Good points made by everyone. I feel he wasn't really running from any of these battle, he was giving the fellowship (both in hobbit and LotR) the chance to do it on their own. And as for Mirkwood he really did have pressing business, if I remember correctly the council drove Sauron out of his stronghold (forgot the name, somewhere south of Mirkwood?) that year.
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My body is broken. I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed. I felled the black serpent. A grim morn, and a glad day, and a golden sunset!
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