Treebeard and the One Ring

[Marwhini]

Originally Posted by skytree

I guess the intrigue comes from the fact Treebeard like the Balrog, IMHO might be one of the individuals of ME who might encounter the ring and not necessarily become it's thrall. I suppose when the fellowship broke at Amon Hen, there is a scenario where Frodo could have been captured as Merry and Pippin were and the ring to have come to Fangorn.

If we apply the Many-Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics to Middle-earth, then absolutely there is a scenario where Frodo is captured at Amon Hen, instead of Merry and Pippin. But I have suspicions about the application of, or operations of Quantum Mechanics in Middle-earth being completely identical to our own. I could write a huge screed on it if someone wanted.

But in a purely fictional-fiction within the story of The Lord of the Rings, exploring a "what if," this remains the same case... That is the One Ring came to Fangorn/Treebeard, he would be loath to have anything to do with it. I don't think he would be "immune" to it as such. It is more that he, and the other Ents, are so cautious about everything that they would be sure to keep it at a great distance until they had sorted out what to do about it (and being the product of the "World of Men" they would seek out a Man, probably Gandalf - although he's not really a "man" - to inquire as to what should be done about this very dangerous object).

Although I don't think the Balrog (or Ents) would remain "immune" to the effects of the One Ring. I just think it (the Balrog) would be more likely to understand its value to Sauron, and thus return it to him.

As technically the Balrogs were subservient to Sauron... At least as I argue.

MB