What power is Elrond referring to?

[Anguirel]

It could also be Vilya, the Elven-ring Elrond carries, but that doesn't have much to do with the safety of the Shire.

[Rumil]

I had the impression that Elrond was referring not only to the Dunedain guardians but to the abilities and character of the Hobbits themselves. Although primarily peaceful, when danger threatened the Hobbits could band together for self defence, as they appear to have done during the Fell Winter and the Battle of Greenfields and as, after a little prodding, they did at the Battle of Bywater.

I guess this also brings in the stable settled nature of the Shire and the deep co-operative links that bound its inhabitants together (in a sort of 'still waters run deep' sort of fashion). One might say that Hobbits are, essentially, good folk and would look out for one another at times of crisis.

To speculate wildly, maybe their peaceful way of life had also attracted some indistinct and nebulous protection from the great powers, the Valar or even perhaps Eru. Did Gandalf perhaps subconciously display the wishes of his masters by his benevolent regard for the Shire Folk?

[Ainaserkewen]

Just as I was thinking Rumil.

Perhaps also some of the protective power came not only by the innocence and hardiness of Hobbits but also by their non-existence. Sauron didn't even know Hobbits existed until he caught Gollum. Also, I'd like to speculate that perhaps the "higher ups", Gandalf, Elrond, etc. might of had a hand in their secrecy. Hobbits represented the wholesomeness in Middle-Earth and Gandalf, if not other great lords, wanted to protect that. The Dunedain not only protected the Hobbits physically from intruders, but also in their actual hiding of them from the outside world. I'd like to suggest that the stories and fairy tales about Hobbits known in Rohan and other realms might have been encouraged on purpose.

[Nimrodel_9]

Why do you think Elrond and the Rangers were so set on protecting the Shire? Because they are defenseless? No, Hobbits can somewhat defend themselves. Because they are almost defensless. Anywho. Perhaps Elrond kinda foresaw that a hobbit would be the one to decide the fate of Middle-earth. I'm answering my own question...

[Ainaserkewen]

It would make total sense that it was Frodo's destiny to be the ring bearer and that Elrond or Gandalf had predicted that. But how? Did they think that it was merely a matter of time before a Hobbit would do something important? Or is there some magic in the whole thing?

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Gandalf see something interesting about Bilbo's treatment of the Ring when he found it? 'Cause the normally honest hobbit lied, or something like that.

(Forgive any bizarre/incoherent posts this morning. I only woke up fifteen minutes ago.)

[luthien-elvenprincess]

At the council of Elrond, Gandalf mentions that seventeen years prior he became aware that:

spies of many sorts, even beasts and birds, were gathered around the Shire, and my fear grew. I called for the help of the Dunedain, and their watch was doubled;

I think that Gandalf read many little signs, and put together many little bits of knowledge (including the rhyme that spoke of "the Halfing forth shall stand") to finally come to the realization that Frodo had the One Ring and was indeed the chosen ringbearer.

After Frodo says that he will take the ring to Mordor, the words of Elrond seem to indicate that no one had really known prior to the councel who would be responsible for the ring.

"If I understand aright all that I have heard, I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will. This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck?