destroy the ring? Gandalf always hinted he knew Gollum had some part to play, I wonder if he really 'knew' that Gollum would be the one who ultimately destroys the ring.

[Nibs]

I tend to focus on the effects of the ring... it seems clear to me that anyone who has used the ring will not give it up willingly, especially after prolonged use. The ring chanced to have been taken into the fires with Gollum, but not apparently because of anyone's doing. I think this means much to me as a comparison to my faith, but amounts to little when concerning the actual story. And it doesn't really answer the question.

But, in addition to Elfhelm's statement, "how could he NOT take up the quest?!?!", there were still the little issue of the Nine looking for a Baggins of the Shire... they may have still recognized him even if he didn't have the ring. How fun would that reunion be?

[Artanis]

I think Frodo took on the quest for more than one reason, and as Entlover said, his original and perhaps strongest reason was to save the Shire that he loved so dearly. Then there was Gandalf's persuation and advice. During the council it became clear that the Ring must be destroyed, and I think he felt (by some power we can only guess) this task was appointed to him. I also agree with Maedhros that at the council the Ring already had a grip on him, that he did not want to give it away.

I don't think lust for adventure was a reason to take the Ring, I think the fear he felt was too strong. But his inheritage must have helped him survive through perils, and stay with his decision, once he had made it.

Oh, and a late (sorry) Happy Birthday Maedhros! :) :)

[Dunadan]

I'd always thought that it was the will of Iluvatar at work, as Gandalf clearly believed. That, and his love of the Shire (which is more prominent in the book than the film).

But of course, Maedhros's and Wallrocker's #2 reason makes perfect sense: Frodo took the ring because he didn't want anyone else to take it!

There could be a fourth reason: he alone had direct personal experience of the power of the Ring. He didn't want anyone else to have to suffer that fate. He took it so they wouldn't have to.

cheers

d.

[Maedhros]

That is an interesting quote. Does that mean that Frodo could never have any chance of destroying the ring? If Gandalf knew that, then why did he let Frodo be the ringbearer?
Yepperz. That is a very interesting question indeed.
Remember that Frodo had the Ring for 17 years.
During the council it became clear that the Ring must be destroyed, and I think he felt (by some power we can only guess) this task was appointed to him. I also agree with Maedhros that at the council the Ring already had a grip on him, that he did not want to give it away.
Well, I think that Frodo was in crossroads, so to speak. He knew that the Ring must be destroyed, but he couldn't do it, still he thought that he could. It was because of his grown as a person (Pity on Gollum) that it was finally achieved.
I agree with Artanis that agrees with me. :) Thanks Artanis.

[azalea]

It is my belief that at the Council Frodo was FAR from the point where he was at the crack of Doom. In Shadow of the Past it is actually Gandalf who throws it in, and the ring has clearly started it's effect on Frodo, but it is an unconcious effect. Frodo is only just then beginning awareness of it. After finding out the identity of the Ring, I think that although he is aware of the hold the ring has on him, he wants to give it up because he doesn't want the ring to have that hold on him.
In the BOOK I can't find a sentence that states that he actually ever did "part" with it at the Council, it says only that "he held it up." It says, "he felt a great reluctance to reveal the Ring and a loathing of its touch." So although it clearly had a hold on him at this point, and in my opinion this holds for a long while afterwards, he really wants to be rid of it. I think that only at the end of the journey when it is time to DESTROY it does that hold fully manifest itself, although it had been slowly growing for a long time. In other words, I think if they had reached Mt. Doom a few days or even weeks earlier, the scene would have been the same, but if he had snapped his fingers at the Council and the crack opened in front of him right then, he would have, with great difficulty, been able to do it, because at that point the history was still fresh in his mind, but also because he hadn't borne the ring for as long; and because he hadn't been through all that he had by the time he reaches Orodruin, he was still more the same hobbit he was than he is when he gets to the end. How's that for a confusing run-on sentence?
Anyway, the book states that he seems to have known in his subconcious mind that he might have to bear it, and since all of those wise and powerful "people" had no suggestion as to who would do it, and he knew the seriousness of the situation, he determined that he must be the one to do it. Besides, he had to, otherwise the story wouldn't have been as good.:)
Getting to my point: I personally don't think wanting to possess the ring motivated him to take it. It was a sense of obligation and duty, along with a "feeling" that it was supposed to be him, which may indeed have been Iluvitar working his will.
edit: Oh, and that, too, that he didn't think he wouldn't be able to do it.

[Elfhelm]

Yeah, don't forget the nasty way he takes the ring back from Sam. also it was the curse that he put on Gollum while holding the ring up was the cause for the actual destruction. So weird as it all turned out, Frodo did all the action that resulted in the destruction, with a little co-operation from Gollum. But Frodo definitely has free will, that much is stressed a lot, I am sure.

What a great topic!

[Dunadan]

Originally posted by Elfhelm
also it was the curse that he put on Gollum while holding the ring up was the cause for the actual destruction
Well spotted sir. Now did he cause it, or did he foresee it?

[Gwaimir Windgem]

I don't know the answer to that, but I did notice about the curse. :D

[Maedhros]

edit: Oh, and that, too, that he didn't think he wouldn't be able to do it.
What are you trying to say. That he thought that he could destroy the ring or not. I don't think that Frodo could destroy the ring.

[Artanis]

I don't think anyone could have destroyed the Ring on purpose, and certainly not Frodo. But he was perhaps the only one who could have gone all the way to Mount Doom bearing the Ring. Although he did need help from both Sam and Gollum to get that far.

Even though the task seems impossible and beyond hope, the struggle to achieve it has worth in itself. I think Frodo had learned that.

[Sween]

who else was going to do it? Not bilbo thats for sure. And sam and the rest were not at the meeting to volenteer not that i think they would.

Frodo didnt have much choice

[Elfhelm]

Originally posted by Artanis
I don't think anyone could have destroyed the Ring on purpose, and certainly not Frodo. But he was perhaps the only one who could have gone all the way to Mount Doom bearing the Ring. Although he did need help from both Sam and Gollum to get that far.

Even though the task seems impossible and beyond hope, the struggle to achieve it has worth in itself. I think Frodo had learned that.

And I wonder something else. Did the Ring bring about its own destruction accidentally because it had the fatal flaw of hubris?

This is the track that reasoning goes down: The ring gets itself dropped by Isildur, found by Smeagol, dropped by Gollum, found by Bilbo ... yes, we can say Gandalf believed all that. Then Bilbo let it go! An unexpected twist the Ring wasn't ready for. Then it started to work harder than ever on Frodo. It keeps trying to get found by the Ringwraiths. While it is in Rivendell it makes the elves drive it away and let's say it encourages Frodo, who it has the most sway over at this point, to take up the quest. Theoretically, it wouldn't think Frodo could do it and it would expect that all it had to be was close enough to Sauron and it would be found by one of the Nazgul. But somehow the pesky Hobbit fails to present himself to the Black Gates! Then it gets Gollum to resist the desire to become Smeagol again and try to steal the Ring. Then in it's big mistake; it makes Frodo curse Gollum. It's pretty obvious that Frodo's avarice for the Ring is the force behind the curse, which comes directly from the Ring itself. And this spells the Rings own doom!

Of course the funniest thing is that it had no idea what to do about Samwise. It tried to tempt him with the image of turning the whole world into a beautiful garden! That must have disgusted it. Oh the things an evil Ring must endure. I guess it had to give up on that line of reasoning and encourage Sam to find Frodo, with whom it was having more success corrupting.

[azalea]

Originally posted by Maedhros
What are you trying to say. That he thought that he could destroy the ring or not. I don't think that Frodo could destroy the ring.

I guess I was saying that he wasn't thinking that far ahead yet, and if he was, he probably thought "I don't know if I can do it or not," which is different than saying "I'm not going to be able to do it." Apparently he thought that he would be able to throw it in once he got there, and didn't think he would want to keep it. He must not have fully comprehended at that point the way that he'd be consumed by the ring, and that it wouldn't just be difficult to let it go, but that it would be impossible .

[The Lady of Ithilien]

I think they forced him into it at the Council -- all that silence, and nobody looking at him. What else could he do? Just go on sitting there and outwait Elrond, all these Elf lords, sons of Stewards and royal heirs, let alone all the other strangers there, and Gandalf? Ask the way to the loo and then just keep walking? To where?

He was way out of his league there, though through no fault of his own, and they had their way with him.At last with an effort he spoke, and wondered to hear his own words, as if some other will was using his small voice. "I will take the Ring," he said....Some other will, indeed, mostly Elrond's and Gandalf's, though for the best of reasons. Whom else could they trust with the Ring? Frodo had, as noted, already had it for well over a decade -- its effects on anyone else (as those present with the power to wield it didn't dare take it) would be too unpredictable in the short time that remained to them. At such moments, even the good can be ruthless.

Bilbo understood and tried to intervene, but he was too old and too deeply touched by the Ring -- they wouldn't let him. Poor Frodo: All he really wanted to do was stay there and rest. His heroism was the kind found in the Shire -- he tried to do his best to honor his social obligations, even in such an awful situation, and then dealt with the consequences "with a stiff upper lip." What more could a hobbit do?

Some say that Frodo is so boring as a hero -- one has to see him in the light of being a simple hobbit doing a job that is too big for him, a job that he never really asked for. That's tremendous heroism. Many months later Faramir, the grand and gentle inquisitor, seemed to guess at the truth of it and honored Frodo for it.

[Maedhros]

Poor Frodo: All he really wanted to do was stay there and rest. His heroism was the kind found in the Shire -- he tried to do his best to honor his social obligations, even in such an awful situation, and then dealt with the consequences "with a stiff upper lip." What more could a hobbit do?
There's also the part that he didn't wanted to be away from the ring too.
Some say that Frodo is so boring as a hero -- one has to see him in the light of being a simple hobbit doing a job that is too big for him, a job that he never really asked for. That's tremendous heroism. Many months later Faramir, the grand and gentle inquisitor, seemed to guess at the truth of it and honored Frodo for it.
Frodo is the best. It is interesting to note (to the best of my recollection) I don't remember Frodo ever saying that he was going to destroy the Ring. He volunteered for the quest, yet i don't recall him saying that he was going to destroy the Ring, as if he knew already that he couldn't.

[The Lady of Ithilien]

Originally posted by cassiopeia
That is an interesting quote. Does that mean that Frodo could never have any chance of destroying the ring? If Gandalf knew that, then why did he let Frodo be the ringbearer? A good point, cassiopeia, and made all the more interesting by Gandalf's silence when Frodo says to him, after the end of the war (when they're in Rivendell, I think), that he is badly wounded and asks Gandalf where he can he go after that. It's the only time I remember Gandalf not answering a question, well, a question central to advancing the plot, anyway -- wonder if he was feeling a bit guilty?Originally posted by Maedhros
It is interesting to note (to the best of my recollection) I don't remember Frodo ever saying that he was going to destroy the Ring. He volunteered for the quest, yet i don't recall him saying that he was going to destroy the Ring, as if he knew already that he couldn't.Yes, that's right! What he actually said was that he would take the Ring, though he didn't know the way. He didn't really seem to warm up to the Ring, and seemed at best confused, until Gollum joined them, when Frodo used it at the Emyn Muil to control him. After that, his will and the Ring, apparently, were one.

[Eothain]

DUNNO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[cassiopeia]

Originally posted by The Lady of Ithilien
A good point, cassiopeia, and made all the more interesting by Gandalf's silence when Frodo says to him, after the end of the war (when they're in Rivendell, I think), that he is badly wounded and asks Gandalf where he can he go after that. It's the only time I remember Gandalf not answering a question, well, a question central to advancing the plot, anyway -- wonder if he was feeling a bit guilty?

Perhaps Gandalf realises that Frodo was sacrificed - that his duty as the ringbearer means he cannot live in Middle Earth much longer, but must leave - just like Gandalf sacrificed himself in Moria. Referring to why Gandalf let Frodo be the ringbearer - who else could do it? Maybe Gandalf hoped fate would be on thier side - as what did in fact occur at Mt. Doom.

[Seton,Lothlorien Guardian]

ok i have to agree that Frodo took the ring to Morodr for 2 reasons: he wanted to see it for as he can ( he didnt want anybody else touching it or taking it )
OR/AND he thought it was his duty.

[diannah]

I think because it was his and his friend's fate and he knew that and they knew that and it distressed him to see them arguing (that's from the movie, I think they're a bit more cordual in the book. I dunno, I haven't read it for a while *immeresed in ttt currently*). Addressing because he didn't want to be away from the ring--I never thought about that actually. I thought he was stronger than that before he reached Mordor. But what do I know of such things...I'm only a simple country hobbit from the Shire.

[Maedhros]

Originally posted by azalea
I guess I was saying that he wasn't thinking that far ahead yet, and if he was, he probably thought "I don't know if I can do it or not," which is different than saying "I'm not going to be able to do it." Apparently he thought that he would be able to throw it in once he got there, and didn't think he would want to keep it. He must not have fully comprehended at that point the way that he'd be consumed by the ring, and that it wouldn't just be difficult to let it go, but that it would be impossible .
Oh really. From LOTR: The Shadow of the Past
Frodo drew the Ring out of his pocket again and looked at it. It now appeared plain and smooth, without mark or device that he could see. The gold looked very fair and pure, and Frodo thought how rich and beautiful was its colour, how perfect was its roundness. It was an admirable thing and altogether precious. When he took it out he had intended to fling it from him into the very hottest part of the fire. But he found now that he could not do so, not without a great struggle. He weighed the Ring in his hand, hesitating, and forcing himself to remember all that Gandalf had told him; and then with an effort of will he made a movement, as if to cast it away - but he found that he had put it back in his pocket.
Gandalf laughed grimly. 'You see? Already you too, Frodo, cannot easily let it go, nor will to damage it. And I could not "make" you - except by force, which would break your mind. But as for breaking the Ring, force is useless. Even if you took it and struck it with a heavy sledge-hammer, it would make no dint in it. It cannot be unmade by your hands, or by mine.
See the words of Gandalf: nor will to damage it. He couldn't even throw it in his own fire, he knew that he couldn't do it, there in Bag End, not in Rivendell but in Bag End.

[azalea]

I tend to be optimistic and sentimental about my favorite characters, so I want to believe that Frodo did not have the draw of the ring as one of his motives for taking it. I seem to remember the tone of the narrative being one of reluctance on his part, of wishing to be rid of the ring, of relief that he had arrived in Rivendell so that the wiser folk would take it and destroy it. It certainly is possible that his bond to the ring was a factor in his decision to volunteer, but Tolkien gives us no hint that that was the case, so I choose to interpret his willingness to take it as a reluctant sense of duty and perhaps a feeling that he was not meant to be rid of it at that time. Certainly he was in no way immune to the ring's effects, so of course the scene in Bag End makes sense. To me that was meant to be an illustration of its effects, and once he knew more about it, I feel like he saw that it was wholly evil and wanted no more part of it than was necessary. The discomfort he feels when Bombadil gets hold of it, etc., is comparatively milder than the outright rage he feels much later on when his possession of the ring is threatened. As I said, because I want to believe that at that point Frodo's goodness outweighs the ring's hold on him, I'm of the opinion that a wish to continue to possess it is not a factor in his decision. I think its completely speculative to make the other assumption, because we cannot know for sure.

[Maedhros]

Wasn't the objective of the quest to go to Mount Doom and destroy the Ring. Frodo knew that he couldn't destroy it, Gandalf knew it as well.
Did Frodo thought that the ring had to be destroyed? Yes.
Did Frodo wanted to be rid of the responsability of carrying the Ring? Yes.
Did Frodo know that destroying the Ring would be a good thing for ME? Yes.
Could Frodo himself have destroyed the Ring? No.
I think its completely speculative to make the other assumption, because we cannot know for sure.
Do you recall that Frodo ever said that he wanted to destroy the Ring? If not, why volunteer for such a quest.

[durin's bane]

I think he wanted to take the Ring because he believed that because Bilbo had once bore the Ring and knew he should carry on as his heir and destroy it, plus, maybe he was concerned for his uncle and didn't want him to have the Ring anymore.

[Sister Golden Hair]

Also, I don't think that it was planned for Frodo to destroy the Ring by himself. That was I think the whole purpose of choosing the Fellowship after Frodo agreed to take the Ring. The plan was for them all to go to Mount Doom and for Frodo to cast the Ring into the fire with the help of the rest of the Fellowship but with the breaking of the Fellowship, it didn't happen that way.

[Artanis]

Originally posted by cassiopeia
Referring to why Gandalf let Frodo be the ringbearer - who else could do it? Gandalf and Elrond believed strongly that the task of bearing the Ring to Mount Doom was appointed to Frodo. I also think Gandalf realized that what Frodo could not achieve alone, he had better chance to manage with help from his friends, and so he persuades Elrond to include Merry and Pip in the Fellowship. He considered friendship more valuable than wisdom in this case. Also, after Parth Galen, when Gandalf learned that Frodo had Sam's company on his way to mordor, his heart was lightened. And Frodo really did need Sam on his journey, he would never have come as far as Mount Doom without him.

[Artanis]

Originally posted by Sister Golden Hair
The plan was for them all to go to Mount Doom and for Frodo to cast the Ring into the fire with the help of the rest of the Fellowship but with the breaking of the Fellowship, it didn't happen that way. I'm not so sure there was such a plan. First, those who were committed to the Fellowship did not all intend to go to Mount Doom, both Boromir and Aragorn were originally heading for Minas Tirith. Second, even Gandalf could not see clearly what lay ahead of them. Gandalf knew the power of the Ring, he must have understood that the Ring would gain power over all members of the Fellowship. They would not have been of any help at Mount Doom, rather each one of them would have desired to keep the Ring for himself.

[azalea]

Maedhros, I honestly believe that Frodo did want to destroy the Ring! And I do believe that he thought that with help he could carry out the task he was being given. Gandalf apparently trusted his gut enough to allow Frodo to take it, although I'm sure he had doubts and misgivings, especially about what would happen at the end of the quest. But as the story is written, he seems to be more concerned with Frodo's well-being than with his possible failure.
I agree with you that Frodo could not have destroyed the ring. But I disagree that he KNEW he could not. He was naive, but full of hope and trust. Oh yeah, and pluck.
I don't think Gandalf and Elrond would allow the Ring to be taken to Mordor, practically giving it to Sauron, if they didn't think there was some chance of success.

[adanedhel]

I agree with cassiopeia, ..who else could do it?

It almost certainly had to be a Hobbit that bore the ring. All of the other races have some grander ambitions than Hobbits do.

I believe Frodo took the ring because he knew in his heart that should a person of "greater" stature take the ring, it could only end badly. It is lack of hubris in Frodo that allows him to bear the ring so far, I think. Even Gandalf and Galadriel admit that they would be tempted to use the ring openly to challenge Sauron (with the best of intentions at first, of course). Frodo, being small and rather powerless (in physical stature), wouldn't feel capable of openly challenging Sauron, but even Frodo did exactly that at the Cracks of Doom. Certainly anyone with more power (or vanity) would have been compelled to use it long before then.

So, I agree with azalea also,
....so I choose to interpret his willingness to take it as a reluctant sense of duty...

[Maedhros]

Originally posted by azalea
Maedhros, I honestly believe that Frodo did want to destroy the Ring!
But can you honestly prove that Frodo wanted to destroy the Ring?
From the Letters of JRRT: 181
Frodo was in such a position: an apparently complete trap: a person of greater native power could probably never have resisted the Ring's lure to power so long; a person of less power could not hope to resist it in the final decision. (Already Frodo had been unwilling to harm the Ring before he set out, and was incapable of surrendering it to Sam.)
The Quest was bound to fail as a piece of world-plan, and also was bound to end in disaster as the story of humble Frodo's development to the 'noble', his sanctification. Fail it would and did as far as Frodo considered alone was concerned. He 'apostatized' But at this point the 'salvation' of the world and Frodo's own 'salvation' is achieved by his previous pity and forgiveness of injury. At any point any prudent person would have told Frodo that Gollum would certainly betray him, and could rob him in the end. To 'pity' him, to forbear to kill him, was a piece of folly, or a mystical belief in the ultimate value-in-itself of pity and generosity even if disastrous in the world of time. He did rob him and injure him in the end – but by a 'grace', that last betrayal was at a precise juncture when the final evil deed was the most beneficial thing any one cd. have done for Frodo!
I know that Frodo thought that destroying the Ring would benefit ME, but I have not seen (as far as I can remember), ever Frodo saying that he was going to destroy the Ring.

[azalea]

Okay, I guess "want to destroy the Ring" was a bad choice of words. He wanted to do what he could to help, so he volunteered to take it. He did not "want" to go, but he volunteered out of a sense of duty. Just because he doesn't say he was going to destroy it doesn't mean he had an ulterior motive in volunteering. I think by saying he'll take it, he's implying his dedication to the quest as a whole. He wanted the Ring destroyed just as everyone else did, and felt it was his duty to volunteer as no one else was and it was obvious many couldn't because of the risks involved.
I could imagine a scenario where Gandalf says, "No, Frodo, I do not think that is acceptable. I think [let's say] Gimli should take it because [whatever]." The ring would make it difficult for Frodo to give it up, no matter how much he wanted to, he may even argue, but I think that he would have given it up in the end because it would have been a relief, and he knew that. It would have been hard for him afterward no matter what, but I think he could have done it.
I cannot prove he wanted to destroy it except to repeat that I think his volunteering to take it implies his commitment to the quest as a whole.

[Cirdan]

Frodo may have been ambivalent. The desire to do the right thing and the lust of the power of the ring, while incompatible, are not exclusive. Frodo's mercy to gollum, as part of his faith in a greater purpose, is what saves him from his mortal weakness with regards to the ring.

[Earniel]

There are some very interesting things being said (so much actually that I've got little important things to add :)).

I don't think that at the time of the Council in Rivendell every one was already thinking about who would actually throw the ring in the Cracks of Doom. The very quest of getting even in Mordor unnoticed was already so dangerous and unlikely that I doubt they gave much thought on how the ring would be thrown into the fire. Above that it was never the original intention that Frodo would be up there by himself, alone.

The idea that Frodo volunteered because he didn't want to lose the ring is a valuable one. But I personally don't think it was a concious choice. I don't think Frodo knew at that time how much the ring was influencing him. It may have been one of the reasons why he volunteered but I don't think it was a reason that he was truly aware of.

[entss89]

i think he had a little bit too much old toby! ha ha
:D :D

[cassiopeia]

Frodo was in such a position: an apparently complete trap: a person of greater native power could probably never have resisted the Ring's lure to power so long; a person of less power could not hope to resist it in the final decision. (Already Frodo had been unwilling to harm the Ring before he set out, and was incapable of surrendering it to Sam.)
It seems to me, from this quote and Gandalf's words, that Frodo was never going to destroy the ring.

I found a quote from the Shadow of the Past:
'I do really wish to destroy it!' cried Frodo. 'Or, well, to have it destroyed. I am not made for perilous quests. I wish I had never seen the Ring! Why did it come to me? Why was I chosen?'
Interesting how he corrects himself and says have it destroyed. Maybe he already knows he cannot destroy it himself. I wonder how Gandalf felt when he found out the fellowship had been broken and only Sam and Frodo (and Gollum) were journeying to Orodruin. The quest must have seemed hopeless (or more hopeless than what it had been). I believe that Frodo would never had destroyed the ring willingly.

[azalea]

Re: the quote from Shadow of the Past:
I don't see that he's saying "have it destroyed" because of his own unwillingness to destroy it. When you read the next line,"I am not made for such perilous quests," you see why he said "have it destroyed." This hearkens back to Bilbo's reluctance to join in the "perilous quest" to the Lonely Mountain. Hobbits did not like adventures, especially dangerous ones. Frodo means that he doesn't want to go on the journey and put himself in danger, not that he was refusing to destroy it.

[Pimpernel]

If you watched FotR (yes I have also read the books but this is a cool point) when the Council is having the huge fight, Frodo sees it through the reflection of the ring. The viewer is supposed to take this as one of Sauron's devices: anger, despair, quarreling, compelling him to do something about it (as in volunteer to take the ring)

[Elf Girl]

Originally posted by Pimpernel
If you watched FotR (yes I have also read the books but this is a cool point) when the Council is having the huge fight, Frodo sees it through the reflection of the ring. The viewer is supposed to take this as one of Sauron's devices: anger, despair, quarreling, compelling him to do something about it (as in volunteer to take the ring)
That fight did not happen in the books. In the books Elrond picks the bearer, and they all go along with it. No one would ever fight like that in Rivendell.

[Pimpernel]

This is true, but that portrayal was very helpful in explaining why he volunteered. In the books, he probly figured no one else would take it and it might eventually turn into a fight. And you must admit, in the film, that was a great way to show the power of the ring.

[Legolaslvr!]

I think Frodo took the ring though i do agree with elf.freak

That he did not trust the other companions with the ring for example when they R on the mountains in the Fellowship Boromir wouldn't have given the ring back to frodo is it wasn't for Aragorn!



My dwarvish name is Kar Bronzeeyes!







Legolas is Hot!!!!!!!!!!


Elves are cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Lady of Ithilien]

This thread came to mind as I was re-reading The Two Towers tonight (yes, my books are back - yippie!) and what Frodo told Faramir just before collapsing:'I was going to find a way into Mordor,' he said faintly. 'I was going to Gorgoroth. I must find the Mountain of Fire and cast the thing into the gulf of Doom. Gandalf said so. I do not think I shall ever get there.'
(emphasis added)Doesn't sound like a volunteer to me. More like an exhausted, faithful servant.

[Maedhros]

Interesting that Gandalf said so, all the while Gandalf knew that there was no way that Frodo could himself destroy the ring without breaking Frodo's mind.
That Gandalf is trickssssssssssssssy.

[cassiopeia]

Originally posted by Maedhros
Interesting that Gandalf said so, all the while Gandalf knew that there was no way that Frodo could himself destroy the ring without breaking Frodo's mind.
That Gandalf is trickssssssssssssssy.

Hmm, maybe Gandalf isn't as good as we thought. :D Although I think that Gandalf was refering to himself taking the ring by force from Frodo would break his mind, not simply destroying it.

[Artanis]

Originally posted by The Lady of Ithilien
Doesn't sound like a volunteer to me. More like an exhausted, faithful servant. I think 'Gandalf said so' is referring to the way Gandalf said the Ring must be destroyed, not by whom it should be destroyed. No one literally told Frodo to take on the quest. Only when he had volunteered, it was Elrond who said he believed that 'this task is appointed to you, Frodo, and if you do not find a way, no one will.'

Still I agree that he was persuaded and pushed, not against his own will and desire, but perhaps against his fear.

Originally posted by Maedhros
Interesting that Gandalf said so, all the while Gandalf knew that there was no way that Frodo could himself destroy the ring without breaking Frodo's mind.I think that is why he persuaded Elrond to include the other Hobbits in the Fellowship. True friendship and fidelity proved more valuable than physical strength and great power.
Originally posted by Maedhros
That Gandalf is trickssssssssssssssy.:p

[Elf Girl]

It is a good point about the other hobbits. Without Sam's compassion and loyalty Frodo would never have gotten to Mount Doom, and would have claimed the Ring long before he was even near.

[The Lady of Ithilien]

True friendship and fidelity proved more valuable than physical strength and great power.How true!Hmm, maybe Gandalf isn't as good as we thought.He's not the Superman one tends to see him as, given what a powerful character he is: he could be cranky, was tired when he fought the Balrog, complained about his cold feet on the way down, needed a hit of tobacco in Moria, and so forth. He was good, though; just trapped (voluntarily) in a mortal body, with all its inherent weaknesses and complications.

Maybe it's a case (many times removed, of course) of the old adage: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach'?

[cassiopeia]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but I have been reading Tom Shippey's Author of the Century and he suggests that the ring was addictive. He says "One use [of the ring] may not be disastrous on its own, but each use tends to strengthen the urge for another." The addiction can be be shaken off in early stages (like Bilbo and Sam) or never be contracted at all (Faramir, Galadriel). Back to the original question, perhaps this is why Frodo took the ring.
Shippey also says, about the quote by Gandalf: 'You see? Already you too, Frodo, cannot easily let it go, nor will to damage it. And I could not "make" you - except by force, which would break your mind. , that he means he could not make Frodo want to hand over the ring, except by unknown mental force.
It's a very interesting book.

[Insidious Rex]

ok i hate it when i run accross a thread Ive never seen and pretty much all my good points have been made already....

what we need to remember is that frodo agreed to be the vessle. not necessarily the destoyer. as others have pointed out when it came down to it there would have been others better fitted perhaps to do this. but frodo was the logical choice to be the carrier because none of the powerful folk could do it because of the potential danger involved with them being corrupted. none of the other races could do it. the elves had their own issues, the dwarves were corruptable and the men are a joke. so logically you leave it to a hobbit. and you gonna give it to merry or pippen? god no. sam? no. not sam. hes not the leader type. not yet at least. so frodo wins by default.

now gandolf seems to have some inkling of just how this whole thing is going to unwind in the end. not specifically what will happen but its as if he knows somehow frodo must be involved, somehow sam must be involved (he gives sam his never leave him mandate after all) and that gollum must somehow be involved in this all somehow. not that he knows they will succeed but somehow (through his spiritual ties with the higher powers?) theres a vague sense that strange things and bizarre events must intertwine in this for this to finish correctly. so he urges sam to follow frodo at all costs. and he give frodo the speach about having mercy on gollum becuase you never know what will happen with him in the end. this reminded me a lot of how merlin is portrayed. a wizard with vague knowlegde of the future but not always sure on the steps to get there.