FOTR/ TP20-get the Ring out of the Shire
From Create Your Own Story
Gandalf decides that the Ring cannot remain in the Shire. It has to go, and Frodo has to carry it. Frodo will be a hardy ringbearer - he is young and resilient, and has a good spirit that will want to help save the world.
This conclusion comes to him quickly - and he immediately sits Frodo down to explain the situation. As Gandalf expected, Frodo agrees to serve as ringbearer - what he did not expect was the gardener, Samwise Gamgee, tagging along as well.
Gandalf spends 2 months helping Frodo devise a plan to sneak out of the Shire with the Ring. He plan is to escort Frodo to Rivendell, meeting his friend Aragorn there. As the departure date approached, Gandalf decided to scout ahead and confirm that the roads near the Shire were safe. He told Frodo, "I am going down beyond the southern borders to get some news." On this journey, which was intended to be quick, he ran into Radagast the Brown - who implored him to seek the council of Sauruman. He was so insistent that Gandalf actually became somewhat suspicious of Radagast's intentions.
Decision
You are still on Tolkien's path. What should Gandalf do?
- Gandalf trusts Butterbur and agrees with Radagst - he will travel to Isengard to meet with Sauruman the White.
- He is too worried about the hobbits to risk their harm - so Gandalf stays in Bree.
- Gandalf becomes suspicious of Sauruman, and travels to Rivendell in order to convince Elrond to attack Isengard. Upon arrival, he sends Aragorn back to Bree to watch over the hobbits.
...or GO BACK
