It's not just about having the power...

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by alatar

The other thought that comes to mind regarding Boromir and the Ring, is that no one, even if initially he/she intends it, would ever beat this sword into a plowshare when the war was won. With Sauron thrown down, Dark Lord Boromir would have sought more enemies.

Indeed. Even if all the enemies of Gondor were subdued (Mordor, the Southrons, the Easterlings), Boromir may as well have started a ruthless hunt for the "traitors on his own side", and this is exactly what I think the Ring is all about. The most powerful moment of all is when the one who has the power gives it away, and that's exactly what's been so great about Bilbo's giving the Ring away willingly, or Sam, although in both cases it was in a quite "minor" circumstances, as they were little folk. Maybe this was the reason for them to "be chosen" to bear the Ring in the first place? And again, this feat was exactly what Isildur could not do, even though he won over Sauron.

[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc

And again, this feat was exactly what Isildur could not do, even though he won over Sauron.

Actually, Elendil and Gil-galad won. Isildur plucked up the ring after the battle was over.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Originally Posted by Morthoron

Actually, Elendil and Gil-galad won. Isildur plucked up the ring after the battle was over.

Well, of course - although for sure you are not going to deny him his part... The point was, that he was the (last remaining) representative of the victorious forces (of Men, resp. Dúnedain) and his enemy was defeated, yet he kept the Ring (and like everybody else, he found himself a good starting reason why to keep it. "For our beloved King and my poor brother who died, we should keep the Ring." And later, in the hands of a corrupt king, it could become "In the memory of our beloved King, let us take revenge upon these and these..." Sounds all too familiar excuse.)