One of the most notable aspects of The Rings of Power's first season is the familiar sense of friendship between the Harfoots. It perfectly brings to mind their descendants, the Hobbits, whose dedication to their people and community continues to the Third Age in The Lord of the Rings. This is especially seen with Frodo Baggins and Sam Gamgee, whose devoted relationship saved all of Middle-earth.
In both the Lord of the Rings books and movies, Sam and Frodo's tight nit relationship are clear. Sam may have started as Frodo's gardener, but time and time again, the hobbit proved that he would give his life for his dear friend. In the end, Frodo couldn't have destroyed the One Ring if it wasn't for his Sam, and their quotes throughout the series perfectly sum this up.
"If You Don't Come Back, Sir, Then I Shan't."
Samwise Gamgee - Fellowship Of The Ring
In Lord of the Rings, Sam is perfectly summed up by his devout loyalty. He was terrified at the idea of traveling across Middle-earth and would have much preferred his quiet life at the Shire. But, when he learned how perilous Frodo's journey was, he had no second guesses about accompanying him.
When Sam talked of missing the Shire, Frodo confessed that he never expected to return. This was a devastating idea to Sam, but he knew that no matter how much he yearned for home, he could never go back without Frodo.
"I Know What I Have To Do, Sam."
Frodo Baggins - Two Towers
The burden of the One Ring meant that Frodo had little to give to Sam in the way of their relationship. He had to focus entirely on his mission. The safety of his friends meant nothing if he did not rid the world of the Ring's evil and stop Sauron for good.
This was no issue for Sam, who understood that Frodo's mission was the most important thing. He selflessly gave everything for his comrade and never expected anything in return. In this situation, it created the perfect team for the job.
"Frodo Wouldn't Have Got Far Without Sam"
Frodo Baggins - Two Towers
While Sam would have been happy to stay in the Shire all his days, he still couldn't help imagining great adventures. In Lord of the Rings, Bilbo Baggins entertained his community with stories of Elves, Dwarves, and dragons, and Sam was the old hobbit's biggest fan.
This bonded Frodo and Sam as they stopped to consider whether their tale would ever be ed in stories. If so, Frodo knew that the real hero would be Samwise the Brave, who made sure they made it through. Frodo could do little to comfort Sam, but this reminder that he would be ed was enough.
"Even Darkness Must ."
Samwise Gamgee - Two Towers
The reason that Sam was such a perfect companion for Frodo is because of his unending optimism. Several times throughout the journey, Sam wanted to lose all hope, but he always managed to put this aside to ensure that the despair brought on by the Ring didn't drag Frodo down.
Sam might have had rustic roots, and he never considered himself an intelligent hobbit, but he possessed valuable wisdom. He knew the effect a positive mind could have on a person's circumstances and made sure to inspire Frodo with hope whenever he could.
"It's Your Sam Calling. Don't Go Where I Can't Follow!"
Samwise Gamgee - Two Towers (Book)
Nothing was more devastating for Sam than believing that Frodo was dead. After the events of Shelob's lair, he held his master's body and desperately called for him to return. He knew immediately that he would have to pick up the burdon and continue the journey, but he didn't think he could leave Frodo behind.
Of course, he learned that Frodo didn't actually die shortly afterward, and he would never forgive himself for allowing him to be taken away by orcs. After that, nothing would stop him from retrieving his friend, and their bond was only stronger for it.
"Where Shall I Find Rest?"
Frodo Baggins - Return Of The King
One of the harshest realities of rereading Lord of the Rings is watching Frodo go through his decline all over again. Despite Sam's best efforts, a portion of the Ring-bearer's soul had been lost to his burden, and he would never fully regain it.
But, Frodo would eventually learn that he would find rest in providing for Sam. The Shire itself could not fully bring him comfort, but by letting Sam and his growing family move into Bag End, he could achieve the most rest he could ever hope for in Middle-earth.
"I Can't Carry It For You, But I Can Carry You!"
Samwise Gamgee - Return Of The King
Frodo might have carried the Ring to Mordor, but Sam got it to the fires of Mount Doom. Frodo's effort had been completely spent, so when he was ready to give up for good, Sam mustered up everything he had left to carry his master up the mountain.
This final test of Sam's courage solidified his status as the top hero in Lord of the Rings and showed once and for all the unending love he had for Frodo. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be the final test of his loyalty, but it was undoubtedly the most significant.
"The Ring Is Mine!"
Frodo Baggins - Return Of The King
Frodo would never have let Sam down in his right mind, but the Ring's temptation proved too much for him. The gardener watched as his master prepared to drop the Ring into the fire and was devastated to see him claim it as his own and vanish from sight.
For a moment, it seemed that Sam would be faced with an impossible decision. Would he be able to fight his friend for the good of Middle-earth? But, just like Gandalf predicted, Gollum appeared and played his part in relieving Sam of that choice.
"I'm Glad You Are Here With Me."
Frodo Baggins - Return Of The King
With the One Ring destroyed, Frodo could return to his right mind and again see Sam as his friend. However, despite the duo's heroic sacrifices in Lord of the Rings, it seemed impossible that they would be saved.
Together, Frodo and Sam accepted that they were going to die. They were afraid, but they were also glad of each other's companionship, there "at the end of all things." Thankfully, Gandalf appeared with the Eagles to bring them home. Hope had paid off.
"Your Time May Come. Do Not Be Too Sad, Sam."
Frodo Baggins - Return Of The King
Against all odds, Frodo and Sam survived their adventures and returned to the Shire. There, Sam found happiness in marrying his childhood love and having 13 children. Watching this also brought Frodo some joy, but he couldn't rid himself of his traumatic experiences. So, he chose to sail for Valinor, the Undying Lands.
This was devastating to Sam, but Frodo comforted him by saying he may one day him. The appendices of The Lord of the Rings reveal that as an old hobbit, after his wife had ed, Sam was permitted to live out his days in the Undying Lands since he had (briefly) been a Ring-bearer. Tolkien canon never describes the reunion of the two hobbits, but it can be assumed that it was a beautiful and joyous moment.
