[Anguirel]

I wouldn't define Sam as an unorthodox hero. In fact, I'm rather annoyed by him because he's as orthodox as they get, according to the Tolkien creed. Tolkien is almost always straining his muscles to make us like Sam.

"Oh, look at the solid, decent, rural type, fond of his gardens and his saucepans, a loyal servant, humble, all that is finest about the British peasantry, indefatigable courage, fondness for Elven lore, go on, like him, he even provides light relief in Mordor, like him, you know you want to."

Thankfully, as I say the twofold historical and literary way LOTR can be interpreted allows me to say "No thanks, actually I prefer, say, Celeborn." (!)