2009/05/27 by Robin Robertson · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · #Adventure #Ancient history #Art #Art history #Computer science #Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies #HERO #History #Kindness #Literature #Mount #Mythology #Philosophy #Stern #Themes in Literature Analysis #Theology #Violence, Religion, and Philosophy
paper · doi:10.1080/00332920902880846
openalex publication_date 2009/05/27 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Sam's is the simplest yet the most touching of all paths: His simple loyalty and love for Frodo make him the single person who never wavers in his task throughout the book. Though all members of the Fellowship are engaged in momentous events, Sam always remembers that the sun coming up in the morning is a glorious sight, and that hobbits have to eat. When Frodo can no longer even walk, and will not let Sam carry the Ring, Sam carries Frodo. Then, when Gollum joins them, Frodo's kindness has to be balanced by Sam's stern limits. Ultimately Sam's outcome is the happiest of all those on the Quest: He has been able to see the Elves who so fascinate him, able to serve as Frodo's companion on the greatest of all Quests, and now able to return to his blessed Shire, to marry his loving Rosie, have many children and live happily ever after.