How long did the journey of the ring take? This question has intrigued fans and scholars of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy, “The Lord of the Rings,” for decades. The journey of the One Ring, a powerful and malevolent artifact, is a central narrative thread that spans the entire trilogy. From its creation in the fires of Mount Doom to its ultimate destruction, the Ring’s journey is fraught with peril, betrayal, and the ultimate struggle between good and evil. In this article, we will delve into the various stages of the Ring’s journey and attempt to determine the total duration of this epic quest.
The journey of the Ring begins in the Second Age of Middle-earth, when the Dark Lord Sauron forged the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. The Ring was designed to dominate all other rings and to enslave the free peoples of Middle-earth. However, the Ring was also imbued with a corrupting influence that corrupted its bearers and led to their downfall. In order to destroy the Ring and prevent Sauron’s return, it had to be taken back to Mount Doom, where it was originally created.
The first significant leg of the Ring’s journey is the period during which it was carried by Sauron’s minions, the Ringwraiths. These wraiths, also known as the Nazgûl, were once noble men who were corrupted by the Ring’s power. They were tasked with tracking down the Ring-bearers and retrieving the Ring for their master. This stage of the journey is not well-documented, but it is believed to have lasted several centuries.
The next phase of the Ring’s journey begins with the departure of Frodo Baggins, the hobbit who was chosen to carry the Ring to Mount Doom. Frodo sets out from the Shire with his companions, Samwise Gamgee, Merry Brandybuck, and Pippin Took, along with the wizard Gandalf, the elf Legolas, and the dwarf Gimli. This journey, known as the Quest of the Ring, takes place over the course of several years and is fraught with danger and adversity.
During the Quest of the Ring, the Fellowship of the Ring faces numerous challenges, including the treacherous Paths of the Dead, the treacherous Ford of Bruinen, and the treacherous Mines of Moria. The Fellowship is also pursued by the Ringwraiths, who are determined to reclaim the Ring. After a series of trials and tribulations, the Fellowship eventually splits into two groups: one led by Frodo and Sam, and the other led by Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli.
The final stage of the Ring’s journey is the trek to Mount Doom, where Frodo and Sam are accompanied by Gollum, who has become obsessed with reclaiming the Ring. This journey is the most perilous of all, as the Ring’s power is at its peak and its influence is strongest. The climb to Mount Doom is fraught with danger, and the Ring’s corruption is ever-present. After a harrowing journey, Frodo and Sam finally reach Mount Doom and destroy the Ring, thus ending the threat of Sauron’s return.
In total, the journey of the Ring spans several centuries, from its creation to its destruction. The first stage, during which the Ring was carried by the Nazgûl, is not well-documented, but the second and third stages, the Quest of the Ring and the trek to Mount Doom, take place over the course of several years. While the exact duration of the journey is difficult to determine, it is clear that the journey of the Ring was a long and arduous one, filled with peril and the ultimate struggle between good and evil.
