The Tale of the Ring: Destiny and Fate in Middle-earth

Frodo was Bilbo’s heir, and the Ring was given to him for a specific purpose. The legendary ring, long associated with the age-old tale of Sauron and the dread One Ring, is a central artifact in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Its journey, from Bilbo Baggins to Frodo, is paralleled by a deeper narrative of fate and destiny. In this exploration, we delve into why and how the Ring was entrusted to Frodo, examining the larger themes of fate, destiny, and the role of Hobbits in the realm of Middle-earth.

The Legacy of Bilbo Baggins

When Bilbo Baggins, the illustrious hobbit hero, decided to leave his homeland of the Shire and journey to Rivendell, a critical moment occurred. The reason for this early departure was not just a wish for adventure but a pre-ordained necessity laid out by the Eldar, the quilits, and the Great Music itself. Chapter 1 of The Fellowship of the Ring unfolds this crucial piece of history, revealing how Gandalf advised Bilbo to trust this decision, leading to the relinquishment of the Ring to his young heir, Frodo Baggins.

The Ring’s Journey and Destiny

It is often said that the Ring’s fate was intertwined with the greater fate of Arda, the world as we know it. Sauron’s call for its return and the necessity of someone to destroy it to prevent it from falling into enemy hands are crucial. The Ring’s departure from Gollum to Bilbo is a pivotal moment, but its ultimate destination was Frodo. This raises questions about the nature of chance and fate in Middle-earth.

In Tolkien’s world, chance is bound to Men. However, everything else is pre-arranged as part of the Great Music, as outlined in "The Ainulindale." This means that while Bilbo’s actions might appear coincidental, they were part of a larger, predetermined plan. The Ring needed someone like Frodo to carry it, someone who could help destroy it before it could be used for evil purposes. The music and fate of Arda could not tolerate the existence of such a dangerous power lingering among the mortal realm for too long.

The Role of Hobbits in the Great Music

The nature of destiny and fate extends further into the lives of the Hobbits themselves. J.R.R. Tolkien often left many aspects of Hobbit lore and faith unexplored, yet clues can be gathered from scattered mentions in the text. For instance, the fates of hobbits like Bilbo and Frodo, who were given the chance to journey into the Undying Lands (Aman), suggest that the fate of those Hobbits who achieve great deeds is to remain forever in Arda.

From the mentions of the Elves’ fate, we know that their spirits find rest and healing in Mandos before leaving Middle-earth. Similarly, Dwarves, while fleeting in their time on Middle-earth, are believed to return to Middle-earth at the End of Days to assist in the rebuilding of Arda. However, Men, upon their death, travel beyond Arda, joining the()Dagor Dagorath, an event that will shuffle the fate of all. Unlike Men, Hobbits, who have a closer kinship with Men, are also bound by the Great Music, implying their spirits remain in Arda.

Conclusion: Thus, the Ring was bestowed upon Frodo for a specific reason, encompassing not only his personal destiny but the fate of Middle-earth. Frodo was chosen, not just by Bilbo, but by the Great Music itself. The Ring, too, was part of this greater destiny, its journey intertwined with the lives of those who carried it.