"The Ring Goes South" (II)

November finishes today and the hobbits remain in Rivendell. The narrative does not go into detail about how their daily life unfolds in the time they spend there, but we know that this stay is acting as a balm in their wearied bodies and spirits, providing them with a strength that they will certainly need for the hard road ahead. Thus, over a month ago we left them talking and thinking about the past and the dangers that lay in their journey, but any anxiety that they might have had did not last long: "such was the virtue of the land of Rivendell that soon all fear and anxiety was lifted from their minds. The future, good or ill, was not forgotten, but ceased to have any power over the present. Health and hope grew strong in them, and they were content with each good day as it came, taking pleasure in every meal, and in every word and song."

The hobbits are resting, but I have kept really busy, travelling to academic meetings in Brussels and Valencia, and in a couple of days I will be travelling to France. But I have in common with them the fact that these meetings have not just been academic ones, but also an opportunity to spend time with dear friends scattered all over the world. A visit to Rouge-Cloître Abbey was quite a "Rivendelly" experience. 

An Ent?

   
No matter what a great time one is having when travelling, home is always on the horizon as the place to return. Rivendell has given Frodo the experience to meet Bilbo and Gandalf again and heal from his deadly wound, but he had only planned to take the Ring there and leave its fate in the hands of those he felt were "greater" than him. Even if he willingly offered to take the Ring and is free to back off from his offer, he must certainly miss his home, and long for his return or to spend more time in The Last Homely House East of the Sea". 

I can just imagine the magic of the changing colours of autumn in a place like Rivendell. Who would want to leave it just when winter starts? Who would not want to either stay here or go back home? Who can blame Frodo for feeling that he wished all this had not happened in his time?