the original breaking of the fellowship

[Elfhelm]

I think Tolkien was well aware of certain numerological meanings because he liked so many medieval things. And certain numbers like 3, 7 and 9 are particularly strong. I wish I could find a good reference on it, but I think 9 stands for completion or wholeness. I may come back later with a link for traditional numerology. Not that I go for it, but some other writers, like Shakespeare, also employ the device.