Sam and Frodo

[Rosa Underhill]

But it never surprises me to read about it with Sam and Frodo; it seems perfectly natural

It never phased me either, not because I've recieved that sort of love from friends or family (unless you count my guide dog, Ida) but because I've at least read of it. I have felft that Someone loves me that much and more, though.

Jesus did practically the same for his friends. "Greater love has no man than this, that he give up his life for his friends..." I've no doubt that Sam would've done the same if he had to. Sam strikes me, at many times throughout the story, as one of the Christ-like figures therein. (Yes, I know Tolkien hated allegory, but I just can't help but see a bit of God in the books. That's just me. Y'all should see my Jesus/LotR fanart if you don't believe me.)