[Lord Syslox of Emyn Beverli]

I remember from somewhere (i've only read LotR, the Hobbit and the Silm) that Gil-Galad and Elendil died while "casting down" Sauron and then Isildur cut the Ring from him and Sauron's spirit "fled his body". This isn't exact quotes, just what i remember. Correct me if im wrong

This seems to sugest that Gil-Galad and Elendil died but managed to badly wound, stun, knock out or even just trip over Sauron. Isildur then picked up Narsil (it broke under Elendil when he fell) and used it to liberate the Ring from Sauron, at which point Sauron's spirit was weakened and it left his body.

If we use this theory that Sauron was not killed but "cast down", Isildur's actions suggest he knew that removing the Ring would defeat Sauron. It is not likely that he was tempted by the Ring at that stage.

Even if we follow the converse of this theory (ie Sauron dead, then Ring taken) Isildur only says he wants to keep the Ring when he is told to throw it into Orodruin.

Anyway thats my view, do your best to prove me wrong or right.

May the Force be with you
Lord Syslox