[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

SpM, interesting, so would you say that is an effect of the ring? That forces of evil are drawn to it? To ultimately kill the ringbearer, quite possibly losing the ring? Or getting it into the wrong hands?

Well, we know that the Ring is able to influence those around the Ringbearer and not just the Ringbearer himself. In an Author's note to The Disaster of the Gladden Fields, Tolkien writes:

Yet many have thought that the ferocity and determination of [the Orcs'] assault on Isildur was in part due to the Ring. It was little more than two years since it had left [Sauron's] hand, and though it was swiftly cooling it was still heavy with his evil will, and seeking all means to return to its lord (as it did again when he recovered and was re-housed). So, it is thought, although they did not understand it the Orc-chiefs were filled with a fierce desire to destroy the Dunedain and capture their leader. (emphasis added)

So Tolkien is suggesting here that, when "active", the Ring is able to draw Orcs to it as a ploy to find its way back to its master, even though they have no conscious awareness of its presence. No doubt this would be fairly easy since Orcs would presumably have little will to resist it. The emboldened text shows that the Ring was once more "active" while borne by Frodo. It is quite possible, therefore, that it wilfully drew the Orc chieftain towards Frodo. And this may well also explain why the Watcher in the Water attacked the Ringbearer first (an event significant enough to merit consideration by Gandalf).

Originally Posted by Boromir88

However, the question I ask, we have the Elf and Dwarf quivering in terror, the two men standing tall, is this a symbolism of the strength of men, and the fading of elves and dwarves?

Or that Elves and Dwarves knew more about Balrogs than Men.