The Ring as a Symbol of Temptation
One Ring to Rule Them All
Much like the forbidden fruit that Adam and Eve were drawn to in the Garden of Eden, the ring symbolizes temptation. All of those who come in contact with the ring becomes corrupt and is drawn to it. The ring holds immense power and passes that power onto the one who wears it. Throughout the series many characters came into contact with the ring and the power it possesses. Bilbo becomes very protective of the ring and becomes slightly crazy after he owns the ring. When Frodo becomes the bearer of the ring, he is tempted to put it on many times, and when he does he finds himself in other worlds.
The character who shows the most temptation toward the ring is Sméagol/Gollum. Sméagol was a hobbit who came in contact with the ring while fishing with his friend. He became so interested in the ring that he killed his friend in order to have it for himself. Once he loses the ring, he transitions in to Gollum. He hides in a cave and grieves for the ring, calling out to it as “my precious.” The ring caused him to live an abnormally long life, and the split personality between Sméagol and Gollum, which is often shown between conversations one has with himself, shows the damage that temptation can cause.