# LOTR Question - Who else could have carried the ring? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 15, 2006, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810 "2006-04-15T21:47:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/101 "2006-04-19T20:41:36Z")
> [@](#): > > Star Wars? They are all power-hungry. Maybe Yoda. See Gandalf. Gandalf’s strength lay not in being able to resist the temptation of the Ring; rather, he knew that he could not handle the temptation, and therefore had the strength to avoid the temptation in the first place. Yoda would be the same way. I like Linus, though… He has the innocence and purity to resist it, but unlike, say, Bombadil, he also has the dedication and sense of moral obligation to go on the quest in the first place. And while Calvin with the ring would be nothing short of apocolyptic, Hobbes might be able to handle it: He loves the power he already has as a tiger, but he loves that power precisely because it is his own. Using the Ring would be un-tigerish. Then again, you’ve got the easily-distracted factor there, too. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/102 "2006-04-19T21:07:57Z")
> [@well he's back](#): > > So, who could carry the ring to Mordor from - Star Wars? (nah – all too busy worrying about the Force); Star Trek? (anyone? I say even Mr. Spock would be tempted to remake the universe in his image); Peanuts? (Linus, most likely – unless he lost his blanket then we’d all be in trouble.) Any candidates from other books/films/TV shows? Sure. How about Kellie Pickler? The perfect decoy. _“Whut do y’all call this round thang on mah neckliss? A RANG???!!!??? Whut’s that? Goin’ ta Mordoor? Ah ain’t plannin’ ta murder nobody! Hyuck!”_ At the end of the line she might put the Ring on, but by then Sauron would push her into the flame of Oroduin himself. Mission accomplished. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/103 "2006-04-19T21:17:59Z")
> [@What Exit?](#): > > Robots and Androids just seem like cheating, Of course R2D2 could resist but shouldn’t we preclude Bots, otherwise we could say any good bot would have a chance. I think conjecture of this sort requires a no use of advance Technology. So no bots, Shuttles, Androids, Helicopters or Tanks. > > Jim So I guess sharks with laser beams shooting out of their mouths are out of the question? Okay. Just askin’. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/104 "2006-04-19T21:49:32Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > So I guess sharks with laser beams shooting out of their mouths are out of the question? > > Okay. Just askin’. Just to hard to get up the side of Mt Doom anyway. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/105 "2006-04-19T21:50:17Z")
> [@What Exit?](#): > > Spock was half Human and prove he had a latent Hunger for Power in Mirror-Mirror. He would start out doing good and if he completed the quest fast enough he would have a chance, but unless he had a Transporter or Shuttle Craft I doubt he would have resisted as long as Frodo or Bilbo. > Lets just say for the sake of it that the Ring could not be Transported or Teleported. Not unreasonable. > I don’t know comic book Heroes well enough, so I’ll pass. > Scotty is interesting, but not cut out for a quest. He is a Technocrat, an Alpha Geek, his idea of a good time is Romulan Brandy, Women and Tech Manuals. > Robots and Androids just seem like cheating, Of course R2D2 could resist but shouldn’t we preclude Bots, otherwise we could say any good bot would have a chance. I think conjecture of this sort requires a no use of advance Technology. So no bots, Shuttles, Androids, Helicopters or Tanks. > > Jim I mentioned R2 specifically to diffentiate him from CPO, who absolutely could nto hve been trusted with the ring–droid or not. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/106 "2006-04-19T22:36:03Z")
It’s hard to come up with another race of creatures, then, **What Exit**? that have hobbits’ absolulte non-interest in ambition or lust for power. Everybody wants something. And that’s only the starting brew. Even amongst Hobbits there are those who thirst for more…just look at the Sacksville-Bagginses. I think Taran Wanderer could have done it, towards the end of the High King. After all, he gave up a kingdom. But in the beginning he certainly was looking for fame, at least. Eilonwy? Eilonwy might have been able to do it. Gurgi…too easily distracted. Oh! That dude up on the mountain, that took care of all the animals. Hmm. Who else? Wow. I just went out and glanced at my movies, and I can’t think of a single other one. The only one that even came close was Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and he might have used it for his parents. Even if he didn’t, he wouldn’t have the endurance and stamina to take it all the way. I just finished the Farseer Trilogy. I’m thinking the main character of that, Fitz, might have been able to do it. After all, all the power and fame and fortune he has is forced upon him. But no, he would have used it for his woman and child. Jeez, I’m drawing a blank. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/107 "2006-04-19T22:46:57Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > It’s hard to come up with another race of creatures, then, **What Exit**? that have hobbits’ absolulte non-interest in ambition or lust for power. Everybody wants something. > > And that’s only the starting brew. Even amongst Hobbits there are those who thirst for more…just look at the Sacksville-Bagginses. > > I think Taran Wanderer could have done it, towards the end of the High King. After all, he gave up a kingdom. But in the beginning he certainly was looking for fame, at least. > Eilonwy? Eilonwy might have been able to do it. Gurgi…too easily distracted. Oh! That dude up on the mountain, that took care of all the animals. > > Hmm. Who else? > > Wow. I just went out and glanced at my movies, and I can’t think of a single other one. The only one that even came close was Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and he might have used it for his parents. Even if he didn’t, he wouldn’t have the endurance and stamina to take it all the way. > > I just finished the Farseer Trilogy. I’m thinking the main character of that, Fitz, might have been able to do it. After all, all the power and fame and fortune he has is forced upon him. But no, he would have used it for his woman and child. > > Jeez, I’m drawing a blank. The Older Taran is a good choice, he might of been able to suceed. The older Ged of EarthSea would have had a chance also, but as he was already powerful maybe not. You are right about Hobbits, only a few could have done it. What did you think of Forrest Gump? Charlie in the book would probably have failed. How about Santa Claus, I think Santa could have done it, could Magic Reindeer get past Nazgul though? I don’t think Santa is up to it on foot. Jim ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/108 "2006-04-19T22:51:04Z")
> [@What Exit?](#): > > What did you think of Forrest Gump? Er…do I have to say? It isn’t very nice. I’ll say I don’t think he’d be able to and leave it. at that. > [@](#): > > Charlie in the book would probably have failed. > How about Santa Claus, I think Santa could have done it, could Magic Reindeer get past Nazgul though? I don’t think Santa is up to it on foot. > > Jim Too ostentatious, though. Remember it must be small and subtle, or else Sauron will notice. The girly rat from the Rats of N_I_M\*H might have been able to do it, but then again, she’s a single mom, and that’s a tough job. Baron Munchausen might have been able to do it. Inigo coudln’t, but Fezzik maybe. Ooo! ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/109 "2006-04-19T22:52:10Z")
Damnit. Got so excited I posted too fast. Ooo! What about Heihachi from the Seven Samurai? After all, he was lacking enough in pride to be cutting wood for his supper. (If you don’t remember, he was the one always smiling.) ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/110 "2006-04-19T23:47:34Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Damnit. Got so excited I posted too fast. > > Ooo! What about Heihachi from the Seven Samurai? After all, he was lacking enough in pride to be cutting wood for his supper. (If you don’t remember, he was the one always smiling.) You have to translate it to the Magnificient 7 for me, I have never seen the Original. I kind of like Fezzik. He could probably resist. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2006, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/111 "2006-04-19T23:58:38Z")
> [@What Exit?](#): > > Spock was half Human and prove he had a latent Hunger for Power in Mirror-Mirror. No, Mirror, Mirror proves that the alternate universe version of Mr. Spock had a lust for power…maybe. He didn’t seem particularly interested in being captain. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2006, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/112 "2006-04-20T00:29:14Z")
I couldn’t do it. I’d get hungry and eat the ring. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Civil\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d78d45/32.png) [@Civil\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Civil_Guy)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2006, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/113 "2006-04-20T00:45:00Z")
Okay, somebody’s got to start this, I guess. …Gotta be Neville, with Luna on the assist. Harry and the others are around to keep Sauron/Voldemort distracted, see. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2006, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/114 "2006-04-20T01:20:26Z")
Heh, **Qadgop**. At least it’d be safe, unless someone cut you open. (Man, it \*hurts \*to leave the ‘u’ out.) > [@What Exit?](#): > > You have to translate it to the Magnificient 7 for me, I have never seen the Original. > I kind of like Fezzik. He could probably resist. And I never saw the Magnificent 7. I do intend to, and I do recommend the original, it is phenomenal. Anyway, they show how all the samurai are cocky and arrogant. Heihachi is one they find chopping a farmer’s wood for his food. Even the farmer is surprised. He always smiles this broad, open smile, and he makes jokes about having studied at the “WoodCut School”. No arrogance at all. I don’t think any of the Harry Potter crew could do it. Neville doesn’t have the ego or the desire for fame or power but he doesn’t really have his wits about him, either. He is getting better, though. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2006, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/115 "2006-04-20T02:25:42Z")
> [@well he's back](#): > > Any candidates from other books/films/TV shows? Paksenarrion or any another paladin from her universe, as they are divinely immune to mental influences, but that would be cheating. The Walking Man, the Wrath of God in the World of Men for the same reason. Drizzt Do’Urden and Artemis Entreri from Forgotten Realms probably could, as they resisted the Crystal Shard, something with the same sort of manipulative/corruptive abilites. It was at least as nasty as the Ring that way. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2006, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/116 "2006-04-20T04:17:44Z")
Based on the Towelie episode, I think the South Park kids could do it as long as someone got their videogame to Mt. Doom first. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2006, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/117 "2006-04-20T04:41:31Z")
The Luggage from Discworld would have a shot. Absolutely obedient to its owner, absolutely invincible. ---
**Author:** ![Civil\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d78d45/32.png) [@Civil\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Civil_Guy)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2006, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/118 "2006-04-20T05:47:55Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > The Luggage from Discworld would have a shot. Absolutely obedient to its owner, absolutely invincible. …Probably… but the motivation of the Luggage has always been pretty mysterious, probably intentionally so. I’m just slightly creeped out by the idea that the Luggage might decide to use the Ring for it’s own private purposes… [sound effect: tribal drums beating ominously /]. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2006, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/119 "2006-04-20T06:01:42Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Ooo! What about Heihachi from the Seven Samurai? After all, he was lacking enough in pride to be cutting wood for his supper. (If you don’t remember, he was the one always smiling.) > [@What Exit?](#): > > You have to translate it to the Magnificient 7 for me, I have never seen the Original. The characters in **Seven Samurai** and **The Magnificent Seven** don’t correlate one to one – there were a large number of differences between the two movies in plot _and_ characterization to prevent it. The closest is Bernardo O’Reilly (Charles Bronson). DD ---
**Author:** ![roger\_thornhill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@roger\_thornhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roger_thornhill)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2006, 8:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810/120 "2006-04-20T08:55:26Z")
Whichever name was finally given to the man (yes, it had to be a man because women were good for nothing much besides cooking, nursing, having babies, looking pretty and praising their man - and, yes, if she was as fit as a butcher’s dog, then she could pretend to be a man and ride into battle to certain non-death, women not being particularly suited to death either), whether Bingo (my favourite - pity Tollers dropped the idea), Frodo, Bilbo or plain ol’ Tom, he would always be “John Ronald Reuel” behind the ruddy-faced disguise. But, you see, “John Ronald Reuel” was just, well, rather long (like the book), so it had to be something a bit more modest. Hence, “Frodo”, Old English for “pipe-smoker who is a rather remarkable combination of tweedy automobile-hater and innocent, teller of exceedingly long stories and homespun, yet strangely deep, moralist, blended with warrior and grower of organic veg - with a woman who comes in to do the cleaning Tuesdays and Fridays”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-who-else-could-have-carried-the-ring/352810.md?page=7)