When Gandalf does not return to the shire at the appointed time, Frodo sets out on the road for Rivendell with three stalwart companions: fellow hobbits Merry, Pippin, and Sam. The road quickly becomes dangerous as the Hobbits are chased by dark men clothed in black on horses. Although they do not yet know it, these are the Nazgul, the dark spirits of the nine men who held rings from Sauron. After several adventures and close encounters with these dark men, the Hobbits meet up with a stranger called Strider, who comes with a referral from Gandalf. he helps them through the wilderness and by the skin of their teeth, with a dramatic rescue by Gandalf, they make it to Rivendell.