Episode 29 - Fake Friends: Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee
Topic of Discussion
In this episode, we discussed the friendship of Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee from the hit trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.
I absolutely love this series and regularly watch the extended versions of these movies. Lueda is not as familiar with the series, but she watched all three films in preparation for this episode and came ready for some thoughts on this iconic friendship.
Point of order: in this episode, we only discuss the friendship based on the movies. There is a series of books, but neither one of us has read it.
When we first meet Sam and Frodo in the Shire it’s clear they’re friends. But it doesn’t seem like they have a very deep relationship. Part of this could be because Hobbits are pretty simple, easy-going people and part of it could be because neither Sam nor Frodo has experienced anything challenging or traumatic that would help them deepen their friendship through vulnerability.
On the whole, this friendship starts off pretty mutual. There’s give and take from both sides; Frodo helps Sam get out of the Shire; Sam is there to support Frodo when things start to get a little more intense than they anticipated. They both try to lift one another up and support one another on this adventure.
It’s when Frodo is stabbed by a Morgul blade that we start to see the friendship shift. Suddenly, Frodo is injured and now affected by the ring’s power more so than before. At the same time, Sam starts to take on what I view as a parental role and eventually a co-dependent role of supporting Frodo in getting the ring to Mordor (despite it being a risk to his life on many occasions).
We see another important moment where Sam and Frodo level up in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Frodo tries to leave the fellowship to go to Mordor on his own and Sam insists on coming along. This is a moment of beautiful dedication to a friend and being willing to be with them in the midst of challenge and strife.
Things really start to change when Gollum enters the picture in the second movie, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. He serves as a wedge within the friendship and causes much angst and arguing between the Hobbits. Interestingly, without Gollum, Sam and Frodo likely would not have made it to Mordor. Yet, Gollum served as a testing ground for the bounds of their friendship. And as we see in the third movie, The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Sam is pushed past what he will do for the friendship and leaves. But, it’s the deep sense of purpose that Sam has (to get Frodo to Mordor alive and destroy the ring) that allows him to stay in the friendship so long and not give up where others would have.
It’s interesting in the third movie how we see Sam and Frodo continue to grow within the friendship, specifically around when they each finally recognize that this journey will mean their death. They each come to this realization at different times and it affects how they approach the other with that knowledge. Another important moment within the friendship is when Sam leaves, on Frodo’s bidding, and then comes back when he discovers Gollum’s duplicity. That’s an act of courage to return when you know you’re right for the benefit of your friend. And it took incredible strength and grace to not see Frodo and say, “I told you so.”
Finally, it’s on the side of Mount Doom and in the cavern where Sam continues to come through for Frodo, even though Frodo has become a complete drain on the relationship. Sam carries Frodo part of the way up the mountain and he pulls him from the edge of the cliff when it’s clear that Frodo is thinking about letting go.
Our conclusion is that Frodo sucks and Sam is a great friend, although he compromises his boundaries at times.
What’s your hottake on this friendship? We’d love to hear it at areyoutwostillfriends@gmail.com!
Friendship Tip
FB: Know that your trauma is your work.
SG: Never give up on your friends, even when they’ve given up on themselves.
Both of these friendship tips lend themselves well to real-life friendships. First, while it’s always okay to ask for support when you’re working through trauma, it’s never the responsibility of your friend(s) to do that work for you. Achieving post-traumatic growth is a journey you must take alone and at times, that means you will experience a change in your life that may affect your friendships. Sometimes, that means saying goodbye to friends or allowing them distance while you process and work through your trauma.
Interestingly, on the other side of the coin, part of being a good friend is seeing their worth and value, even when they’ve given up on themselves. We can be our own worst critics, so having an outside voice reminds you that you are great and worthy of love can be incredibly helpful. We’ve all needed that push from a friend in the past, right?
What friendship tips do you think Frodo and Samwise would offer? Tell us at areyoutwostillfriends@gmail.com
What questions are we pondering this week?
FB: Who is going to try to take the Ring next?
SG: What do I have to do to convince Frodo Gollum is a bad egg?
It’s evident throughout the series that Frodo becomes increasingly consumed with the idea of who is going to take the ring next. To be fair, a lot of people do try to take it, so he does need to watch his back. But really, getting the ring to Mordor and this question are his primary focus.
Poor Sam. He must’ve spent so much time trying to figure out how to get Frodo to believe him -- his lifelong, trustworthy friend -- and not Gollum -- a stalker who tried to kill Bilbo. You see it in his eyes and even hear Sam ask Frodo why he gives him so much leniency. Unfortunately for Sam, he eventually realizes that he cannot convince Frodo of Gollum’s insidiousness and has to let Frodo sort it out for himself.
What content are we consuming this week?
FB: Elven prophecies and guidance
SG: The great songs of old
Frodo receives several pieces of important information on his journey, usually from elves. As he moves through this adventure, it seems like the prophecies and guidance often comes to his mind, especially in times of hardship. It keeps him moving forward and it keeps him on track. The great songs of old is something Samwise shares at the end of the second movie, but we could see it being on his mind throughout the trilogy. He seems so uplifted and inspired by the stories told through those songs, and he seems excited to think that one day, he would be included in one of them as part of the crew that helped destroy the one ring of power.
What’s something uplifting you’d like to share with others?
FB: When your fighting for a truth, others will rally
SG: Fresh strawberries, summer blooms, beer at the Green Dragon Inn…remember the simple joys
While Frodo isn’t a particularly uplifting character, I think he demonstrates through his actions in the movies that when you’re fighting for a truth or something that is “right,” people will see that and answer the call in support of your endeavors. He receives that support in tangible ways throughout his journey and even in times when he doesn’t know he’s receiving it. For Sam, something that helped him get through the tough times was remembering the simple joys of home. This doesn’t work to lift Frodo’s spirits in the moment (that Debbie downer) but it does help him stay tethered to the fact there is good in the world, despite them being surrounded by so much evil.
What’s something that’s sparked passion in you recently?
FB: Getting the Ring to Mordor/Finishing Bilbo’s book
SG: My family
Sad as it is, it seems as though Frodo’s only purpose in life was to destroy the one ring of power and ensure that the story was told from the perspective of the ring bearer. But, he stepped into his dharma well and let his passion lead him to success on both fronts. He destroys the ring and takes the time to properly record the story before leaving with the elves to heal from the traumas he suffered.
Probably one of the most beautiful ways to end a series, we see Samwise living out the dream that he almost never had: a quiet life and family with Rosie Cotton. It’s clear that because Sam came so close to losing it all that these desires were brought into sharp focus for him. He didn’t want them just because that’s what you do; he wanted them because that’s what was part of his dharma...being a good husband and father. It’s a sweet ending and one that reminds us to stay connected to the ones we love.
In friendship,
Alexis & Lueda
