Nathan Braunstein
L/A – 5
12/18/2012
The Ring and Power
In J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” Bilbo Baggins, a small hobbit from the town of Hobbiton,
goes on an adventure with Gandalf and the Dwarves to reclaim their treasure from Smaug, an
evil dragon. Along the way, Bilbo is captured by goblins and wakes up in a deep cavern where
he finds a mysterious ring that is made of gold and turns anyone who wears it invisible. I believe
that this ring was more than just a lost treasure and that it symbolizes power in our world and
what it can do.
One example of what power can do, can be found in Gollum. Gollum had possessed the ring
for over 500 years and had been using it to eat goblins. He is a creature who had been driven
crazy and even physically changed by the ring. In the book, he seems to argue with himself and
even talk with a hiss in his voice, all because of the ring. This symbolizes how power can drive
you crazy. Here are some examples from the book that prove this: “He was Gollum-as dark as
darkness” (Tolkien, 71); “Bless us and splash us, my preciussss” (Tolkien, 72); “Long ago, before
he lost all his friends and was driven away, alone, and crept down, down, into the dark under
the mountains…” (Tolkien, 73);”He’s found it, yes he must have. My birthday-present...”
(Tolkien, 84)
The ring was able to do positive things to. Bilbo was able to get through a lot of tough
circumstances with the use of his invisibility ring. When the dwarves were captured by the elves
of Mirkwood, Bilbo was able to remain unseen. In the end, this came of even better use for him
when the clan made their escape. This part of the adventure symbolizes how power can come
of good use to people who possess it in some situations. Here is some evidence that proves
Nathan Braunstein
L/A – 5
12/18/2012
this. “…all except Bilbo, who popped on his ring…they never found or counted the hobbit.”
(Tolkien, 171).
At some points in the book, Bilbo was able to gain respect with the use of his ring as
well. In the book, Bilbo is able to save the dwarves a few times with the ring, bringing him that
respect. This symbolizes that power can bring respect to the people who have it. “…all very
much at your service once more Mr. Baggins…” (Tolkien, 194) “That is Mr. Baggins, a hobbit of
good family unimpeachable reputation…” (Tolkien, 118-119) Power in our world usually brings
respect. This is shown in our monarchs and governmental leaders who all have gained great
respect in most circumstances because of their power.
Death and despair also came of the ring. Because of Bilbo’s invisibility, Smaug became
angry and destroyed Lake Town. In the end, Smaug died but not without destroying many
houses and buildings in Lake Town. This shows how power can negatively affect those around
you. “Further in his last battle Smaug destroyed the dwellings of the men of Esagroth…”
(Tolkien, 265); “I wish Thorin were living but I’m glad we parted in kindness…” (Tolkien, 290)
These quotes show what Smaug did in anger and what his rampage caused.
In his adventure with Gandalf and the Dwarves, Bilbo found a golden ring that turned
him invisible. Through “The Hobbit”, multiple pieces of text point out that the ring may
symbolize power in our world. With power, comes respect and help in tough circumstances.
But, it also brings negative things, like death and despair in war or violence. The power may
even drive you crazy. Tolkien himself, a man who had fought in World War I, had seen what
Nathan Braunstein
L/A – 5
12/18/2012
power can do. Because of this, I think that may be why he included the ring in the story, to
symbolize power and how it affects us.