As Gandalf says, "all we have to decide is what to do with the time we are given." (Tolkien, 67). It is crucial to understand Gandalf's use of the word “decide” in this passage. There are times and circumstances that are imposed on us and that are beyond our control. There are forces that seek to exercise or impose their will for better or for worse. It is our choice to decide to join the dark side or resist. While these forces can influence characters, they cannot completely take control away from beings with free will. Bilbo chooses to let Gollum live and in doing so takes pity on the creature while Frodo chooses to take the ring to Mordor knowing that he runs the risk of being corrupted by the darkness. These acts of mercy are beyond the will of even the greatest powers “for even the wisest cannot see all ends” (Tolkien, 78). The power of choice, in addition to doing good, also has the ability to do harm. The Ring and its master, the dark lord Sauron, are powerful forces of evil capable of asserting their dominion and will over lesser beings. For example, in "The Shadow of the Past" Gandalf, a very strong character with the best intentions can be devoured by evil forces if he decides to take up the ring (Tolkien, 55). The One Ring seeks to enslave its wearer, violating their God-given gift of free will.