5? 5?!?!?!?! This is harder than a diamond in an ice-storm (hooray for mixed metaphors).
OK. 5.
Éowyn - Faramir is quite possibly the luckiest guy in all of Middle Earth. I find her fascinating on so many levels that listing them all here will probably mean that I'll get myself fired for neglecting my work (or else die of hunger).
Lúthien - I consider her the bravest character. And her story is - *cue undignified tears of awe*
Samwise Gamgee - Right now, I'm writing an essay entitled "How Samwise Gamgee Saved My Life." No, no, don't laugh, it's very poetic. Sam pretty much "owns" the narrative (and pwns Sauron, har har). His is the great reward.
Frodo Baggins - Frodo lives! And he does. When you look at Middle Earth after Aragorn ascends to the throne, Frodo's sacrifice is etched onto everything. It's more than just him being suspended in time in Lothlórien.
Tom Bombadil - "He is."
I have to stop now? But
Aragorn "rock your face/soul off" II... And
Haleth... And... Alright. 5 it is.
