Alan Sisto

But would that be a good idea?

Because if the ring is seeking for its master... And his master's close by.

His master's not far, and you find it, do you think it's going to stop looking for its master?

Oh, I found a new master now?

No, no.

But I think that might be why it gets struck through because Tolkien himself, as Christopher explains, said later that based on Gandalf's story in the Council of Elrond about his encounter with Radagast, he did not suspect Saruman's treachery at that point.

In fact, he didn't suspect him until he became imprisoned in Orthanc.

And I think it would help us to kind of grasp that more fully if we actually take a look at the context.

Let's go back to that moment in the council.

This is where Gandalf is telling the story of his meeting with Radagast.

I turned then east and north and journeyed along the greenway, and not far from Bree I came upon a traveller sitting on a bank beside the road with his grazing horse beside him.

It was Radagast the Brown, who at one time dwelt at Roskabel, near the borders of Mirkwood.

He is one of my order, but I had not seen him for many a year.

Gandalf, he cried, I was seeking you, but I am a stranger in these parts.

All I knew was that you might be found in a wild region with the uncouth name of Shire.

"'Your information was correct,' I said.

"'But do not put it that way, if you meet any of the inhabitants.

"'You are near the borders of the Shire now.

"'And what do you want with me?

"'It must be pressing.