October 9, 2002

Questions About 'The Hobbit' and FotR
Peck

I am currently rereading The Hobbit and discovered that Bilbo and the dwarves went over the Misty Mountains on a road that seems to lead right out of Rivendell. In the book Tolkien says there were several paths and Elrond pointed out the right one for them. If these paths were there why didn't the Fellowship take that path over the Misty Mountains instead? They could have avoided Moria, Caradhras Pass and the Gap of Rohan and come down south on the other side of the Misty Mountains to Lothlorien.

Also, Tolkien discribes how the company in The Hobbit cross a ford and follow a little path marked by white stones, cross another stream/ford and then come to Rivendell. Does anyone know which ford is the Ford of Bruinen?

Finally, To Samwise:
I totally agree with your theory of Gandalf's fall. It is the only logical reason why he would let go. By the way, your english was great!