. . . in which Gollum thought better of his treachery, then sacrificed himself
for Frodo in the end. Interestingly, this would change very few of the
facts, but would make all the difference in the world to Gollum's soul!
Tolkien also envisioned the ending if Gollum had not been spared. The
Nazgul could not have taken the Ring from Frodo, but they would have humored
him until Sauron arrived, and he would take the Ring.
If Sauron had obtained the Ring I can imagine either a second War of Wrath,
with the destruction of much of Middle-earth. I can also imagine,
however, Aragorn and Arwen replicating the feat of Beren and Luthien, slipping
into Mordor in disguise, enchanting Sauron and all his servants, and stealing
the Ring from his finger. How it would then be destroyed I do not know,
but with divine grace all things are
possible.
________________________________________
"‘I think he was a silly little man,' said Councillor Tompkins. ‘Worthless, in fact; no use to Society at all.'
"‘Oh, I don't know,' said Atkins, who was nobody of importance, just a schoolmaster. ‘I am not so sure: it depends on what you mean by use .'
"‘No practical or economic use,' said Tompkins. . . .
. . .
"‘It is proving very useful indeed,' said the Second Voice. ‘As a holiday, and a refreshment. It is splendid for convalescence; and not only for that, for many it is the best introduction to the Mountains. It works wonders in some cases. I am sending more and more there. They seldom have to come back.'"
