Why not Sam as an 'Elf-friend'? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Galadriel55 · 07-26-2014, 07:27 PM

Sam's love and fascination with Elves is more child-like, uncomprehensive, than Frodo's almost equality with the Elves. I believe that is the main difference. And Elf-friend, in my opinion, is not someone who is in awe of them, or loves them, or who has carried the Ring, or anything else really - but someone not of the Elves who could have been one. Frodo is indirectly likened to Elves throughout LOTR - both in his physically and metaphysically. Sam doesn't really qualify. He's a true hobbit.

Faramir Jones · 07-29-2014, 05:06 AM

I agree with Galadriel55, that Bilbo and Frodo have more of an equal relationship with the Elves, unlike Sam's more childlike one. I believe that this difference is marked by Frodo and Bilbo knowing Elvish languages, certainly Sindarian and at least a fair knowlege of Quenya.

We all know of the importance Tolkien attached to languages; so it would be fair to assume that he might think a person would only have some sort of equal relationship to another people if he or she had some proper knowlege of their culture, which would be inextricably linked to their language.

This can be seen among non-hobbits, where Gandalf and Aragorn II are able to deal with the Rohirrim due to knowledge of their culture, including in particular their language.

07-26-2014, 07:27 PM	#1
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,497	Sam's love and fascination with Elves is more child-like, uncomprehensive, than Frodo's almost equality with the Elves. I believe that is the main difference. And Elf-friend, in my opinion, is not someone who is in awe of them, or loves them, or who has carried the Ring, or anything else really - but someone not of the Elves who could have been one. Frodo is indirectly likened to Elves throughout LOTR - both in his physically and metaphysically. Sam doesn't really qualify. He's a true hobbit. __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

07-29-2014, 05:06 AM	#2
Faramir Jones Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lonely Isle Posts: 706	He doesn't speak the language(s) I agree with Galadriel55, that Bilbo and Frodo have more of an equal relationship with the Elves, unlike Sam's more childlike one. I believe that this difference is marked by Frodo and Bilbo knowing Elvish languages, certainly Sindarian and at least a fair knowlege of Quenya. We all know of the importance Tolkien attached to languages; so it would be fair to assume that he might think a person would only have some sort of equal relationship to another people if he or she had some proper knowlege of their culture, which would be inextricably linked to their language. This can be seen among non-hobbits, where Gandalf and Aragorn II are able to deal with the Rohirrim due to knowledge of their culture, including in particular their language.