August 9, 2002

Brilliant All
Jimeous

I am enjoying this discussion regarding the affect or "Will" with the Rings. Its great :)

Brett, the term "confer" is to have an agreement on, this is quite different than say "bestow" which is automatic or default. The One Ring and the other Rings of Powers bestow longetivity.

Danny, I think you, Brett and others make excellent observations of the works of Tolkien. The strength of them is they are open to intepretation.

I guess why I prefer to see "Will" being a formula is because its linked closely to Sauron himself. Sauron's Ring Lore influences all Rings of Power, including the Three of Elves. His direct influence to the Seven and Nine is Invisibility.

Now because he couldn't bend the will of the Dwarves, it meant that they weren't possibly using the conferred power of invisibility. Men would be so typical to use in deception.

I have often debated with myself whether its the One Ring itself which exerts its "Will" over the wearer to confer invisibility. Unfortunately this seems inconsistant with the Seven. My current position is one which is open to discussion, although its leaning strongly toward "willed effect" because it also suggests the Wearer's Will now becomes subject for manipulation [unwittingly] by Sauron.