Gandalf: the Unilateral Coalition Builder

[lindil]

Listening to my kids read the Hobbit outloud the other day I was struck by Gandalf's propensity by the time of the Hobbit, to trick, cajole, manipulate and otherwise sneakily get non-allies and former allies working together again.

1- Thorin forced to take Bilbo, esp. see UT's the quest for erebor
2- Bilbo likewise.
3- Elrond forced to accomadate dwarves seemingly for the first time in a long time. The leaders of Durin's house seemingly had no clue where Rivendell was and [no longer?] had access to it as a re-supply point between the Forsaken Inn and whomever in the Wilderland. Despite the 'anscestral road' going right over the ford nearby.
4-Beorn perhaps the most classic and blatant manipulation. G was so pleased w/ himself he even explains it to thorin and co.
5-Sending Thorin and co, straight down a trail that must pass through Thranduil's realm w/ out even a letter of introduction or a word of advice.

By the time Bilbo has grown depressed w/ the seige of Erebor by Men and Elves [w/ G looking on!] he takes a page right out of G's book and uses the Arkenstone for crass manipulation.

A final episode of G's was supposed to be the fellowship busting in on hitherto isolated Lothlorien. Galadriel was undoubtedly supportive but the rank and file was, if Haldir's reaction is any indicator, habitually suspicious.

I have mainly looked at 'The Hobbit'. But trend continues unabated in Rohan,and Minas Tirith's seige.

I have some theories but would love to hear from others first...