What if Smaug the dragon lived? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Smaug · 04-11-2006, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noxomanus

Well,The Ring fitted it's size to it's bearer so I'm sure it would have adjusted it's size to Smaugs claw. That would have possibly made it large enough for Bilbo to use it as a hoop! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

Hmm, I didn't think this slight 'side-question' I have deserved a new thread as it would produce little debate or general discussion on its own, but am I right in thinking Smaug and other creatures that are very dissimilar to humans in physical shape could have worn the ring and used its power to command creatures far and wide in Middle Earth (including the Dark Lord)? Following on, could any creature at all use the ring of power? I mean in the Hobbit, say Bilbo had lost the ring in Mirkwood and one of those wild deer they often encountered retrieved it and picked it up, could the deer use its immense power?! Lol. Imagine a single cute deer commanding Middle Earth flanked by nasty Orcs and Balrogs…

Farael · 04-11-2006, 10:37 AM

Well, maybe I should let other, better versed in Tolkien lore 'downers reply to this point, but if you will forgive a lack of textual evidence here's what happens (according to my understanding):

The ring is not quite an unlimited source of power. It is said that the ring gives people (or hobbits, or maiar, or deers) power according to their stature. So a hobbit will probably have little use of the ring for anything else than dissapearing unless this hobbit also spent most of his lifetime learning how to wield the powers of the ring. And it's still likely that even then he would not be able to unleash it's full power.

On the other hand, a powerful elf would be able to gain more power from it, but probably not as much power as a Maiar such as Gandalf or Sauron himself. With your example of a deer, the deer might have some super-natural powers, but by no means it'd be an allmighty little cute deer (yet I see how amusing that could be

)

Also, the deer will probably lack the intelligence to keep the ring, as it tends to slip off when it wants to change masters, and it's likely that the Deer would not know how to avoid it from slipping onto a river or something.

But the last part is mere speculation.

04-11-2006, 10:37 AM	#2
Farael Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: In hospitals, call rooms and (rarely) my apartment. Posts: 1,538	Well, maybe I should let other, better versed in Tolkien lore 'downers reply to this point, but if you will forgive a lack of textual evidence here's what happens (according to my understanding): The ring is not quite an unlimited source of power. It is said that the ring gives people (or hobbits, or maiar, or deers) power according to their stature. So a hobbit will probably have little use of the ring for anything else than dissapearing unless this hobbit also spent most of his lifetime learning how to wield the powers of the ring. And it's still likely that even then he would not be able to unleash it's full power. On the other hand, a powerful elf would be able to gain more power from it, but probably not as much power as a Maiar such as Gandalf or Sauron himself. With your example of a deer, the deer might have some super-natural powers, but by no means it'd be an allmighty little cute deer (yet I see how amusing that could be ) Also, the deer will probably lack the intelligence to keep the ring, as it tends to slip off when it wants to change masters, and it's likely that the Deer would not know how to avoid it from slipping onto a river or something. But the last part is mere speculation. __________________ I prepared Explosive Runes this morning.