To bear the One Ring

[davem]

Well, its possible that the SEE will show Sam putting on the Ring. Especially as the last report I saw said it would be around 5 hrs long!

Of course, anyone who carries the Ring is 'bearing' it, but 'Ringbearer' does seem to have a specific meaning in the books - particularly in relation to the Great Rings. It is possible, I suppose, that Ringbearer is a kind of title, like 'Elf-Friend', a title or designation that must be given, & therefore wouldn't be applied to anyone who just happened to pick one of the things up - otherwise the number of Ringbearers would start to mount - Deagol, any Elf in the smithies of Eregion who was involved in the manufacture of the Rings. Gandalf says that there are many magic rings in the world. The number of 'Ringbearers' would increase massively & the title would lose its value if it just meant someone who happened to carry a Ring for a bit. My own feeling is that its a kind of 'title' bestowed (sometimes after the fact) by others with the authority to do so, & is given in recognition that what the particular individual did was worthy of some respect. After all, it seems to bring with it some kind of honour & special priviledge - like going into the West.