Samwise is the hero, i think.
And I don't think he is properly portrayed in the movies.
He is the first one to kill an Orc (but does get wounded, which just shows how much he had to suffer). He, when Frodo was failing against shelob, fought her. I don't think this is fully appreciated bu most people. Shelob is a descendant of Ungoliant, who along with Melkor, destroyed THE TREES. Imagine how powerful even Shelob was. I know sam didn't kill her, but still, I don't think even Aragorn with his manliness could do any better. And with the light of Earendil, all Frodo comes up with is "Aiya Earendil Elenion Ancalima" wherreas sam starts singing
Quote:
A Elbereth Gilthoniel
o menel palan-diriel,
le nallon si di'nguruthos!
A tiro nin, Fanuilos!
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And he doesn't know what this means, but maybe Elbereth (Varda) did help. And it was probably Eru-inspired, so obviously he was favoured, and for a reason.
Sam stuck by Frodo, until the end, until the fires of Mount Doom, and boe the ring himself for a while. He saved Frodo and helped him through the Plains of Gorgoroth in the Land of Shadow then when Frodo collapsed, he carried Frodo up the Mountain of Doom. If this is not heroism, what is. Sam is the bilbo of LOTR because he starts off normal and simple and happy, and then becomes a hero.
In the movie they make Frodo seem more pure and kind, but also make him seem weaker. In the book he is much coarser, and for example orders people about, and thinks that he is the most important (though no doubt he is), whereas Sam has a more heroic modesty, and stays calm, and while he'se in cirith ungol, kills a few orcs.
Sam is a warrior, and a comforter, and a servant, at the same time, and near the end Frodo realises how much he needs Sam.
You know the saying, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them" Sam is a mix of the last wo, whereas Frodo is definitely the first, destined to be a ringbearer. Sam had the greatness forced on him, but he achieved his mission, and become a hero.
I think it is trying to say that heros are not perfect, but if you stick to your goal then you can achieve it.
Or maybe: To achieve the high goal there must be sacrifices