Samwise the Strong

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Iris Alantiel

However, Frodo was willing to give Gollum the benefit of the doubt, and Sam would almost certainly not have done so: he would have either killed Gollum or sent him away.

There seems to be a general consensus that Sam as Ringbearer would have been less sympathetic towards Gollum than Frodo was. But surely at least part of Frodo's sympathy towards Gollum comes from his own association with the Ring and therefore his insight into how it affected Gollum. Frodo is also influenced by Gandalf's words concerning mercy, which Sam would have had the benefit of, had he been the Ringbearer from the outset.

As Ringbearer, Sam would also have been less concerned with protecting Frodo, since it would not have been his primary role. It is as Ringbearer Frodo's companion and "protector" that Sam is mistrustful of Gollum.

So I think that it is at least arguable that Sam as Ringbearer would have been as sympathetic towards Gollum as Frodo was and that he would have shown the same mercy.

[Tuor in Gondolin]

Sam as not very bright seems to be inaccurate. After all,
Mr. Bilbo taught him his letters, he had a good memory
for tales and songs, and an inquisitive mind.

A problem (and interesting variant) with Sam as ringbearer
is an inversion of the (at least initially) class structure of
Sam as Mr. Frodo's servant (and in Tolkien's mind Frodo's
batman).

But as to Samwise as ringbearer, a good case can be made that he
was more suitable, especially in his common sense and realization of
his limits (Samwise the greatest gardener in the world--- no way!).
He would of course have eventually failed to destroy the ring
(see Letters). But here Frodo might have been more perceptive
and helped dispose of it. I don't think Sam would have killed
Gollum, partially due to Frodo's intervention.

[Eonwe]

I'm not sure if Sam as Ring Bearer would work. Like Iris said, Sam gets his stength from his love for and loyalty to Frodo. If he were suddenly thrust into the roll of leader in relationship that had for so long be the exact opposite, I don't think he would have reacted well. Sam is not a good leader, but an excellent follower. Once he has captured the requirements of the quest, he will hold on no matter what. But to actaully do the leading is, I think, beyond him.

Maybe he would have been better at withstanding the allure of the Ring, but that is debatable. His loyalty to Frodo is what motivates him to fight off the temptation. But if he were leader, he would not have that bulwark to fall back on.

So I don't think it would work so good.