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[–] 31 points 1 week ago (4 children)

The reply is damn spot on, the whole of middle earth was terrified of it falling into the hands of almost anyone - if they were powerful enough, they'd become a new Sauron, if weak enough they'd be virtually enslaved by the ring and made to return it to the dark lord.

A hobbit was literally around the threat level of a chicken, with the added bonus of being thick skulled enough for the ring to have a hard time influencing them...

Granted, Frodo was much more seriously affected than Bilbo, but Sauron had regained much power by then, they were much closer having travelled into Mordor itself, Frodo was physically and emotionally debilitated during a big part of the trip, and he was fully aware of the burden he was carrying. Finally, the ring actively fought back as they approached Mount Doom, becoming heavier and aggressively trying to corrupt Frodo.

The boys did good there.

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  • [–] 13 points 1 week ago (2 children)

    He also got stabbed by the Witch King, which I’m sure had an effect bonus on the ring’s influence over him.

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  • [–] 4 points 1 week ago

    Well, I didn't want to go into all the ways Frodo was debilitated during the journey, but most evident ones:

    • the Morgul-blade splinter in his shoulder that never healed, as you mentioned;
    • Shelob’s sting - the extent of the physical and psycological consequences of that ordeal couldn't have been light and some possibly permanent;
    • Physical deprivation, from the long months of marching, poor sleep, starvation, dehydration, and exhaustion;
    • Psychological/"spiritual" trauma from the One Ring trying to erode his will, the strain of fighting against Sauron's desire to dominate that is within the ring

    That luxury trip package to the Undying Lands didn't come cheap.

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  • [–] 5 points 1 week ago

    Just to expand on what you've written, the ring takes over those who wish for power. It can be power for good too, such as with Gandalf.
    Hobbits care for none of that. They want to drink, smoke and tend to their garden. That's why the ring struggled to take power over Frodo.

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