RUNNING HEADER: COMMEMORATING SAM AND FRODO'S JOURNEY 1
A Commemoration for the Journey Completed by Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins
Maresa Klinger
University of Houston – Clear Lake
Abstract
In the LOTR, the Hobbits' Sam and Frodo take on a difficult journey that consisted of obstacles, a ring whose relationship to the two plays as an antagonist, and how the two's relationship is tested through of all it but overcomes in spite of the odds. The obstacles consist of being chased by Sauron's evil minions known as the Orcs, following a delirious used-to-be Hobbit named Gollum who takes them up mountain cliffs and through dangerous forests, one of which has the giant spider Shelob…show more content… In Frodo and Sam's case however, there is more than one. The two hobbits' went from running from the horrible Orcs, to traveling through dangerous mountain ranges and forests filled with giant spiders, to end up "befriending" a delirious used-to-be Hobbit named Gollum who is so obsessed with the ring, or as he says, "the precious," he will do anything to have it (Tolkien, 1967). Even though the two had trying times, their journey helps relay the message that difficult is not impossible. Unfortunately, physical obstacles were not the only problem Frodo and Sam faced. The ring that Frodo is carrying serves as a symbol of temptation because it has the ability to make one the ruler of everything (Gilligan, 2011). The burden that it shows on Frodo is obvious as he is shown struggling with it throughout the whole series as well as Gollum's obsession to possess it; however what is interesting is seeing how the stronger characters like Gandalf and Galadriel push the ring away because they know what the power would do to them (Tolkien, 1967). The ring created yet another test for the dynamic duo but just like all the other trials, the Hobbits' overcame it. Frodo is the main protagonist of the story, however if it weren't for Sam there would be no story to tell. He is the ultimate friend as he continually sacrifices his own good will like giving up his own food and the last of the water as well as gently encouraging Frodo to keep going, never letting Frodo's doubt of Sam get in the way of saving him (Holder, 2003). All in all, even though the odds were against the pair ninety-five percent of the time, the Hobbits' are to be commemorated for completing such a difficult journey and ridding the world of an evil dark
