I agree Eomer, Gollum served a big purpose to the success of the quest. First off he was there guide, who know's how long Frodo would have been stuck in Emyn Muil, and plus Gollum found a way through the dead marshes, and knew a secret way into Mordor. Also, Gollum, the HERO of MIDDLE-EARTH! No, I didn't studder, I said HERO, for he was the one that put the ring in the fire (eventhough unintentionally).
Also, a thing to understand about the ring. The ring offers everyone's deepest desires, makes them see what they want most. For example, Galadriel wanted to overthrow Sauron, so the Ring made her see herself, taking the ring and using it to bring down Sauron. To Gollum it was a "present" to him, this little "precious" ring that could make him "disappear." There are some who can resist what the ring has to offer (Galadriel, Gandalf, Sam, Faramir) and there are those who can't (Isildur, Boromir, Gollum). So, it also depends upon that "will" of the person, depends upon if they give in to the Ring's "offer" or if they are able to say, no. I believe eventually EVERYONE, would give in to the ring, there are some who can resist more then others, but EVERYONE (with the exclusion of Bombadil) would have done what Frodo did, if he/she was stuck in Frodo's place.
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