Why the Nazg?l Did Not Pursue Bilbo in The Hobbit

The question of why the Nazg?l did not seek out Bilbo Baggins in 'The Hobbit' trilogy has puzzled many readers. This article explores the complex narrative, historical context, and theological elements that led to this intriguing situation.

The Historical Context and Beliefs of Sauron

In J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium, the power of the One Ring was only fully realized when it was discovered and ultimately destroyed. At the outset of 'The Hobbit,' Sauron, the Dark Lord, was still in the process of rebuilding his power after a major defeat at Dol Guldur. According to the text, Sauron and his Nazg?l were occupied with fighting the White Council in southern Mirkwood. This engagement diverted their attention and resources.

Sauron’s belief that the Ring could be at the bottom of the sea also contributed to the Nazg?l’s lack of pursuit. The text suggests that Sauron and his forces believed the Ring was lost and possibly buried in the Anduin’s riverbed, a location that was difficult to access and verify. Sauron was actively searching in this area, and Saruman, for his own selfish reasons, had also joined this search. As a result, the Nazg?l were not immediately aware of the Ring’s new location.

The Morality and Motivation of the Nazg?l

The Nazg?l, though powerful and devoted to Sauron, did not have sufficient motivation to seek out Bilbo immediately. The Ring itself had only become a burning desire in the eyes of the Dark Lord once its true nature and importance were rediscovered. Initially, the Ring was a magical artifact of invisibility, noteworthy but not inherently evil. It was only with the new awareness that Sauron had of its powers that the Nazg?l became aware of its significance.

Threats and desires that did not pertain to Sauron’s immediate goals, and thus threats to the Dark Lord himself, were not prioritized. Bilbo and the Ring were effectively nothing but a minor threat in the grand scheme of things until Sauron was reminded of the Ring's true power. The Nazg?l, being instruments of his will, could not act on this awareness without explicit orders from their master.

The Role of Gollum and the White Council

The capture of Gollum by the forces of Mordor and his subsequent torture revealed the existence of the Ring to Sauron. Gollum’s betrayal provided Sauron with crucial information: the Ring had been found and was owned by Bilbo Baggins. Armed with this knowledge, Sauron took decisive action, sending the Nazg?l to retrieve the Ring. However, by the time this search began, Bilbo had already met Frodo, and the Ring had passed into Frodo's hands.

The Nazg?l pursued Frodo and the Ring, but their efforts were fruitless as Frodo narrowly escaped their clutches. This pursuit was a pivotal moment in the story, setting the stage for the larger narrative of the War of the Ring.

Conclusion

The Nazg?l did not pursue Bilbo in 'The Hobbit' trilogy because Sauron had yet to fully recognize the Ring's true power and importance. The dark lord and his agents were occupied with other priorities, including battling the White Council and establishing Barad Dur. It was only after receiving critical information from Gollum that Sauron understood the true nature of the Ring, which then led to the Nazg?l’s pursuit of Frodo and the Ring. This event marks a significant shift in the narrative, setting the stage for the more intense and critical phases of the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy.