[akhtene]

Tinnu, what you posted has long been on my mind. I mean, Frodo's decision to carry the ring has much to do with Gandalf (even if he- Gandalf- didn't mean it, which I doubt)

I see it that Frodo took every Gandalf's word unqestioningly. Gandalf told him to leave the Shire - and so Frodo did. No-one was willing to take the Ring in Rivendel - so Frodo carries on with his task. Gandalf speaks of pity towards Gollum - and Frodo lets him live, in spite of his previous thoughts.

Come to think of it, Gandalf's words have the same effect on all the hobbits. They take his words literally. Frodo is told to carry the Ring - and that's what he does, little carrying for anything else, like finding the way, meals, his own safety etc. That is taken care of by Sam. But why? Just because of Sam's love for his master, or because Gandalf had told him to? Or Sam's initial intentions were merely strengthened by Gandalf's words? Anyway, Sam is doing just that - takes care of Frodo's needs, supports him, chooses the way, protects Frodo against Gollum (perhaps because Gandalf's words about pity weren't addressed to him) He doesn't care a bit for the Ring, only as much as it concernes Frodo's quest.

Now as for other two hobbits - they don't get any direct 'instructions' from Gandalf. Perhaps that's why they are more or less independent in their adventures.