What did Gandalf look for in archives of Minas Tirith?

[JeyEn]

Interesting thoughts, Huinesoron! I am not sure if I like the theory about Gandalf investigating any possible Ringlords in Third Age.

What is most possible is that when Bilbo found his Ring and Sauron returned to Mordor, Gandalf started to get worried there might be a connection, or possibility that Ring will reappear as his owner is back again. Maybe he wanted to find some scripts about the Ring, maybe he was trying to research something about Last Alliance. I just don't think Gandalf thought Bilbo has The One until long expected party -- Saruman voice just made that thought impossible. I find it weird tho that Gandalf didn't find Isildur's scroll much earlier.

[Mithadan]

Just speculating, but Gandalf had other reasons to visit Gondor and review its archives other than seeking information about the Ring. Gandalf knew that Sauron had arisen and occupied Dol Guldor well before Bilbo found the Ring. Was he interested in the Ring? Certainly. But he had been assured that the Ring would not be found by Saruman. Nonetheless, Sauron was back, and a war seemed inevitable even without the Ring. Certainly, Gandalf would want to assess Gondor, the first line of defense, and acquire any information that might be helpful in dealing with Denethor. This may have included history and legends. In addition, Aragorn (II) was born in TA 2931 and Gandalf would have been interested in the dealings between the Stewards and Isildur's heirs over time.

There were a number of reasons for Gandalf to visit Gondor after Sauron arose, and any combination of them would be a good reason for his research. Add to this Gandalf's likely growing suspicion of Saruman. He may have wanted to double-check what Saruman had represented.

[JeyEn]

I am not sure I am convinced, Mithadan. In the quote from UT, there is said Gandalf’s interest was Isildur’s Ring. So my question is - why that soon? Because Sauron’s open return to Mordor? Because he was scared the Ring would appear again? Because he was afraid there might be a link to Bilbo’s ring? What do you guys think? In Shadow of Past, Gandalf said his doubts slept, while here we see he was in archives quite a few times. Also, he wanted to capture Gollum much earlier. So that would mean he was more concerned about the Ring than he says to Frodo. What do think?

[Mithadan]

As I said, I was speculating. Certainly, Gandalf was interested in researching the Ring. But at the same time, Sauron had arisen, and Gandalf was destined to become his "chief foe." The Ring had not yet been found, and Saruman had suggested that it would not be found. Gandalf was tasked with opposing Sauron under any circumstances, one of which was the possibility that the Ring might reappear. Logically, he would cast a wide net in his perusal of Gondorian lore.