What if Aragorn Took the One Ring? Theory

What if Aragorn Had Taken the One Ring during the events of the Lord of the Rings? Much would be different in the legendarium, and the mighty people of the West would have faced a Fourth Age of new tyranny… Thank you all so much for watching, I hope you guys liked today’s episode! Let me know your thoughts about the video, and I’ll see you all again next week! As always, a great thanks to the online artists whose visual works made this video possible! If you are one of the artists, please let me know and I will post your name and a link to your work in this description!
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[@YuuSHiiiN]

A Last Alliance of Elves and Dwarves marched upon the lands of Gondor, and in the shadows of Minas Tirith, they fought for the freedom of Middle Earth.

[@zacglover3345]

Though the battle was costly. Gimli, son of Gloin, took up his father's axe and beheaded the dark lord Aragorn. With Legolas, son of Thranduil, embarking on a quest to destroy the one ring, pulled from the dark lord's hand and cast it into the fire of mount doom. Which unlike ilsildur and elrond's attempt thousands of years earlier he was successful and peace returned to the land.

[@morgant.dulaman8733]

Can you imagine how broken-hearted Elrond, Arwen, and so many others would have been if they had to do that?

[@aexndr387]

@@zacglover3345 you could also do "Legolas, son of Thranduil, took up his fathers bow and shot the Dark Lord Aragorn through the head."

[@borgheis]

This is "The Lord of the Rings" if George R. R. Martin had written it.

[@mexter2011]

At least now we have a clearer idea of what Aragorn's taxation policies would be like.

[@mikedrones537]

@@mexter2011 Yeah, Bernie Sanders, lol.

[@nhmooytis7058]

ËlBorghesËdBorgial he couldn’t, he’s turned into a hack. AFFC and ADWD sucked and he can’t even finish his ow.n series.

[@martyg6753]

More like Joe Abercrombie.

[@krisbrown1647]

@@nhmooytis7058 you're fucking nuts his books have gotten better each novel. Feast for crows is my favorite of the whole series. I just hope he doesn't doe before at least winds of winter comes out.

[@ScottHess]

What if Deagol had found the ring and given it to grandmother, resulting in the world living under a benign order of hobbitses? Everyone forced to forage for mushrooms and sit at home around a cozy fire drinking mulled wine telling stories about fireworks, oh the horror.

[@AKSatMusic]

What about Sauron? Lol. And the ring doesn't just give you power and keep you the same. It twists you and turns you evil after some time. Grandmother would have her life extended at which point she'd start turning evil, if sauron didn't reach her first

[@ScottHess]

@@AKSatMusic I suppose Sauron might go there, having never experienced having a grandmother. His funeral, tho.

[@---MochiPunk---]

Just gotta make sure to keep it away from the Sacksville Baggins!

[@draoidh6479]

Sauron: The fuck is this shit?

[@D2attemp]

Thanks for the Nightmare fuel, won’t be sleeping for days!

[@bloog3600]

I agree with most of this. In the end after Sauron was defeated, and Aragorn refused to get rid of the Ring; Gandalf would be forced to show his true power and break Aragorn's will and take the Ring and have one of the Hobbits destroy it. just my thoughts.

[@jerrycynx]

I also agree with Bloog that Gandalf would probably shown more resistance after it is clear that Aragorn had been corrupted. And wouldn't Elrond and Galadriel also reacted since they are ring bearers also?

[@dynjarren5454]

If the ring existed, then Sauron would remain. He cannot die or be beaten by force. But...Sauron would lay low and he was patient...Sauron hails from the 1st age afterall

[@ironking1774]

I have a similar theory but if pippin or may had not been near I think Gandalf may have taken it himself, I think that Gandalf would be able to get the ring to mount doom before it corrupted him entirely

[@bloog3600]

@@ironking1774 I think so also. Mt.Doom was not to far from that final battle.

[@12jswilson]

Gandalf is forbidden from dominating men or elves, or otherwise winning with force.

[@ahmarsaeed6085]

‘King Elessar, Lord of the Rings’ I kinda like the sound of that!

[@annie_xo]

I thought I clicked on the “history of Aragorn” video and I got so confused listening to the intro of this because you legitimately tell this story like Tolkien would have. Great job, I love your channel.

[@glennross85]

You should do a theory video on "What if Tuor and Turin joined forces at Nargothrond" and how would this drastically change both men's stories and fates and possibly the entire history of Middle-Earth.

[@johnycoho7830]

Yes.

[@VivianStorm]

Hell yeah

[@glennross85]

@@VivianStorm Love your name

[@VivianStorm]

@@glennross85 Thanks :D

[@captainforest7404]

This had to happen.

[@paulelliott3220]

Interesting speculation Aragorn would likely be the strongest man to carry the ring, but the ring would ultimately corrupt him Definitely don't believe it would have ended well either for all his strength Probably the worst person to take the ring Great to listen to these

[@mrhalfwit972]

it would take longer to corrupt him than normal men but still its 50/50 on death and life

[@jimbutcher5712]

The Ring was corruption incarnate. But it would have been even worse in the hands of Galadriel, Gandalf, or Elrond.

[@paulelliott3220]

Jim Butcher It definitely would corrupt pretty much anyone who put it on It's deepest corruption is the vice it closes on you immediately that makes you want (and crave) to keep it - would ultimately bring the strongest man, elf, wizard or dwarf down methinks Galadriel and Gandalf saw this and the wisdom of a halfling carrying the ring to the fires of Mount Doom Not sure of the wisdom of giving it to either Merry or Pippin, but interesting to speculate the 'what if' Tolkien's wonderful world building gives us so much lore and information, and his intricate plotting creates many 'what ifs'

[@JonyTony2018]

paul elliott He wouldn’t be. Isildur was much more powerful and greater than Aragorn could ever be. Same could be said for any of the Nazgul. Aragorn’s blood was not nearly as pure numenorian, as that of his ancestor.

[@JonyTony2018]

Nåmêlëśš Sîñčė Ëxìśtëńčê And this is relevant how? Peter Jackson didn’t write Lord of The Rings. I’m not even sure he read the books. Greater men than Aragorn became wraiths through using lesser rings. Aragorn has *the One Ring* in this scenario. He is not Húrin or Huor. He isn’t Elros, Ar Pharason or Elendil. He is not even Anarion or Isildur. The Edain blood in his veins is not pure anymore. His spirit is less bright and his power is inferior, both physically and spiritually.

[@kevinwessels4810]

I do like the idea of a necromancer Aragorn. I can think of nothing short of a Maia that could stand up to the Army of the Dead.

[@scalabrin2001]

A new Witch King

[@Vlad-ik4xb]

That sounds pretty badass

[@draoidh6479]

We already have a numenorean necromancer, the witch king.

[@MrRourk]

What if Smaug had a Bilbo snack and took the One Ring? Age of Dragons!

[@Akechi910]

How to train your dragon 5

[@rasmushansen3318]

Mitsuhide More like How to train your human

[@stunner9005]

Middle earth turns into elder scrolls.

[@Jawn15]

Naw he'd have ended up serving sauron.

[@StekliCujo]

Until the dragonborn appears and kills Smaug. Then he puts on the ring.

[@princekrazie]

If I was a Numenorean King, I'd be called Ar-Sehole

[@nhmooytis7058]

PRINCE KRAZIE my brother, my captain, my assclown king!

[@timomastosalo]

Or Ar-Sekrazie

[@johnshannon9656]

Mine would be Ar-Dvaark.

[@nhmooytis7058]

John Shannon haha! How about Ar Ghh for the Pirate King?

[@lbrlrsfdj8895]

Hail my fellow kinsman. My name is Ar-sekse.

[@dragonchan3320]

Do What if Gollum came back from the Ring's corruption / What if Smeagol resisted the Ring more from the beginning

[@alomei]

Dragon Chan if hobbits are supposed to have the most resistance than y did smeagol become corrupted so easily?

[@TheIlidius]

@@alomei Hobbits don't have natural resistance against the ring because they are hobbits (as far as I know Tolkien never stated that they have such racial power). They are resistant because their simple lifestyle makes them much less susceptible to greed or hunger for power. The ring only amplifies "corrupt" traits it doesn't give them. Smeagol was not too much of a good guy from the get go so he got mad pretty fast.

[@redblaze8700]

If Smeagol never fell for the ring's corruption, then his cousin Deagol would, and would take his place in the Legendarium.

[@choueriito2548]

By came back from it, you'd need to be pretty specific on the timeframe. I'll assume after he lost it in The Hobbit as that makes the most sense, in which case he would've stayed in his cave living a simplistic, bestial life and wouldn't be found by Sauron's forces. The Nazgul wouldn't have been dispatched in time to track the Hobbits and the group would have made it to Rivendell safely. The events of The Fellowship of the Ring would be roughly the same and the main changes occur within The Two Towers. Without Gollum leading Frodo and Sam through the Dead Marshes, the Hobbits would take far longer in travelling to Mordor, if even finding a way in general. Most likely, they would be caught by orcs or Nazgul at some point and even if making it to Mount Doom, the absence of Gollum would mean the ultimate loss of the free peoples as Frodo wouldn't be able to destroy the ring. If Smeagol resisted more from the beginning, it would take far longer for him to turn, but it would still likely be inevitable as he had nefarious natures to his character even prior to the turn. At best, it would probably take a few years or decades before he ended up killing Deagol and becoming Gollum.

[@chriswilder9719]

@@alomei he wasn't a hobbit. When he fell to the ring his people weren't hobbits as we know them. He was akin to a hobbit but he lived near mirkwood not the shire. Eventually his people would migrate to the shire and become hobbits

[@blackmetalnazgul4519]

What if frodo went back home to the shire after they brought the ring to Rivendel?

[@DaJinx1]

Black Metal Nazgul yep! That is a good idea 💡

[@AnthonyBerkshire]

The council would send the Ring into West.

[@lukec2004]

Tom Bombandil would come to carry it to Mordor, straight through the black gate, destroying everything in his path stopping only for second breakfast. Sauron would surrender before the ring is destroyed, but Tom would destroy it nevertheless, taking the title of Dark Lord for himself

[@redblaze8700]

Elrond or any of the others in the council would claim it, imagine the rest....

[@cihancan1442]

@@lukec2004 no I don't think so since tom bombadil does not give a damn about pretty much anything… He wouldn't help them

[@Sionnach1601]

Again, an extremely insightful and imaginative proposition of what would happen in this case. I commend you again highly!! You do realise that there is a veritable AUTHOR lurking beneath that merry broadcaster persona you project?! :) God bless you, great stuff.

[@TheACG22]

Love these alternate stories. It's great to hear good story-telling from someone who really knows and passionately loves the Tolkien lore.

[@Blindeyes1431]

Awesome listen, Yoystan. I had a player in D&D who wanted to explore an Aragorn like this, like a mix of Boromir and Aragorn, so this was really enlightening!

[@frankparker1191]

I think Arwen would have kept Aragon from reaching full corruption, even at the coast of her life.

[@mathiaskrauss1184]

Yes, i think similar. Maybe in this horrible case Arwen could sacrifice herself to save Aragorn and the Even´s world....

[@johncaldwell4709]

I agree 100%

[@geuros]

8:23 the Battle of Helm's Deep - well, they would have to kill some 1200 Uruk-Hai that Aragorn originally killed while Legolas and Gimli were arguing about 40 or 50 :D

[@FATE522]

What if Elrond took the ring from Isildur? Would he have destroyed the ring or corrupted the Elves?

[@VivianStorm]

If he had taken it the very moment that Isildur refused to throw it to the fire, I guess Elrond would have resisted the lure for the couple of seconds needed? Galadriel did resist the trial, even if she was tempted.

[@FATE522]

@@VivianStorm but she did not have the ring in her hand

[@dynjarren5454]

Elrond would have tossed it in. No question about it. Elrond is very very old and knew more than most about wether to's and why for's

[@FATE522]

@@dynjarren5454 Doesn't mean the ring can't corrupt him

[@VivianStorm]

@The Only True Witch-King Agreed

[@aayushb5468]

I know you only post on weekends but I check every day anyway because I love this channel

[@orangexlightning]

Historically Sundays were always Dungeons and Dragons Days for me. Since That stopped being a thing, dabbling in Middle Earth has been a great substitute. Especially with Such a friendly guy as you! :)

[@TicTocRobotSnot]

Love this series. So creative. Would love to hear an alternate timeline about Sméagol. What if he hadn’t died? Would he have continued following Frodo? Would his better/hobbit nature have ever reappeared? As a ring bearer, would he have received compassion?

[@ChefMonke07]

I think this could happen if Smeagol just removed the ring instead of biting off Frodo's finger. Frodo would be able to catch Smeagol when he tripped and the One Ring would still be destroyed. Knowing Gandalf, he would also ask one of the Great Eagle to carry Smeagol and bring them to Minas Tirith. He would then tell Aragorn about Smeagol. And after Frodo woke up, I think he would share stories about Smeagol's good deeds during their travel to Mount Doom. Aragorn, much like Faramir, would not be able to fully trust Smeagol so he would send a small party which includes Faramir to tail the Hobbits and take action if Smeagol does anything to harm them. The Scouring of the Shire would then occur and I think Smeagol would be a big help due to his stealthy nature. As the years go by, Smeagol would show symtomps of aging due to the destruction of the One Ring, the thing that extended his lifespan beyond its natural limit. And due to his good deeds, especially during the Scouring of the Shire, Frodo would vouch for him and convince Gandald, Elrond, and even Galadriel to let him sail to Valinor where he would receive healing, or at least have peace during his last years.

[@whawhawhawhaaaa]

Realistically he probably would have died almost immediately. Bilbo ages decades after the ring is destroyed so I can't imagine Gollum, who is also a hobbit and has been alive much longer than Bilbo, would have lived for longer than a couple weeks after the ring is destroyed.

[@joshjones6072]

Good speculation! It makes sense this would be the result if Aragorn made these choices, and took the One Ring of Power over others. But the story would continue... Sauron would be back eventually 1000 years later, and a Gollum-like Ar-Isildur would crumble before Saurons new form. A protracted terrible battle would come to pass in that day, at the end of the Age of Men. Saurons forces would fight for years against the corrupted blood-thirsty second Numenorian Empire. The 2nd Numenorian Empire would gleefully sacrifice Southrons and Easterlings, and indeed, any Numenorians who still dared to worship Illutvatar and pay homage to the Valar, all because the corrupted 2nd Numenorians sacrificed all who opposed them to Melkor, in order to gain supposed eternal life. In the end, the Southrons and Easterlings, galvanized in their hatred of the 2nd Numenorian Empire, along with orcs, trolls, and fell beasts, led by a reanimated Sauron, would defeat the realm of a terribly weakened Ar-Isidur, aged 1000 years, resembling his army of the dead. A wraith-like Aragorn would kneel before Sauron, defeated in weakened will, but not broken. In a final rage Aragorn rose up before Sauron, uttering a fell curse upon him that rang through Middle Earth. They both struck each other mightily, their swords ringing like evil bells. Ar-Isildur, wielding the power of the One Ring, grew to the size of Sauron, his remaining will and the magic of Sauron's ring taking final hold of him completely. Mightily they fought, the Lords of two hosts circling each other in heated frenzy. But then, at once, the reforged sword of Isildur shattered, just as Saurons giant mace shattered as well. Lunging at each other, monstrous in their anger, they clashed and grappled, fighting now in hand-to-hand combat. The two forces of each, mesmorized, watched from either side. But then, the One Ring, ever faithful to its master, indeed, made from gold, anger, and even part of Sauron's physical body, fell from Ar-Isildur's finger. Isildur shrank, collapsing in weakness, and Sauron seized the once great King of Men. Sauron viciously threw Ar-Isildur to the ground, roaring in triumph, as the horde of Sauron's army swept past him and attacked the horrified army of the 2nd Numenorian Empire. The Age of Men was over after a short reign of 1000 years. The Age of Orcs had begun. What a fearful ending! Let us never allow this to occur!

[@pilroberts6185]

All good fun and compellingly told but... The mistake of your story lay in that Aragorn would pass the ring to his son but Aragon as a Dunedan with his already immense longevity would live ages with the ring, he would not pass it on to his heirs for he would not pass on, But that is a moot point because if Isildur with all the might of a victorious Gondor over a defeated Sauron could not survive with the Ring, neither would Aragorn with Gondor albeit no longer delayed but diminished to but a whisper of its former self, the Army of the Dead, being the Dead, would abandon him and in time, likely sooner rather than later, the other Dunedain, Gandalf (snicker... a Maiar will not be captured by a non Maiar, bearing the one ring or not) the other Istari, Maiar, not to mention elves, and Valar too would not tolerate him and that would be it for while a descendant of Numenor, human Aragorn still is.

[@derfret1365]

I would agree that they couldn't capture Gandalf, but the other Istari would probably not be mighty enough to resist Aragorn... neither would the elves, who were allready fading for 3000 years. The Dunedain of Arnor would also fall or serve Aragorn, as well as the Dunedain of Gondor. The Valar did not really intervent after the war of wrath, so why should they, when the age of men finaly beginns, as they were expecting for long time? Maybe, just maybe, Gandalf could escape with some elves, hobbits and dwarves to ask the Valar for help in the name of the remaining free peoples, as Earendil did, but since Gandalf as well as all the peoples had their part in leading Aragorn in his situation (because as this the fellowship would be seen after all this), they probably ignored it, because to them, compared to the tyranny of Morgoth, their issue would seem ordinary.

[@thorntonmellon]

I agree with you that Aragorn would live an extremely long time, far outliving his sons who would not have the benefit of the ring. Look what it did to Gollum's lifespan who was only a hobbit. However, Aragorn with the ring would be more than a match for any remaining Istari, Maiar, or elves. Heck, even Sauron feared Aragorn would use the one ring against him (remember that Isildur defeated Sauron who was wearing the one ring at the time. ) I think the elves would recognize their time is over and head to the east if they saw Aragorn with the one ring.

[@chriswilder9719]

@Dex4Sure um sauron was one and he fell to humans and and elf so might want to rethink that part. They are mortal as in their bodies can be destroyed and spirits bannished. Gandalf DIED didn't get sent home for a new clothes. The Valar didn't send him back, they couldn't give life to another higher spirit like them. Sarumon was also killed by a mortal. That's three that were killed. Not to mention balrogs are the same class and elves killed a couple of those. Man things you said couldn't die or be killed by mortals have a record of dying and being killed by mortals

[@ArgonYouTube]

Probably gonna get bombed for this, but I thought the power of the five Maia was greatly diminished when they arrived as the Istari?

[@ciamciaramcia99]

"while a descendant of Numenor, human Aragorn still is" Shut up, yoda!

[@keithtrivett1906]

Thanks for all your hard work!

[@mrperson0140]

Man this was very depressing. Behind Gimli, Aragorn's my favorite character in this series. The thought of him becoming evil is unimaginable. On the other hand, excellent job with this scenario.

[@disgruntledtoons]

Tolkien in his writings states unambiguously that no Man could withhold the Ring from Sauron in a direct confrontation. If Aragorn had taken the Ring it would have goaded him to confronting Sauron, who would have gotten the Ring from him.

[@donnatornay2537]

I missed you last week. However, the theory of Aragon having the one ring did not disappoint! Kudos! Welcome back from your hiatus.

[@kennethlacewell1517]

I'd like to think Aragon would have more resistance to the ring, especially since he took it up unwillingly. I could see Gandalf cornering Aragon after Helm's Deep, just as he did Bilbo. I think Merry and Pippen would have ended up with the ring.

[@jason01095]

This was great! You had my undivided attention throughout the entire story. Well done :)

[@warpdriveby]

I sincerely hope you are working on a project of your own. I also write, and am incredibly impressed by your creations so far! Your "what ifs" feel like they're truly a part of the story. I have the sense some of the ways characters change with exposure to the ring, is inspired by the actions of the Noldor, especially Fëanor, Fingoldin, Turgon and others. Seeing a wrathful Aragorn, who like some others, does not take the ring by force would have lasted longer than most. I know it "says" hobbits are resistant to its evil, but those same cases are also when the ring changes hands in peace. I also have thought the peaceful life and gentle nature of the Shire preserves and promotes compassion and kindness. I guess I could say: I doubt its hobbit "DNA", but that they are sweet and good in the way dogs are, so maybe it is in their genetics. Anyway, great work I can't wait for more!

[@orrointhewise87]

...but the hearts of men are easily corrupted...... So they traded one tyrant for another? Sounds about right But if the ring want destroyed then Sauron lives still, I think he would eventually return long after the death of Aragon, to torment the decendence of Ellesar. Also the Eastern peoples; I think they would also join with Aragons forces at some point. Either way dont send a man to do a hobbits job lol

[@Derzelas05]

yeah, but by the time sauron returns, humans will have nuclear bombs :))

[@grahamwillis585]

Sauron would return as his spirit was immortal once physical form was destroyed would need ring which is tied to his soul be be destroyed also before he could be cast down and be subject to the power of the other gods, Manwe could then banish Sauron into the void so he could never again return to middle earth same as Melkor/Morgoth, but ultimately the ring answers only to its true masters will Sauron is the Lord of the rings, and the one ruleing ring would corrupt any lesser beings.

[@theolodger]

Elessar, i think.

[@kennenhaas1317]

Yeah. The ring betrays Aragon and he dies in battle against dwarves defending the deepest redoubts of Moria. The ring is lost, having slipped into a fissure in the rock. The dwarves know not to look for it. Centuries pass and the Spirit of Sauron gathers. A great orc leads an assault on the dwarven mines. Gandalf, having been freed upon Aragon's death, guesses the purpose of this assault. Dwarves and men now see each other as ancient enemies. So Gandalf gathers Legolas and Gimli's son Gadli for a quest to enter the mines and recover the Ring before it is discovered by the orc army. The quest requires stealth. So Gandalf takes the trio to peak of the besieged mountain, where the Balrog's long dead carcass lies near an entrance. Encountering dwarves, orcs, and a returned Nazgul; the trio attempt to retrace the clues and history of the now historical fall of Aragon. Legolas falls, saving the others from being entrapped in a collapsing tunnel while battling the Orc chief. The dwarves drive off the orcs, but capture Gandalf and Gadli in the process. They confess to their captures the purpose of their mission, and the Dwarf King sees the possibility of the ring as a chance to recapture and establish lost dwarf kingdoms. He chooses to hold Gandalf. But, some dwarves, having heard legends of Gandalf from their grandfathers, facilitate his escape. Being near the royal keep of Moria, Gandalf and Gadli access the mine's library and read the account of Aragon's final battle. That is probably enough for book 1.

[@anondude504]

@@Derzelas05 And he would think before returning.

[@greatbigdumbband]

Movie Aragorn is so wholesome. If Viggo Mortensen took the ring, he would defeat Sauron and then honor his Danish father by conquering Gotland for Denmark. He would then be pleased and destroy the one ring.

[@ATK1734]

Oh man: this is your "If Faramir joined the Fellowship" video all over again...mostly in the sense that: it starts kind of positive and then quickly falls apart. I love this series and I love your videos Yoystan.

[@garykidd5934]

Another excellent video! I end up watching older videos every time a new one is published Thank you.

[@09stoneheart]

After these amazing alternative histories of the ring I believe there is only one scenario left to consider. What if Sauron had never made the ring, including the other rings, at all? What if instead of using rings of power to corrupt and dominate the elves of the second age, he decided to go forth with all the power he could muster, in himself and Mordor, and made war on the free peoples in a more traditional method; just as Morgoth had done in ages past? How would the history of the legendarium changed if Sauron had not created the very object that would lead to his ultimate downfall in the third age? What do you think Yoysten?

[@connielewis3623]

One of the scariest short stories I have ever read was a short piece on Aragorn after taking the Ring.

[@TheDoniggy]

Thanks man. You do a great job. I'm excited whenever I get a notification

[@lorianncornwell4634]

Can you also cover what would happen if Boromir did not try to take the ring? I have really been enjoying these theories

[@athanasiuscontramundum4127]

I really liked this. On the one hand, my favorite nation of men, Numenor is restored to great power. On the other, Sauron is not destroyed and his corrupting power runs rampant. Nice video, I really like your stuff!

[@ducovanderwoude6971]

I wouldn't say Numenor is restored to power as we all know what happened the first time Men became to arrogant. Spoiler it didn't end well. The actual decline of Numenor started when they took their Adunaic names the same as Ar-Elessar does.

[@lisacavallera8255]

Ben Shapiro Ben Shapiro is a Tolkien nerd like us!!!! Ha! I like you man. I don’t agree with a lot of what you believe but that’s fine!!! I still love how you have the gift to make people go from 0 to 1000 babbling insano!!! I respect the shit out of that!!!

[@lisacavallera8255]

Yes it is!!! IT IS!!!

[@greenlamp9219]

you forgot to mention that your wife is also a doctor so i dont know if you really actually like this vid

[@Seriously_Unserious]

@@lisacavallera8255 Check his channel dude, it's got only 13 subs. The real Ben Shapiro has way more then that, as in over 500,000 subs. Anyways, this would be a horrible timeline to live in. I saw a video speculation on what would happen if Gandulf the White took the ring and it presents some very interesting ideas on it too, which I think would be likely. Basically, Gandalf the White, being one of the most powerful immortal beings would be able to mater the One Ring to some extent, and separate it from Sauron, basically permanently ending Sauron same as if it were destroyed, but while Gandulf acts with good intentions and kindness in his heart, his intentions and actions get corrupted by The One Ring, which takes on a sort of sentience and mind of it's own. He builds up an empire that spans Middle Earth, and establishes a tyranny of absolute and uncompromising order, in a misguided effort to shield the world from chaos and evil, but in the end, creates an evil even greater then Sauron's ever was, as it's more hidden and insidious then Sauron's or this version of Aragorn's more obvious evil and tyranny would be.

[@clone9740]

Nice work! You do a nice job of in-depth covering the theory

[@irontemplar6222]

It Definitely would have happened like this. the only question would be if Arwin could have possibly either snapped him out of it, I'm leaning on no but I could be wrong. (also once he starts wearing the ring couldn't he have started to corrupt Elrond, Gandalf, and Galadriel maybe with the exception of Gandalf since his spirt is likely far greater than Aragorn since he is only a distant decendint of a Aunir but what about the other two?)

[@ducovanderwoude6971]

Neither Aragorn nor Gandalf are descendant from Valar, Gandalf is a Maia and Aragorn is a far descendant of a Maia.

[@irontemplar6222]

@@ducovanderwoude6971 no sir you are incorrect aragorn is a distant descendant from one of the valar specifically an Auniur.

[@ducovanderwoude6971]

@@irontemplar6222 let me explain, Valar and Maiar are bove Ainur the difference is their power, Valar are more powerful than Maiar. Aragorn is a far descendant of Melian who is a Maia their is no instance in which a Vala had kid.

[@irontemplar6222]

@@ducovanderwoude6971 um dude you are way fucking off. The valar are not a race they are a group of Aunir. Melkor himself is a member of this race but he is not a valar. And while Melian was counted among the Maia she herself was also an Anuir

[@irontemplar6222]

@GeorgiaWarBoy81 it was the result of an error in my original message that caused a misunderstanding it has been fixed now.

[@12345678900987659101]

10:40 I'm imagining Aragorn holding the Palantir out like a selfie stick and showing Sauron his power with that description.

[@formal91]

Thanks!

[@Jesse_andrew]

So long since I have watched 1 of your videos Yostan . . . Still as great as ever!

[@PuissantAlgernon]

Watching these videos makes me feel like Dr Strange looking at the 14,000,605 possible universes, but in Middle Earth.

[@natebullis353]

Idea: What if Faramir had gone to Rivendell instead of Boromir?

[@Therealchunion]

I really liked this! Very nice work, well put together. It reminded me slightly of Shadow of War where Celebrimbor wanted to defeat Sauron but just so he could rule in his stead.

[@BetheLightCS]

It could be argued that Aragorn would be more powerful and potentially more cruel in this timeline since he has the support of all men and holds dominion over all of Middle Earth whereas Sauron only permanently controlled Mordor but had influence elsewhere as well. Alternate timelines like these are always interesting, great video!

[@probro9898]

I don't think he would have taken the style Ar-Elessar because the prefix "Ar" is Adunaic and "Elessar" is Elvish, meaning "elf-stone". He might have called himself Ar-[whatever the Adunaic for elf-stone is], though that is unlikely too as Aragorn (like his dark Numenorian predecessors) would have wanted nothing to do with anything elvish!

[@bishop8000]

Good video, but Tolkien himself said that it wouldn't have happened this way. "In [Sauron's] actual presence, none but very few of equal stature could have hoped to withhold [the One Ring] from him. Of 'mortals' no one, not even Aragorn." But long before that, if Aragorn used the ring for too long, Sauron would become aware of his location and he would send all of the Nazgul to retrieve it, and they would almost certainly be successful.

[@MikaelKKarlsson]

A great story and I needed one right now so double thanks. I feel that the ring would try to betray Aragorn in some way near Moria, though I cannot say how.

[@connielewis3623]

Hi! Your videos are so wonderful! I don't know if you ever do Alternate Histories for The Silmarillion but one of what would have happened if the Sons of Feanor hadn't sworn the Oath, (but still followed their father to Arda) might be really interesting? Or if Maedhros had died in Angband/or if Fingon hadn't found him. I know in earlier versions, he was not chained to the cliff for decades, or even at all.

[@DamonNomad82]

Playing Lord of the Rings Online and watching a new Yoystan video, a priceless combination!

[@pastoh1]

Great theory. One point, you mentioned about Aragon dying at the of it, but wouldn't his possession of the ring stretch out his life indefinitely?

[@JonRowlison]

"Gandalf knew that if anyone had the strength to wield the one ring, it was Aragorn..." In what world does that make sense? The ringwraiths were much closer to the original Numenorian "stock" than Aragorn and against much weaker rings they had no chance what-so-ever. I'd argue that no less than at least a maia (Gandalf) and even that would have been iffy. Aragorn trying to wield the ring would have been less success than Isildur trying to possess it.

[@loremaster234]

Just subscribed! Thought i already had. Great video dude and keep it up!

[@reaver1414]

My favorite part of the book that was left out of the movies is the expanded scope of the invasion of sauron with the northern army cutting off the path of the army of Rohan as well as the southern army drawing off the strength of Gondor. I don't like the ghost army showing up on the ships

[@DiracComb.7585]

Absolutely loved the video Yoystan. Hope you had a good break. I do hope u do the video on Faenor soon. I do have a question after viewing some of your older videos. In your video on the named weapons of the Lengendarium, you said that Tuor’s axe cleaved 5 balrogs to death. Well if Glorfindel also killed a balrog and Gandalf did also, that would make 7. In your video on the balrogs, you said that Tolkien stated that there should be thought to be no more than 7 balrogs. Wouldn’t that mean all the balrogs were slain by the end of the third age, or am I now overthinking this.

[@MenoftheWest]

Hey Paul, thanks for your support, as always! In that weapons video, I should have stated that the axe Dramborleg that slew those Balrogs came from the History of Middle-Earth and not the Silmarillion. Thus, it is disputed in the lore concerning the exact amount of Balrogs there really were in the legendarium, and if so many were slain in the Fall of Gondolin. So it could be seven or even more! That's what I have found at least, I hope that helps!

[@ducovanderwoude6971]

The HoME Balrogs are more than but also weaker than the maximum 7 Balrogs from the Sil and LOTR.

[@AeneasGemini]

Being stronger isn't what helps you to resist the ring, it just makes you more of a tempting target for it. It wants to be on the hand of a dark lord, even if it has to make you into one

[@benpilcher6798]

I think a video on what if Rohan did not answer the call to help Gondor would be very interesting! Very cool theory video btw

[@philkarlandted5460]

The curse of Eorl would have come to pass. Sauron likely would have followed the same invasion route as in the second age, right through Rohan.

[@jayson42056]

All of these theory videos are extremely well crafted. My love for these films is still just as bright some 20 yrs later from the original trilogy. The sequence of events that takes place in all 6 movies is done so in a way that no other path would have saved Middle Earth if not for the courage of Hobbits. I see a lot of similarities in the two trilogies. Aragorn/Arwen and Tauriel/Kili represent the love that is possible between dif races. I like to think that Thranduil’s scene with Tauriel after she wept from the loss of Kili is not pointless. Thranduil lost his wife in the battle of Men and Elves vs Sauron so I like to think that his consolation to Tauriel came from his heart as he too lost the love of his life, which kept the Woodland Realm isolated onto itself. Legolas speaking of the fact that his mother died in the battle with no grave or tomb makes sense when earlier Thranduil is ready to fight the dwarves but after seeing Tauriel weep, Lee Pace did a good job at explaining that her love was real and now gone, a life in which he too has spent ages thinking about. Curious tho: Elrond is seen at Dol Goldur with Saruman protecting Galadriel yet after this, we never see Elrond again. Why wouldn’t he have been part of the Battle of the 5 armies? Elrond was more of a leader than Thranduil, who Tauriel was convinced that he would have just stayed put. Yet he shows up with food for the ppl of Laketown ONLY because he wants “white gems of pure starlight”. This part of the movie seems absurd as Thranduil is all but ready to attack Erebor for those gems yet Bilbo (again, the sequence matters) parlays the arkenstone. Yet mid battle Thranduil pulls whatever elves aren’t killed out of the battle!? I don’t get this Elven King’s thinking...wth did he think was gonna happen?

[@alexramey2062]

This theory reminds me of a character from one of my fantasy stories who, to his people, was seen as a savior king to humanity, defeating all manner of dark force throughout the earth, despite being seen by his non human victims as a tyrant.

[@dracodawnstars8245]

Wow that was really dark. Not as dark as when Galadriel had the ring, but still up there. I love your Theory videos. They really give an eye opener of "what if". Just out of curiosity, what made you want to do these "Theory" videos? They are all quite interesting and by fascinating.

[@gobigblue6782]

I understand there would have been a learning curve to gain control and knowledge of the rings power. I think that once defeated and crumpled to his knees, Sauron, much like Melkor would have sued for pardon and swayed the corrupted Aragorn to make him a powerful Captain amongst the army of men. Perhaps, in that way, biding his time, to regain the ring itself. An interesting twist to your storyline. Thanks for the great video this week.

[@gamer4ever09]

I just started watching hobbit and the lord of the rings, such amazing movies. I love your videos and they are helping me a lot to understand the lore. Keep up the good work!

[@Batman-hc6mv]

Read the books there alot better and some of the stuff in the movie is left out from the book.

[@Crafty_Spirit]

Would Aragorn still be able to die or would he linger on as a wraith-like king? It seems a bit optimistic that you could pass the Ring down through the family line as an heirloom, it's an extremely desirable artefact after all 😅

[@joshsemo4214]

It would be like a talion situation i think.

[@malcolmwebb9367]

I agree. Aragorn would be unable to willingly give the Ring to his son Eldarion after holding it for over a century. He would instead choose to live forever and eventually become a wraith. He might even kill Eldarion once the Ring had corrupted him completely.

[@benry007]

I actually think Aragorn would be the best case scenario for the ring not being destroyed. It would suck to be an elf or a dwarf but I dont think the humans and halflings would fair quite as bad. There would be an authoritarian government and definitely alot of evil but the orcs would get wiped out. It would probably be north Korea bad.

[@filipkowalewski4530]

1. What if Sauron's plan to take over Middle-Earth with the Rings of Power had worked? (Completely, not only men are corrupted, but Elves and Dwarves too) 2. What if Helm's Deep/Hornburg fell? 3. What if Smeagol overcame Gollum? 4. What if Isildur cast the One Ring into the fire? Great channel, by the way! I learned a lot about LOTR lore from you!

[@Spartan-343]

1. The Valar and Maiar show up and they defeat Sauron. 2. Sauron gets the advantage in the war. 3. The Ring ends up destroyed anyway I think. 4. A whole lot of suffering would have been avoided.

[@tashayovanin3698]

Great theory, just one problem. Gandalf didn’t meet Merry and Pippin until after the battle of Isengard.

[@scootervantil]

I think Gandalf would have been wiser than what is mentioned in the video. At this point he had turned to Gandalf the white and therefore more powerful and would have been more cognizant of this decision being a poor one. I think he would have tried something a bit different than just trusting Aragorn. The whole thing is pretty well thought out so I appreciate the time and work out into it, I think Gandalf would have put more effort into convincing Aragorn to leave the one ring with Merry or Pippin

[@lukeskywalkerthe2nd773]

Gosh darn it I hate to see Aragorn (one of my most all time favorite Fantasy characters ever) so tyrannical and unjust! But I shouldn't be surprised given the fact that the hearts of Eru's favorite children are so easily corrupted. And the Ring is a prime example of that. But overall I find this theory to be super facanating, and I cannot wait to see more down the road, Yoystan!!!! :)

[@darkwing3713]

I think this makes a lot of sense, except the ring going to his son. The ring would have extended Aragorn's life in the same way in extended Gollum's, and he would have outlived his son. He might have even killed his son out of paranoia and fear of losing the ring to him. Eventually Aragorn would have faded and become permanently invisible, and then undead like a Nazgûl. I think this would happen even though it didn't happen to Gollum because of the speculation in the book about how resistant hobbits where to the ring. So Middle Earth would end up being ruled by an extra-powerful Nazgûl who caused abject fear in every mortal around him.

[@PrimusGladius]

Very interesting! But wouldn't Sauron be alerted to Aragorn having the ring the very first time he puts it on? Surly then Sauron would have changed his strategy completely and instead sent his full army (3x the size as what besieged Minas Tirith + allies) and all the Nazgul at him immediately. Army of the dead would crush the orcs but the Nazgul would be different. And even though Aragorn would be more powerful than them, I have to believe the Rings treachery would still somehow lead to his death, much like Isildurs. If not during the war, then sometime after it. Even if Aragorn wins and destroys Saurons physical form, the dark lord will win in the long run.

[@bghoody5665]

In the books, doesn't Gimli say something after their encounter in Dunharrow, how he was surprised with how Aragorn handled himself and mentions that if he ever did decide to take the ring there was nothing anyone could do about it? Basically supports your theory.

[@paulprovenzano3755]

Ar-Elessar and Ar-Eldarion is the greatest mistake that you’ve made, to my knowledge. When the later rebellious Numenoreans took the Sceptre, they took an adunaic name….. Ar-(Whatever-adunaic-name). They also took a name in Eldarin, and THAT one would have been Tar-Elessar or Tar-Eldarion. just saying.

[@rochrich1223]

Sauron was bereft, he had finally lost the ring... He had put all his malice, hatred and will to dominate into the ring and now that was gone. Suddenly, he realized he was now a pretty nice guy! It took time and an alias to be accepted but he settled into the friend zone of a shield maiden of Rohan. (With his will to dominate totally gone, he wasn't interested to take the relationship to the next level.)

[@candicecarter581]

I love what if story. Good work on the video.

[@epsbandy]

This is a very thorough and good speculation. Up to the end battle against Sauron, I am ready to agree. But I would like to believe that like with Frodo and his hesitance to destroy the ring in the end, there would be a helping hand for Aragorn too. I'm tempted to say, the elves would come to argue for Gandalf's freedom. Elrond would plead with him and when he realizes that all words of reason won't work, there would be Arwen. In the ned LOTR is a story of hope and love. I would like to believe that Aragorn - who ultimately seeked power out of obligation to protect and not out of the desire to rule - could overcome the influence of the ring long enough to give it to another ring bearer. Seeing Arwen and remembering the promise he had given Elrond if he ever wanted to marry her. But that's just me, I believe in happy ends.

[@IanHeins]

Nice work dude thanks

[@paulbakovic7475]

Very well done!

[@jesscarver583]

Very well done. Better so than the Galadriel one. Very much as I would have imagined it.

[@alexramey2062]

Okay but for real though these "what if the ring" scenarios are legit scary, mainly due to your great writing (kudos) but also because of how unnatural it seems to see the original story go down such dark paths. Galadrial turning the world into an eternal forest, Gandalf declaring marshal law across middle earth, the ring never being found thus leading to hope for victory against the dark lord being lost, etc. Your theories are not only enjoyable but also demonstrate what really makes the one ring truly evil, that no matter what happens it will always corrupt, and even in defeat, Sauron will always have the last laugh...

[@TemplerOO7]

The ring gives power in relation to its bearer and Aragorn is really powerful, he even challenged Sauron with the palantir without having the Ring. But it would probably make him immortal and eventually turn him into something like a nazgul, like the witchking, only way more powerful, since aragorn is likely more powerful than the witchking was as a man and the one ring also possesses much more power. He would easily outclass the remaining powers like Gandalf, elrond or galadriel. These 3 have the elven rings, if they don't manage to flee, he will take them. The 8 remaining nazgul will probably have to obey him too. Eventually conquering all of middle earth, with 3 palantirs, nazguls and an army of dead, his reign would be terrifying

[@magmar7118]

I see only three detail flaws: 1) With an army of the dead, Theoden and Rohan were not needed to march East toward the Black Gate. 2) For as valiant as Aragorn was, he was still a man and I fear the ring would consume him sooner. Perhaps at the walls of Helms Deep to convince the Oath Breakers to continue their service? 3) Gandalf could possibly use his magic to either subdue Aragorn and take the ring, or at least avoid capture. If Gandalf took the One Ring, he need not go far to destroy it. And thus the spirit of Sauron endures no more. Great stuff!!

[@stevemiller4494]

Very interesting... Good work

[@JordanBeagle]

Love it, only thing is I thought he didn't have Anduril at the time of Fellowship?

[@dazeen9591]

But with the medallion Aragorn got from the elf chick, he wouldn't never age so he would never die?

[@SharonKofoed]

Fantastic job!

[@Sigismund-von-Luxembourg]

Not sure if you have already made it but if not then you should definitely make one where Gandalf takes the ring and one where Galadriel takes it

[@jamesteegardner2273]

I think Sauron would eventually come back and use cunning instead of force to trick one of Aragorn's heirs into losing the One Ring. Without the wizards, dwarves, or elves left to help there would be no one to challenge Sauron. I'm sure the armies of men would give it their best shot but Sauron with the One Ring would be too powerful.

[@neil999ish]

We have to look at when the one ring was taken after the battle of last alliance. It immidiately started to corrupt Isulder and eventually 'betrayed' him at the gladden field's. No matter how 'noble' the Elf, Dwarf, or Mortal in the end they would be 'corrupted'. As in Samwise's vision of him using the ring and 'creating' a garden uptopia, what would the 'cost' have been to others?

[@gordontubbs]

This was enjoyable. Though, slightly dubious that Gandalf or Saruman would just "get arrested" without some incident, perhaps both of them unleashing their full power and escaping. Imagine in the aftermath a new fellowship emerges... the Fellowship of Wizards, where Saruman reforms and joins with Gandalf, Radagast, and the Blue Wizards.

[@jackcoleman5955]

I love the various illustrations. Great tale!

[@cityman2312]

Wouldn't Aragorn be cursed with an unnaturally extended lifespan?

[@alexshellnot4407]

‘‘Twas worth the wait! Amazing video

[@AsterioMetaverse]

That was actually pretty good, it makes sense and is quite enjoyable to imagine such a scenario, Amazon should have had you for their script writer instead of...whoever they got for The Ring of Power.

[@davidmiddleton7958]

Sauron had already anticipated that one of the greats of the Free Peoples would claim the one ring. And had his forces ready for this turn of events.

[@keiyakins]

What if the Ring had slipped from Frodo as he left Bag End, and Lobelia got it?

[@batmanthegreat307]

I honestly did not think this a posibility. But I love your theory. If I may suggest a theory, again, I would suggest what if Talion/the bright lord existed in middle earth. I personally believe that sauron would consider him a danger to his cause and try to kill him, but Talion/the bright lord fight back with equal ferocity, turning all of Sauron's greatest and most powerful forces to his side (except the Nazgûl probably as they are bound to the one) I also believe he would intercept Frodo and Sam entering mordor through Cirith ungol and using his past dealings with shelob, made her go away while he and his army escorted frodo to mount doom. But that is only my take on it. I would love to hear your point of view if you would like to give it

[@13akis]

Really really ireally interesting theory... but i believe thanks to Arwen/Evenstar and her father Elrond, Aragorn cannot be possible so much corrupt by the ring. Because the light and power of Eldar could shine through the Aragorn even when the darkness of the One Ring surounds him.