Davem and others,
This whole topic has always intrigued me, especially since it implicitly raises the whole question of "predestination". What is truly free and what is ordained? Or is all prophecy similar to what Galadriel says: something that may come about but is not certain.
What about Grey Havens where Frodo "foretells' Sam's children with a fair amount of accuracy, as well as his references to Sam as mayor? Is Sam so much a part of Frodo that you (Davem) would consider this also to be a case where Frodo can glimpse his own life (and that of his close friend) in its entirity?
Regarding "foretelling" as possibly connected with the Music of Creation... That's a very interesting way of viewing this, especially in terms of Elves. But there is also the chance, even likelihood, of Men acting outside the Music. Perhaps prophecy can only concern those events where Men's unpredictable actions are unlikely to have a determining role? Yet Frodo's reference to Sam having children and being the mayor wouldn't seem to fall in that category, but rather solely within the province of Men (i.e, or hobbits as their relatives).
There is another intriguing question. If Frodo is so broken that he must leave the Shire, how is he capable of reaching the higher spiritual state that is implied by being able to make such an accurate prediction? Davem's suggestion of Illuvatar as the one who grants such visions seems to imply that the person be able to tune in to a spiritual side of themselves, which most of us can not do. Or is a high spiritual state not required? What about the curselike predictions of baddies in the Silm that do end up coming true? Or even the words of Saruman at the Scouring?
Quote:
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But do not expect me to wish you health and long life. You will have neither. But that is not my doing, I merely foretell.
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One could indeed argue whether or not the above is a "true telling" based on one's view of Frodo's journey to Elvenhome.
I have raised many questions but no answers, and wonder if others can help with these.