I see this explanation very often but have not encountered textual evidence (either for or against this hypothesis). The feats we see from every ringbearer (be it the Sauron, the Witch King, Galadriel, Gandalf and even Frodo) can more easily be explained by the rings just enhancing magical feats of all kinds, and maybe the elven ones are better at preservation magic. I wouldn’t be surprised if I was wrong, though
Comment on Anon gains a superpower
FreeBeard@slrpnk.net 3 days agoThe one ring gives the wearer the power of what the wearer defines as power. Frodo turns invisible because for a hobbit not being noticed means safety. The ring tells Sam that he could plant as many Apple trees as he likes, even plastering whole middle earth.
In this moment the ring probably tells to Boromir that he could rebuild Gondor to old strength and he might be able to (before giving in to saurons influence).
theblips@lemm.ee 1 day ago
JackbyDev@programming.dev 3 days ago
The ring tells people lies though, no?
Baggie@lemmy.zip 2 days ago
It definitely tells them what they want to hear, but I don’t think it’s lying. It could totally do everything it says. However it will just straight up yeet itself at the first opportunity to get back to Sauron.
JackbyDev@programming.dev 2 days ago
Is there textual evidence for it granting powers other than invisibility and immortality though? I see this topic come up every few years and my recollection is that it typically sort of comes back to “we aren’t sure.”
OpenPassageways@lemmy.zip 2 days ago
I think there’s something in the text that says you have to be powerful enough to utilize it which is why it is somewhat tempting for characters like Gandalf. Even though it would also corrupt him.
thebestaquaman@lemmy.world 1 day ago
Some other comment mentiones how it makes Frodo more influential and intimidating as they approach Mordor, allowing him to control Gollum with just his presence and voice. This isn’t very well portrayed in the movies. There is also mention of how a bunch of Orcs are scared off at the sight of Sam’s shadow when he is carrying the ring, as it appears to them as the shadow of a powerful elf lord.
As with other magic in Tolkiens universe, it is very diffuse. It grants the user great power, but the details of how it does so are very hard to pin down. We only get subtle hints.