**RotK - Frodo (Elijah Wood)**

[Theron Bugtussle]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>But wasn't that Tolkien's own view, as expressed in his Letters, that Sam is the real hero of the story?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Perhaps, so, <B>Saucepan Man</B>. But to me, Sam is the hero in the supporting role. It is clear that Frodo HAD to have Sam's company and assistance all along. He would never have made it into Mordor, let alone to Mt. Doom without him. <P>That said, the article seems to indicate the movie denigrates Frodo's nobility and the development of his maturing process. The rejection of Sam was not needed to set up any scene, each of which were fully capable of being handled with the right finesse as Tolkien originally did--all effective, all believable.<P>Frodo's nobility is evidenced, I think, in his acceptance of Gandalf's wisdom highlighting Bilbo's pity on Gollum. <I>"Now that I see him, I do pity him."</I> Sam is much more practical in repeatedly wanting to do away with Gollum. Only at the end, on Mt. Doom, does Frodo's consistent example raise Sam's sight as he (Sam) decides to spare Gollum himself.<P>Nobility does not mean sinlessness or unending strength, though, so Frodo falling completely under the influence of the ring at the Cracks of Doom still fits the story well.<P>Tolkien clearly needed these two heroes for different roles. However, I think I well agree with the article. PJ has cheapened Frodo--unnecessarily. And perhaps it is a comment on the culture today.