Why Did J.R.R. Tolkien Permit Bilbo to Keep the One Ring in His Legendarium?

Does it seem odd that Bilbo Baggins, a simple Hobbit from the Shire, was allowed to retain the One Ring, a powerful artifact of great significance as seen in "The Lord of the Rings"? The answer lies in the evolution of J.R.R. Tolkien's narrative and his intention to set up a compelling backdrop for his epic tale of Middle-earth. This article explores this intriguing topic and explains why the One Ring belongs to Bilbo at the beginning of "The Hobbit."

Discovery of the One Ring

Contrary to popular belief, Bilbo Baggins didn't receive the One Ring from the dragon Smaug. In fact, Bilbo stumbled upon the ring in the dangerous goblin tunnels of the Misty Mountains months before his confrontation with the dragon. Unbeknownst to many, it was only during this prelude that Bilbo found the One Ring, and no one, not even Gandalf, knew of its true nature.

The Shroud of secrecy over the Ring

When Bilbo first held the Ring, very few were aware of its discovery, and its true identity remained unclear even to Gandalf. Gandalf, who eventually got the full account from Bilbo, could only speculate about the ring's nature. Without immediate knowledge of its true status, Gandalf wisely decided to keep the matter confidential. Saruman, whose involvement in the Shire remained suspect for over a century, might have deduced the ring's significance had Gandalf confided in him. This potential leak of critical information could have detrimental effects on the free peoples of Middle-earth, especially considering Saruman's reluctance to approve an assault on Dol Guldur.

For the duration of Bilbo's stay in the Shire, the Ring's existence remained a secret to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. This prudent approach turned out to be critical in safeguarding the ring from potential adversaries for the time being.

Evolution in the Legendarium

In the original "The Hobbit", the One Ring was just one of a number of magical rings scattered throughout Middle-earth. It was nothing more than a curio, and there was no rationale against Bilbo keeping it. By the time Tolkien started writing "The Lord of the Rings" as a sequel, he had to fundamentally change several elements. This retcon included making the Necromancer Sauron the mastermind behind the One Ring and altering certain aspects, like the Hobbits' ability to turn invisible. In the original story, after Bilbo used the ring to subdue Smaug, it was never mentioned again.

Our Understanding of the Ring

Bilbo himself knew little beyond the ring's invisibility attribute. He guessed it was among the Rings of Power and was initially convinced that the ring had slipped off Isildur's finger and simply "rolled down the Anduin into the sea." However, Gandalf, who was intensely researching this very matter, only ascertained the ring's true nature through its final trial by fire in Frodo's fireplace.

The Shadow's Intent

The One Ring, it seems, had a will of its own. The ring was not taken but was left behind by Gollum in a Misty Mountains passageway. Bilbo "happened" to pick it up. This event was, in fact, orchestrated by a mysterious force. Indeed, Gandalf, in the prologue to "The Fellowship of the Ring," said, "There was more than one power at work here.... I can put it no plainer than that Bilbo was MEANT to find the ring and NOT by its creator."

Conclusion

Thus, the preservation of Bilbo Baggins' possession of the One Ring in the early stages of "The Hobbit" serves as a crucial plot device, allowing the story to unfold in a manner that would ultimately lead to the perilous journey described in "The Lord of the Rings." Understanding this context offers deeper insights into the seamless narrative that Tolkien constructed, despite the need for reimagining certain aspects of his expansive legendarium.