[Nurumaiel]

It never once crossed my mind that Sam did what he did out of fear. Every word spoken, everything he did just said to me, "Bravery. Loyalty." I have a deep admiration for Sam, and this is way. I have always admired those who, despite all the dangers that stood in their way, remained faithful and loyal to their friends always, and who were brave enough to go on even when all seemed hopeless.

I do think his loyalty was his love for Frodo. Their friendship is something I wish I could see more often, and indeed once, in this real world. Never have I seen a servant so devoted to his master, and indeed I have never seen a master who treated his servant like nothing other than his friend.

Yes, Sam was afraid. But he was not afraid of a punishment that would come if he left Frodo, he feared for his master's safety, and for the safety of his Shire. It's my belief that Sam would have gone with Frodo even if the dangers were few and there was no need to.

For Frodo, Sam did everything you could ask of a friend, and even what you would think is too much to ask of someone. And he wasn't asked... he just did it out of courage, loyalty, and a friendship deeper than any I have seen.

EDIT

Two quotes of Sam come to my mind...

"If you don't come back, sir, then I shan't, that's certain. Don't you leave him! they said to me. Leave him! I said. I never mean to. I am going with him, if he climbs to the Moon, and if any of those Black Riders try to stop him, they'll have Sam Gamgee to reckon with, I said."

"No, I'll go home by the long road with Mr. Frodo, or not at all."

Both of those quotes clearly proclaim his loyalty and love for his dear master, and every time those words come up, I think of how like Frodo was to have a friend as faithful as Samwise Gamgee.

[ March 22, 2003: Message edited by: Nurumaiel ]