How did Gollum know how to find the fellowship and Sam and Frodo?

[Jimbo Baggins]

Was he drawn to the ring because he wore it for so long somehow?

 

[Vorondil]

He followed them from the Shire.

 

[Radaghast]

No, he saw them in Moria and tailed them from there. Gollum was never in or near the Shire.

 

[Vorondil]

I always thought that the shape that they saw when they were crossing the Brandywine was Gollum.

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

I believe that was Khamul.

 

[Erestor Arcamen]

I believe that was Khamul.

Hmm maybe we need a thread about him, don't think anyone's ever discussed him

 

[Vorondil]

I believe that was Khamul.

I see, that makes more sense.

 

[Valandil]

Yes - it was later surmised that Gollum, after escaping the Elves of Mirkwood, wandered into Moria, but got lost before he could find his way out the west end. Then he happened to see the Fellowship passing by - and started following them from there. As was stated - the figure at the west ferry dock on the Brandywine was one of the Nine - later we learn who (and it might have been Khamul - without checking to confirm - I think this is in Unfinished Tales, probably "The Search for the Ring") - and the figure who goes over the fence near the gate to Bree is Aragorn/Strider.