Lead, Follow, of Go Over the Sea

As Frodo and Sam's characteristics are expanded upon, so too are aspects of their relationship. Frodo grows weaker the farther they go from the Shire, and Sam's loyalty is made more prominent in the story as if to make clear that he is the reason why Frodo is still able to bear his burden. After Frodo is wounded by the Black Rider on the way to Rivendell, Sam shows the care of a loyal servant (I, 251). Much like Beowulf and Wiglaf, these two face a great task together, even though the leader feels that the burden of success lies on himself alone. Like Beowulf's need for Wiglaf's aid to slay the dragon, Frodo cannot complete the task without Sam's help. Frodo accepts the challenge to take the Ring south with characteristic humility and willfulness: "I will take the Ring," he said, "though I do not know the way" [underline mine] (I, 284). However, because he attends the Council to which he was not invited, Sam comes to join his master in yet another leg of their journey: "But you won't send him off alone surely, Master?" (I, 284). The reluctant bravery of Frodo echoes his earlier words about going east to Rivendell: "I will go east, and I will make for Rivendell. I will take Sam to visit the Elves; he will be delighted" (I, 75). In each case, Frodo's willingness to make a sacrifice is followed by the part that will be played by the loyal Samwise.

As the pair comes nearer to the land of shadows, Sam's loyalty is made even more prominent. As Frodo is weakened by the burden of the Ring, Sam's love for Frodo is shown through the care he takes to feed him (II, 261) and in making certain that he is protected from Gollum (II, 246). When it seems to him that Frodo has met his doom, Sam willingly accepts the task of destroying the Ring by himself (II, 340), knowing that is what Frodo would want him to do. After learning that his master is alive, however, Tolkien shows repeatedly that Sam's love is what carries him forward:

He had no longer had any doubt about his duty: he must rescue his master or perish in the attempt. (III, 173)

His love for Frodo rose above all other thoughts, and forgetting his peril he cried aloud: "I'm coming, Mr. Frodo!" (III, 175)

In that hour of trial it was the love of his master that helped most to hold him firm (III, 177)

He forced himself to think of Frodo, lying bound or in pain or dead somewhere in this dreadful place. He went on (III, 180)

He cared no longer for Shagrat or Snaga or any other orc that was ever spawned. He longed only for his master, for one sight of his face or one touch of his hand. (III, 184)

Sam’s loyalty to and love for his master is depicted as transcending life and death, hope and despair, and so Tolkien establishes that this relationship is the standard by which all others should be judged.

Once reunited with his master, Tolkien shows how Sam’s loyalty is manipulated by the Ring, further emphasizing the importance of loyalty in any consideration of Sam’s character and his relationship with Frodo. Like everyone who wears the Ring, Sam also falls victim to the desire to possess it despite his knowledge of the Ring and his love for his master. Knowing that his master would not willingly part with the Ring, Sam still feels that he must offer to share the burden of the Ring (III, 188). The Ring's influence over Frodo is apparent in his response, and Frodo makes it clear that he cannot part with the Ring. However, later, when Frodo complains of the burden of the Ring, Sam again says,