All you Sam fans

[obloquy]

He's arguably one of the most noble, most loyal characters in the whole trilogy.

Arguably.

Why does Sam get all of the praise? Gandalf exhibits the same qualities, including loyalty, humility and compassion. But Gandalf is not simple, and he is not weak or helpless. He therefore has more to lose through sacrifice; more to conceal through modesty; more to offer through bravery.

You talk of Sam's loyalty -- a trait which I would not deny him -- but Gandalf was loyal to his mission and to the Powers that sent him forth for over two thousand years. Sam stuck to Frodo for only a few months of truly trying adversity. On top of that, Did he really even have a choice? He benefited from the companionship as much as Frodo did.

You mention Sam's humility -- and humble he is, indubitably -- but how much more admirable is that humility when displayed by a being of immense might, rather than a simple gardener who has nothing to be haughty about?

You note Sam's self-sacrifice. But what choice did he have? He had no idea what he was getting into when he made the decision to set out with Frodo, and he had no opportunity to take an easier road after that point. Gandalf, on the other hand, had the power to preserve himself. Instead he abnegated himself, accomplishing a truly astounding two-fold demonstration of loyalty: most apparently, he gave his life for his friends. But even more significant is that by observing (The Powers of the Istari) the restrictions placed upon him, he submitted to what was, for all he knew, the utter failure of not only his part in the mission, but the entire mission itself.

Squatter mentioned Sam's wisdom. Wise he is. But mostly, I think, we appreciate Sam's (relative) wisdom because he was so simple. We call it "smart" when a dog can open a screendoor to let himself in. Gandalf was noted as the wisest of the Istari, and that puts him easily in the running as one of the wisest in all of Arda.

Are not all these virtues that Sam possesses present to a far greater degree in Gandalf?

I do understand Sam's appeal, however. He has no grand purpose other than sticking to his master through everything. And Hobbits -- especially simple ones, it seems -- are just naturally charming. Sam is a wonderful character, but I believe Gandalf has been slighted here.

Not that he would resent it. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

[ June 17, 2003: Message edited by: obloquy ]