To bear the One Ring

[Essex]

What constitutes ‘bearing’ the One Ring? Or to put it another way, when do you become a Ring Bearer such as Frodo?

I ask this question (on the book section even though prompted to mainly by the Movie section) because of the Movie Makers’ decision not to have Sam put on the Ring.

On the Faramir and the Ring thread, it was posted:

PJ & co wrote themselves into a corner by making the Ring so alluring and by letting Faramir see it.

I feel this explains the problem that the filmmakers got themselves into throughout all three films. It reached a dissapointing conclusion in that Sam did not wear the ring in the film. (at least not in the cinematic version…….).

Sauron was too powerful, i.e. He would ‘see’ it straight away.

To me this changes the end of the story TOTALLY. ie I do not believe Sam will now follow Frodo to the West as he was not a 'Ring Bearer’

Other people in other (movie) posts have argued with me that Sam WAS a Ring Bearer as he (technically if you look in a dictionary) bore the ring.

To me this is looking at it too simply. Just to hold the Ring (or keep it in your pocket) does not, to me, mean you are a Ring Bearer. I believe you have to PUT ON the ring. But to call a person who does this a ‘Ring Wearer’ does not have the same ‘ring’ to it as ‘Ring Bearer’ does it?

Is Gandalf a ring bearer (of the One Ring) then? Can we call Tom Bombadil a Ring Bearer? At least he actually did PUT ON the ring.

Anyway, after this convoluted introduction, my question is, do you need to WEAR the Ring to be considered a Ring Bearer?