Free will vs. destiny

[Elanor the Fair]

Originally Posted by Artanis

Gandalf could not know that the destruction of the Ring was predetermined. He may have hoped so, but he could not be sure. Eru did not reveal his plans to anyone.

What you seem to be saying here is that Gandalf knows that something is predetermined, although he doesn't know what. (At least, I think this is what you were saying ). If this is the case, then it wouldn't matter how he or others acted as the outcome would be the same regardless.

What I am trying to say is that Gandalf knew there were possibilities not conclusions, and if people could be helped to make the right choices then, and only then, would the "predetermined" event occur - whatever that might be!!