[VanimaEdhel]

From LotR I would say Sam Gamgee. I never really found Frodo to be a real "hero". I guess because he was always with Sam, who was so heroic and loyal.

Frodo, although I do admit he had a remarkable burden, of which I never wish to have bestowed upon me, almost gave up, but I do not believe that Sam would have ever given up. He carried the ring himself for a while, and, although he never felt the burden Frodo did, stayed by his master, Frodo, when it seemed hopeless. I never really loved Frodo, but I loved Sam in the story.

Although, Gandalf is also a hero. And Aragorn is as well. And many could argue (and I agree) that Gollum is a tremendous hero. I feel that he is more of a complex character than an actual hero. He DID lead them to Mordor, but he DID have the intention of giving them up. He then struggled with his inner self, because, deep inside, the old Smeagol was still inside, and Smeagol seemed to love the hobbits, probably especially as he was once a hobbit himself.

BOY do I digress...but, that is why I feel that Gollum is more of a sympathetic or sometimes empathetic character than an actual HERO. He is more of a tragic figure than a hero I think.