concerning the Ring. While we never see exactly how these temptations
appeared in fantasies to Frodo--like we see Sam's temptation fantasies of being
the Hero of the Age, and destroying Baradur with a flaming sword, - we can
assume that Frodo definetly was tempted, but perhaps with different things at
different times throughout the Quest. One temptation I think, was to pass the
Ring on to Galadriel and abandon the Quest. Another was to use the Ring to
control Gollum. What I believe happened is that as a result of these "passed"
temptations Frodo's will to resist the Ring progressively grew stronger;
unfortunately the Ring fed off his will and grew stronger as well, and was
drawing closer to its origin and Master and thereby had the "home" advantage.
As you read what happens to Frodo in front of the Morgul force issuing out from
Mordor, he has reached a level of control over his will that he does not desire
to put on the Ring in the presence of the Nazgul Lord, but his body and hand
moves towards the Ring controlled by another power-the Ring and the
Nazgul. And that he ends up mastering as well. At Weathertop his will
submitted to the call, therefore the Ring and the Nazgul didn't need to control
him. Here, their external control of him was required, yet ultimately failed.
What happens at the Cracks is not Frodo's will overcome or seduced, but another
will that has taken over--that of the Ring's. It isn't really Frodo at the
Cracks, but the Ring acting through Frodo.
And, lest we forget about how the Ring affected Sam: Sam's temptation happened
exceedingly quick once he took possession of the Ring. And his fantasy was that
of violence, and destruction, and desired heroism in imitation of Frodo and
Aragorn. (to be the Hero of the Age-like Frodo-and destroy Baradur and the
valley with a flaming sword--like Aragorn's). However he wasnt' fooled by
the Rings's temptations, having benefitted from seeing and watching all that
Frodo experienced and
learned.
"...and that first hour in which he shone, the white glimmer of a silver dawn..." "And the bright stars shone as silver fires." "...a pale flame on the wings of a storm."
"Red as blood shone their swords."
