The Fellowship of the Ring, Chapter 2

Questions and Answers

How much time passes between Frodo inheriting the ring and Gandalf telling of the ring's history?

Seventeen years.

How old is Frodo by the time he learns of the ring's history?

Fifty.

Why did Gandalf wait seventeen years to tell Frodo of the ring's history?

He pondered the effects the Ring had on Bilbo and prepared to connect the dots.

Who were the twenty rings made by?

The elves. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gandalf do to the ring to prove it is the one forged by Sauron?

He tosses it into the fire to reveal an inscription. Signup and view all the answers

What does the inscription of the ring say?

One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them. Signup and view all the answers

How many rings went to each race at their creation?

Three to the Elves, seven to the Dwarves, nine to the Men, and one forged by Sauron. Signup and view all the answers

Who did the Ring fall into the possession of after Sauron was defeated?

Isildur. Signup and view all the answers

Who did the Ring fall into the possession of after Isildur was killed by Orcs?

Smeagol. Signup and view all the answers

What effects did the ring have on Smeagol?

He became envious, killed his friend, lived unnaturally long, became hunched and miserable, and was known as Gollum. Signup and view all the answers

Finally, why does Sauron know where the Ring is now?

Gollum was interrogated by Sauron and revealed that Bilbo had the Ring. Signup and view all the answers

Why is this chapter particularly lore-heavy?

It mirrors the epic poems Tolkien was inspired by, placing necessary lore early in the narrative. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Ring trap those who possess it?

By making its power extremely alluring, similar to a drug addiction. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tolkien use the passage of time to increase suspicion of the Ring?

He places Middle-Earth in an ancient time, has Hobbits with long lifespans, and presents the Ring's lore as ancient. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Middle-Earth located geographically?

Near the center of our Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What is Frodo's reaction to hearing Gandalf's story?

He is frightened and wishes Bilbo had killed Gollum. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gandalf disagree with Frodo's reaction?

Killing Gollum could have made Bilbo more corruptible, and Gollum may play a crucial role. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't the Ring be destroyed like any other ordinary ring?

It makes its owners insatiable for its power, complicating their ability to throw it away. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't Gandalf take the ring out of Frodo's possession?

He has dealt in magic and would be more easily corruptible than Frodo. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the only place the Ring can be destroyed?

In the fire in the Cracks of Doom, deep in Mordor. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Timeline Events

Seventeen years pass between Frodo inheriting the Ring and Gandalf revealing its history.
At the time of learning about the Ring, Frodo is fifty years old.

Gandalf's Motivation

Gandalf delayed revealing the Ring's history to Frodo to carefully consider the implications and effects observed from Bilbo's use of the Ring.

Ring Creation Details

The twenty rings of power were crafted by the Elves.
Distribution of the rings: three to Elves, seven to Dwarves, and nine to Men, with the last ring forged by Sauron.

Key Incidents with the Ring

Isildur obtained the Ring after defeating Sauron, cutting off his hand.
Smeagol acquired the Ring on his birthday after killing his friend Deagol, who coveted it.
The Ring's power corrupts Smeagol; he becomes known as Gollum due to his throat's unique sound.

Gollum and the Ring

Gollum's prolonged life due to the Ring leads to his physical deterioration.
Gollum reveals to Sauron that Bilbo possesses the Ring, helping Sauron locate it.

Thematic Elements

The chapter is dense with lore, establishing crucial background for the narrative, echoing styles from classic epic poems.
The Ring's allure parallels addiction, creating a metaphor for power and corruption.

Time and Place

Middle-Earth is depicted as located near the Earth’s center, reminiscent of ancient European beliefs.
Hobbits have prolonged lifespans, allowing them to witness substantial historical events, enhancing the lore's depth.

Character Reactions

Frodo feels fear upon learning Gandalf’s story and laments that Bilbo did not kill Gollum to prevent Sauron’s knowledge of the Ring.
Gandalf argues that killing Gollum might have worsened Bilbo’s corruption and believes Gollum may play an essential role in the Ring's fate.

The Ring’s Destruction

The Ring cannot be simply discarded due to its corrupting nature, making its power irresistible.
Only the Cracks of Doom in Mordor can destroy the Ring.

Gandalf's Limitations

Gandalf refrains from taking the Ring from Frodo as his own magical power could make him more vulnerable to the Ring's temptations.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 2 from 'The Fellowship of the Ring' with these flashcards. Challenge yourself to recall details about Frodo and Gandalf's timeline, including significant events that differ from the movie. Perfect for fans looking to deepen their understanding of Tolkien's work.