What power is Elrond referring to?

[Nimrodel_9]

Why do you think Elrond and the Rangers were so set on protecting the Shire? Because they are defenseless? No, Hobbits can somewhat defend themselves. Because they are almost defensless. Anywho. Perhaps Elrond kinda foresaw that a hobbit would be the one to decide the fate of Middle-earth. I'm answering my own question...

[Ainaserkewen]

It would make total sense that it was Frodo's destiny to be the ring bearer and that Elrond or Gandalf had predicted that. But how? Did they think that it was merely a matter of time before a Hobbit would do something important? Or is there some magic in the whole thing?

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Gandalf see something interesting about Bilbo's treatment of the Ring when he found it? 'Cause the normally honest hobbit lied, or something like that.

(Forgive any bizarre/incoherent posts this morning. I only woke up fifteen minutes ago.)

[luthien-elvenprincess]

At the council of Elrond, Gandalf mentions that seventeen years prior he became aware that:

spies of many sorts, even beasts and birds, were gathered around the Shire, and my fear grew. I called for the help of the Dunedain, and their watch was doubled;

I think that Gandalf read many little signs, and put together many little bits of knowledge (including the rhyme that spoke of "the Halfing forth shall stand") to finally come to the realization that Frodo had the One Ring and was indeed the chosen ringbearer.

After Frodo says that he will take the ring to Mordor, the words of Elrond seem to indicate that no one had really known prior to the councel who would be responsible for the ring.

"If I understand aright all that I have heard, I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will. This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck?

[Ainaserkewen]

Yes, but "the Halfing forth shall stand" came in a more or less recent dream away in Gondor. Also, the spies from Mordor would have come after Bilbo attained the ring and there was hard core evidence that something was to happen. Gandalf said the watch was doubled so there was a watch previous to that around the Shire. Is there some kind of magic that happened to alert Gandalf prior to the events of "The Hobbit"?

And while it was brought up, the dream that Faramir and Boromir share...where did that come from? Does the future just show itself to people every now and again like any other fantasy book, or is there evidence that that was deliberate?

[luthien-elvenprincess]

The members of the Dunedain were watching over all lands. The Rangers of the North would have been responsible for the area that included the Shire. Gandalf doubled the watch on the Shire region as he saw an increased interest from the enemy in that area. Frodo recognized Faramir and gang as "Dunedain of the South" when he met them in the chapter "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbits".

My point is that Gandalf, in remaining true to his purpose of coming to ME, put together many signs/clues to recognize that Frodo was the ringbearer. More and more signs appeared as the time drew nearer for action. I don't think anyone really predicted that Frodo was the man...they recognized the signs as they came.

[drigel]

What I got out of The Quest for Erebor in UT was insight into Gandalf's mission: To recruit and rally all the free peoples of ME in the struggle against Sauron, including the most provincial and homely creatures which were Hobbits.

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Ainaserkewen

And while it was brought up, the dream that Faramir and Boromir share...where did that come from? Does the future just show itself to people every now and again like any other fantasy book, or is there evidence that that was deliberate?

I asked a similar question a while back in a thread concerning fate in ME but alas none answered - but I think it is significant that Boromir set out long before Frodo - maybe even before Frodo knew. (Don't have ROTK to h and)

[A_Brandybuck]

Maybe it is far-fetched, but Gandalf (or rather his former person Olórin) is a specialist for giving visions to the Elves. The passage in the Sil tells us that, but it doesn't really fit the dream of Boromir and Faramir. Or the dream (vision) of Frodo in the House of Bombadil, which showed Frodo his possibly fate, that he will come to the Undying Lands.
This dreams are telling the future or the possibly future and Olórins visions are fair and giving hope.

The Silmarillion, Of the Maiar:
[i]But of Olórin that tale does not speak; for though he loved the Elves, he walked among them unseen, or in form as one of them, and they did not know whence came the fair visions or the promptings of wisdom that he put into their hearts. In later days he was the friend of all the Children of Ilúvatar, and took pity on their sorrows; and those who listened to him awoke from despair and put away the imaginations of darkness.[/i ]

But there was in eveery case a power of foresight in Middle-Earth. We know it from Galadriel and her mirror, which are very similar to the vision, which Frodo had. The seen things are not really the future, but they could it be.