In J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Frodo Baggins, an unassuming Hobbit of The Shire, is given the seemingly impossible task of saving Middle Earth from the treachery of the Evil Lord Sauron. Hobbits are peculiar creatures, rarely ever leaving The Shire and standing at about the height of a child, regardless of his small stature, Frodo shows that it is not one’s size or physical strength that matters, it is their strong will and courage that trumps evil in the end. As the Hobbit marches toward an unfamiliar land, he is left completely unaware of the perils that lay on the path before him. Throughout his journey, Frodo will learn the importance of his role in the large world around him. It is only through the loyalty and courage of his friends and the unity of all of Middle Earth to stop Sauron from returning to Middle Earth.
As Frodo and Sam climb the precariously constructed Stairs of Cirith Ungol, Sam asks Frodo if he wonders about what comes after their journey and if he thinks they will be remembered as heroes in tales like the ones of old (pg 711). Despite the dreadful landscape that surrounds the two Hobbits, Sam still brings out the good in the world, because, without holding on to hope their perilous journey into Mordor would ultimately fail. By sharing his thoughts with Frodo, Sam reminds Frodo of the importance of holding onto positive ideas regardless of what terrors may await them and makes him have a heartfelt laugh for the first time in what seems like ages to them. Tolkien writes that Frodo’s laugh in this chapter is the first laughter that has been heard in Mordor since before Sauron came to be. Frodo has been tormented by the influence of the ring, but even still, Sam makes him remember the good in the world. Time and time it is Sam’s positive outlook and goodwill that sheds light on their otherwise dark journey. Sam explains that in these tales, Frodo would be the hero who saved Middle Earth and would be known as the most famous of Hobbits, to which Frodo quickly responds reminding Sam that he would not have gotten far on his quest without him by his side (p 712). Sam reminds Frodo that many of the people in these tales most likely had just as many opportunities of turning back as they did know, but if they were to turn back now, they would be forgotten. Tolkien emphasizes the importance of companionship by presenting the idea that, although it is Frodo’s burden alone to carry the ring into Mordor, Sam is able to metaphorically carry Frodo by reminding him of what positive outcomes their journey may lead to and staying by his side no matter the adversities they face. This scene shows the two Hobbits surrounded by darkness and terror, and yet their companionship brings light forth in the darkness all around them. If Sam had not gone with him, Frodo would have fallen victim to Hannah Arendt’s idea of Isolation which would lead him to feel more alone than he already is. Without Sam by his side to help him, Frodo would have been corrupted by the ring and would have revealed himself to Sauron, leading to the destruction of Middle Earth. In The Letters of J.R.R Tolkien, Tolkien writes a letter to his son Christopher and expresses that he believes Sam is the true hero of the story (Letter 91). It is through Sam’s strong loyalty and companionship that he can ensure the safety of Frodo and the delivery of the ring into Mordor. Although Frodo is the ring bearer, Sam is seen taking the spotlight on multiple occasions, including this scene in Stairs of Cirith Ungol. Sam mentions that if he and Frodo end up in tales, Gollum could possibly be represented as a hero (p 713). Sam has always been suspicious of Gollum but he is still able to see the good in him. At this point in the story, it is important to understand that Frodo and Sam do not know of Gandalf’s return, nor do they know whether or not any of the members of the fellowship are alive, they feel completely alone, Sam’s ability to keep seeing the good in the world does not come from anywhere except his pure heart and his need to make sure Frodo is safe. For all, they know all of their friends who embarked on this mission with them could be dead, and as they follow Gollum to a destination that they do not fully comprehend the danger of, they rely on each other to make it to the end of their journey.