Who was watching over the Shire?

[Majestic]

While reading through the Adventurer's Book again today, I came across this interesting line in the section on Hobbits (p. 60):

"But even if most Hobbits pretend not to heed it, there are dark things moving beyond the borders of the Shire; and while someone has long been taking care that no shadow interrupts their well-ordered lives, these shadows are lengthening." [emphasis mine]

Who do you think this "someone" is? Gandalf would seem the obvious choice. Tom Bombadil lived close, though I don't think he qualifies. And I don't think Saruman showed any interest in the Shire until much later.

[buddhax]

The answer is the Rangers and, of course, Gandalf.

[Majestic]

Oh, good call on the Rangers as well, buddhax.

[Valarian]

Tom Bombadil doesn't really interact outside his demesne. He keeps the barrow wights asleep and the Old Forest subdued. The Rangers at Sarn Ford and to the north are the real protection for The Shire and Breeland. Gandalf also lends his aid to keep The Shire safe, given his love of the Hobbit folk.

[Glorelendil]

Isn't the reason the Rangers are watching is because Gandalf asked them to?

[zedturtle]

Isn't the reason the Rangers are watching is because Gandalf asked them to?

...And yet less thanks have we than you..."Strider" I am to one fat man who lives within a day's march of foes that would freeze his heart, or lay his little town in ruin, if he were not guarded ceaselessly.

Gandalf may have indeed asked the Rangers to keep a special watch over the Shire, but Eriador is the rightful kingdom of the rangers and they are its guardians... too few, too scattered and too under-appreciated as they may be.

[Valarian]

I think it mentions somewhere that Gandalf asks them to keep a special watch over zthe Shire once the ring is uncovered, 17 years after Bilbo's going away party when Gandalf goes to seek aid from Saruman in Isenguard. However, as zedturtle says, thd Rangers guard the old realms of Arnor as best they can.