Sam and the Ring

[CSteefel]

Originally Posted by MatthewM

Yes, I agree...that's interesting to look at as well- how the Nazgul sensed the Ring in the Shire and at Bree- perhaps since they knew it was somewhere near, their senses were heightened...or maybe they always had this power, for is that not their main purpose besides leading Sauron's minions?

In this regard also we see that the Witch King seems to sense the presence of the Ring

...the Rider halted suddenly, right before the entrance of the bridge, and behind him all the host stood still. There was a pause, a dead silence. Maybe it was the Ring that called to the Wraith-lord, and for a moment he was troubled, sensing some other power within this valley. This way and that turned the dark head helmed and crowned with fear, sweeping the shadows with unseen eyes.

Although the possible role of Frodo's will in turning aside his thought is also mentioned:

Maybe the elven-hoods defied his unseen eyes, and the mind of his small enemy, being strengthened, had turned aside his thought. But he was in haste...