The One Ring's Invisibility:
- The Ring's invisibility effect is not its primary purpose or power.
- It is a secondary phenomenon connected to its true nature.
- The Ring itself is not inherently invisible.
Wraith World Connection:
- The Ring allows the wearer to perceive and exist partially in the Wraith world (or spirit world).
- In the Wraith world, the wearer becomes visible, while to those in the physical world, they appear invisible.
- This connection is similar to how the Nazgûl, being wraiths, exist.
The Nature of the Ring's Power:
- The Ring's true power is dominion, control over other Rings of Power, and the minds of their wearers.
- Sauron primarily used the Ring for command and control, not for stealth.
- He didn't need to be invisible as his power was overwhelming.
Effect on Mortals vs. Maiar:
- For mortals, wearing the Ring pulls them into the Wraith world, making them invisible in the physical world but drawing them closer to becoming a wraith.
- For Maiar (like Sauron and Gandalf), the Ring would not make them invisible. It would amplify their inherent power and presence.
- Sauron's spirit is naturally powerful, and the Ring would enhance this, not hide it.
Wearer's Will and Corruption:
- The longer a mortal wears the Ring, the more it corrupts them and pulls them into the Wraith world.
- Hobbits, due to their unique nature, are more resistant to the immediate corrupting and wraith-making effects compared to Men.
- Good intentions don't prevent the Ring's corrupting influence; it twists the wearer's will to its own.
Contrast with Other Rings:
- The other Rings of Power (Elven Rings) have more specific, overt magical effects like healing, preservation, and inspiration.
- The One Ring's power is more insidious and focused on dominion.
Summary:
The One Ring makes mortals invisible by connecting them to the Wraith world, a secondary effect stemming from its true nature as a tool of dominion. This cloaking function is a consequence of the Ring's power rather than its primary intended use, as its ultimate purpose was to control other Rings and minds, a power mostly utilized by Sauron. While mortals are drawn into the spirit world and become invisible, Maiar like Sauron would not experience this same effect, as the Ring would enhance their already powerful spirit. The continuous use of the Ring by mortals leads to severe corruption and eventual transformation into wraiths, while hobbits show a peculiar resistance to this rapid corruption.