Frodo at Sammath Naur

[Mister Underhill]

I just have to step into this interesting conversation to make a point or two:

...if his will is totally overwhelmed by the power of the Ring he would have no knowledge of claiming it, & therefore no feelings of loss or guilt or failure...

First, the loss of will does not, in my view, denote a loss of consciousness. Frodo was aware of what occurred at the Sammath Naur, even if he had lost all will to resist the Ring.

And secondly, I respectfully disagree with the last half of that quote. People can feel intense guilt for actions they don’t remember committing, even for actions or circumstances they know they’re not responsible for.

Incidentally, the thread I linked above attempted to explore that exact question – what is that secret desire that causes Frodo to claim the Ring? I don’t think it’s one that can be answered with any certainty, but it can lead to some interesting discussion.