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harperthejay · 3 months

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Secret Ring and Ocean Depths

At the Council of Elrond, Glorfindel suggested that they toss the One Ring into the depths of the sea. After all, had it not been lost for millennia at the bottom of a mere river? Surely the ocean’s waves would hide it for longer, perhaps forever. What would happen if the One Ring was not taken to the fires of Mt. Doom to be destroyed, but instead was thrown into the depths of the sea?

The Council of Elrond

The Council had convened to discuss the fate of the Ring, and indeed of all of Middle-earth. It was hosted by Elrond, Lord of Rivendell, and Erestor, advisor and chief of the House of Elrond. In attendance were: Gandalf the Grey, an Istar, known to the Elves as Mithrandir; Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Ranger and heir of Isildur; Frodo, the Ringer-bearer; Bilbo, the former Ring-bearer and uncle to Frodo; Boromir, son of Denethor, Captain of the White Tower; Glóin, son of Gróin, representative of the Lonely Mountain; Gimli, son of Glóin; Legolas, son of Thranduil, Prince of the Woodland Realm; Glorfindel, former Lord of the House of the Golden Flower; Galdor of the Havens, messenger and representative of Círdan the Shipwright; as well as several other representatives of Men and Elves.

Already had they discussed the history of the Ring, of Isildur’s failure to destroy it in the Second Age, of its subsequent loss and the creature Gollum who had found it before it came into Bilbo’s possession.

Glóin spoke of representatives from Mordor that had come to the Lonely Mountain and threatened King Dáin in search of Bilbo’s location.

Legolas spoke of Gollum’s escape from custody. Aragorn told them that he and Gandalf had found and interrogated Gollum, learning that the creature had been tortured by agents of Mordor and gave up the location of the Shire.

Gandalf told them of Saruman’s lies and betrayal; he had said that the Ring was lost to the seas, though in secret he wanted it for his own motive. They spoke of the nine Nazgul being swept away by the waters of the Bruinen, to trek on foot back to Mordor.

They debated over Tom Bombadil, Iarwain in the Elven tongue, a being older than the Valar, of great power and resistance toward corruption. However, Iarwain’s aloofness to the affairs of the world made him a poor keeper, and it was decided that he would shortly lose or discard the Ring out of boredom.

“If the Ring cannot be kept from him forever by strength alone, two things remain for us to attempt: to send it over the sea to Valinor, or to destroy it,” said Glorfindel.

“Gandalf has revealed to us that the Ring cannot be destroyed by any craft we here possess,” said Elrond. “As to your first point, those who dwell beyond the sea would not take it. For better or worse, the Ring is of Middle-earth, and it is for those who live here to deal with it.”

“Well then, let us cast it into the depths,” said Glorfindel. “Bring truth to Saruman’s lies. He may have been on a crooked path when last he met the Council, and yet in lies, truth can often be found. Saruman knew the Ring would be safe in the sea, which was what made his lies credible.”

“Not safe forever,” said Gandalf. “There are many things in the deep waters, and besides, seas and lands may change.”

“True, the land may rise and the sea may fall, but these things take time,” said Glorfindel. “An Age may yet pass before land and sea are disrupted.”

“It is not our part to think only of a single season, or a few generations of Men, or the passing of a single Age. We should seek a final end to this menace,” said Gandalf.

“And yet you say it cannot be destroyed by any craft we possess,” said Glorfindel. “By what manner should we end the Ring, if not by our wit or craft?”

“The Fire of Mordor,” said Elrond. “Only there may the Ring be destroyed, for there was it crafted.”

“The road to Mordor is long, and ill-fit for travel,” said Glorfindel. “A westward road would find greater success.”

“If the road to Iarwain is too dangerous,” said Galdor, “then flight to the sea would now be drought with great peril indeed. My heart tells me that Sauron will expect us to take the way west, when he learns what has befallen, which he soon will. Only the waning might of Gondor now stands between the Dark Lord and a march in power toward the coasts. And if he assails the White Towers and the Grey Havens, the Elves may have no escape from the lengthening shadow growing over Middle-earth.”

“Long will that march be delayed,” said Boromir. “Gondor may wane, as you say, but still it stands. Even at the end of its strength, it is strong.”

“Understand I mean no offense, son of Denethor,” said Galdor. “But its vigilance cannot keep back the Nazgul, and other roads may Sauron find that Gondor does not guard.”

Boromir considered this, and nodded gravely. “Had we more eyes to watch the roads, I do believe Gondor could hold back Mordor’s forces until we can succeed at our task, whatever it may be.”

“Then,” said Erestor, “we return to yet the same crossroads. Two courses, as Glorfindel has already declared: to hide the Ring forever, or to unmake it. Both may be beyond our power, and yet one must be chosen. Who will solve this riddle for us?”

“There are none here that can,” said Elrond, despair hinting at his features. “At least none can foretell what will come to pass, if we take this road or that.”

After a long silence, Aragorn stood to speak. “I believe that it is unwise to ignore the wisdom of Gandalf. It is he who brought news of the Ring to our attention, and he who endeavored to bring the Ring here, for the Council to tend to. If he says that the sea is not a fitting hiding place for the Ring, that we should destroy it instead, then I agree.”

Gandalf simply nodded.

Glorfindel motioned for Aragorn to sit, and he did. “I understand your concern, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. And I do not dispute Mithrandir’s advice easily. But I believe to travel into Mordor with the Ring is a doomed cause, and I cannot support a doomed plan, however wise its planner may be.”

Another silence followed, as eyes glanced between Gandalf and Glorfindel, two ancient figures of legend, wisest among the Wise. Finally, Boromir spoke again. “One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. The very air is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you reach the Fire.” All gathered stared at him, save for Gandalf, nodding at his words. “I say again, had we more eyes for the roads, I believe Gondor could stem the tide of Mordor’s troops.”

“I could attempt to make contact with the Rangers that had guarded the Shire,” said Aragorn, “though they were driven off by the Nazgul and may have perished. Those that remain could aid in patrolling the roads that Gondor cannot.”

“If Gondor’s strength could indeed stand against the Dark Lord’s own, then perhaps a westward journey may yet be open to us,” said Galdor. “Though we must still act with great care, whatever our destination. The Nazgul will not be without steeds for long.”

“Should Sauron move toward the western coast, the North-South Road leading to The Green Way is the route he is most likely to take,” said Boromir. “Yet still should the southern and northern ways be guarded, as the enemy is resourceful and not one to ignore opportunity.”

“Let Sauron move west, I say,” said Gandalf, “while we proceed under cover of uncertainty into the heart of Mordor to destroy the Ring before he can reach the White Towers.”

“I am truly sorry, Mithrandir, but I cannot support this plan,” said Glorfindel. “Let Gondor hold back the Dark Lord’s armies while we whisk away the Ring to hide in the depths of the sea.”

Boromir nodded. “Whatever is decided, Gondor will stand until it can stand no longer.”

A tense moment passed as eyes moved between Gandalf and Glorfindel, before all in attendance looked to Elrond.

“There is no road which is most obvious, or easiest,” said Elrond. “And while both courses are dangerous, I believe that Glorfindel’s carries less danger. Often have the Elves taken the road west, and the road east is unforeseen, and full of peril. Therefore, it seems clear to me that the journey westward to the sea must be the choice. There lies our hope, if hope it be. We must cast the Ring into the sea.”

Silence fell again, and all could hear the noise of clear waters in the sunlit valley. Finally Boromir stood, the silence breaking with his voice. “I do not understand this. Saruman is a traitor, but did he not have a glimpse of wisdom? I had a dream. In this dream, I saw the eastern sky grow dark. In the west, a pale light lingered. A voice was crying, ‘your doom is near at hand!’ Why hide the Ring away, when it could serve us in this very hour of need? Surely that is the Dark Lord’s greatest fear, that we would turn his creation against him. Gondor is valiant and will not submit; let the Ring be our weapon, if it has such power as you say!”

“Alas, no,” said Elrond. “We cannot use the Ring in this way. It belongs to Sauron, and was made by him alone, a thing of evil and darkness. Its strength is too great for anyone to wield, save those who already have great power of their own.” His eyes briefly fell to Gandalf, and Glorfindel. “But for them, it holds even deadlier peril, for it corrupts the heart. Consider Saruman, one of the strongest among the Wise, who yet fell to the Ring’s influence. If any should overthrow the Dark Lord with the power of the Ring, they would set themself upon Sauron’s throne, and become yet another Dark Lord.”

“And while we bicker amongst ourselves,” Gandalf said with a heavy sigh, “Sauron’s power grows.”

Glorfindel nodded slowly, his lips tight and his eyes dark. “That is why the Ring must be hidden away; as long as it is within Sauron’s grasp, it is a danger even to the Wise. Nothing is evil in the beginning. Even Sauron was once not so. I fear even the journey to hide the Ring; I would not take the Ring to wield it.”

“Nor I,” said Gandalf, his gaze lost in the distance.

Boromir looked between them glumly, and bowed his head, sitting. “So be it. We will trust the weapons we have, and while the Wise guard this Ring, we will fight on. Perhaps the hand that wields the Sword-that-was-Broken has inherited the sinews of the Kings of Men, and not only the heirloom.”

“Perhaps,” said Aragorn. “We will put that to the test one day.”

“May the day not be too long delayed,” said Boromir. “For though I do not care to ask for aid, we need it. It would comfort us to know that others fought with all of their means, as we do.”

“Then be comforted,” said Elrond. “There are other powers and realms that you know not, hidden from you, but fighting all the same. The Wise work toward the same end, even if we do not always agree.”

Gandalf’s gaze pulled back to the Council, to Elrond. “It is true. I do not think it shrewd to carry the Ring to hide in the sea, but nor will I work against it. I only hope you are correct to choose such a course, lest we all fall under darkness.”

“I appreciate your candor,” said Glorfindel, “and I will always appreciate your wisdom, Mithrandir. I believe that the Dark Lord, though he has a wisdom of his own, judges all hearts against his own desire for power, for aggression. He may yet expect the Ring to take hold of one of the Wise, as the thought will not enter his mind that any could refuse its power. If we continue to fear and respect that power, I believe we will avoid Sauron’s detection.”

“At least for a while,” said Elrond. “The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far alone. But for now, we must choose the custodians to be sent with the Ring, for they will be our salvation.”

No one answered. The noon-bell rang, and still no one spoke. Frodo glanced at all the faces, but they were not turned to him. The Council sat deep in thought. A great dread fell on him, as if he was awaiting a proclamation of doom that he vainly hoped might never be spoken. He longed to rest and remain at Bilbo’s side in Rivendell, but he knew this could not be. At last, with an effort, he stood and spoke. “I will take the Ring to the sea. Though I do not have a ship.”

Elrond raised his eyes and looked at him. “If I understand all that I have heard, then I think this task has been appointed for you, Frodo, and that if you cannot find a way, no one will. This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they will rise from their quiet fields to shake the towers of the Great and Wise. But it is a heavy burden, one that I cannot lay on you against your will. But if you take it freely, I will say that your choice is right, and that you deserve a seat among the Great and Wise yourself.”

Glorfindel stood and placed his hand on Frodo’s shoulder. “I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear.”

Galdor stood next, holding his clenched fist over his heart. “I believe it is the song of Illuvatar that guided me to you, Frodo Baggins. I will lend you a ship, and I will sail with you until the deed is done.”

Legolas stepped beside Galdor, mimicking his motion with a fist over his heart. “And I will lend my bow.”

Gimli hopped to his feet, not to be outdone by the Elves. “And I will lend my axe!”

Galdor and Legolas shared a sigh. Gimli grunted.

“You carry the fate of us all, little one,” said Boromir. He stood slowly, resting his hand on the sword at his belt. “If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done. I will lend you my sword.”

“And you won’t go anywhere without me, by boat or by land!” cried Sam, unable to contain himself any longer, and jumping up from the corner where he had been quietly hiding.

“No indeed!” said Elrond with a mirthful laugh. “You at least shall go with him. It is hardly possible to separate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.”

Sam sat beside Frodo, blushing and muttering. “A nice pickle we have landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo!”

Frodo smiled at Sam, though could not shake the dread that fell deep inside. He turned to Gandalf. “What will you do, Gandalf?”

Gandalf gave Frodo a tired smile, reaching out to touch his shoulder as he stood and leaned on his staff. “I have work to do elsewhere to give this quest a chance at success. I wish you luck, Frodo Baggins. You truly are the best of us.”

Aragorn stepped to Gandalf’s side. “I will accompany you south, Gandalf,” he said before turning to Boromir. “You have my word that Gondor will receive the aid of the Rangers, and the heir of Isildur.”

Boromir smiled, and the two clasped hands. “Gondor thanks you.”

Aragorn looked at the Hobbits with a warm smile. “Best of luck, Frodo. Sam, you watch over him.”

“Don’t you worry about that, Strider, sir,” said Sam, his arm around Frodo’s shoulders. “He won’t leave my sight.”

Gandalf chuckled quietly and said to Elrond, “perhaps this plan may yet succeed.”