The Prophet Sauron's Return: Why Only Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf Knew

The fellowship's journey towards the Dark Lord Sauron began with a revelation that Sauron had returned. The question arises: who discovered this critical piece of information, and why was it shared only with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf?

The Discovery of Sauron’s Return

In The Fellowship of the Ring, we are not explicitly told who discovered that Sauron had returned. It is hinted that the Gondorians were aware of this, but the texts also suggest that neither Gandalf nor Aragorn could have been the first to break the news. The narrative leaves this detail somewhat ambiguous, allowing room for interpretation and mystery.

Mysteries in Middle-earth often play a crucial role in the unfolding of the story. The purity of Bilbo and Gandalf, as well as their long histories with the Ring, make their knowledge of the return a fitting choice. Bilbo's experiences during his time with the Ring and Gandalf’s extensive knowledge of dark magic and the One Ring further cement their role in this revelation. However, the exact moment and manner of Sauron's return remain shrouded in the shadows of Middle-earth's lore.

Why Was This Information Not Shared with Frodo and His Companions?

Another intriguing question is why this crucial information was not shared with Frodo and his companions before they left Rivendell. This detail is usually highlighted in the text when Frodo asks Gandalf about the dangers that lie ahead. Gandalf's response, stating that they were unaware of the full extent of Sauron's return, should have been shared, but it wasn't.

In fact, the cause of this oversight is quite simple. Gandalf and Bilbo were privy to the ancient knowledge and prophecies that foretold Sauron’s return. They had seen the One Ring’s influence firsthand, as Bilbo had partially abandoned the Ring during his journey and returned it to the safety of Erebor. Gandalf, being the chief advisor to the Council of Elrond, was well aware of the warnings and prophecies concerning Sauron's resurgence.

However, Gandalf, as the wiser and more experienced of the two, probably chose to withhold this information from the younger members of the fellowship out of a desire to protect them. The journey ahead was dangerous, and Gandalf knew that the full weight of Sauron's return could create panic and fear among the less seasoned members of the party. Frodo, being the Chosen One, was in the best position to carry the burden of the Ring, and Gandalf wanted to ensure that he was fully prepared for the challenges he would face.

Additionally, Gandalf was aware of the delicate balance of forces in Middle-earth. He understood that sharing too much information could have destabilized the alliance against Sauron and potentially put the entire quest in jeopardy. By keeping some of the knowledge to himself, Gandalf maintained a level of control over the situation and could offer guidance at the crucial moments.

Conclusion

From the shadows of Middle-earth, the revelation of Sauron’s return is a crucial element of the story. The knowledge of this event was rightly entrusted to Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf due to their historical experiences and the significance of their roles. The non-sharing of this information with Frodo and his companions was a calculated move to protect the weakest of the fellowship and to maintain the balance of power. The complexities of the plot and the characters' journey are what make The Fellowship of the Ring such a fascinating and timeless tale.