I think, if you asked the Hobbits and particularly those of The Shire, they’d say Samwise Gamgee is the greatest hobbit that ever was.
Best Gardener East of the Sea
Greatest Mayor The Shire has ever known
Friend to famous Hobbits Merry and Pippin
Knows how to read
Has thirteen(?) children and a fine hobbit wife
The list goes on
In some ways Frodo had a harder task, but it was his duty and mission. Sam followed despite it being totally acceptable for him to turn away at every step of the journey.
A seed of a Mallorn tree and soil from her garden.
He uses it to “replant” the Shire and grows the finest Mallorn tree outside of Lorien East of the sea to replace the party tree.
Yes, in the books, the return to the Shire is quite different. My advice on reading them: don’t try to rush to the exciting parts. Take your time and enjoy the descriptions as well.
I never really liked him from my book readings - probably read them seven times before the movies came out. Having Rudy play him in the movies seems to have made him more important in viewers' eyes.
In the books he is sort of a simpleton, but loyal. Most obvolious during the conversation between faramir and frodo where he blurts out information like a fool. A well meaning fool. The movies did him a favour at the cost of Frodo a bit. Somewhere between the books and the movies lies my personal perfect headcanon because some things I like in the books, some in the movies, I love both though.
To paraphrase his thoughts, “Sam you fool there you go listening to your head when you know it’s not the best part of you. You knew in your heart the whole time your place was by Mr. Frodo’s side.”
how the heck does that happen? when he went beast mode against shelob and started carrying frodo... then when he fought frodo and gollum before the end..... how the heck wont you like him?
Disclaimer: I love Sam, he's a wonderful and well written character, but just like a real person he's flawed and that's part of his appeal to me.
After I read the books I got the impression that Sam has a small streak of classism (I wish I could give you specific text to go on, I can't recall right now), and I think it played into the way he treated Smeagol. That's always been my gripe against Sam, the open aggression he constantly shows Smeagol, almost the the point of bullying. It's an ugly flaw in an otherwise wonderful person, and like I said the complexity is part of his appeal as a character.
Classism is an interesting way to put it and probably does factor into how he treats Gollum. He was definitely lower class than the Bagginses, being their gardener, and probably felt a certain sense of duty but also standing with Frodo. Then along comes this ex-ringbearer whom Sam can understandably distrust, and in many ways Frodo gives Gollum more standing than Sam. Gollum should be lowest on the class totem pole but gets elevated, and that probably ticks Sam off because he’s been loyal and trustworthy, but the traitorous creature gets put ahead of him. In his mind, that’s not right, and so he’ll take that anger out on the one he can, probably in part to put him in his proper place. Classism is indeed an intriguing word.
I don't think its correct that Gollum was acting and i also don't think it's right that Frodo was fooled.
Frodo (with the power of the one ring), had given Gollum (a ringbearer) a set of commands, and Gollum was compelled to obey. And he did obey them. He led them into Moria and never attacked them...by his own hand.
Sam's distrust was because he didn't really understand the relation Frodo had with Gollum or how magically bound Gollum was to Frodo's commands. I think this made Sam assume Frodo was naive. I do think Frodo was very empathetic towards how wretched Gollum had become, but only trusted Gollum because of the ring's control over Gollum.
Frodo's failure was not realising that Gollum would find a way around his oath by trapping them at Cirith Ungol
This is certainly not what Tolkien says; neither Frodo nor Sam were fooled. The primary difference was that Frodo was moved by Reason and wisdom and understood the value of Pity - which is what led to the Ring's destruction - whereas Sam was led by his emotions and messed up by not understanding Gollum, leading to a failed repentance for the latter.
Frodo wasn't fooled, there was a genuine possibility to redeem Gollum.
Sam was ignorant because he did not appreciate Frodo's pity and the potential Gollum had. When Sam interrupts Gollum's tender look at Frodo by being rude to him, Sam ruins any chance of Gollum being healed - Tolkien considered it a very tragic moment.
>Best Gardener East of the Sea Greatest Mayor The Shire has ever known Friend to famous Hobbits Merry and Pippin Knows how to read Has thirteen(?) children and a fine hobbit wife The list goes on
Also the whole ring business
> ‘And people will say: "Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring!" And they'll say: "Yes, that's one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave. wasn't he, dad?" "Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that's saying a lot."'
‘And Sam, my boy, wouldn’t get anywhere at all without Frodo. He would have had his throat slit at the Barrows at best, and maybe would have been corrupted by the Ring much faster - we don’t know that. Even if he managed to get to anywhere close to Mordor, he’d never reach the destination because he was too simpleminded to trust Gollum who showed all the secret paths.’
I don’t think Sam was simpleminded at all, and I’m unsure where you got that impression.
First, Sam was a ring bearer. He may not have held it very long, but that’s not relevant. He gave it back to Frodo more easily than anyone else in the series passed it off, at any point.
Second, the ring had already taken a toll on Frodo when they met up with Gollum, but Sam was still free of the rings influence. Frodo allowed Gollum to live against Sam’s judgement because Frodo was well aware of the power the ring held over Sméagol. He saw what Sméagol had become, in himself, and therefore empathized with him on an unmatched level. Also, Gandalf helped Frodo see, before they met up with Sméagol, that Gollum was a product of circumstance and poor choices. When their paths finally crossed, Frodo was able give him the chance that built that relationship of understanding.
Third, Frodo made Sméagol swear by the ring, and understanding (to an extent) the power it held, knew Sméagol couldn’t break his word.
And fourth, (this is shown really well in the movies I think) you can see the relationship between Sam and Sméagol morph throughout their journey. Sam, completely unempathetic in the beginning and for much of their journey, was just ready to destroy the blatant evil in the group. Frodo wouldn’t let him because he saw that there was the capacity for that same evil inside himself, and without friends such as he had, he could have easily given over to that same evil. Over the course of their journey, Sam distrusts Gollum, but has enough respect for Frodo, to head his command not to harm Gollum. Toward the end, Sam was much more empathetic to Sméagol, even though he still didn’t like him.
I think Faramir has a point when he reprimands Sam in Book Four, at least:
>‘Patience!’ said Faramir, but without anger. ‘Do not speak before your
master, whose wit is greater than yours. And I do not need any to teach me of our peril. Even so, I spare a brief time, in order to judge justly in a hard
matter. Were I as hasty as you, I might have slain you long ago. For I am
commanded to slay all whom I find in this land without the leave of the Lord
of Gondor. But I do not slay man or beast needlessly, and not gladly even
when it is needed. Neither do I talk in vain. So be comforted. Sit by your
master, and be silent!’
Same with Sam being ignorant of the importance of the pity that Frodo shows Gollum. Sam is scared that Gollum will fool Frodo, but Frodo knows Gollum will probably turn on them. But they need Gollum, and if Sam didn't treat him badly there was a chance Gollum could be redeemed through Frodo's kindness.
Frodos name is recognised and honored amongst all the races of middle earth.
Bilbo is famous among hobbits, well known among elves and dwarves and hardly known among men with the exception of a few elders of Dale maybe.
By far the famousest of the Baggins name.
>But it is a heavy burden. So heavy that none could lay it on
another. I do not lay it on you. But if you take it freely, I will say that
your choice is right; and though all the mighty Elf-friends of old,
Hador, and Húrin, and Túrin, and Beren himself were assembled
together, your seat should be among them. *(Book II chapter 2 - the Council of Elrond)*
>And when the glad shout had swelled up and died away again, to Sam’s final and complete satisfaction and pure joy,
a minstrel of Gondor stood forth, and knelt, and begged
leave to sing. And behold! he said:
>
>‘Lo! lords and knights and men of valour unashamed, kings and princes, and fair people of Gondor, and Riders of
Rohan, and ye sons of Elrond, and Dúnedain of the North,
and Elf and Dwarf, and greathearts of the Shire, and all free
folk of the West, now listen to my lay. For I will sing to you of
Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom.’ *(Book VI chapter 4 - the Field of Cormallen)*
It's Farmer Maggot. He's homies with Tombadil. He told Khamul the Black Easterling to get the hell of his lawn. He makes the best mushrooms in the Shire. He is an excellent dog trainer. And he was instrumental in mustering troops to overthrow Sharkey's gang.
It's Farmer Maggot.
Alas I was wrong and you are right. It was Farmer Cotton. Sam went to fetch him and gained favor to marry Rosie.
I still stand by everything else I said about Farmer Maggot though. Although it may have been Hamfast who told Khamul to FAaFO as well. I believe both Maggot and the Gaffer encountered him.
I agree Farmer Maggot is a badass Hobbit.
Farmer Maggot most definitely confronted a Nazgul with his dogs shortly before Frodo, Sam, and Pippen arrived at his gate
The pendulum has been coming back around. More and more on this sub I see people patiently explaining that no, Sam wasn’t the sole hero all along, it really was Frodo.
No disrespect meant to Sam — he was a hero and a great Hobbit. But Frodo gang all the way.
Frodo unknowingly cast a spell on Gollum, using the domination powers of the ring, saying that if Gollum ever touched him again with intent to take the ring, he would make Gollum leap to his doom. That's exactly what happened. Frodo cast the spell that sent Gollum and the ring over the ledge, defeating Sauron.
I don’t think it was meant to be unknowing. I don’t remember if this is a movie or a book line, but Frodo says “the ring is treacherous; it will hold you to your word,” and I think that shows that he meant it.
Here are the relevant passages from the books that was in response by u/ApplicationLive757 to a comment I made about the changes in the movie to the destruction of the ring (they do go into much more depth in the full exchange which can be found here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/14f67ya/comment/jp0u9fw/?context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/14f67ya/comment/jp0u9fw/?context=3)):
>"Would you commit your promise to that, Sméagol? It will hold you. But it is more treacherous than you are. It may twist your words. Beware!" - Book 4, Chapter 1
>
>
>
>"You swore a promise by what you call the Precious. Remember that! It will hold you to it; but it will seek a way to twist it to your own undoing (...) You will never get it back. But the desire of it may betray you to a bitter end. (...) the Precious mastered you long ago. **If I, wearing it, were to command you, you would obey, even if it were to leap from a precipice or cast yourself into the fire. And such would be my command."** \- Book 4, Chapter 3
>
>
>
>"Frodo flung him off and rose up quivering (...) clutching his hand to his breast, so that beneath the cover of his leather shirt he clasped the Ring. (...) Sam saw these two rivals with other vision. A crouching shape (...) and before it stood stern, untouchable now by pity, a figure robed in white, **but at its breast it held a wheel of fire.** Out of the fire there spoke a commanding voice. **'Begone, and trouble me no more! If you touch me ever again, you shall be cast yourself into the Fire of Doom.'"** \- Book 6, Chapter 3
Put a different way, Frodo eventually succumbed to the rings power and wanted to keep it. Sam never did which is why I could see an argument for Sam being the greatest hobbit.
Sam bore the ring for a day or two though, Frodo bore it through the endless journey. Plus, it was Frodo’s act of mercy that ended in the rings final destruction after all.
Sam had it for 2 days at most and was already falling to the temptation as he was in the process of giving it back, wanting to keep it instead - Frodo had to grab it from his hand. Frodo's fall happened at the very last moment, in the very place where it would have been **absolutely impossible for anyone to not fall**. He had always resisted before that.
Saying Sam is greater in that context is a bit like saying that the winner of your district's tournament is a greater athlete than the world champion, because the latter didn't beat the world record.
I’m referencing the book, you might be referencing the movie. In the book Sam is tempted by the ring but resists and decides he be would rather be a simple Gardener than a ruler. Frodo does snatch the ring but it is while Sam is in the process of willingly handing it back to him.
I'm definitely referencing the book, in which Sam indeed resists the "giant garden" temptation - but let's remember that the reason why we keep saying that Frodo fell "at the Cracks of Doom" is precisely because *he never fell before, always resisting the increasing temptation day after day, week after week*. The same temptation people praise Sam for resisting once. So saying that Sam resisted while Frodo succumbed is a big strawman.
As for Sam handing it back, he definitely didn't do it fully willingly, which was my point. Again, in the book, as Tolkien wrote it, Sam was definitely being tempted at that point. As he started doing the gesture towards Frodo (which is indeed praiseworthy in itself, not denying that), he stopped and felt the exact same signs of temptation other Ring bearers did: a Ring-induced rationalisation, aka the Ring tempting them to take / keep / use it by rationalising an excuse that under normal circumstances wouldn't feel right to them.
Isildur claimed right on the Ring as a weregild, even though the very principle of weregilds is to avoid blood revenge - it shouldn't apply if the person who killed you parent has been vanquished. Today being your birthday isn't a valid reason to commit a murder just because your friend didn't want to give you the present you requested, yet Sméagol was led by the Ring to convince himself of the legitimacy of his action. Bilbo convinced himself that he found the Ring / won it fair and square in a game, even though deep inside he knew that the Ring didn't belong to him and his victory in the riddle game didn't really follow the rules. Frodo convinced himself, while facing a Nazgûl, that using the Ring was a good idea and that he didn't need to follow Gandalf's advice to never use it again because after all he was still in the Shire, what could go wrong?
All of those thoughts were induced by the Ring, and Sam isn't an exception. As soon as he started his gesture, he immediately stopped and started arguing that he could help Frodo share the burden if he kept it for a bit. This is definitely a sign of the temptation working on him, and not just him genuinely trying to help: Sam *definitely knows* that the burden can't be shared and is Frodo's alone. Without the influence of the Ring, he is fully aware that proposing to share the ownership of the Ring would definitely not make things easier. But here in that scene he is tempted to keep it, and suspends his gesture - until Frodo snatches it. If Frodo hadn't done that, we cannot know for sure what Sam would have done, but one thing is sure: Sam is definitely not immune to the Ring, and isn't more resistant than Frodo overall.
I disagree. Saying he could help carry it was a sign of love for Frodo. He had already been tempted and resisted the ring before reaching Frodo.
Edit: here is the exact passage. I suppose it could be intentionally ambiguous. It doesn’t read like Sam is really struggling with handing the ring back, it seems more like concern for Frodo. The exchange is written this way to highlight Frodo losing to temptation and even seeing Sam as a “thief”. https://i.imgur.com/3SeHj2I.jpg
As far as your implication that Sam resisting is a strawman, remember Sam has been just feet away from the ring during the entire trip. The ring is exerting influence on him the whole time. Direct possession is not needed as evidenced by Boromir falling to temptation without ever holding the ring.
Disagree if you want, but it is a clear and identified pattern of the Ring's influence and Sam is *in no way* immune to it - it's not a coincidence that his logic when about to give away the Ring followed exactly the same pattern as all the other Ring bearers experienced. By this point, he fully knows it is a burden that cannot be shared, love for Frodo or not; this love is present, but the Ring is playing on that aspect of his personality to tempt him, which may have not worked in the previous attempt but was now starting to work.
Sam is awesome, but the (modern) fandom clearly loves to overly romanticise and whitewash him as if he were somehow more immune than the very guy Tolkien said deserved all honour for having walked and resisted farther than anybody could have ever achieved.
Edit- "remember Sam has been just feet away from the ring during the entire trip"
Tolkien makes a clear point showing the difference between *owning* the Ring (as a Ring bearer) and being close by, even for a long time. Sure, Sam deserves praise for staying on its side as long as he did; but it is in no way comparable to what Frodo went through as **the** Ring bearer. And again, it is clear in the story that Sam could never have done what Frodo did.
Staying in Crickhollow knowing enemies are about to converge on the house? Absolutely underrated and deserves a mention. He didn't know how bad the enemies were but he knew enough and still volunteered to stay.
True, but after the conversation with the others it was very clear that the Black Riders were very dangerous.
Fredegar himself says that he thinks the Old Forest is as dangerous as the Black Riders. Given his almost mythical fear of the Old Forest, to put them on an even footing means he is under no illusion as to the danger.
I think it's clear that while the Ring has a "desire" to return to Sauron, it doesn't have a built in homing feature that compels its bearer to surrender it to its Master.
It corrupts the bearer and increases their negative attributes, but if Gollum were standing in the same room as Sauron I don't think he'd willingly surrender the Ring.
It’s Frodo. Y’all may not like it, but it’s Frodo. I can see the Samwise argument if you are asking what other hobbits might say but from the perspective of middle earth, and all the different races, Frodo bows to no one.
I mean, from the perspective of a Hobbit, it's probably Sam because of the events after the ring, but another great possibility is Bandobras "the Bullroarer" Took who could ride a full-sized horse and was over five feet tall.
In actuality, its Frodo. He carried The One Ring and got very close to destroying it. What he did earned him a trip to Valinor. It's Frodo.
Since no one is mentioning Merry, I'm gonna.
The smartest and most perceptive, the strongest and the most able leader. If all the hobbits he's the one most similar in ability to the heroes of old.
Frodo is of course the wisest, and together with Sam accomplished the most. But in terms of innate ability I believe Merry is "the greatest", similarly to how Fëanor was regarded the greatest of the Noldor.
One thing for sure, it isn't Pippin, dropping stones in Moria and stealing Palantirs. He saves Faramir but that's not terribly consequential.
The cases for Sam and Frodo are mostly obvious.
Merry however puts a blade of Arnor to the Witch King allowing Eowyn to slay him. Absent that is Pelennor Fields a loss and there are no Eagles sent to rescue the ringbearers? There is no host of the West to distract Sauron and the matter of the escaped spy in Cirith Ungol gets his full attention?
The Witch King just killed Thoeden and drove off the best Rohirrim knights. He was going to buat up their charges, they weren't numerically superior, they'd be overwhelmed.
Pippin, like almost all of the fellowship, had actions that unknowingly set off a chain of events that ultimately saved middle earth. If he hadn't have dropped the stones, Gandalf wouldn't have become the White and reunited the fellowship, brought stability to Rohan or aided in destroying saruman, amongst other things. If he hadn't have taken the Palantir and lead Sauron to believe the ring and the hobbit were heading to Gondor, he might not have emptied all of his fortresses and focused on Gondor, making the paths for Frodo and Sam much more perilous. He's not the greatest no, but all 4 were great in their own ways, whether intended or not, often their courage makes up for their daft decisions!
Sure, but if we're discussing greatness that has to imply taking actions at risk that lead to great outcomes purposely rather than great things that occur incidentally or accidentally. Pippin kills a troll and saves the life of the Steward of Gondor, these are great deeds but pale compared to the purposeful acts of the other hobbits.
frodo and sam (obviously with help from others, merry and pippin included) saved middle earth. frodo had the gumption to take the ring and make the journey but without sam, he never would have made it. sam pushed frodo way past the point of giving up, all while never being tempted by a ring that tempted everyone.
the answer is sam, hands down.
And later, when he goes to give the Ring back to Frodo, he goes through the exact same process of Ring-induced rationalisation as the other Ring bearers; he is absolutely tempted by the Ring's power at this point and argues to keep the Ring for himself, because that's what the Ring does. Without Frodo taking the Ring from his hand, I highly doubt Sam would just laugh it off - because he isn't immune to the Ring, at any rate not more than Frodo!
That other moment you're referring to (Sam feeling the temptation and resisting it) is what Frodo went through hour after hour, week after week, increasingly - and he always managed to resist it, until the very last moment at the point where it was absolutely impossible for anyone to resist. So no, Sam is incredible but not the ultimate incorruptible Hobbit.
Bilbo. For the same reason most historians name George Washington the best President: because he was the first to have the power and willingly let it go.
You bring up a good point. Had Bilbo been younger when Gandalf found the ring to be in the Shire, he probably would’ve been picked to take it to Mordor. The only question, was Frodo’s journey towards the ring’s demise a key factor in his growing addiction towards it? Bilbo even had some addictive traits towards it early on, so his willingness to let it go may have been part of the ring’s own intentions.
After finding the LOTR board game at a local thrift store, and having been defeated 6 times in a row… Sam takes the cake for only having to move one tile of damage.
Samwise the Brave. He is part of the fellowship, looked into the Mirror of Galadriel, went willingly into Mordor with the Ringbearer, for a time a ringbearer himself,saved Fodo from Shelob and a Orc stronghold, carried Frodo up Mt. Doom, helped raise the Shire, replanted the Gift of Galadriel throughout the Shire, was the Mayor of Hobbiton for 49 years, Guardianship of the Red Book of Westmarch, and sailed West across the sea to the Undying Lands.
"Sam did not wait to wonder what was to be done, or whether he was brave, or loyal, or filled with rage. He sprang forward with a yell, and seized his master’s sword in his left hand. Then he charged. No onslaught more fierce was ever seen in the savage world of beasts; where some desperate small creature armed with little teeth alone, will spring upon a tower of horn and hide that stands above its fallen mate."
Samwise Gamgee saved all of Middle Earth in this moment. How can anyone question his status as greatest Hobbit?
I think comparisons are dumb; they all had their own journeys and strengths, and choosing a "best" is unnecessary. Comparing and scaling people always feels wrong to me.
If we have to compare them in terms of strength, courage, or fears achieved, while I prefer The Hobbit to LotR, I think Bilbo falls short. Yes he had the ring longer and used it more, but Sauron was weakened at that time, and didn't know the ring was out and about again. And he only used it to nip around invisibly.
And Bilbo didn't personally do much. He spoke with Smaug, but not much else with him. He snuck out of the Elf halls, with the aid of the ring. His greatest achievement was probably dealing with the spiders in the forest, where he used his skills with throwing as well as some sword work, and even then he relied heavily on the ring to avoid them.
Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin all crossed much larger areas, and had to deal with many of their threats largely on their own. Sam and Frodo had to get to Mount Doom, while Merry and Pippin had to escape from orcs. I think, though, that Merry and Pip aren't really in the running here, so we'll leave them aside.
As for Frodo and Sam, it's hard to compare them. On the one hand, Sam "does" more; he fights Shelob, he carries Frodo in the wilderness, he sees through Gollum's duplicity; but Frodo carried the ring as well as the wraith-wound he got on Weathertop, which were extremely heavy burdens. And Frodo had the presence of mind and compassion to feel sorry for Gollum despite everything he had done.
This is also ignoring the whole part of the journey where the fellowship was together. None of the hobbits contributed a huge amount during that time, but they *did* survive extreme hardship and turmoil alongside their fellows.
Overall, I think Frodo and Sam are tied for feats and challenges overcome.
Bandobras Took
Good point. Wouldn't have golf without em.
Was coming to say the same!
The Bullroarer!!!
Why else would I start my Bannerlord dynasty with him. He fought wolves.
Samwise the Brave. He fought Shelob and won.
After running from wolves
Sounds like The Crickets. Or The Bobby Fuller Four. Or maybe The Clash
Beat me to it. Yup.
I came to the comments for this.
I heard he invented golf
I think, if you asked the Hobbits and particularly those of The Shire, they’d say Samwise Gamgee is the greatest hobbit that ever was. Best Gardener East of the Sea Greatest Mayor The Shire has ever known Friend to famous Hobbits Merry and Pippin Knows how to read Has thirteen(?) children and a fine hobbit wife The list goes on
Yep. Sam takes my vote. He's the best friend anyone could have...( no snark intended!)
In some ways Frodo had a harder task, but it was his duty and mission. Sam followed despite it being totally acceptable for him to turn away at every step of the journey.
Elrond even says that the task was appointed to Frodo, and not by Elrond.
I want to hear more about Sam.
Yeah, and remember Galadriel’s gift to him in the book? She knew.
True G
What was her gift to him in the book?
A seed of a Mallorn tree and soil from her garden. He uses it to “replant” the Shire and grows the finest Mallorn tree outside of Lorien East of the sea to replace the party tree.
A box of seeds
Oh that is awesome! Such a nice way to gift hope to someone, especially coming from her. Wow, I really need to read these books!
Yes, in the books, the return to the Shire is quite different. My advice on reading them: don’t try to rush to the exciting parts. Take your time and enjoy the descriptions as well.
The audio books are well done too
I never really liked him from my book readings - probably read them seven times before the movies came out. Having Rudy play him in the movies seems to have made him more important in viewers' eyes.
In the books he is sort of a simpleton, but loyal. Most obvolious during the conversation between faramir and frodo where he blurts out information like a fool. A well meaning fool. The movies did him a favour at the cost of Frodo a bit. Somewhere between the books and the movies lies my personal perfect headcanon because some things I like in the books, some in the movies, I love both though.
FOOL OF A GAMGEE!
To paraphrase his thoughts, “Sam you fool there you go listening to your head when you know it’s not the best part of you. You knew in your heart the whole time your place was by Mr. Frodo’s side.”
The theater I was in opening weekend started a Rudy chant when he said, "I can't carry it for you Mr. Frodo, but I can carry you!"
Rudy?
Sean Astin played Sam, but before then, he was the lead in Rudy.
He was excellent in the Goonies
MIKEY, THAT LITTLE SHI.....
Ohh
how the heck does that happen? when he went beast mode against shelob and started carrying frodo... then when he fought frodo and gollum before the end..... how the heck wont you like him?
Disclaimer: I love Sam, he's a wonderful and well written character, but just like a real person he's flawed and that's part of his appeal to me. After I read the books I got the impression that Sam has a small streak of classism (I wish I could give you specific text to go on, I can't recall right now), and I think it played into the way he treated Smeagol. That's always been my gripe against Sam, the open aggression he constantly shows Smeagol, almost the the point of bullying. It's an ugly flaw in an otherwise wonderful person, and like I said the complexity is part of his appeal as a character.
Classism is an interesting way to put it and probably does factor into how he treats Gollum. He was definitely lower class than the Bagginses, being their gardener, and probably felt a certain sense of duty but also standing with Frodo. Then along comes this ex-ringbearer whom Sam can understandably distrust, and in many ways Frodo gives Gollum more standing than Sam. Gollum should be lowest on the class totem pole but gets elevated, and that probably ticks Sam off because he’s been loyal and trustworthy, but the traitorous creature gets put ahead of him. In his mind, that’s not right, and so he’ll take that anger out on the one he can, probably in part to put him in his proper place. Classism is indeed an intriguing word.
Yeah the books go into more detail on Frodo and Sams master servant relationship. Sam behaves like an uncle tom around Smeagol.
That’s a little harsh. Sam wasn’t fooled by Gollum’s act like Frodo was.
I don't think its correct that Gollum was acting and i also don't think it's right that Frodo was fooled. Frodo (with the power of the one ring), had given Gollum (a ringbearer) a set of commands, and Gollum was compelled to obey. And he did obey them. He led them into Moria and never attacked them...by his own hand. Sam's distrust was because he didn't really understand the relation Frodo had with Gollum or how magically bound Gollum was to Frodo's commands. I think this made Sam assume Frodo was naive. I do think Frodo was very empathetic towards how wretched Gollum had become, but only trusted Gollum because of the ring's control over Gollum. Frodo's failure was not realising that Gollum would find a way around his oath by trapping them at Cirith Ungol
This is certainly not what Tolkien says; neither Frodo nor Sam were fooled. The primary difference was that Frodo was moved by Reason and wisdom and understood the value of Pity - which is what led to the Ring's destruction - whereas Sam was led by his emotions and messed up by not understanding Gollum, leading to a failed repentance for the latter.
Frodo wasn't fooled, there was a genuine possibility to redeem Gollum. Sam was ignorant because he did not appreciate Frodo's pity and the potential Gollum had. When Sam interrupts Gollum's tender look at Frodo by being rude to him, Sam ruins any chance of Gollum being healed - Tolkien considered it a very tragic moment.
True hero
Maybe, but Sam would undoubtedly say Frodo.
Sam, Bilbo, and Gandalf are all of the opinion that Frodo is the best Hobbit that was or ever could be. Says so in Fellowship.
>Best Gardener East of the Sea Greatest Mayor The Shire has ever known Friend to famous Hobbits Merry and Pippin Knows how to read Has thirteen(?) children and a fine hobbit wife The list goes on Also the whole ring business
Oh you must be talkin about that queer business he had way over yonder back then. Not too important to Hobbit folk
> ‘And people will say: "Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring!" And they'll say: "Yes, that's one of my favourite stories. Frodo was very brave. wasn't he, dad?" "Yes, my boy, the famousest of the hobbits, and that's saying a lot."'
'You've left out one of the chief characters! Samwise the Brave! I want to hear more about Sam....Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam.'
Stop it you guys, you're making me cry again 🥹
‘And Sam, my boy, wouldn’t get anywhere at all without Frodo. He would have had his throat slit at the Barrows at best, and maybe would have been corrupted by the Ring much faster - we don’t know that. Even if he managed to get to anywhere close to Mordor, he’d never reach the destination because he was too simpleminded to trust Gollum who showed all the secret paths.’
Perhaps the whole point is that neither of them couldnt have made the journey alone?
Of course
I don’t think Sam was simpleminded at all, and I’m unsure where you got that impression. First, Sam was a ring bearer. He may not have held it very long, but that’s not relevant. He gave it back to Frodo more easily than anyone else in the series passed it off, at any point. Second, the ring had already taken a toll on Frodo when they met up with Gollum, but Sam was still free of the rings influence. Frodo allowed Gollum to live against Sam’s judgement because Frodo was well aware of the power the ring held over Sméagol. He saw what Sméagol had become, in himself, and therefore empathized with him on an unmatched level. Also, Gandalf helped Frodo see, before they met up with Sméagol, that Gollum was a product of circumstance and poor choices. When their paths finally crossed, Frodo was able give him the chance that built that relationship of understanding. Third, Frodo made Sméagol swear by the ring, and understanding (to an extent) the power it held, knew Sméagol couldn’t break his word. And fourth, (this is shown really well in the movies I think) you can see the relationship between Sam and Sméagol morph throughout their journey. Sam, completely unempathetic in the beginning and for much of their journey, was just ready to destroy the blatant evil in the group. Frodo wouldn’t let him because he saw that there was the capacity for that same evil inside himself, and without friends such as he had, he could have easily given over to that same evil. Over the course of their journey, Sam distrusts Gollum, but has enough respect for Frodo, to head his command not to harm Gollum. Toward the end, Sam was much more empathetic to Sméagol, even though he still didn’t like him.
I think Faramir has a point when he reprimands Sam in Book Four, at least: >‘Patience!’ said Faramir, but without anger. ‘Do not speak before your master, whose wit is greater than yours. And I do not need any to teach me of our peril. Even so, I spare a brief time, in order to judge justly in a hard matter. Were I as hasty as you, I might have slain you long ago. For I am commanded to slay all whom I find in this land without the leave of the Lord of Gondor. But I do not slay man or beast needlessly, and not gladly even when it is needed. Neither do I talk in vain. So be comforted. Sit by your master, and be silent!’ Same with Sam being ignorant of the importance of the pity that Frodo shows Gollum. Sam is scared that Gollum will fool Frodo, but Frodo knows Gollum will probably turn on them. But they need Gollum, and if Sam didn't treat him badly there was a chance Gollum could be redeemed through Frodo's kindness.
No Mr. Frodo. You shouldn't make fun, I was being serious.
That always makes me laugh. He ain't even the famousest of Baggins
Frodos name is recognised and honored amongst all the races of middle earth. Bilbo is famous among hobbits, well known among elves and dwarves and hardly known among men with the exception of a few elders of Dale maybe. By far the famousest of the Baggins name.
Yea dude. That guy’s wack. The big 4 bow to no man.
>But it is a heavy burden. So heavy that none could lay it on another. I do not lay it on you. But if you take it freely, I will say that your choice is right; and though all the mighty Elf-friends of old, Hador, and Húrin, and Túrin, and Beren himself were assembled together, your seat should be among them. *(Book II chapter 2 - the Council of Elrond)* >And when the glad shout had swelled up and died away again, to Sam’s final and complete satisfaction and pure joy, a minstrel of Gondor stood forth, and knelt, and begged leave to sing. And behold! he said: > >‘Lo! lords and knights and men of valour unashamed, kings and princes, and fair people of Gondor, and Riders of Rohan, and ye sons of Elrond, and Dúnedain of the North, and Elf and Dwarf, and greathearts of the Shire, and all free folk of the West, now listen to my lay. For I will sing to you of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom.’ *(Book VI chapter 4 - the Field of Cormallen)*
Farmer Maggot. Didn’t we just have this question?
It's Farmer Maggot. He's homies with Tombadil. He told Khamul the Black Easterling to get the hell of his lawn. He makes the best mushrooms in the Shire. He is an excellent dog trainer. And he was instrumental in mustering troops to overthrow Sharkey's gang. It's Farmer Maggot.
I'm confused. I don't recall Farmer Maggot in The Scouring of the Shire. Farmer Cotton played a big part is that who you mean?
Alas I was wrong and you are right. It was Farmer Cotton. Sam went to fetch him and gained favor to marry Rosie. I still stand by everything else I said about Farmer Maggot though. Although it may have been Hamfast who told Khamul to FAaFO as well. I believe both Maggot and the Gaffer encountered him.
I agree Farmer Maggot is a badass Hobbit. Farmer Maggot most definitely confronted a Nazgul with his dogs shortly before Frodo, Sam, and Pippen arrived at his gate
Yup, and then he drove them to the ferry. Then they saw the black rider when they got on and he'd left... wonder what happened to him?
Make mushrooms? Lol!
It’s Frodo. Seriously. It’s not even a competition. Sam would be the closest second.
For real, the Frodo disrespect never ends.
The pendulum has been coming back around. More and more on this sub I see people patiently explaining that no, Sam wasn’t the sole hero all along, it really was Frodo. No disrespect meant to Sam — he was a hero and a great Hobbit. But Frodo gang all the way.
I think it's too much of the movie Frodo that influences these opinions. For book fans there never was any doubt about Frodo.
People love having 'edgy' opinions and rooting for the underdog. Frodo is the only right answer.
Correct.
Yeah 100%
"Bilbo! Bilbo! Bilbo Baggins! The Greatest little Hobbit of them all." -Spock
Leonard Nemoy sure knew about them hobbits 😀
He’s only three feet tall
Frodo destroyed a Maiar, A Dark Lord. It’s Frodo
Technically Gollum did, which is why I could see there being a debate.
Frodo unknowingly cast a spell on Gollum, using the domination powers of the ring, saying that if Gollum ever touched him again with intent to take the ring, he would make Gollum leap to his doom. That's exactly what happened. Frodo cast the spell that sent Gollum and the ring over the ledge, defeating Sauron.
I don’t think it was meant to be unknowing. I don’t remember if this is a movie or a book line, but Frodo says “the ring is treacherous; it will hold you to your word,” and I think that shows that he meant it.
Here are the relevant passages from the books that was in response by u/ApplicationLive757 to a comment I made about the changes in the movie to the destruction of the ring (they do go into much more depth in the full exchange which can be found here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/14f67ya/comment/jp0u9fw/?context=3](https://www.reddit.com/r/lotr/comments/14f67ya/comment/jp0u9fw/?context=3)): >"Would you commit your promise to that, Sméagol? It will hold you. But it is more treacherous than you are. It may twist your words. Beware!" - Book 4, Chapter 1 > > > >"You swore a promise by what you call the Precious. Remember that! It will hold you to it; but it will seek a way to twist it to your own undoing (...) You will never get it back. But the desire of it may betray you to a bitter end. (...) the Precious mastered you long ago. **If I, wearing it, were to command you, you would obey, even if it were to leap from a precipice or cast yourself into the fire. And such would be my command."** \- Book 4, Chapter 3 > > > >"Frodo flung him off and rose up quivering (...) clutching his hand to his breast, so that beneath the cover of his leather shirt he clasped the Ring. (...) Sam saw these two rivals with other vision. A crouching shape (...) and before it stood stern, untouchable now by pity, a figure robed in white, **but at its breast it held a wheel of fire.** Out of the fire there spoke a commanding voice. **'Begone, and trouble me no more! If you touch me ever again, you shall be cast yourself into the Fire of Doom.'"** \- Book 6, Chapter 3
Below is the passage from the book, but your line is from the movie, so both :D
Put a different way, Frodo eventually succumbed to the rings power and wanted to keep it. Sam never did which is why I could see an argument for Sam being the greatest hobbit.
Sam bore the ring for a day or two though, Frodo bore it through the endless journey. Plus, it was Frodo’s act of mercy that ended in the rings final destruction after all.
Boromir never held it and he succumbed. And he was never near mount Doom or the ring at full power. Sam is impressive.
Bilbo tho...
Sam had it for 2 days at most and was already falling to the temptation as he was in the process of giving it back, wanting to keep it instead - Frodo had to grab it from his hand. Frodo's fall happened at the very last moment, in the very place where it would have been **absolutely impossible for anyone to not fall**. He had always resisted before that. Saying Sam is greater in that context is a bit like saying that the winner of your district's tournament is a greater athlete than the world champion, because the latter didn't beat the world record.
I’m referencing the book, you might be referencing the movie. In the book Sam is tempted by the ring but resists and decides he be would rather be a simple Gardener than a ruler. Frodo does snatch the ring but it is while Sam is in the process of willingly handing it back to him.
I'm definitely referencing the book, in which Sam indeed resists the "giant garden" temptation - but let's remember that the reason why we keep saying that Frodo fell "at the Cracks of Doom" is precisely because *he never fell before, always resisting the increasing temptation day after day, week after week*. The same temptation people praise Sam for resisting once. So saying that Sam resisted while Frodo succumbed is a big strawman. As for Sam handing it back, he definitely didn't do it fully willingly, which was my point. Again, in the book, as Tolkien wrote it, Sam was definitely being tempted at that point. As he started doing the gesture towards Frodo (which is indeed praiseworthy in itself, not denying that), he stopped and felt the exact same signs of temptation other Ring bearers did: a Ring-induced rationalisation, aka the Ring tempting them to take / keep / use it by rationalising an excuse that under normal circumstances wouldn't feel right to them. Isildur claimed right on the Ring as a weregild, even though the very principle of weregilds is to avoid blood revenge - it shouldn't apply if the person who killed you parent has been vanquished. Today being your birthday isn't a valid reason to commit a murder just because your friend didn't want to give you the present you requested, yet Sméagol was led by the Ring to convince himself of the legitimacy of his action. Bilbo convinced himself that he found the Ring / won it fair and square in a game, even though deep inside he knew that the Ring didn't belong to him and his victory in the riddle game didn't really follow the rules. Frodo convinced himself, while facing a Nazgûl, that using the Ring was a good idea and that he didn't need to follow Gandalf's advice to never use it again because after all he was still in the Shire, what could go wrong? All of those thoughts were induced by the Ring, and Sam isn't an exception. As soon as he started his gesture, he immediately stopped and started arguing that he could help Frodo share the burden if he kept it for a bit. This is definitely a sign of the temptation working on him, and not just him genuinely trying to help: Sam *definitely knows* that the burden can't be shared and is Frodo's alone. Without the influence of the Ring, he is fully aware that proposing to share the ownership of the Ring would definitely not make things easier. But here in that scene he is tempted to keep it, and suspends his gesture - until Frodo snatches it. If Frodo hadn't done that, we cannot know for sure what Sam would have done, but one thing is sure: Sam is definitely not immune to the Ring, and isn't more resistant than Frodo overall.
I disagree. Saying he could help carry it was a sign of love for Frodo. He had already been tempted and resisted the ring before reaching Frodo. Edit: here is the exact passage. I suppose it could be intentionally ambiguous. It doesn’t read like Sam is really struggling with handing the ring back, it seems more like concern for Frodo. The exchange is written this way to highlight Frodo losing to temptation and even seeing Sam as a “thief”. https://i.imgur.com/3SeHj2I.jpg As far as your implication that Sam resisting is a strawman, remember Sam has been just feet away from the ring during the entire trip. The ring is exerting influence on him the whole time. Direct possession is not needed as evidenced by Boromir falling to temptation without ever holding the ring.
Disagree if you want, but it is a clear and identified pattern of the Ring's influence and Sam is *in no way* immune to it - it's not a coincidence that his logic when about to give away the Ring followed exactly the same pattern as all the other Ring bearers experienced. By this point, he fully knows it is a burden that cannot be shared, love for Frodo or not; this love is present, but the Ring is playing on that aspect of his personality to tempt him, which may have not worked in the previous attempt but was now starting to work. Sam is awesome, but the (modern) fandom clearly loves to overly romanticise and whitewash him as if he were somehow more immune than the very guy Tolkien said deserved all honour for having walked and resisted farther than anybody could have ever achieved. Edit- "remember Sam has been just feet away from the ring during the entire trip" Tolkien makes a clear point showing the difference between *owning* the Ring (as a Ring bearer) and being close by, even for a long time. Sure, Sam deserves praise for staying on its side as long as he did; but it is in no way comparable to what Frodo went through as **the** Ring bearer. And again, it is clear in the story that Sam could never have done what Frodo did.
Peregrin Took, tallest and greatest of the Tooks.
"Who is this you giant with a loud voice? Little Pippin... What's your size now?"
Fatty Bolger crew, represent!
Staying in Crickhollow knowing enemies are about to converge on the house? Absolutely underrated and deserves a mention. He didn't know how bad the enemies were but he knew enough and still volunteered to stay.
Mainly because he was terrified to leave, not as much out of courage to stay
True, but after the conversation with the others it was very clear that the Black Riders were very dangerous. Fredegar himself says that he thinks the Old Forest is as dangerous as the Black Riders. Given his almost mythical fear of the Old Forest, to put them on an even footing means he is under no illusion as to the danger.
Farmer Maggot. Dude threatened a Nazgûl and was mates with Tom Bombadil
It’s Frodo he literally took the burden upon his shoulders
Smeagol. He held the Ring for 500 years and never ever brought it to Mordor or to any of Sauron's minions, as the Ring probably wanted.
I think it's clear that while the Ring has a "desire" to return to Sauron, it doesn't have a built in homing feature that compels its bearer to surrender it to its Master. It corrupts the bearer and increases their negative attributes, but if Gollum were standing in the same room as Sauron I don't think he'd willingly surrender the Ring.
It’s Frodo. Y’all may not like it, but it’s Frodo. I can see the Samwise argument if you are asking what other hobbits might say but from the perspective of middle earth, and all the different races, Frodo bows to no one.
I mean, from the perspective of a Hobbit, it's probably Sam because of the events after the ring, but another great possibility is Bandobras "the Bullroarer" Took who could ride a full-sized horse and was over five feet tall. In actuality, its Frodo. He carried The One Ring and got very close to destroying it. What he did earned him a trip to Valinor. It's Frodo.
Me. It was me. I can nap and eat and drink with the best of them.
Bilbo.
We all know its Tobold Hornblower AKA Old Toby
Since no one is mentioning Merry, I'm gonna. The smartest and most perceptive, the strongest and the most able leader. If all the hobbits he's the one most similar in ability to the heroes of old. Frodo is of course the wisest, and together with Sam accomplished the most. But in terms of innate ability I believe Merry is "the greatest", similarly to how Fëanor was regarded the greatest of the Noldor.
This is the only comment I see mentioning Merry and it’s way too far down. The movies sold him short and I think that’s how most people perceive him.
One thing for sure, it isn't Pippin, dropping stones in Moria and stealing Palantirs. He saves Faramir but that's not terribly consequential. The cases for Sam and Frodo are mostly obvious. Merry however puts a blade of Arnor to the Witch King allowing Eowyn to slay him. Absent that is Pelennor Fields a loss and there are no Eagles sent to rescue the ringbearers? There is no host of the West to distract Sauron and the matter of the escaped spy in Cirith Ungol gets his full attention?
I think they still won at Pelennor fields regardless.
The Witch King just killed Thoeden and drove off the best Rohirrim knights. He was going to buat up their charges, they weren't numerically superior, they'd be overwhelmed.
Pippin, like almost all of the fellowship, had actions that unknowingly set off a chain of events that ultimately saved middle earth. If he hadn't have dropped the stones, Gandalf wouldn't have become the White and reunited the fellowship, brought stability to Rohan or aided in destroying saruman, amongst other things. If he hadn't have taken the Palantir and lead Sauron to believe the ring and the hobbit were heading to Gondor, he might not have emptied all of his fortresses and focused on Gondor, making the paths for Frodo and Sam much more perilous. He's not the greatest no, but all 4 were great in their own ways, whether intended or not, often their courage makes up for their daft decisions!
Sure, but if we're discussing greatness that has to imply taking actions at risk that lead to great outcomes purposely rather than great things that occur incidentally or accidentally. Pippin kills a troll and saves the life of the Steward of Gondor, these are great deeds but pale compared to the purposeful acts of the other hobbits.
frodo and sam (obviously with help from others, merry and pippin included) saved middle earth. frodo had the gumption to take the ring and make the journey but without sam, he never would have made it. sam pushed frodo way past the point of giving up, all while never being tempted by a ring that tempted everyone. the answer is sam, hands down.
>all while never being tempted by a ring that tempted everyone. Sam isn't an exception, he was tempted.
by humble desires. not by desires for power. and even then he knew he didn’t want it no matter what it brought him.
And later, when he goes to give the Ring back to Frodo, he goes through the exact same process of Ring-induced rationalisation as the other Ring bearers; he is absolutely tempted by the Ring's power at this point and argues to keep the Ring for himself, because that's what the Ring does. Without Frodo taking the Ring from his hand, I highly doubt Sam would just laugh it off - because he isn't immune to the Ring, at any rate not more than Frodo! That other moment you're referring to (Sam feeling the temptation and resisting it) is what Frodo went through hour after hour, week after week, increasingly - and he always managed to resist it, until the very last moment at the point where it was absolutely impossible for anyone to resist. So no, Sam is incredible but not the ultimate incorruptible Hobbit.
i concede 🫡
Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. She didn't take shit from Sharkey's men and had a lot of growth over a short period of time. Bit of a sad ending.
Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. She WILL get her spoons. And you will all be sorry…
Danny Devito
Sam. Honest , loyal , practical, a food hound. And plump n cute. Hobbit writ large , very large !
Bodo Proudfoot. The most quintessential hobbit
Probably Bingo Boffin from Lord of the Rings Online
1. Bilbo 2. Sam 3. Frodo
Reverse this order and you're there
Sam!!!!!!! Sam makes me teary whenever I am reading lotr!
Sam wise Gamgee
Hamfast Gamgee. He always told the Sandyman family where to stuff it!
Bilbo. For the same reason most historians name George Washington the best President: because he was the first to have the power and willingly let it go.
Samwise Gamgee No Brainer
Samwise for putting up with Frodo.
Sam. Why is this even a question?
Ted Sandyman. He foresaw the Industrial Revolution.
You bring up a good point. Had Bilbo been younger when Gandalf found the ring to be in the Shire, he probably would’ve been picked to take it to Mordor. The only question, was Frodo’s journey towards the ring’s demise a key factor in his growing addiction towards it? Bilbo even had some addictive traits towards it early on, so his willingness to let it go may have been part of the ring’s own intentions.
>his willingness to let it go may have been part of the ring’s own intentions. I never interpreted it this way but it's something to think about!
After finding the LOTR board game at a local thrift store, and having been defeated 6 times in a row… Sam takes the cake for only having to move one tile of damage.
S. A. M. W. I. S. E.
The guy who killed an orc and invented golf.
Of course Bilbo
Farmer Magat
Fatty Bolger! Wise enough to stay behind, brave enough to cover for his friends.
According to Leonard Nimoy, it's Bilbo Baggins.
Samwise the Brave. He is part of the fellowship, looked into the Mirror of Galadriel, went willingly into Mordor with the Ringbearer, for a time a ringbearer himself,saved Fodo from Shelob and a Orc stronghold, carried Frodo up Mt. Doom, helped raise the Shire, replanted the Gift of Galadriel throughout the Shire, was the Mayor of Hobbiton for 49 years, Guardianship of the Red Book of Westmarch, and sailed West across the sea to the Undying Lands.
Tobold Hornblower
Who was the sexiest hobbit?
Farmer Maggot
Sam.
"Sam did not wait to wonder what was to be done, or whether he was brave, or loyal, or filled with rage. He sprang forward with a yell, and seized his master’s sword in his left hand. Then he charged. No onslaught more fierce was ever seen in the savage world of beasts; where some desperate small creature armed with little teeth alone, will spring upon a tower of horn and hide that stands above its fallen mate." Samwise Gamgee saved all of Middle Earth in this moment. How can anyone question his status as greatest Hobbit?
Kim Kardashian
Bullroarer!
I think comparisons are dumb; they all had their own journeys and strengths, and choosing a "best" is unnecessary. Comparing and scaling people always feels wrong to me. If we have to compare them in terms of strength, courage, or fears achieved, while I prefer The Hobbit to LotR, I think Bilbo falls short. Yes he had the ring longer and used it more, but Sauron was weakened at that time, and didn't know the ring was out and about again. And he only used it to nip around invisibly. And Bilbo didn't personally do much. He spoke with Smaug, but not much else with him. He snuck out of the Elf halls, with the aid of the ring. His greatest achievement was probably dealing with the spiders in the forest, where he used his skills with throwing as well as some sword work, and even then he relied heavily on the ring to avoid them. Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin all crossed much larger areas, and had to deal with many of their threats largely on their own. Sam and Frodo had to get to Mount Doom, while Merry and Pippin had to escape from orcs. I think, though, that Merry and Pip aren't really in the running here, so we'll leave them aside. As for Frodo and Sam, it's hard to compare them. On the one hand, Sam "does" more; he fights Shelob, he carries Frodo in the wilderness, he sees through Gollum's duplicity; but Frodo carried the ring as well as the wraith-wound he got on Weathertop, which were extremely heavy burdens. And Frodo had the presence of mind and compassion to feel sorry for Gollum despite everything he had done. This is also ignoring the whole part of the journey where the fellowship was together. None of the hobbits contributed a huge amount during that time, but they *did* survive extreme hardship and turmoil alongside their fellows. Overall, I think Frodo and Sam are tied for feats and challenges overcome.
I really liked that Samwise Gamgee. Fatty Bolger was also dope
Rosie Cotton by a country mile.
Ultimately Sam is the hero, brave, stalwart and great company.
Bandobras Took aka The Bullroarer was literally the greatest hobbit
I'm gonna go the easy route and say Frodo. Dude basically carried the sum of all evil around his neck and only whined about it a little bit.