by Chloe Shearer

Created on: March 01, 2010

The concept of a Hero in a fantasy movie is quickly becoming an elusive theory. Characters can no longer be defined between good and evil. There is the evil character that turns good, the good character that turns evil. The sheer wealth of so called ‘Heroes’ to choose from is extraordinary and extending at an alarming rate every year.

But there is one Hero, one that is forever imprinted on the minds of the audience. One who never wavers from their all-round good intent, one who is always there.

Samwise Gamgee of the Lord of the Rings.

Now he isn’t the main character, nor is he the fighter. But he is – without a doubt – the character unto which the happy ending is dependent on.

Sam spends his time caring for Frodo and helping him on his task to destroy that fateful ring. But it is almost certain through the tale of their perilous journey that without Sam, Frodo would not have succeeded. Despite everything he never gave up on Frodo and followed him to the end.

This resolve to aid someone in a journey in which his survival is all but unlikely has the audience in raptures over his ability to stay strong and hopeful throughout.  The positive thinking of this small hobbit brings a smile to the lips of every avid expression seated in front of the screen. And his willingness to do whatever he can to help Frodo has the audience wanting to prove their high levels of friendship in similar waves of loyalty.

In a movie surrounded by characters that all resemble some level of heroism, Sam proves himself as the character that is truly heroic throughout. Through his attentive manners and spectacular courage, he is easily one of the most memorable fantasy characters of all time.

The words of Frodo and Sam at the end of the Two Towers is all that is needed to highlight Sam as the character that resembles all that is good.

Sam: “I wonder if people will ever say, 'Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring.' And they'll say 'Yes, that's one of my favourite stories. Frodo was really courageous, wasn't he, Dad?' 'Yes, my boy, the most famous of hobbits. And that's saying a lot.'”

Frodo: “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.”

Samwise the Brave; truly the Hero.

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