The Unsung Hero: Unveiling Samwise Gamgee's True Role in The Lord of the Rings

Samwise Gamgee, an unforgettable character from The Lord of the Rings, has undoubtedly gained a devoted fanbase over time. Playing a crucial role in The War of the Ring, Sam assisted Frodo in navigating their way to Mount Doom. Without Sam's unwavering commitment, the quest to destroy the One Ring would have been doomed from the start.

Sam stands out as one of the most virtuous and trustworthy individuals in the entire Lord of the Rings saga, which is certainly saying something. Even before fully comprehending the terrifying power of the One Ring, Sam eagerly accompanies Frodo on their perilous journey. His unwavering devotion to his friend remains unwavering, even in the face of unimaginable evil.

What Were Sam’s Feats During The Lord Of The Rings?

The Hobbits featured in The Lord of the Rings main cast are undeniably among the most courageous individuals to ever walk in Middle Earth. The perils they confront would terrify even the bravest creatures, yet they never surrender. This is particularly true for Samwise Gamgee, who displays exceptional bravery when it comes to the safety of Frodo Baggins.

Sam has achieved notable feats, such as battling hordes of Goblins and Orcs, armed with a frying pan or a blade. It is important to note that even trained soldiers succumb to these adversaries, making Sam's combat skills quite remarkable. Additionally, his unwavering courage is evident when he confronts the Ring Wraiths at Weathertop in order to protect Frodo. While he may not have achieved significant success against them, his readiness to risk his life speaks volumes about his bravery.

In addition to surviving multiple skirmishes, including a battle with a massive Cave Troll, Sam also engaged in a brawl with Gollum and managed to survive a fight with Shelob. Furthermore, he single-handedly rescued Frodo after he was captured by a group of Orcs. It is undeniable that Sam is one of the greatest Hobbit warriors in the history of Middle Earth. Few individuals could have faced Shelob alone and lived to tell the tale.

While Sam's bravery is evident throughout the series, it is important to emphasize his courage in leaving the safety of the fellowship to accompany Frodo on their perilous journey. Their entire adventure is filled with danger at every turn, as they are required to venture into Mordor, scale a volcano, and ultimately destroy the most powerful evil artifact in the world, all while evading the clutches of a dark lord and his twisted forces. This is not to mention the brief period when Sam willingly took on the influence of the ring, distinguishing him as one of the few characters in the entire series to voluntarily let go of its power.

Could Frodo Have Made It To Mount Doom Without Sam?

Without Sam, Frodo would have faced death at every major obstacle they encountered. Gollum would have likely taken advantage of Frodo's vulnerability, killing him and seizing the ring. Even if that didn't happen, Gollum would have led Frodo into peril, resulting in the Hobbit's demise and Gollum's triumph in reclaiming the ring.

Arriving at Shelob's lair would have only spelled the end for Frodo. He would have been slain by the Orcs and the ring delivered to Sauron, or Gollum would have succeeded in retrieving the ring once again. Throughout their journey, Sam's unwavering support is exemplified by the fact that he physically carries Frodo towards the fires of Mount Doom. Without Sam's assistance and emotional strength, Frodo would never have come close to reaching Mount Doom.

Could Sam Have Been The Main Ring Bearer?

Samwise Gamgee's impressive qualities may lead some to question whether he could have been the main ring bearer, surpassing Frodo in the journey. However, the answer to this seemingly complex question is a straightforward "no." To understand why, we need to examine Sam's character and it becomes apparent that he would never have made the decision to take the ring to Mordor amidst the council's arguments.

Moreover, a compelling example of why Sam should not have been the primary ring bearer is when he returns the ring to Frodo in The Return Of The King. Although it is a remarkable feat that Sam is able to part with the ring, he only possessed it for a brief period. Within this short time, the ring was able to manipulate and challenge Sam's will, causing him initial difficulty in giving it back to Frodo. This suggests that the ring would have corrupted Sam at a faster rate than it did Frodo.

Additionally, there is the question of how events would unfold if Sam were the chosen ring bearer. It is improbable that Frodo would have made the same choice as Sam did, to continue the journey without the fellowship. Consequently, Sam would find himself alone, facing the various challenges of the expedition. Although he would handle them adequately, there may be certain moments where his resolve might falter.

Firstly, it is likely that Sam would have immediately slain Gollum, potentially enhancing the ring's corrupting influence on him. Moreover, without Gollum's presence, there would be no one to lead to the ring's ultimate destruction. It is probable that Sam, like Frodo, would struggle to destroy the ring in the final moments. Despite his strong will as a Hobbit, Sam's different nature would render him a less capable candidate for bearing the ring.

The Lord Of The Rings is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video