Gandalf is certain that Bilbo’s finding the Ring and giving it to Frodo makes the Frodo the fated Ring-bearer (indeed, in Gandalf’s opinion Frodo is the very best person to bear the treacherous object and has the most chance at succeeding in the Fellowship’s quest to destroy it). Interestingly, it is difficult for readers to discern the priorities of this potentially all-powerful presence. These situations also offer readers glimpses of the possibility that everything that will come to pass is already destined to occur. Situations like these abound in The Fellowship of the Ring, suggesting an overarching presence that directs the events on Middle-earth. Despite all nine spontaneously volunteering their services, Elrond comments on the fortuitous nature of it all-that Nine Walkers of complementary talents have volunteered to oppose Sauron and his nine Black Riders seems too circumspect not to be fate. Here, the Council of Elrond suggests that a small company is required to infiltrate Mordor and destroy the Ring. The diverse members of the Company of the Ring all come together by happenstance, as for various reasons they have been drawn away from their homes to Rivendell at the same time. Tolkien’s story hints at an overarching and all-powerful presence that has specific plans for the beings of Middle-earth. Overall, this narrative interplay between ideas of free will, fate, and foresight suggests that free will can exist in a world also governed by predestined action. Certain characters use the power of prophecy and vision to arm themselves with knowledge that will greatly help their forces in the contest between good and evil. Throughout the Fellowship’s journey, moments of foresight also become integral to the plot. In many ways, though, their choices and decisions seem predestined by a greater overarching power that is hinted at in myth, circumstance, and conversation. Nine individuals choose to join the Fellowship for the purpose of saving the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. The Fellowship of the Ring begins the story of the Company of the Ring who set out to destroy the One Ring, an action that will defeat the rising threat of the Dark Lord Sauron.
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