Visual timeline of the One Ring

This is a timeline of the events related to the One Ring created by Sauron in Second Age 1600. The years of the War of the Ring are described in more detail.

If you are on a phone and wishes to see the image larger click here.

Regarding the Ring and Númenor

There has been some debate surrounding whether or not Sauron brought the One Ring with him to Númenor. In Akallabêth Tolkien wrote “There he took up again his great Ring in Barad-dûr, and dwelt there, dark and silent, until he wrought himself a new guise, an image of malice and hatred made visible; and the Eye of Sauron the Terrible few could endure.” However, in Letter 211 in “The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien” Tolkien wrote

“Ar-Pharazôn, as is told in the ‘Downfall’ or Akallabêth, conquered a terrified Sauron’s subjects, not Sauron. Sauron’s personal ‘surrender’ was voluntary and cunning: he got free transport to Númenor! He naturally had the One Ring, and so very soon dominated the minds and wills of most of the Númenóreans. (I do not think Ar-Pharazôn knew anything about the One Ring. The Elves kept the matter of the Rings very secret, as long as they could. In any case Ar-Pharazôn was not in communication with them.”

Regarding the term Ring-bearer

In the books Tolkien uses the term when referring to Samwise Gamgee, Frodo Baggins and Bilbo Baggins. In the graphic above I have included all characters who wore the Ring in the term namely; Sauron, Isildur, Sméagol, Bilbo, Frodo, Tom Bombadil and Sam. This makes them a total of seven bearers. Déagol and Gandalf both touched the Ring but did not wear it.

I would like to express my thanks to Daniel Helen from Tolkien Gateway who always help with good advice.