Sam and Frodo

[goldwine]

Quote:
One day, they joined hands while walking down the hall. From that day on a rumour spread through our school that they were lesbian lovers.

The talk of Frodo and Sam being gay is the same phenomenon. It is a misinterpretation of affection.
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Couldn't agree with you more Solikat! I had a similar experience with my girlfriend - we are both happily married (to men!)but have a closer sisterly relationship. We are careful not to hug to enthusiastically after comments in a shopping centre!

I have likened Sam and Frodo in the same way - they have a deep brotherly affection (certainly influenced by the master/servant hero worship thing). Each would glady lay down their life for their friend. This is not a weak feeling that they have for each other - it is a deep and abiding love which is not reliant on sexual urges which pass with time!

It is such a pity that many need to corrupt this pure and sacrificial relationship in order to understand it. I find that true about much of the story - the heroism and bravery of Tolkien's characters are often broken down to the lowest common denominator.
Aragorn often kissed the other members of the fellowship or embraced those dear to him. We just aren't comfortable with this, are we?

Perhaps another thread could be whether bravery, sacrifice, heroism and friendship are as easily understood in our culture as they were in Middle Earth!