I should like to submit that Hama is one of the true heroes of Middle-Earth.
There has been great discussion among those learned scholars who frequent the CbC discussions (no relation of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) that the experience given Aragorn upon the doorstep of Meduseld was instrumental in teaching him the proper humility when dealing with rules and regulations. I should like to submit that it was Hama, whose impeccable loyalty to Theoden is beyond doubt, who is responsible for that incident. Would Gandalf have had his companions disarm had Hama not required it? Of course not...
Further examination of this incident will show that Hama DEFEATED Aragorn. That's right, folks, our humble doorwarden prevailed over the Heir of Isildur. Doesn't that tell you things about him?
The only remaining event chronicled in the
Lord of the Rings concerning Hama is that he fell at Helm's Deep. "He fell before the Gate" says the book. Many take that as a sign that Hama's contribution was insignificant, not worth recording in the Red Book. But I submit to you that the Red Book was written by the Hobbits, none of whom were present at Helm's Deep, and had never met him or had any reason to care for him (they were, after all, buddies of the defeated Aragorn).
Although no evidence from the
Lord of the Rings can be shown to directly prove Hama's very important contribution to the battle, I believe that the honour of his resting place ought to show something to this effect:
Quote:
|
In a grave alone under the shadow of the Hornburg lay Hama, captain of the King's Guard.
|
Why did Hama alone have a private grave? Surely other captains of Rohan fell in the battle. I submit to you my thesis that it was extremely great valour in the battle, which must have played an important part in the survival of king and country.
And so, I present my vote:
++Hama