[The Saucepan Man]

It's not really relevant to the film, but if you're interested in the Nazgul's movements after they left Barad-Dur in search of the Ring, read <I>The Hunt for the Ring</I> in <I>Unfinished Tales</I>.<P>Gollum's conceit led him to tell Sauron that the land of the Halflings was near to where he had once dwelt on the banks of the Anduin, and so the Nazgul set off on a wild goose chase there first. <P>There are then two versions of how the Nazgul learn of the exact location of the Shire. In one, they confront Saruman at Isengard, but he lies and tells them that he does not know where the Shire is. Later, however, they come across Wormtongue and, in fear of his life, he tells them. <P>In the other version, the Nazgul confront Saruman at Isengard while Gandalf is still imprisoned there. In fear and despair, he resolves to yield to Gandalf and beg his forgiveness and aid, only to find that Gandalf has escaped. Desparate to convince the Nazgul of his continuing allegience to Sauron, he tells them where the Shire is, hoping that they will be delayed by the river crossings and the Dunedain guard, giving him time to find it himself. The Nazgul later come across the Squint-Eyed Southerner (of <I>Prancing Pony</I> fame) on an errand from Saruman to the Shire, and obtain further information from him.<P>It's an interesting Chapter, and well worth a read (as is the whole of the book, of course).