34. Prophecy

It’s a few days before I can get ahold of Gandalf, and a few more before I meet him in Avallónë. We lunch at the inn as he explains.

“Frodo, as you know, had the gift of Prophecy.”

“Aye. He knew the names of my first six children, and he knew as I’d be Mayor.”

Gandalf nods. “Mind you, prophecy is not the same as when you looked into Galadriel’s mirror, or when Pippin and Denethor looked into the palantír controlled by Sauron. Such devices can be dangerous, for what they show us, while the truth, is not always interpreted truthfully. As such, they must be used with caution and wisdom. Galadriel knew this; Denethor did not.

“Prophecy is a gift given us by the Valar. We do not control it, and it cannot be used at will, for such power is easily abused. Still, there are ways to make oneself more open to receiving the gift, and only those with great skill are able to navigate the visions while receiving them.

“They came to Frodo when he was most especially homesick. Such occurrences were more common when he first came here and grew less frequent as time passed.”

Homesick. I know that feeling well. During the busy days I can ignore it, but at nights and in the early mornings, when all’s quiet, I can feel it closing in on me if I let it.

Gandalf looks at me thoughtfully, as if he’s read my mind - and he probably has. “You do not have this gift, of course, but there may be something I can do for you. It’ll take a few days to arrange it, if you’re able to wait.” 

I say that I am, and he nods. He says no more on the matter, the old codger.

GF 10/23/12

To be continued...