Knowing that a sudden departure would only bring more attention to himself and the Shire, Frodo waits until autumn to leave under the pretense of moving back to his childhood village of Buckland. He sells his home, Bag End, to Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, a relative who has long coveted Bilbo’s estate and would have been an heir had Bilbo not adopted Frodo. Neighbors gossip that Frodo has run out of money or that Bilbo has buried treasure.

While the Ring must be destroyed in Mordor, Gandalf tells Frodo they cannot plan so far ahead; first, Frodo should take the Ring to Rivendell, home of the High Elves. There, they will meet at the house of Elrond, king of Rivendell, and discuss their next steps. Gandalf stays in the Shire for two months to watch over Frodo but immediately leaves to the south to investigate disturbing news. He promises to return to the Shire by Frodo’s 50th birthday, the date chosen for their true departure to Rivendell, but he does not show up.

Frodo’s friends Peregrin Took (Pippin), Meriadoc Brandybuck (Merry), and Fredegar Bolger (Fatty) help with Frodo’s move to Buckland, and Merry and Fatty leave in advance to prepare the new house.