The Hunt for the Ring (Part I)

by AgeofKnights

Of the Journey of the Ringwraiths
according to the account that Gandalf
gave to Frodo

1. A History of the Ring from Gollum to Bilbo

The One Ring, after leaving Isildur, was lost for many years in the riverbed of the Anduin, where it was spotted by Deagol the Stoor. Deagol, however, was killed by Sméagol, who wanted to possess the Ring himself. Sméagol, who later became known as Gollum, was shunned by his relatives for his increasing greed and mischief. Therefore, Gollum left with the Ring. It had been with him for 500 years when Bilbo Baggins wandered among the caves of the Misty Mountains, and stumbled upon the Ring, which had abandoned Gollum. It stayed with Bilbo for 60 years until his birthday when he passed it on to Frodo as part of his inheritance.

2. The Hunt Begins

When he returned, Sauron believed that the Ring was lost to him, that it had been destroyed. However, when Gollum was caught lurking around Mordor, he was taken captive, and then to Sauron’s torture chamber where Sauron learned the words “Hobbits, Shire, and Baggins”. Then, Gollum was unexpectedly released, probably to run some foul errand for Sauron. Aragorn then found Gollum, and brought him into the captivity of the Wood Elves.

3. Unleashing of the Nazgul

At length Sauron decided that no others would serve him in this case but his mightiest servants, the Ringwraiths. They possessed no will but his own, each being utterly subservient to the Ring (i.e. one of the Nine) that had enslaved him, which Sauron held. Few could withstand the might of even one of these fell creatures, and only the greatest of the Free Peoples could withstand them when gathered together under the demon lord, The Witch King. Sauron, not wanting the Nazgul to be known, ordered a distraction to draw attention away from mission of the Nazgul. Orcs were to assail Mirkwood, with orders to recapture Gollum, and an attack would be launched against the defenses of Osgiliath. The plan was semi-successful. The Nine manage to enter the Shire, after driving off the guard of Rangers.


Next – Part II: The Continuing Hunt

References
Unfinished Tales by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Thain’s Book