Destiny

    The way I see it is that each character in this epic is given a reason to be there. So yes destiny does play a role. Strider himself is the protector to the four inexperienced hobbits,as they've never been on a journey outside their homeland. Frodo show's it too the reader throughout the book as he always wants Strider around, showing him as a comforting character to the hero. Merry and Pippin bring a sense of comedy to the group, as they always try and crack a joke whenever possible. Sam is there as a friend to Frodo which brings comfort to him yet again. Frodo himself is obviously there to bring evil to an end, which is his destiny clearly in his hero's journey. I cannot really comment on the rest of the characters as they haven't been introduced enough as far as I am in the book.