What's the Worst Thing Characters had to Face in Middle Earth?

[davem]

Originally Posted by Farael

Well, I'm afraid I must disagree with Kuruharan. I think he still had hope, but of the 'subconscious' type. What I mean by that is that his senses told him "it's all over" yet his heart knew that he had to go on.

Possibly he did. One thing I recall from HoM-e is a passage from an early draft of 'Many Partings'. At the funeral feast for Theoden Gandalf declares:

and I name before you all Frodo of the Shire & Samwise his servant. And the Bards & the Minstrels should give them new names: Bronwe athan Harthad and Harthan Uluithiad, Endurance beyond Hope & Hope unquenchable.'

'Endurance beyond Hope' is, I think, pretty apposite for Frodo, as is 'Hope unquenchable' for Sam. In short, I think Kuruharan is correct about Frodo - but, as I say, that's something that must remain a matter of opinion....