Ring Bearers - Printable version

All those who carried or wore the One Ring at some point in their lives were known as the “Ring Bearer”. This title mostly belonged to Frodo Baggins as his carrying of the One Ring held most significance in the Fellowship of The Ring. He was also the one who carried it for the longest time when he was at the height of his power. He was known by this title by Elrond and several other members of the fellowship. Apart from Frodo, Bilbo and Samwise too were conferred with the title of ring bearers and received great honor from the elves. Owing to their status, they were granted the privilege of passing through the Straight Road and reaching the Undying Lands to spend their lives. Even though these three hobbits are strictly counted as ring bearers, several other hands touched the ring. In fact, the title was used for anyone who wore a ring of power. [1] In the Fellowship of the Ring, Galadriel called herself the ring bearer. As such, anyone who owned the Seven Rings of the Dwarves, the Three Rings of the Elves, and the Nine Rings of Men could be given the title.

The List of Ring Bearers

Sauron
The creator of the One Ring, Sauron kept the ring with himself for about 1840 years until his downfall in the Siege of Barad-dur.
Isildur
Even though Elrond and Cirdan advised him against it, Isildur kept the One Ring for himself. However, the ring did not stay with him long enough. Two years later, the Orcs attacked Isildur and he lost the ring in Anduin. The ring stayed hidden in Anduin for the majority of the Third Age.
Déagol
While fishing in the Gladden Fields, Deogol found the One Ring. He possessed the ring only for a short period until his friend Smeagol murdered him and stole the ring.
Smeagol a.k.a Gollum
He stole the ring and took it with him into the Misty Mountains and hid there. For almost five hundred years, he owned the ring in the dark.
Bilbo Baggins
While playing a riddle game with Gollum, Bilbo accidentally discovered the One Ring. He took the ring to Erebor and back to the Shire. He possessed the ring for almost sixty years. [2]
Frodo Baggins
On the advice of Gandalf, Bilbo gave the Ring to Frodo. He carried it from the Shire to Orodruin, all the way to the edge of Crack of Doom. Once he reached there, Gollum bit his finger and he fell into the fire.
Gandalf
Gandalf held the ring only for a few moments before throwing it into the fire. Right before throwing, he notices the inscription on the ring which confirms that it was the One Ring.
Tom Bombadil
Tom wore the ring for a moment but he was immune by its power.
Samwise Gamgee
When Frodo was imprisoned by the Orcs in the Tower of Cirith Ungol, Sam possessed the ring for about two days.