[Lyta_Underhill]

Samwise, I remember reading your essay some time ago and enjoying it quite a lot! I have since come upon an elucidation of heroes that I cannot at this late hour dredge up the source for, but, in effect, it defines traditional and mythical heroes, two different kinds of heroes. Samwise was a traditional hero, as was Aragorn. Their exploits and journey are tied up with great feats and courage beyond normal bounds. Both Aragorn and Samwise are hailed as heroes by their fellows. In particular, Samwise is looked upon with much more respect in his home, the Shire, than our hero Frodo is. Frodo is the mythical hero, the one who goes on the spiritual journey, and is changed forever in a way that cannot be understood or followed by those in the world around him. Frodo is THE hero, but he is an alienated, rarefied hero, one who has gone above and beyond in another realm.

But let's face it, without Sam, where would Frodo be? So, Sam is DEFINITELY a hero! Overall, however, I would say that all nine were heroes, and many others besides. LOTR is filled with tales of those who go beyond the bounds to perform heroic deeds.

But for me, I'd say that it all falls to a matter of identification. Most people relate to Sam because of his down to earth nature and good hobbit sense, but some people go into the tale and become transported into Frodo's realm. I can feel the tensions of spiritual battle at the Ford of Bruinen as keenly as Sam's uncertainty outside Shelob's Lair, only with different parts of my brain. A spiritual battle is creepy, and I can understand why Frodo had to yell his oath by Elbereth and Luthien the Fair. The very speaking of the thing gave him strength. It is a very different way of battle but heroic nonetheless. And Sam, while he understands this concept, is not immersed in it as deeply as is Frodo. He does seem to intuit it quite on his own, though! "Galadriel," and the rope falls, his uttering of Elvish words and the wielding of Galadriel's light quite by instinct--Sam has the capability of using the spiritual side of himself to do battle, but his battle is mainly physical--getting Frodo to his destination. And sometimes his choices are iffy, but his steadfastness and good heart win him through. I would never argue that Sam wasn't a hero. That would be pointless! But each member of the Fellowship played a heroic part--my point would be that none would have prospered without the spiritual steadfastness of Frodo, whose journey was unique (and horribly mirrored by Gollum!) but who could not operate in a vacuum.

Well, I'll end now! It is late, and hopefully I've made sense!

Cheers,
Lyta

P.S. I, too, wrote an essay, on why Lord of the Rings is all about Pippin and some other people! [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] I suppose it all depends on where you look! LOTR is full of heroes! I think someone should write an essay on the spiritual journey of Lobelia Sackville-Baggins!