Why did Frodo feel he had to leave Middle Earth at the of ROTK?

[Essex]

It is as though it is necessary for Frodo to be purged, as much as possible, of the Ring's influence if he is to die in peace.

This is a good point.

What we need to remember is that Frodo did not give up the ring voluntarily. It was bitten from his hand, (much like the removal from Sauron's hand with Narsil by Isildur) by Gollum. Gollum then fell into the fire with the Ring.

Remember what Frodo says when he has returned home to the Shire

'It is gone for ever,' he said, 'and now all is dark and empty.'

I believe a part of Frodo was 'destoyed' along with the Ring. He did not volunteer to throw the ring in the cracks of doom. It was physically torn from him and then destroyed. Imagine what this has done to him.

He has a chance of some peace and rest before he dies by going West, so he follows his beloved Bilbo and departs from the shores of Middle-earth, unfortunately a scarred and broken little hobbit....

[ 10:45 AM December 01, 2003: Message edited by: Essex ]