Who Knew About Frodo’s Ring?

[Earniel]

Originally Posted by Alcuin

Since Thráin’s ring was never recovered, the Dwarves also legitimately ask, what of Bilbo’s ring, this “least of rings.� Why all the fuss? Might it be Thráin’s ring? (I expect Glóin would have made an immediate but polite demand that Frodo turn Thráin’s ring over immediately. It doesn’t sound as if he wanted Sauron’s ring!) And if not, why is it so important? Good questions: smart Dwarves.

If Tolkien had wanted to make a political thriller, rather than a mythological epos, this would have been a powerful hook right here. What if there had been no sure way of finding out whether it was the One Ring? What if it for all points and purposes could easily have passed as ThraÃ*n's ring and the Dwarves would have liked to have it back? They wouldn't have taken a 'no' for very long.

Right. My conclusion, too; but it took me over 40 years to reach it.

You shouldn't take it as a bad thing. Isn't it amazing that after 40 years a known text can still surprise you and make you change your mind?

I think this is a fair representation of how matters stood at the end of the Council of Elrond. How says the ’Moot? Would Aragorn tell Halbarad, who acted as steward or marshal of Arnor?

I don't think so, such knowledge might endanger Halbarad rather than help him do his job. Life spans of the remaining Arnorean Dúnedain were not so awesome. Besides, the plan had been to get Frodo out of the Shire and to Elrond, making what he carried not Arnor's problem soon enough.

I am wondering whether Gandalf would have told Thranduil. Sindarin Elves had less to do with the Rings than the Elves of Noldorin descent and may not find them so significant. But Thranduil was involved to keep Gollum contained and I realise I don't remember enough of that part to determine whether Thranduil could have been told. A re-read may be in order.