This is a pretty broad look at Sam's life and I'd love to dive more into his story in future videos. What topics regarding Sam would you like to see covered? Also, thank you to today's sponsor, SlideBelts! Save 20% at Slidebelts.com with the code: NERDOFTHERINGS
@@jaimeruiz7837 Actually, he left the Shire to go to Imladris to see the Elves. It was only when they reached there that Frodo offered to take the ring to Mordor, and Sam went with him :)
"“Frodo undertook his quest out of love-to save the world he knew from disaster at his own expense, if he could; and also in complete humility, acknowledging that he was wholly inadequate to the task." The Collected Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, letter no: 246. Frodo sacrifices everything for the sake of Middle-earth, including his own life and peace of mind: he literally gives his life for the world, as he is so scarred by carrying the One Ring that he has to leave Middle-earth to be healed. Both he and Sam embody goodness. Sam's main motive for joining the Quest is his love for Frodo, but later on he comes to realise that the Quest is also about saving the world. Which he and Frodo do.
@@VishakhaSen I'm just here checking people out. Just rereading the books you know, and I see all these ppl claiming to be Tolkiens fans but I bet theyll still watch Amazons Rings of power.
Samwise Gamgee is the finest example of true companionship you could possibly ask for. No need for any romantic undertones, it's far more powerful if his devotion to Frodo does _not_ come from that.
I think it works either way. No, Tolkien likely did not intend romance, but texts and characters grow to have lives of their own. I’d say no matter which way you see their relationship, it works beautifully. The main point is that they love each other, simple as that. Labels don’t matter.
Sam's last sentence in The return of the King book is "Well, I'm back". In Czech translation, it is "Tak jsem se vrátil", which would be back-translated as "So, I have returned". Giving an extra "mystery level" to both the The Return of the King title and Sam's character.
This is what you excel at, the telling of the histories beloved by millions in a way that both the new and veterans of Middle Earth lore can enjoy. I am in my mid 60's and I have been captivated by this world since I was 15. You honour that time with your videos and I am glad that a new generation is learning from your excellent work.
@@MrRenanHappy I think this is giving too little credit to the films, coming from someone who prefers the books overall. It is Tolkien's line, but Sean Astin's performance of the line was fantastic, as was the framing of the whole scene.
Sam has been my favourite character since the first time I read the novels, at the end of last century (👵🏻) He always impressed me with his ingenuous approach of the quest and the fact that his heart is so pure that he was able to relinquish the ring.
Tolkien wasn’t wrong when he said that Sam was the universal hero of this story. He was loyal all his friends but especially to Frodo. Even during some of the darkest moments he always tried to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In the movies I wish they had kept to the story of Galadriel giving Sam the mallorn nut and him actually taking the rope off the boat instead of Galadriel giving it to him. Thanks for another awesome video Matt!!
@@eli3568 Not too sure about that, it works perfectly well in the books, but I don't think it does with the flow of a film that was already pushing 4 hours long.
I don’t know why I’m fascinated by this channel. I never got into lord of the rings. The channel layout, format is entertaining though. Honestly had zero idea what any of this stuff is, but this channel presents it in a way that it’s really entertaining. Good job my dude.
I think one of my favourite moments for Sam's character is when Strider is asked who Gil-galad was. Strider recites a small piece of the Ley of Gil-galad, but claims the rest would be too long to share. Nevertheless, Sam picks up the Ley from the very line where Strider left off, and recites the rest of the Ley from memory, much to the astonishment of everyone there. In this moment, I kinda think Tolkien was seeing ahead to the fans that would come to love his books. Who else here has been in a situation where, to the astonishment of everyone, we can recite Tolkien's poetry by heart. I certainly have, and Sam certainly could as well.
And now we sing of the ship that bore Our Samwise the Brave to Valinor The last adventure of Sam Gamgee Sailing alone 'cross Sundering Sea -a poem I'm working on
Sam really does make the heart of the story. People love the flash of the battle hero, while missing the quiet heroism behind the battles that makes the quest's success possible.
I have been waiting for this very video. Thank you!!! Sam is the character that I instruct young men to become: a strong courageous warrior, that wants to give life more than take, to defend rather than conquer, a simple man who wants a family more than anything. Excellent job!
Take back the three hobbit movies and give me just one about Sam living the rest of his life. Honestly just the thought of the reunion of old men Frodo and Sam is enough to make me cry. Another great and informative video!
In fairness, it's highly unlikely they met again across the sea- Mortals in the Undying Lands fade much faster, and Sam was old when he went West. It really is a metaphor for death, a bittersweet one.
I feel like Sam saw so much of the torment Frodo went threw being the ring bearer that that’s what also led him to being such a strong willed character , caring so much for Frodo, the ring couldn’t tempt him because he knew how much torture it was putting Frodo thru, he was able to persevere and overcome any temptation of the ring because of his loyalty and love he had for Frodo and his companions.
it's amazing to me that with all this complicated storyline , Peter Jackson still can get the essence of all character by the book, the key point his love for Bill, his optimism for Journey home
I find myself more fascinated by the events after the war of the ring. When I discovered the appendixes at the end of the Return of the King, it was like a whole new world opened up.
One of the subtle things which makes Sam a distinctive character in the Lord Of The Rings is that he's the only member of the Fellowship who isn't an aristocrat in some way. Frodo is a Baggins, which means that he's a member of a very prominent and wealthy family in the Shire. Merry is a son of the ruling family of Buckland, the Brandybucks, and he eventually becomes the Master of Buckland when he returns to the Shire after the War Of The Ring. Pippin is a son of the Thain (whose name is Paladin, which might not have been an accident). The Thain is the traditional military leader of the Shire, even though it's mostly a ceremonial position rather than a functional one. Pippin in his turn eventually becomes the Thain when he returns to the Shire after the War Of The Ring. Gandalf is one of the Five Wizards and although this is not stated explicitly in the books, the Five Wizards are essentially Middle Earth's answer to angels -- powerful beings (Maiar) who serve even more powerful beings (Valar) who are Middle Earth's demiurges who answer in their turn to the supreme being Illuvatar. Aragon is not only the chief of the Rangers belonging to the former western kingdom but is also secretly the heir to the throne of Gondor. Boromir is the son of the Steward of Gondor, who rules the kingdom since most people believe the line of Isildur to be defunct. Gimli is a member of a prominent and highly respected Dwarven family which has a long history of association with the ruling line of Durin (given that Gimli's father Gloin was one of the thirteen Dwarves who reclaimed the Lonely Mountain from Smaug). Legolas is an Elven prince, the son of King Thranduil who rules the realm of Mirkwood. The only reason why Sam is part of the Fellowship is due to his loyalty to Frodo, which is so strong that he "crashes" the Council Of Elrond in Rivendell. Sam, like Pippin and Bill the pony, adamantly refuses to be separated from Frodo and would have followed the Fellowship on his own had he not been chosen as a member.
You are the only person I have ever seen notice this, apart from myself. Of course, Sam basically becomes something of a noble when he returns to The Shire. Well earned, at that.
It’s so ridiculous that Sam is even able to eavesdrop on Gandalf and on the Council of Elrond. You would think the Wise would be a bit more careful with their potentially world-ending secret.
@@billshears6062 Unless perhaps Gandalf *knew* he was there and allowed him to overhear so that he could be certain that Sam would go with him...? Frodo is not as different from Bilbo as all that and is the sort who might be inclined to leave all by himself so that he doesn't end up bringing someone else to harm -- in fact, Frodo initially says that he will need to go alone. This way, Frodo can't really afford to leave Sam behind. It's sneaky, yes...but I think Gandalf is capable of doing it.
@@OreadNYC This is what I assumed when I first read the book. I thought Gandalf had planned for Sam to eavesdrop so that he could send him with Frodo. On my second reading I saw that this was not necessarily the case. If Gandalf didn’t plan it, then I’d say he’s a fool of a wizard. I am also surprised that not many other people have brought this point up… it seems to me an obvious mistake on Gandalf’s part. I’ve seen one post on the internet pointing it out, and nothing else…
Sam is such an amazing character. The nobility, loyalty to his friends and trustworthiness are just a few of the traits that make Sam one of the best protagonists in the history of fiction.
I always compared Sam's story to those soldiers who came back from WW2, went to school on GI Bill and went on to become big in their communities. Though I doubt it worked out like that in Britain. As the author said, not allegory but applicability.
A beautiful summary of Sam's life and journeys--Thanks! The inclusion of Sam in the tale of the Great Ring is one of the most powerful, insightful, and challenging elements in Tolkien's works.
For me it's what Tolkien does to his other chief hero, Frodo, who is utterly broken by the Quest. It's a bold author that does that, and it's Frodo's journey that makes LotR so special and moving to me. Not that I'm not moved by Sam's courage, of course I am ... but he is Everyman. Frodo is the Tragic Hero who sacrifices everything to save the world.
I don't recall if it's in the books, may not be but the scene in the movie toward the end of Return of the King after Aragorn is crowned king everyone bows. Then Aragorn tells the Hobbits, "My friends... you bow to no one" and then they looked around to see the entire kingdom bowing before them. That scene gets me everytime. That and where Sam picks up Frodo on the slopes of Mount Doom saying, "I can't carry it for you but I can carry you". Also when Aragorn says, "For Frodo" just before running at the immense orc army. Now I need to watch it again.
I would like to see a what if video... "What if Samwise never left the shire with frodo?" Both for how far frodo would have gotten and how would Sam being their have affected the desolation of the shire?
beautiful video. thank you..i didnt know about his last years and the visit for a year away from the shire and where the book went..youve answered unknown questions..again..thank you x
I can't carry it..but i can carry you. The true fellow of LOTR. He is a true friend . We always appreciate your hard work and dedication towards these videos.
I like this video because of many reasons. But one of the best reasons why is: that you cover another member of the fellowship of the ring. Only the conplete travels of Boromir and Frodo left. And the video or videos on Aragorn I should say isnt complete if you just watch one of the videos. Then there is Bill the pony. And thats leading in to the idea of you making a video about the horses of Middle-earth covering Bill, Shadowfaxe, Nahar (Oromë’s horse) and so on.
Agreed. Definitely better than Lu Bliss' interpretation in the NPR radioplay, even though I will always have something of a soft spot for that version. Flawed as it undeniably was in a lot of ways, it was my first conscious exposure to Middle-Earth and its inhabitants. I'd caught parts of the old Rankin Bass Hobbit cartoon but didn't actually watch it all the way through until after I'd heard the NPR radioplay. Oddly enough I didn't actually read The Hobbit book until sixth grade and didn't move on to the Lord of the Rings until Junior High. It wasn't until 2001, ironically enough, that I discovered the 1981 BBC radio production which far and away surpasses the NPR version in terms of its quality even if not always in faithfulness to the source material.
Something of a sticking point I, too, feel, no doubt obnoxiously, compelled to explain to others unfortunate enough to watch the films with me. At least he lets Faramir pull it out of the fire at the last minute. Does make me laugh tho, when they are at Osgiliath in The Two Towers film, and Sam goes "We aren't even supposed to be here!". Yes, Master Samwise, that is a great point which had occurred to me as well!
Would you ever consider doing adaption retrospectives of the LOTR films? That would be great! I've always thought it would be interesting to discuss how Jackson cut out so much while still remaining extremely loyal to the plot and spirt of the books...
well in my opinion he made a lot of mistakes and destroyed one of the main themes of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium with that gandalf and pippin scene where gandalf is talking to him about valinor that's just one example there are more really bad decisions in my opinion... I still think they are one of the best films of all time just not that amazing adaptations not horrible either especially what we have today but I still love them as films and appreciate a lot in terms of an adaptation it's just that there are things wrong too
I would not say the films are 'extremely loyal'. Obviously their production values are incredible: design, costumes, effects, music, etc are all superb, bringing Middle-earth to glorious life. And Peter Jackson did do a great job of satisfying the fandom (mostly) and making LotR accessible to mainstream audiences. I'd say the films are BROADLY loyal ... and I do love them. But it's hard to overlook the character assassinations on Frodo and Faramir. Frodo is pretty much robbed of every single heroic moment he has in the book. To this day, I don't understand why.
Sam is one of the best characters ever penned by Tolkien. Another is Faenor but he is much overlooked: I feel Tolkien didn’t do him justice, while not outrightly painting him bad, he didn’t also paint him good which I love. He is morally gray, but I feel like his actions are justified (not the Kinslaying) but his reaction to the silmarils and his brother. Tolkien makes him the deficite elf of the House of Noldor but I feel he is their crowning achievement, not just because he is their greatest and most skilled but literally without him they would simply not even get the limelight to shine. Yet he gets passed over for the likes of Elrond, Earendil and others. And I feel elves like Galadriel were simply goody two shoes and were jealous of him; and Tolkien simply said she spied something evil. 😪. No one is pure.
Great video, as always, but there is a very minor tidbit at 11:49. Technically, the Party Tree was not cut down during the Scouring of the Shire, but during its Industrialization at the hand of Saruman. The Scouring took place later, when Frodo & company retook the Shire upon their return.
Elanor the Fair daughter of Samwise Gamgee was the mother of what is known as the Fairbairns of the tower. A group of hobbits known for their records of history and are Elanor's descendants. Elanor was the last person to see Samwise Gamgee and it was held in tradition that Samwise Gamgee went to Grey Haven to see his friend Frodo again.
And Sam cared for Bill the Pony for the rest of Bill's life...the only one of the Fellowship who was concerned about Bill as a living thing, and not just a bearer of burdens...it was for Sam that Gandalf gave words of aid to Bill.
Thank you for these amazing vids , I love the illustrations and information, so brilliantly done 🥰 so good to know that Sam and Rosie had a clearly passionate relationship 😅😜🙌🏻👌😉
@@Alexs.2599 ty, yes I did interposed Valar and Maia. That still leaves the question of how they knew. If they knew, when did they know? Were they aware of how drastically their powers were limited? Or were they sufficiently recovered in power b4 Elrond figured it out. Possibly Elrond figured it out because of his ever increasing power and constant "meddling".
@@Alexs.2599 imo idt any of the 5 would have been announcing it around. The Numenorians have a checkered history, so who he let slip around men would have been an even shorter list. Obviously Aragorn knew, but I doubt Denithor did.
@@Alexs.2599 actually he could die. They were also stripped of their immortality. To suffer the pain and death as a man, or something like that. Remember, Sauruman died. Gandalf was granted a reprieve. I suspect to replace the white that Sauruman was suppose to be. Even the Maia could be killed. That's what the Balrog are, Maia that took the form of fire demons.
I'm confident that elves like Elrond, Galadriel, Círdan, Glorfindel, Celeborn, and other elves of similar stature knew or figured it out. These are some of the most intelligent and wisest beings in Middle-Earth and also would have access to the histories the Noldor brought to Middle-Earth of their time in Valinor. Also, ships coming out of the West to Middle-Earth would have been rare at best and very unlikely to have been confused with ships from other parts of Middle-Earth. Galadriel and other elves that had actually been born in Valinor before coming to Middle-Earth may have met the istari while in Valinor. Certainly Círdan seemed to have a really good idea who Gandalf was when the latter first arrived. I think Gandalf was probably the best known because he was constantly traveling around to aid the various Free Peoples although how many of them knew exactly what he was is debatable. Saruman seems like he didn't get out that much although he might have been different earlier in his time in Middle-Earth. I doubt many beyond the elven leadership and those living near Rhosgobel knew anything about Radagast.
@@Alexs.2599 They would know Gandalf wasn't permanently dead but they would still morn him just as was done for elves who perished. They didn't know if he would be coming back, much less when. They certainly didn't know Eru Ilúvatar was going to intervene and send him back so fast; that sort of thing, to the best of my knowledge, was unprecedented in the history of Arda. From the standpoint of Aragorn and Galadriel, their great friend and strongest ally was gone from Middle-Earth and there was no reason to think he would return to that land from Valinor.
I have felt that Sam represented the greatest Christian hero in the story. This is the first I’ve heard Tolkien wrote him with this in mind. I’m not surprised.
The only thing that I didn't like about Sam was how poorly he treated Gollum/Smeagol. Not trusting someone is one thing, but borderline harassing them is another.
Gandalf… the idiot. Seriously, you have a secret that involves the fate of the world and you decide to discuss it right where the gardener can hear? As soon as he heard those shears he should’ve gone to a different room.
Already the Ring tempted him, gnawing at his will and reason. Wild fantasies arose in his mind; and he saw Samwise the Strong, Hero of the Age, striding with a flaming sword across the darkened land, and armies flocking to his call as he marched to the overthrow of Barad-dûr. And then all the clouds rolled away, and the white sun shone, and at his command the vale of Gorgoroth became a garden of flowers and trees and brought forth fruit. He had only to put on the Ring and claim it for his own, and all this could be. In that hour of trial it was the love of his master that helped most to hold him firm; but also deep down in him lived still unconquered his plain hobbit-sense: he knew in the core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such visions were not a mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command.
Samwise the Brave! Trully a friend that is hard to find today... And Nerd pls Im interested in your opinnion, Do you think that Sam could have been Ringbearer! I know that he carried the Ring for a short time, but do you think, would he be strong enought to carry it all the way? And fight with many mental fights that Frodo did? As always great and interesting video, big congrats on 600k subs!
Sam is more or less the epidemy of side characters who actually carry the protagonist to the end of the story. Everyone looks up to the main heroes but its those who support them who help them get there in the first place.
13 kids well done! :) What i liked most about this video was that Tolkien had come to the same conclusion as i dead last time i listened to lotr that Sam was the greatest hero in the book. One of my fave lotr characters
Tolkien said that Sam was the 'chief' hero, not the 'greatest'. Slight difference. He also said this: “Frodo undertook his quest out of love-to save the world he knew from disaster at his own expense, if he could; and also in complete humility, acknowledging that he was wholly inadequate to the task." The Collected Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, letter no: 246.
3:00 "where Frodo reveals his plans to marry Pippin and Fatty Bolger" I always knew Frodo swung that way! (Yes, I know it's actually "Merry, Pippin and Fatty Bolger" but still got a laugh out of me)
In Sam Tolkien also reveals how the ring works and corrupts its bearer. He also shows how the ring and therefore Sauron has literally no understanding or concept of humbleness that a person or being would not have any desire for power, control and domination it doesn't enter his thoughts - for Sauron this does not compute. "Wild fantasies arose in his mind; and he saw Samwise the Strong, Hero of the Age, striding with a flaming sword across the darkened land, ... And then the clouds rolled away, and the white sun shone, and at his command the vale of Gorgoroth became a garden of flowers and trees and brought forth fruit. He had only to put on the Ring and claim it as his own, and all this could be." '...he knew in the core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such villains were not mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardner was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command." This is why the hobbits were the perfect choice to take the ring and destroy it. Sauron cant comprehend that Sam's love of gardening is the process of doing it, getting his hands dirty and seeing the plants grow. its not to 'have' a great garden and control others to tend it - Sauron misses the point completely.
Ever since I first read the stories when I was 13 or 14 back in the 70s, I have thought Samwise was the true hero of the story. All were heroic, for sure, and I'm not diminishing their actions, but Samwise truly went above and beyond.
As did Frodo. Above and beyond. But unlike Sam he loses everything in the end, whereas Sam at least is rewarded with a long and happy life in the Shire - Frodo makes him his heir, of course. “Frodo undertook his quest out of love-to save the world he knew from disaster at his own expense, if he could; and also in complete humility, acknowledging that he was wholly inadequate to the task." The Collected Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, letter no: 246.
More so than Frodo? They were both equally selfless, IMO. Frodo sacrifices everything he has in order to save the Shire and the whole world. Sam is incredibly self-sacrificial and of course without him Frodo couldn't have succeeded.
@@philippalinton5850 Yes, more so. Even the ring didn't get a hold of him. Sure, he didn't hold it for very long, but nobody has ever given it up as easily as he did. That said, sure Frodo was super selfless too. But I imagine Sam might actually not have needed Gollum's bite to hurl the ring into the fire, had he been in Frodo's shoes. Can't tell for sure though, since as I said, he didn't have it for that long. But the guy actually wore it IN MORDOR, and was able to surrender it. That's impressive!
@@midimusicforever Sam didn't have the Ring that long though. Yet if Frodo had died, and if Sam had succeeded in killing Gollum, then it's just about possible he could have made it to Mount Doom on his own. Standing at the Sammath Naur, it is barely possible he could have finally resisted the Ring at the very centre of its power. In that case, he might well have cast himself into the fire in order to destroy It. :(
@@philippalinton5850 Hard to know since he was never put in such a situation, but there's some next level fortitude to him giving the ring back to Frodo without a hint of regret.
@@midimusicforever not so much fortitude but as the text says his good old plain 'hobbit sense' made him somewhat immune to the call of the Ring. Obviously Sam does have bags of fortitude and strong resolve. And so does Frodo. As Gandalf calls them, Frodo is Endurance Beyond Hope and Sam is Hope Unquenchable. ('Many Partings', Sauron Defeated, Volume 9, The History of Middle-earth).
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This is a pretty broad look at Sam's life and I'd love to dive more into his story in future videos. What topics regarding Sam would you like to see covered?
Also, thank you to today's sponsor, SlideBelts!
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Sam's garden if he claimed the one ring and took over middle earth
How did Sam get information to go to Grey Havens?
Is there more info about his children,did they Marry,inherit bagend..continue in writing in the redbook etc.
@@CouchChadShooter oh wow interesting! I really wanna know that now
@@Aurora-qn2dx and that
To me, Sam always been the real embodiment of goodness. He undertakes the journey to Mordor for no reason other than his love for Frodo.
He actually left because he wanted to see Elves. Dude has a massive kink for elves.
@@jaimeruiz7837 Actually, he left the Shire to go to Imladris to see the Elves. It was only when they reached there that Frodo offered to take the ring to Mordor, and Sam went with him :)
"“Frodo undertook his quest out of love-to save the world he knew from disaster at his own expense, if he could; and also in complete humility, acknowledging that he was wholly inadequate to the task." The Collected Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, letter no: 246. Frodo sacrifices everything for the sake of Middle-earth, including his own life and peace of mind: he literally gives his life for the world, as he is so scarred by carrying the One Ring that he has to leave Middle-earth to be healed.
Both he and Sam embody goodness. Sam's main motive for joining the Quest is his love for Frodo, but later on he comes to realise that the Quest is also about saving the world. Which he and Frodo do.
@@VishakhaSen I'm just here checking people out. Just rereading the books you know, and I see all these ppl claiming to be Tolkiens fans but I bet theyll still watch Amazons Rings of power.
I think he best embodies loyalty and brotherhood. He almost drowned himself just because he didn't want to abandon Frodo.
Samwise Gamgee is the finest example of true companionship you could possibly ask for. No need for any romantic undertones, it's far more powerful if his devotion to Frodo does _not_ come from that.
Everyone wants a friend like Sam. When in reality, we should all be more like Sam
I think it works either way. No, Tolkien likely did not intend romance, but texts and characters grow to have lives of their own. I’d say no matter which way you see their relationship, it works beautifully. The main point is that they love each other, simple as that. Labels don’t matter.
Sam's last sentence in The return of the King book is "Well, I'm back".
In Czech translation, it is "Tak jsem se vrátil", which would be back-translated as "So, I have returned".
Giving an extra "mystery level" to both the The Return of the King title and Sam's character.
This is what you excel at, the telling of the histories beloved by millions in a way that both the new and veterans of Middle Earth lore can enjoy. I am in my mid 60's and I have been captivated by this world since I was 15. You honour that time with your videos and I am glad that a new generation is learning from your excellent work.
Very wholesome comment
agreed.
" *I cannot carry it for you but I can carry you* " one of the best lines in cinematic history.
@@MrRenanHappy Both since the way it was performed made it even better.
@@MrRenanHappy true, but doesn't change the fact it's goated either way.
I tear up every time
You may not be a Frodo Baggins, but you can be someone's Samwise.
@@MrRenanHappy I think this is giving too little credit to the films, coming from someone who prefers the books overall. It is Tolkien's line, but Sean Astin's performance of the line was fantastic, as was the framing of the whole scene.
Sam has been my favourite character since the first time I read the novels, at the end of last century (👵🏻) He always impressed me with his ingenuous approach of the quest and the fact that his heart is so pure that he was able to relinquish the ring.
Tolkien wasn’t wrong when he said that Sam was the universal hero of this story. He was loyal all his friends but especially to Frodo. Even during some of the darkest moments he always tried to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In the movies I wish they had kept to the story of Galadriel giving Sam the mallorn nut and him actually taking the rope off the boat instead of Galadriel giving it to him. Thanks for another awesome video Matt!!
ruclips.net/user/shortsTXNvAWH9cYM?feature=share
Lord of the rings unboxing
Yes I wish they'd kept that part in too.
Wouldn't make much sense since the scouring of the Shire didn't happen in the movie. But yeah just the Mallorn nut would be cool.
@@Spiri7ualShi7 Well they probably should have included the scouring on the Shire as well.
@@eli3568 Not too sure about that, it works perfectly well in the books, but I don't think it does with the flow of a film that was already pushing 4 hours long.
The final moments of Sam leaving Middle-Earth is so heartwarming.
I don’t know why I’m fascinated by this channel. I never got into lord of the rings. The channel layout, format is entertaining though. Honestly had zero idea what any of this stuff is, but this channel presents it in a way that it’s really entertaining.
Good job my dude.
Read the books and watch the movies. It's so worth the time and effort.
ruclips.net/user/shortsTXNvAWH9cYM?feature=share
Lord of the rings unboxing
I think one of my favourite moments for Sam's character is when Strider is asked who Gil-galad was. Strider recites a small piece of the Ley of Gil-galad, but claims the rest would be too long to share. Nevertheless, Sam picks up the Ley from the very line where Strider left off, and recites the rest of the Ley from memory, much to the astonishment of everyone there.
In this moment, I kinda think Tolkien was seeing ahead to the fans that would come to love his books. Who else here has been in a situation where, to the astonishment of everyone, we can recite Tolkien's poetry by heart. I certainly have, and Sam certainly could as well.
And now we sing of the ship that bore
Our Samwise the Brave to Valinor
The last adventure of Sam Gamgee
Sailing alone 'cross Sundering Sea
-a poem I'm working on
Sam really does make the heart of the story. People love the flash of the battle hero, while missing the quiet heroism behind the battles that makes the quest's success possible.
I have been waiting for this very video. Thank you!!! Sam is the character that I instruct young men to become: a strong courageous warrior, that wants to give life more than take, to defend rather than conquer, a simple man who wants a family more than anything. Excellent job!
Take back the three hobbit movies and give me just one about Sam living the rest of his life. Honestly just the thought of the reunion of old men Frodo and Sam is enough to make me cry. Another great and informative video!
Would SO take that movie if they could keep any actors for characters they decide to include.
In fairness, it's highly unlikely they met again across the sea- Mortals in the Undying Lands fade much faster, and Sam was old when he went West.
It really is a metaphor for death, a bittersweet one.
I feel like Sam saw so much of the torment Frodo went threw being the ring bearer that that’s what also led him to being such a strong willed character , caring so much for Frodo, the ring couldn’t tempt him because he knew how much torture it was putting Frodo thru, he was able to persevere and overcome any temptation of the ring because of his loyalty and love he had for Frodo and his companions.
it's amazing to me that with all this complicated storyline , Peter Jackson still can get the essence of all character by the book, the key point
his love for Bill, his optimism for Journey home
I find myself more fascinated by the events after the war of the ring. When I discovered the appendixes at the end of the Return of the King, it was like a whole new world opened up.
One of the subtle things which makes Sam a distinctive character in the Lord Of The Rings is that he's the only member of the Fellowship who isn't an aristocrat in some way.
Frodo is a Baggins, which means that he's a member of a very prominent and wealthy family in the Shire.
Merry is a son of the ruling family of Buckland, the Brandybucks, and he eventually becomes the Master of Buckland when he returns to the Shire after the War Of The Ring.
Pippin is a son of the Thain (whose name is Paladin, which might not have been an accident). The Thain is the traditional military leader of the Shire, even though it's mostly a ceremonial position rather than a functional one. Pippin in his turn eventually becomes the Thain when he returns to the Shire after the War Of The Ring.
Gandalf is one of the Five Wizards and although this is not stated explicitly in the books, the Five Wizards are essentially Middle Earth's answer to angels -- powerful beings (Maiar) who serve even more powerful beings (Valar) who are Middle Earth's demiurges who answer in their turn to the supreme being Illuvatar.
Aragon is not only the chief of the Rangers belonging to the former western kingdom but is also secretly the heir to the throne of Gondor.
Boromir is the son of the Steward of Gondor, who rules the kingdom since most people believe the line of Isildur to be defunct.
Gimli is a member of a prominent and highly respected Dwarven family which has a long history of association with the ruling line of Durin (given that Gimli's father Gloin was one of the thirteen Dwarves who reclaimed the Lonely Mountain from Smaug).
Legolas is an Elven prince, the son of King Thranduil who rules the realm of Mirkwood.
The only reason why Sam is part of the Fellowship is due to his loyalty to Frodo, which is so strong that he "crashes" the Council Of Elrond in Rivendell. Sam, like Pippin and Bill the pony, adamantly refuses to be separated from Frodo and would have followed the Fellowship on his own had he not been chosen as a member.
You are the only person I have ever seen notice this, apart from myself.
Of course, Sam basically becomes something of a noble when he returns to The Shire. Well earned, at that.
It’s so ridiculous that Sam is even able to eavesdrop on Gandalf and on the Council of Elrond. You would think the Wise would be a bit more careful with their potentially world-ending secret.
@@billshears6062 Unless perhaps Gandalf *knew* he was there and allowed him to overhear so that he could be certain that Sam would go with him...? Frodo is not as different from Bilbo as all that and is the sort who might be inclined to leave all by himself so that he doesn't end up bringing someone else to harm -- in fact, Frodo initially says that he will need to go alone. This way, Frodo can't really afford to leave Sam behind. It's sneaky, yes...but I think Gandalf is capable of doing it.
@@OreadNYC This is what I assumed when I first read the book. I thought Gandalf had planned for Sam to eavesdrop so that he could send him with Frodo. On my second reading I saw that this was not necessarily the case. If Gandalf didn’t plan it, then I’d say he’s a fool of a wizard.
I am also surprised that not many other people have brought this point up… it seems to me an obvious mistake on Gandalf’s part. I’ve seen one post on the internet pointing it out, and nothing else…
Sam is such an amazing character. The nobility, loyalty to his friends and trustworthiness are just a few of the traits that make Sam one of the best protagonists in the history of fiction.
I'm appreciating the proper colouration of everyone's eyes and hair at 4:47
I always compared Sam's story to those soldiers who came back from WW2, went to school on GI Bill and went on to become big in their communities.
Though I doubt it worked out like that in Britain. As the author said, not allegory but applicability.
A beautiful summary of Sam's life and journeys--Thanks! The inclusion of Sam in the tale of the Great Ring is one of the most powerful, insightful, and challenging elements in Tolkien's works.
For me it's what Tolkien does to his other chief hero, Frodo, who is utterly broken by the Quest. It's a bold author that does that, and it's Frodo's journey that makes LotR so special and moving to me. Not that I'm not moved by Sam's courage, of course I am ... but he is Everyman. Frodo is the Tragic Hero who sacrifices everything to save the world.
J.R.R. Tolkien took the name from Gamgee Tissue, a surgical dressing invented by a 19th Century Birmingham surgeon called Joseph Sampson Gamgee.
I don't recall if it's in the books, may not be but the scene in the movie toward the end of Return of the King after Aragorn is crowned king everyone bows. Then Aragorn tells the Hobbits, "My friends... you bow to no one" and then they looked around to see the entire kingdom bowing before them. That scene gets me everytime.
That and where Sam picks up Frodo on the slopes of Mount Doom saying, "I can't carry it for you but I can carry you".
Also when Aragorn says, "For Frodo" just before running at the immense orc army. Now I need to watch it again.
Can't believe I've read those books more than 10 times each, and had no idea that Sam had siblings
👆
@@Alexs.2599 oh yeah! Thanks.
I would like to see a what if video... "What if Samwise never left the shire with frodo?" Both for how far frodo would have gotten and how would Sam being their have affected the desolation of the shire?
Awesome Video Nerd of the RIngs! One of My Favorite Characters!
beautiful video. thank you..i didnt know about his last years and the visit for a year away from the shire and where the book went..youve answered unknown questions..again..thank you x
Excellent work Mellon! "My ol' Gaffer wouldn't believe this!"
KEEP IT UP! ECTHELION!
I can't carry it..but i can carry you. The true fellow of LOTR. He is a true friend . We always appreciate your hard work and dedication towards these videos.
I like this video because of many reasons. But one of the best reasons why is: that you cover another member of the fellowship of the ring. Only the conplete travels of Boromir and Frodo left. And the video or videos on Aragorn I should say isnt complete if you just watch one of the videos. Then there is Bill the pony. And thats leading in to the idea of you making a video about the horses of Middle-earth covering Bill, Shadowfaxe, Nahar (Oromë’s horse) and so on.
I was kind of drifting into daydreaming and then I heard "Frodo reveals his plans to marry Pippin" 3:00
Love these stories so much. The ending stories (though death is just another path) of these characters always hits me in the feels.
9:25 and in the radio drama, this here was what I felt to be William Nighy’s crowning moment. God he had such a beautiful singing voice.
It is such an incredible moment!
Agreed. Definitely better than Lu Bliss' interpretation in the NPR radioplay, even though I will always have something of a soft spot for that version. Flawed as it undeniably was in a lot of ways, it was my first conscious exposure to Middle-Earth and its inhabitants. I'd caught parts of the old Rankin Bass Hobbit cartoon but didn't actually watch it all the way through until after I'd heard the NPR radioplay. Oddly enough I didn't actually read The Hobbit book until sixth grade and didn't move on to the Lord of the Rings until Junior High. It wasn't until 2001, ironically enough, that I discovered the 1981 BBC radio production which far and away surpasses the NPR version in terms of its quality even if not always in faithfulness to the source material.
9:30 that was so beautifully read I almost started crying. Lovely use of music too. ❤️🖤
Love that Sam got to make the voyage, always one of my favorite characters.
I'M NOT CRYING I SWEAR
IT'S JUST RAINING ON MY FACE
Man I wish it was discussed deeper about Sam's departure, and rejoining with Frodo.
Frodo and Sam together at the end.
If that doesn't get you in the feels....
That was so beautiful and well implemented, I loved it! 🙂
No character ever fit the category 'such a good heart' better
Loved it!
Sam’s my favorite
5:27 Is this map of Moria canon? Who drew it? It is so awesome!!!!!!!
I really love this video! Sam has been a favorite of mine for a long time!
I love your videos. This was great. Could you do a history of the Red Book of Westmarch? Thanks.
Great vid! As always
One of your best yet. Absolutely beautiful poetry from the Master and reading by NOTR!
Best character of any story, real or fiction. I love Samwise. Great episode thank you!
Awsome next complete travels i want to see next is Frodo the complete travels
8:17 - I will never forgive Jackson for what he did to Faramir.
Something of a sticking point I, too, feel, no doubt obnoxiously, compelled to explain to others unfortunate enough to watch the films with me. At least he lets Faramir pull it out of the fire at the last minute. Does make me laugh tho, when they are at Osgiliath in The Two Towers film, and Sam goes "We aren't even supposed to be here!". Yes, Master Samwise, that is a great point which had occurred to me as well!
I love that Poem, you reintroduced me to that song, with Bill Nighy on the best covers of Tolkien Songs you did!!!
My favorite rendition! So wonderful!
@@NerdoftheRings Yes, and what a beautiful song still relevant in time like these.
Would you ever consider doing adaption retrospectives of the LOTR films? That would be great! I've always thought it would be interesting to discuss how Jackson cut out so much while still remaining extremely loyal to the plot and spirt of the books...
well in my opinion he made a lot of mistakes and destroyed one of the main themes of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium with that gandalf and pippin scene where gandalf is talking to him about valinor that's just one example there are more really bad decisions in my opinion... I still think they are one of the best films of all time just not that amazing adaptations not horrible either especially what we have today but I still love them as films and appreciate a lot in terms of an adaptation it's just that there are things wrong too
I would not say the films are 'extremely loyal'. Obviously their production values are incredible: design, costumes, effects, music, etc are all superb, bringing Middle-earth to glorious life. And Peter Jackson did do a great job of satisfying the fandom (mostly) and making LotR accessible to mainstream audiences. I'd say the films are BROADLY loyal ... and I do love them.
But it's hard to overlook the character assassinations on Frodo and Faramir. Frodo is pretty much robbed of every single heroic moment he has in the book. To this day, I don't understand why.
Frodo wouldn't have gotten far without Sam!!!
Sam is one of the best characters ever penned by Tolkien. Another is Faenor but he is much overlooked: I feel Tolkien didn’t do him justice, while not outrightly painting him bad, he didn’t also paint him good which I love. He is morally gray, but I feel like his actions are justified (not the Kinslaying) but his reaction to the silmarils and his brother. Tolkien makes him the deficite elf of the House of Noldor but I feel he is their crowning achievement, not just because he is their greatest and most skilled but literally without him they would simply not even get the limelight to shine. Yet he gets passed over for the likes of Elrond, Earendil and others. And I feel elves like Galadriel were simply goody two shoes and were jealous of him; and Tolkien simply said she spied something evil. 😪. No one is pure.
I love Sam
The belt recommend by you is awesome 😎👍 I have never seen such a good belt
the old military fabric/canvas belts worked the same way.
3:01 "where Frodo reveals his plan to marry Pippin"
He did not feel invisible at all, but horribly and uniquely visible.
Great video, as always, but there is a very minor tidbit at 11:49. Technically, the Party Tree was not cut down during the Scouring of the Shire, but during its Industrialization at the hand of Saruman. The Scouring took place later, when Frodo & company retook the Shire upon their return.
Wow, I always thought “scouring” was a negative word and assumed the title to refer to Saruman’s takeover.
Elanor the Fair daughter of Samwise Gamgee was the mother of what is known as the Fairbairns of the tower. A group of hobbits known for their records of history and are Elanor's descendants. Elanor was the last person to see Samwise Gamgee and it was held in tradition that Samwise Gamgee went to Grey Haven to see his friend Frodo again.
And Sam cared for Bill the Pony for the rest of Bill's life...the only one of the Fellowship who was concerned about Bill as a living thing, and not just a bearer of burdens...it was for Sam that Gandalf gave words of aid to Bill.
Thank you for these amazing vids , I love the illustrations and information, so brilliantly done 🥰 so good to know that Sam and Rosie had a clearly passionate relationship 😅😜🙌🏻👌😉
Beautiful.
Sam lived a very fulfilled life. 🎁✨
Bill is the mvp of the trilogy
So well done. Thank you so much.
Everyone should have a "Sam" in their lives.
Here's a question I'd like answered. Did the elves know that the 5 wizards were once Valar? If they did know, how did they come by this knowledge?
@@Alexs.2599 ty, yes I did interposed Valar and Maia. That still leaves the question of how they knew. If they knew, when did they know? Were they aware of how drastically their powers were limited? Or were they sufficiently recovered in power b4 Elrond figured it out. Possibly Elrond figured it out because of his ever increasing power and constant "meddling".
@@Alexs.2599 imo idt any of the 5 would have been announcing it around. The Numenorians have a checkered history, so who he let slip around men would have been an even shorter list. Obviously Aragorn knew, but I doubt Denithor did.
@@Alexs.2599 actually he could die. They were also stripped of their immortality. To suffer the pain and death as a man, or something like that. Remember, Sauruman died. Gandalf was granted a reprieve. I suspect to replace the white that Sauruman was suppose to be. Even the Maia could be killed. That's what the Balrog are, Maia that took the form of fire demons.
I'm confident that elves like Elrond, Galadriel, Círdan, Glorfindel, Celeborn, and other elves of similar stature knew or figured it out. These are some of the most intelligent and wisest beings in Middle-Earth and also would have access to the histories the Noldor brought to Middle-Earth of their time in Valinor. Also, ships coming out of the West to Middle-Earth would have been rare at best and very unlikely to have been confused with ships from other parts of Middle-Earth. Galadriel and other elves that had actually been born in Valinor before coming to Middle-Earth may have met the istari while in Valinor. Certainly Círdan seemed to have a really good idea who Gandalf was when the latter first arrived.
I think Gandalf was probably the best known because he was constantly traveling around to aid the various Free Peoples although how many of them knew exactly what he was is debatable. Saruman seems like he didn't get out that much although he might have been different earlier in his time in Middle-Earth. I doubt many beyond the elven leadership and those living near Rhosgobel knew anything about Radagast.
@@Alexs.2599 They would know Gandalf wasn't permanently dead but they would still morn him just as was done for elves who perished. They didn't know if he would be coming back, much less when. They certainly didn't know Eru Ilúvatar was going to intervene and send him back so fast; that sort of thing, to the best of my knowledge, was unprecedented in the history of Arda.
From the standpoint of Aragorn and Galadriel, their great friend and strongest ally was gone from Middle-Earth and there was no reason to think he would return to that land from Valinor.
One of the most exciting hobbits ever
I have felt that Sam represented the greatest Christian hero in the story. This is the first I’ve heard Tolkien wrote him with this in mind. I’m not surprised.
Congrats on the 600k subscribers! Well earned
Fantastic as always! Thank you
the new background music is very nice
The only thing that I didn't like about Sam was how poorly he treated Gollum/Smeagol. Not trusting someone is one thing, but borderline harassing them is another.
Samwise The Brave....
Samwise _The Strong..._
Samwise... _The Eavesdropper..._
Gandalf… the idiot.
Seriously, you have a secret that involves the fate of the world and you decide to discuss it right where the gardener can hear? As soon as he heard those shears he should’ve gone to a different room.
Already the Ring tempted him, gnawing at his will and reason. Wild fantasies arose in his mind; and he saw Samwise the Strong, Hero of the Age, striding with a flaming sword across the darkened land, and armies flocking to his call as he marched to the overthrow of Barad-dûr. And then all the clouds rolled away, and the white sun shone, and at his command the vale of Gorgoroth became a garden of flowers and trees and brought forth fruit. He had only to put on the Ring and claim it for his own, and all this could be.
In that hour of trial it was the love of his master that helped most to hold him firm; but also deep down in him lived still unconquered his plain hobbit-sense: he knew in the core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such visions were not a mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command.
cool vid Matt really enjoyed it
Such an amazing story, thank you.
One of my favorite character among all the fantasy book ❤️
Cool video. I also like the sponsor
Samwise the Brave! Trully a friend that is hard to find today... And Nerd pls Im interested in your opinnion, Do you think that Sam could have been Ringbearer! I know that he carried the Ring for a short time, but do you think, would he be strong enought to carry it all the way? And fight with many mental fights that Frodo did?
As always great and interesting video, big congrats on 600k subs!
Give it up for all the side-kicks!!!!
Sam is more or less the epidemy of side characters who actually carry the protagonist to the end of the story. Everyone looks up to the main heroes but its those who support them who help them get there in the first place.
(Epitome)
He traveled to Valinor on the last last ship and Legolas with Gimli on the last last last ship.
We all need a Sam ❤
Bill will be forever be in our hearts
Bill the Pony was the true heart of the Fellowship.
13 kids well done! :) What i liked most about this video was that Tolkien had come to the same conclusion as i dead last time i listened to lotr that Sam was the greatest hero in the book. One of my fave lotr characters
Tolkien said that Sam was the 'chief' hero, not the 'greatest'. Slight difference. He also said this: “Frodo undertook his quest out of love-to save the world he knew from disaster at his own expense, if he could; and also in complete humility, acknowledging that he was wholly inadequate to the task." The Collected Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, letter no: 246.
Nice vid🔥
Thanks for the video. Needed it :)
3:00 "where Frodo reveals his plans to marry Pippin and Fatty Bolger" I always knew Frodo swung that way! (Yes, I know it's actually "Merry, Pippin and Fatty Bolger" but still got a laugh out of me)
In Sam Tolkien also reveals how the ring works and corrupts its bearer. He also shows how the ring and therefore Sauron has literally no understanding or concept of humbleness that a person or being would not have any desire for power, control and domination it doesn't enter his thoughts - for Sauron this does not compute. "Wild fantasies arose in his mind; and he saw Samwise the Strong, Hero of the Age, striding with a flaming sword across the darkened land, ... And then the clouds rolled away, and the white sun shone, and at his command the vale of Gorgoroth became a garden of flowers and trees and brought forth fruit. He had only to put on the Ring and claim it as his own, and all this could be." '...he knew in the core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such villains were not mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardner was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command."
This is why the hobbits were the perfect choice to take the ring and destroy it. Sauron cant comprehend that Sam's love of gardening is the process of doing it, getting his hands dirty and seeing the plants grow. its not to 'have' a great garden and control others to tend it - Sauron misses the point completely.
Ever since I first read the stories when I was 13 or 14 back in the 70s, I have thought Samwise was the true hero of the story. All were heroic, for sure, and I'm not diminishing their actions, but Samwise truly went above and beyond.
As did Frodo. Above and beyond. But unlike Sam he loses everything in the end, whereas Sam at least is rewarded with a long and happy life in the Shire - Frodo makes him his heir, of course.
“Frodo undertook his quest out of love-to save the world he knew from disaster at his own expense, if he could; and also in complete humility, acknowledging that he was wholly inadequate to the task." The Collected Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, letter no: 246.
Frodo chose smeagol over Sam….what a great friend
This was moving
Truest of friends! And real hero! 👍🏼
Great material. IT could be even longer and with more details 🙂
Sam might be the most selfless person in all of Middle Earth!
More so than Frodo? They were both equally selfless, IMO. Frodo sacrifices everything he has in order to save the Shire and the whole world. Sam is incredibly self-sacrificial and of course without him Frodo couldn't have succeeded.
@@philippalinton5850
Yes, more so. Even the ring didn't get a hold of him. Sure, he didn't hold it for very long, but nobody has ever given it up as easily as he did. That said, sure Frodo was super selfless too. But I imagine Sam might actually not have needed Gollum's bite to hurl the ring into the fire, had he been in Frodo's shoes. Can't tell for sure though, since as I said, he didn't have it for that long. But the guy actually wore it IN MORDOR, and was able to surrender it. That's impressive!
@@midimusicforever Sam didn't have the Ring that long though. Yet if Frodo had died, and if Sam had succeeded in killing Gollum, then it's just about possible he could have made it to Mount Doom on his own. Standing at the Sammath Naur, it is barely possible he could have finally resisted the Ring at the very centre of its power. In that case, he might well have cast himself into the fire in order to destroy It. :(
@@philippalinton5850
Hard to know since he was never put in such a situation, but there's some next level fortitude to him giving the ring back to Frodo without a hint of regret.
@@midimusicforever not so much fortitude but as the text says his good old plain 'hobbit sense' made him somewhat immune to the call of the Ring. Obviously Sam does have bags of fortitude and strong resolve. And so does Frodo.
As Gandalf calls them, Frodo is Endurance Beyond Hope and Sam is Hope Unquenchable. ('Many Partings', Sauron Defeated, Volume 9, The History of Middle-earth).
Wow. Loved this video!