And the winner is ...
 

"So here we are Suzy, we've reached the last award of the night."

"Yes Bob, this award will be presented to the doer of the the single bravest deed done by any person of ANY race, in ANY age."

"Though we gave our judges no specific criteria we suggested that they take a few things into consideration:"

"1) is the deed widely classified as "madness" or "folly"? if so maybe it shouldn't be counted along side other more calculated actions."

"2) how long does the deed take? if it is years in the making, perhaps it can be broken into more discrete actions."

"3) was the doer significantly aided by another (of greater power) such that he/she/it is driven to act in a way that may not be representative of true bravery."

"Well Suzy this one has sure been a doozie ... undoubtedly many of the judges have had a difficult time choosing just one, but since THAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT, i am sure that they were able to fulfill their charge. All we have asked is that they give their best shot, and of course provide their reasons"
"So with no further ado, THE WINNER IS ....

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 6:24 PM December 17, 2003: Message edited by: erisber ]

BEREN, for going into the depths of Angband to cut a silmaril off of Morgoth's crown!!!

* applauds politely, thinks Beren should split his award with Luthien and Huan *

There is general recognition of Beren's achievements and the legitamacy of the award, however Foolofatook thinks that consideration should have also been given to the hobbits Frodo, Sam, Pippin, and Merry as well as the man Beregond, and the woman Eowyn for facing equally deadly odds with significantly less power. This applies especially to Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Eowyn who faced down evils comparable to Morgoth not just deeds comparable in deadlyness.

I think Finrod Felagund also deserves the award, for bravely killing (with his hands and teeth!) the wolf sent by Sauron to kill Beren... and died in doing so. Now what could be more selfless? [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

I would definitely give the award to ëarëndil and his great voyage ( remember he did it for arda itself and for all races in it), though it was forbbiden for any mortal and even for the inmortals to go to the shores of aman under pain of death or disaster. I'm aware that the power of the silmaril and the aid of Ulmo and ossë, and even the love of elwing made their part, but it is still the greatest quest ever made and i think JRRT would agree with me. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

hmm..How about Fingolfin for taking on Morgoth in a one on one fight and dying valiantly. I think Beren also could win it for going into Angband.

I'd definitely give the award to Fingolfin, since not many people have the courage to face the Dark Lord all by themselves. Even though he died, I think that he was the true victor.

Frodo Baggins.

'nuff said. [img]smilies/cool.gif[/img]

Sam Gamgee! For completion of the task of accompanying his master to the end of HIS quest. A task that he accomplished without the wisdom of a Wizard; the foresight of an Elf; the tenacity of a Dwarf; the strength of a Man; or, the skill-at-arms of a Warrior, yet exhibitting some of all of these traits. He did this using only his wit and determination, utilizing whatever tools fell to him. [img]smilies/evil.gif[/img]

*cheers loudly* Well said, Gilbo!

Sam was but a simple gardener from the Shire, but his acts matched those of many stronger and more experienced warrior types. Also, his role in the quest was not for his own benefit, but for Frodo's. Surely it is a greater indicator of bravery to act without thought of a personal payoff - to act for the benefit of someone else and not yourself. Hooray for Sam!

This thread is asking for opinions, not actual book discussion; I'm moving it to join the other opinion threads on the Novices and Newcomers forum. Please continue reading and posting there.

Hooray for Sam is right!

But I think Sam and Frodo should split the award. Since, you know, Frodo took the role of Ringbearer upon himself freely and all.

Or Beren and Luthien could get it....

But I really don't think the award belongs to any one person. It's the teams that achieved the most.

Frodo! He made such a big sacrifice. I don't think there are many others who could have done what he did.