Rachel Port
Well-Known Member
In class it was mentioned that if Bilbo had killed Gollum, Gollum wouldn't have told Sauron about Baggins and the Shire.
If Bilbo hadn't spared Gollum, what would have happened?
1. The story of Bilbo giving up the Ring, and Gandalf's fear and subsequent research, would be the same, except that
2. Gandalf and Aragorn would not have searched for Gollum over those interim years, and would not have learned Gollum's story.
3. We would not have the provenance of the Ring, and wouldn't have proof of the effects of the Ring on a long-time bearer.
4. Gandalf might have decided to consult the Minas Tirith archives long before he did, as the only way to gain any information.
5. The Nazgul would not have come north, but would have besieged and likely defeated Minas Tirith, the job they stopped part-way in order to search for Baggins and the Shire. Would Gandalf have been there? Would this have happened before he had a chance to find Isildur's scroll and possibly other info?
All of which leaves us with more unknowns. The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven./ Upon the place beneath. The importance of mercy and pity cannot be overstated.
If Bilbo hadn't spared Gollum, what would have happened?
1. The story of Bilbo giving up the Ring, and Gandalf's fear and subsequent research, would be the same, except that
2. Gandalf and Aragorn would not have searched for Gollum over those interim years, and would not have learned Gollum's story.
3. We would not have the provenance of the Ring, and wouldn't have proof of the effects of the Ring on a long-time bearer.
4. Gandalf might have decided to consult the Minas Tirith archives long before he did, as the only way to gain any information.
5. The Nazgul would not have come north, but would have besieged and likely defeated Minas Tirith, the job they stopped part-way in order to search for Baggins and the Shire. Would Gandalf have been there? Would this have happened before he had a chance to find Isildur's scroll and possibly other info?
All of which leaves us with more unknowns. The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven./ Upon the place beneath. The importance of mercy and pity cannot be overstated.