# What power did the One Ring grant? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 9, 2007, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238 "2007-01-09T01:42:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Muad\_Dib](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/35a633/32.png) [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/1 "2007-01-09T01:42:44Z")
I never understood that part. All of the characters expressed the belief that the ring would somehow grant them great power, aside from invisibility I don’t recall the ring doing much. ---
**Author:** ![Muad\_Dib](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/35a633/32.png) [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/2 "2007-01-09T01:44:01Z")
(preview!=post) How did they expect the ring to help them rule over people? ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/3 "2007-01-09T01:58:41Z")
[QUOTE=Muad’Dib] I never understood that part. All of the characters expressed the belief that the ring would somehow grant them great power, aside from invisibility I don’t recall the ring doing much. [/QUOTE] Someone like Frodo, Bilbo or Smeagol couldn’t make the ring do much. Someone like Sauron, Saruman or Gandalf, or even Galadriel or Elrond, could have, but would have slid into darkness as a consequence (much like Smeagol did and Frodo _almost_ did). The characters’ fascination for the ring stems from its powers of seduction and its ability to create an “addiction” to it. This is what happened to Smeagol, and everybody who owned it had severe difficulties getting rid of it. I only recall Bilbo doing so voluntarily. ---
**Author:** ![5\_time\_champ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/278dde/32.png) [@5\_time\_champ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5_time_champ)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/4 "2007-01-09T02:02:26Z")
The Power of Command, once one learned to the wield the Ring. That is the power to order people. . . well, elves, dwarves, Men, hobbits and Ents to do things, just like the Dark Lord could order orcs & the Nine to do his terrible bidding. ---
**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:** [January 9, 2007, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/5 "2007-01-09T02:34:30Z")
From the FAQ of the Rings: [The powers of the One Ring](http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q1-Powers) To rule the other Rings To control the wielders of other Rings To understand languages, or read thoughts? To control or influence people in general To deceive and corrupt its bearer and others ---
**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:** [January 9, 2007, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/6 "2007-01-09T02:35:31Z")
From [The FAQ of the Rings :](http://oakroadsystems.com/genl/ringfaq.htm#Q1-Powers) > [@](#): > > **To rule the other Rings** > The One was the master ring, the one to rule all the others. Though it was forged last, the other Rings were all immediately subject to it. In fact, it controlled them so completely that their own power would fail if it was ever destroyed [Silm: Rings (287)]. ---
**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:** [January 9, 2007, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/7 "2007-01-09T02:36:14Z")
😃 I win! ---
**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:** [January 9, 2007, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/8 "2007-01-09T02:39:38Z")
[QUOTE=Qadgop the Mercotan] 😃 I win! [/QUOTE] You were first, but _mine_ is BIGGER ! HAH ! ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/9 "2007-01-09T02:40:03Z")
[QUOTE=Priceguy] The characters’ fascination for the ring stems from its powers of seduction and its ability to create an “addiction” to it. This is what happened to Smeagol, and everybody who owned it had severe difficulties getting rid of it. I only recall Bilbo doing so voluntarily. [/QUOTE] Correction: Sam did so as well. But he carried it only briefly. ---
**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:** [January 9, 2007, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/10 "2007-01-09T02:41:38Z")
[QUOTE=Der Trihs] You were first, but _mine_ is BIGGER ! HAH ! [/QUOTE] Yeah, _and_ more likely to irk the CR PTB too, so nyah! 😉 ---
**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:** [January 9, 2007, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/11 "2007-01-09T02:57:43Z")
I think there’s also mention (by Galadriel?) that simply carrying the Ring gave Frodo more insight into the thoughts of the powerful than would be expected from an ordinary mortal. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/12 "2007-01-09T04:25:53Z")
[QUOTE=Der Trihs] You were first, but _mine_ is BIGGER ! HAH ! [/QUOTE] Does size matter? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/13 "2007-01-09T05:03:34Z")
[QUOTE=Priceguy] Correction: Sam did so as well. But he carried it only briefly. [/QUOTE] So did Tom Bombadil. And Frodo tried to give away two or three times, but no one would take it. And Faramir never held the Ring, but was never remotely tempted to hold it in the first place. It’s probably a good thing you had all those character going on and on about how hard it was to give up the Ring, because just going by what actually _happened_, you really don’t get a sense of it from the books. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/14 "2007-01-09T09:39:36Z")
[QUOTE=Civil Guy] I think there’s also mention (by Galadriel?) that simply carrying the Ring gave Frodo more insight into the thoughts of the powerful than would be expected from an ordinary mortal. [/QUOTE] Yes, and in the “Mirror” scene it is established that Frodo, who carries and has worn the One Ring, can see Nenya the Adamant Ring that Galadriel wears, while Sam cannot. ---
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/15 "2007-01-09T12:07:58Z")
i think it stretches your lifespan too. for hobbits at least. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/16 "2007-01-09T12:24:26Z")
[QUOTE=shijinn] i think it stretches your lifespan too. for hobbits at least. [/QUOTE] Fo’ shizzle. A mortal who possesses any of the Rings of Power does not die, but he does not obtain more life - the Ring merely keeps him from dying. That was true of the Nine as well as the One, and this was what created the Ringwraiths. Gandalf observed that by contrast Gollum had not dwindled away to wraithdom; he was still visibly a living creature, thin and tough, though he looked perpetually starved. But, as Gollum might have said, “when five hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not.” 😛 As for Bilbo, he was still doing very well at a hundred and plenty - though he felt over-extended, he was visibly in good health, and as long as the Ring lasted he was in full possession of his wits. It was only after the Ring was destroyed that he finally became extremely elderly and infirm. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/17 "2007-01-09T13:46:11Z")
Moderator Comment: **Der Trihs** , you quoted WAY more material than is fair usage. I’ve therefore deleted all but the first paragraph (in this situation, mods are not allowed to do any “editing” other than to delete all but the first sentence or two.) You’ve provided a link to the source, and that should be sufficient. You know this, of course, but please remind yourself (and for others who are unaware) of our policy on quoting material: [FAQ - Rules for Posting on the Straight Dope Message Boards](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=384736) and note especially Post #3 in that thread. You could also get similar (somewhat expanded) information in Post #2 of[Forum Rules – PLEASE READ!](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=343601) Please don’t do this again. ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/18 "2007-01-09T13:50:49Z")
[QUOTE=Malacandra] Fo’ shizzle. A mortal who possesses any of the Rings of Power does not die, but he does not obtain more life - the Ring merely keeps him from dying. That was true of the Nine as well as the One, and this was what created the Ringwraiths. Gandalf observed that by contrast Gollum had not dwindled away to wraithdom; he was still visibly a living creature, thin and tough, though he looked perpetually starved. But, as Gollum might have said, “when five hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not.” 😛 As for Bilbo, he was still doing very well at a hundred and plenty - though he felt over-extended, he was visibly in good health, and as long as the Ring lasted he was in full possession of his wits. It was only after the Ring was destroyed that he finally became extremely elderly and infirm. [/QUOTE] Except, of course, that it didn’t do this for the dwarves. I always laugh at blanket statements about the Rings of Power. Not one single such statement appears to be true about all the rings, all the time. Frodo perceives Nenya on Galadriel, but he never perceives that Gandalf is wearing Narya, or that Elrond is wearing Vilya. Etc., etc., etc. ---
**Author:** ![Albert\_Rose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@Albert\_Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Albert_Rose)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/19 "2007-01-09T14:19:05Z")
[QUOTE=Miller] … And Faramir never held the Ring, but was never remotely tempted to hold it in the first place. [/QUOTE] Plus, Sam would kill him if he tried anything. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2007, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238/20 "2007-01-09T18:10:20Z")
[QUOTE=C K Dexter Haven] Moderator Comment: **Der Trihs** , you quoted WAY more material than is fair usage. I’ve therefore deleted all but the first paragraph (in this situation, mods are not allowed to do any “editing” other than to delete all but the first sentence or two.) You’ve provided a link to the source, and that should be sufficient. You know this, of course, but please remind yourself (and for others who are unaware) of our policy on quoting material: [FAQ - Rules for Posting on the Straight Dope Message Boards](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=384736) and note especially Post #3 in that thread. You could also get similar (somewhat expanded) information in Post #2 of[Forum Rules – PLEASE READ!](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=343601) Please don’t do this again. [/QUOTE] Ooo. Shrinkage. Do women know about shrinkage? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-did-the-one-ring-grant/387238.md?page=2)