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

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.

07-29-2014, 05:06 AM	#6
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.