Heroes in "The Lord of the Rings". Samwise The Brave

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Samwise The Brave

        Heroes are laced throughout the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. When discussing heroes, many may think of Aragorn, heir of Isildur, the fearless warrior who walks the Paths of the Dead and becomes King of Gondor or Frodo, the Ring-bearer, who suffers from the weight of the ring and journeys to Mordor in order to save Middle Earth. Also there is Gandalf, the great wizard, who battles and defeats the Balrog, leads the forces of the West, and confronts the Lord of the Nazgul. Others like Théoden, Eowyn, and Faramir may be considered heroes as well. However, Sam is viewed as the perfect archetype of a sidekick, but with a careful analysis Sam could be viewed as the true hero of Middle Earth. Sam’s loyalty, heroic character, and human characteristics are essential in fulfilling the main plot of the destruction of the ring.

         Sam Gamgee has undivided loyalty toward Frodo Baggins. This unbreakable bond only strengthens as the trilogy introduces more challenging situations. Sam is first introduced as an eavesdropping gardener at Bag End. Readers can infer that Gandalf may have sensed Sam’s loyalty toward Frodo and allowed him to accompany the fellowship. Frodo and Sam become inseparable, due to Sam’s loyalty, he is self-sacrificing; he is willing to face any threatening challenge without any complaints to ensure his master’s safety. For instance, he disregards his inability to swim when he dives into the waters of Parth Galen in order to remain by Frodo’s side. He emerges victoriously through the water coughing and nearly drowned but his will to serve Frodo is unshaken: “‘Now, Sam’ said Frodo, ‘don’t hinder me . . .I must go at once; it’s the only way.’ ‘Of course it is,’ answered Sam. ‘but not alone I’m coming too or neither of us is going (Tolkien, “The Fellowship of the Ring”, 505).’”  Tolkien illustrates Sam yielding his own desires as he illustrates Sam peering into Galadriel’s mirror. Sam sees the destruction of the Shire, his personal desire is to return home and help, but he decides to remain with Frodo.  In Chapter ten of “The Two Towers”, “The Choices of Master Samwise,” Sam witnesses Frodo’s motionless body bound in cords in Shelob’s Lair. Even though he’s terrified that his master may be dead, he does not pause instead he attacks the giant spider. In order to help Frodo, Sam submits himself to carry the weight of the ring. As he returns from his trek, he discovers that the orcs have taken Frodo’s body. Sam overcomes his fear of the orcs and defeats Snaga that allows him to rescue Frodo from the Tower of Cirith Ungol.

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        Many readers have overlooked Sam as a hero because he does not fit into the traditional category of a hero. He is not a great warrior who slays multitudes of orcs in battle. Since Sam has no warrior skill, he strives forward mainly relying on his courage and devotion to Frodo. He is a hobbit and a gardener; therefore, he is not significant or glorified nor is he of noble birth. Instead of possessing extraordinary strength or intelligence, Sam relies on his common sense and skills of observation. Throughout all of Sam’s deeds he remains humble and addresses Frodo as ...

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