The Fellowship of the Ring Book 1, Chapter 3

Gandalf tells Frodo that he can delay his departure until autumn. Frodo plans to leave on his upcoming 50^th birthday. Gandalf warns him to keep Sam quiet and not to let anyone know where he is going. He advises him to head east until he reaches Rivendell. Frodo sells Bag End to the Sackville-Bagginses. Rumors run wild. People think he is heading back to Buckland his original home. Gandalf stays in the Shire for two months and when he leaves, he warns Frodo never to use the Ring.

When Gandalf has not returned the day before his birthday, Frodo begins to get very worried. The next morning, Sam and Frodo get up and prepare to move. Pippin and Merry, Bilbo's nephews, help them. They depart and decide not to walk through the village because there are too many people about. They walk through fields and near the forest. Frodo watches the lights of farms fade away and wonders if he will ever return home. Sam is sleepy so they build a fire and rest. In the morning, Pippin asks Sam why he hasn't made breakfast and Frodo rolls him out of his sleeping bag. They march for the day and Frodo recites a poem his uncle wrote about the unending road. They hear a horse coming and it is black. Frodo considers using the ring, but the rider disappears and Elves appear singing:

"Snow-white! Snow-white! O Lady clear!
O Queen beyond the Western Seas
O light to us that wander here
Amid the world of woven trees!" Book 1, Chapter 3, pg. 108

These elves are high elves and they speak to Frodo. They laugh and poke fun at the other hobbits. The hobbits ask about the black rider and the elves tell them one has passed. They tell the hobbits to follow them into the forest. It gets thicker but then opens suddenly. They sit in a beautiful clearing. The elves bring them into a hall where they are fed. Pippin falls asleep. The elves recognize Frodo from his outings with Bilbo. They love him. He asks them about Bilbo and their leader says little. They don't know where he went. He asks Frodo about his journey and tells hin that it is safe to tell him. The Elves don't want to speak about the black riders. They tell him to continue on and consult Gandalf when they find him. Frodo is worried that Gandalf is late. He cannot decide whether he should wait for the wizard or go on without him. The leader of the elves tells him to move on and avoid the black riders at all costs. He names him an Elf -friend and Frodo falls asleep.

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