[Iris Alantiel]

I think you're definitely right in saying that Sam seems to be a much more central character in RotK than Frodo. I agree with Luthien when she says that Sam seemed to gain in strength (or perhaps in importance) as Frodo's strength diminishes.

Perhaps Tolkien wanted to emphasize the fact that, though Sam is a very humble and ordinary hobbit, his loyalty and simplicity made it possible for him to make a great contribution to (arguably) the most important part of the quest. I don't have any evidence from Tolkien's letters or anything like that to back up my claims, it's just my opinion, but I think that was an idea that was important to Tolkien. He employs heroes like Frodo and Bilbo - and of course Sam - who are very humble and small and ordinary and has them do great things. Perhaps by increasing Sam's role in the later parts of the quest, Tolkien wanted to emphasize that idea, since Sam is definitely the humblest member of all the Fellowship.

And Luthien - you're not alone, I love Sam too. Definitely, imho, the best character in the Fellowship. So shy and simple, yet so loyal and brave in so many ways . . . don't you just want to give him a hug? [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]