The Ring bearer

[Folwren]

I’ve not started a serious thread yet, I don’t think, and I’m not quite sure what all I should say and what I shouldn’t on the subject. But I want to discuss Frodo Baggins and his character...

Tolkien gives us a considerable amount of history on Frodo. More than his other hobbits. We know that Sam has a Gaffer he loves to quote and who didn’t like his interest in stories of elves and dragons, we know that Bilbo had a Mom named Beledona Took who he got a lot of his spirit from, and we know a couple things about Merry and Pippin, but not too much. However, we know that Frodo had two parents that died in a horrible boat accident on the Brandywine when he was twelve, after which he went and lived in Brandy Hall with bunches of kids, and then in that time period, or maybe before his parents died, it doesn’t say, he was in the habit of stealing mushrooms from Maggot.....the list could go on and on.

So, considering his history before his fiftieth birthday, and even considering his behavior in the first half of the Fellowship of the Ring, you can get the impression of a rather young acting, merry hobbit who loves and is full of life and can tease and be fun with the rest of them. (Well, read the beginning of Three is Company if you don’t believe me!)

But then look to the end of the trilogy...

‘I tried to save the Shire, Sam, and it has been saved, but not for me...’

The difference is absolutely astounding.

Comments on his changing, on his previous character or post character, or anything about him is welcome. My favorite hobbit is not Frodo, it being Sam, but I’ve taken quite an interest in him and anyone else’s insights would be welcome.