"The Shadow of the Past"

This is one of my favourite chapters, and I particularly like the atmosphere in which the conversation between Gandalf and Frodo unfolds. After Bilbo's departure, Frodo has not only to say goodbye to everybody after the party, but also to make sure that all of Bilbo's parting gifts reach their intended recipients. Bilbo has not died, but it is Frodo's task to act as executor of his will. Gandalf, intrigued about the Ring, comes and goes at irregular intervals until one day, when Frodo thought that he had already forgotten about the hobbits, the old wizard appears again, sharing with Frodo his suspicions - confirmed after it is thrown into the fire - concerning the Ring.

The atmosphere I imagine is perfectly captured in the illustration above, taken from Bashki's adaptation. The winds of change that Gandalf is talking about are terrifying, but the Shire is still a haven, the great menacing shadow that threatens to creep into its very heart contrasts with the obliviousness of the hobbits: Gandalf talks, mentioning names which will soon become familiar - Saruman, Mirkwood, the Dark Power, Aragorn, Gil-Galad, Isildur, Góllum -  while Sam cuts the lawn, until the world "Elves" catches his attention. With Frodo, we learn the story of the Ring and, with him, we realise that it has to be taken away and destroyed. Frodo, knowing the danger that jewel poses for his fellow hobbits decides that it has to be him who does so. Sam is punished for eavesdropping. His punishment? Accompany Frodo to Rivendell and see Elves!

And Gandalf, wise Gandalf, is also a main reason why this is one of my favourite chapters. I cannot but agree with him in feeling sorry for Sméagol/Gollum and the degradation - physical, emotional and spiritual - that he experiences after killing Deagol and getting the Ring. Frodo's rejection of the idea that Gollum can in any way be related to the hobbits - and idea which he deems "loathsome" and "abominable" - eloquently expresses how eager we all seem to be to detach ourselves from what we abhor; by "Othering" those we consider abominable it seems that we are free, clean from the evil we condemn in them.  Gandalf, however, not only feels sorry for Gollum, but he also keeps up hope that he can somehow be redeemed. His wisdom tells him to be prudent; he admits that he knows little, but all he knows is that action is required, and he feels that the forces of good may be on their side.

Some great quotes by Gandalf are found in this chapter. These are the first steps in the big lesson Frodo - and, with him, us readers - have to learn. He rebukes Frodo for lamenting that Bilbo had not killed Gollum when he had the chance: "It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need", and he reminds me whenever I get carried away by pain and anger and wish anyone the worst death that "Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends."

After all these years, Gandalf is still my favourite character. His wisdom is the best guide, and the best lesson that I've learned is that one can never consider oneself free from temptation. That was, in fact, Boromir's flaw: to think that he was incorruptible. Gandalf is wiser and he proves so when he refuses to take care of the Ring: "The way of the Ring to my heart is by pity, pity for weakness and the desire of strength to do good." Maybe the key not to fall into temptation  is to admit that one can, indeed be tempted, identify the weak spots it can use, and act accordingly. The truly great and truly wise are also usually humble.