Frodo's initial delay in leaving the Shire: What does it mean?

[Gandalf_theGrey]

Hullo Child of the 7th Age, and Well Met Marileangorifurnimaluim.

* bows a greeting *

Personally, I'd been under the impression that it was Old Tom and Goldberry who saw to it that Frodo and his friends were delayed ... "washing day" indeed. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

To my mind, the House of Bombadil, the House of Elrond, and Lothlórien serve as places of spiritual retreat.

As for Rivendell, please allow me to present a small bit of verse that I once composed there during one of my stays:

O Imladris! whose arch and dome
Store depth from waterfall to sky
Magnificent is Elrond's home
A haven of serenity
From which to undertake a quest
Recover strength, discover aim
Store up from life all that is best.
From hearth to heart will leap a flame
Of hope to see you on your way,
Whatever future darkness come
Meet true to self and company.

To my mind, time that meets timelessness is time well spent. Renewal, refreshment, encouragement, the making of good memories to look back on and draw strength from later on when the road darkens ... the balance of rest and exertion helps keep a proper perspective. Better to pace yourself to endure troubles in manageable portions over the long term, rather than sprint into them all at once and become overwhelmed.

At your Service,

Gandalf the Grey