What if Gandalf Took the Ring? | Tolkien Theory

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He will bring peace, freedom, justice, and security to his new empire.

I love how Boromir just pointlessly travels around the world for the entire story.

Boromir really did nothing but ride his horse to and back from rivendale only to become king. What a champ. Total hero.

The idea of Gandalf turning Middle Earth into some kind of dystopian police state under the watchful eyes of his nazgul enforcers is both fascinating and terrifying. And yeah, Gandalf being like "Well, have it your way..." and just straight-up incinerating Denethor is pretty amusing. 🤣 And Boromir spending the whole time just wandering all over the countryside, always missing whatever's going on, only to finally arrive home and be like "What'd I miss?" and have Gandalf make him King of Gondor? I am dying. 😂😂😂😂

Imagine if in an alternate universe this is cannon, and someone made a video about a theory with Gandalf not accepting the ring from Frodo, but instead sendt him off to Mordor with his gardner. Just imagine the like-dislike ratio on that video.

Let us be thankful that the one ring of power did not fall into the hands of a Took. For this outcome would lead to the creation of something far more vile and sinister... Third breakfast...

The interesting thing about this theory is that if it had happened, Sauron wouldn't have been surprised at all. Dismayed, yes, but not surprised. Something like this is exactly what Sauron expected to happen if his most powerful enemies like Gandalf got hold of the ring. Sauron couldn't even conceive that someone would willingly try to destroy the ring until the very moment that Frodo put on the ring in the chamber above Mount Doom. He always assumed that anyone who got the ring would use its power for themselves.

This was interesting. Now I want to know how Galdriel, Glorfindel and Elrond would deal with Gandalf as the new Ring Master. They'd realise and be worried and/or kicking themselves. I can also feel all the Valar facepalming at this ending. "You had ONE job, Olórin!!"

I imagine he would become a ghost-like being and they would call him... Gandalf the Wight

Gandalf: takes the ring Sauron: "why do I hear boss music?"

I like your alternate version a lot. But: I think Aragorn would have been suspicious from the start. I mean he is a hardened, worldly-wise man who barely trusts himself (he is the one instantly realising what's up with Boromir in the original Fellowship after all). As soon as Saruman was dead he would have made plans.

I like how you kept things in line with Gandalf's main idealism: Gandalf (and Tolkien) acknowledge that strong and powerful people can do great good, but equally may do great evil even if they desire to do good. Meanwhile, the meek and timid may also do great good, but rarely seek to do great evil. Gandalf was always meant to be a supporting character. His power was bringing out strength in others, which is one of (if not the most) powerful gifts of all.

Boromir: arrives in Rivendell after travelling for a good 4 months Finally, now what is this urgent matter that I was called here for? Elrond: some guys are travelling to minas tirith, you should meet them there Boromir: Are you f*cking kidding me

Gandalf would enslave Middle Earth and everyone would work in pipe weed factories. In the Fourth Age, Dark Lord Gandalf creates a pipe weed hybrid called “Fool of a Toke”.

I would have loved it if Boromir saw through Gandalf's sweet offering and the "King" label. Perhaps he smiles and gets close to Gandlaf, maybe even embraces him. Then he runs Gandalf through with his sword, whispering in his ear: "Gondor has no king, Gondor needs no king."

What if not quite corrupted Gandalf destroyed the Nazgul, and kept their rings. Later, when frustrated with the lack of order across his kingdom, he begins gifting them to his most loyal allies. Aragorn, Theodin, Borimer, etc. to assist with their work to support him. They enthusiastically start helping Gandalf, before any of them realize that things have gotten out of hand…

And then he returned to Mordor and ordered Mt. Doom filled with pipe weed. The smoke was so great, it enveloped Middle Earth, and all were giddy and slightly peckish. And there was peace.

I would absolutely watch this version of the story, specially the part where Sean Bean is not killed and wanders endlessly only to be named king.

How to become the King of Gondor: 1. Travel aimlessly to avoid war. 2. Return to Gondor when war is over. 3. Wait for your coronation.