The Life of Samwise Gamgee | Tolkien Explained

[@NerdoftheRings]

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

[@SquirrelASMR]

Sam's garden if he claimed the one ring and took over middle earth

[@CouchChadShooter]

How did Sam get information to go to Grey Havens?

[@Aurora-qn2dx]

Is there more info about his children,did they Marry,inherit bagend..continue in writing in the redbook etc.

[@SquirrelASMR]

@@CouchChadShooter oh wow interesting! I really wanna know that now

[@SquirrelASMR]

@@Aurora-qn2dx and that

[@mohaimin2785]

" *I cannot carry it for you but I can carry you* " one of the best lines in cinematic history.

[@Lord-Emperor-Vader]

@@MrRenanHappy Both since the way it was performed made it even better.

[@mohaimin2785]

@@MrRenanHappy true, but doesn't change the fact it's goated either way.

[@nevillesavage2012]

I tear up every time

[@rjhollenbeck8442]

You may not be a Frodo Baggins, but you can be someone's Samwise.

[@SkywardShoe]

@@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.

[@VishakhaSen]

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.

[@jaimeruiz7837]

He actually left because he wanted to see Elves. Dude has a massive kink for elves.

[@VishakhaSen]

@@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 :)

[@philippalinton5850]

"“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.

[@jaimeruiz7837]

@@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.

[@thatoneguy4452]

I think he best embodies loyalty and brotherhood. He almost drowned himself just because he didn't want to abandon Frodo.

[@NotMyRealName6]

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.

[@raulpacheco7488]

Everyone wants a friend like Sam. When in reality, we should all be more like Sam

[@12classics39]

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.

[@kevinmoore4845]

One of the best moments for Sam in the books is when he put on the Ring . The Ring tempted him and yet he rejected the temptation. It showed his quality for sure.

[@specialnewb9821]

The only thing it could find to tempt him with was a ridiculous giant garden. I can't help but hear the ring saying "THIS is all I have to work with!?"

[@mikeynth7919]

@@specialnewb9821 Better than Gollum. "What do you mean all you think about is FISH?" *Ring writes in its journal: Day 5,628 with Smeagol. Dreams of catching a marlin may get me out of this hole.* *Day 8,639 with Smeagol. Still stuck in this hole with fish boy. Am starting to dream of fish. Worst. Choice. Of. Ring-Bearer. Ever.*

[@treyowen9213]

@@mikeynth7919 *then comes the day that Bilbo picks it up. “Oh please let this be someone better than that fish boy.” And then Bilbo finally puts it on to hide from Gollum. “What the- okay this one is an odd fellow, but I guess he’ll have to do for now. Just get me out of this HELLHOLE!!”*

[@PJF62]

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.

[@BradsGonnaPlay]

Very wholesome comment

[@matthewnewman2976]

agreed.

[@dailylordoftheringsvideos7787]

Oh hell yeah. My favorite character. I love Samwise. He's the most loyal and truest kind of friend.

[@viocappello991]

Such a soothing, amazing voice. I have never liked audio books, but I would absolutely love hearing a book narrated by this nerd.

[@christ3851]

I'd also pay for a reading of the lord of the rings, so @Nerd of the Rings please go ahead and make it happen ;-) give us a LOTR audio book !

[@viocappello991]

@@christ3851 Any, really, but children books especially - kids would go right to sleep, and documentaries for stressed adults like myself! It's therapeutic! Another plus is that, as a non-native English speaker, his diction is gold, crystal clear, I don't need any subtitles, which is rare.

[@K4inan]

@@viocappello991 He pronounces all the names in Silmarillion flawlessly too, I wonder if he knows Sindarin

[@callme_sachin13]

If you think about it : If Sam never agreed to accompany Frodo on the journey, the outcome would have been drastically different ! Probably the One Ring surviving the ordeal ! Thus, I say " Frodo wouldn't have made it that far without Samwise the Brave without his side " ❤️✨

[@ChipzBitz]

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[@jaimeruiz7837]

Maybe, hard to say really when you can just write ways for him to get there… Sam as character didn’t need to exist, Frodo could’ve just been written to be more clever and learn quickly from watching the other adventures. Learning how to stealth his way through everything, etc. just saying

[@davidlundquist1979]

@@jaimeruiz7837 Well, if you want to go down that road, you could say that NONE of the characters needed to exist, other than Frodo.

[@K4inan]

@@jaimeruiz7837 That doesn't make sense. The ring is supposed to be extremely corruptive.

[@jaimeruiz7837]

@@K4inan Hobbit's have a natural resistance

[@Neat0_o]

That’s so cool. I always said Sam was the main hero of the lord of the rings. Now watching this, you tell me Tolkien himself considered Samwise the chief hero. Amazing.

[@maxion5109]

Yes he said that but also that the highest honor must go to Frodo because of what he went through. Sam is the chief hero because he remained at Frodo's side till the end. In that sense, Sam succeeded whereas Frodo failed, but Frodo did so heroically and endured what few others if anyone could have endured.

[@ericstoverink6579]

To that point, the bulk of their journey after the breaking of the Fellowship is told from Sam's point of view.

[@ChipzBitz]

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[@jaimeruiz7837]

Here’s my thing, flip the tiles around. Would Sam have been able to do what Frodo did and Vice versus? Like yeah he was with him to the end but he also wasn’t in possession of the one ring.

[@scoobysnacker1999]

I've always considered Sam to be the more heroic of the two (although Frodo deserves the praise he gets). Consider: Frodo was somewhat groomed for his task by both Bilbo and Gandalf, and he was given the One Ring. At that point, he's basically locked into his quest. He can't ultimately give the Ring to someone else, no matter his intention to do so at times. And I think the Wise always knew this. Frodo's choice was to make the quest himself, or feel torment in giving it to another to do so, or to ignore Gandalf's advice and attempt to hide with the Ring from everyone. He took the best, and most bearable, choice, receiving the support of Gandalf and the rest of the Wise. Even when he offered it to Galadriel, I think his heart was good but his mind wouldn't have endured that for long. Sam on the other hand, was rather simple and salt-of-the-earth, and could have ignored this early on. Could have seen Frodo to Bree, or Rivendell, etc, and then turned back- he clearly wasn't a great warrior or a wizard to give aide, he was "merely" a trusted friend. Yet he voluntarily stayed the course, even when Frodo decided to go it alone. He refused to be left behind. And later on, he committed the single greatest act in the entire story- after taking the Ring when he thought Frodo had died, he GAVE IT BACK TO HIM. It took all of Bilbo's strength, and Gandalf's considerable influence, for Bilbo to even drop it on the floor and walk away; and the Ring wasn't "turned on" at that point. Sam did it in Mordor, within sight of Orodruin, with the Ring cranked up and Sauron exerting his thoughts on it. And from that point on, the Ring held no power over him. No desire or attempt to retrieve it, no hesitance to see it destroyed.

[@Jakblade]

This was amazing. Also His hatred and eventual compassion for Gollum gets me every time too. He hates Gollum. Like a man who hates a demon who haunts his best friend. I’ve felt that hate. And he’s tested with it the whole time. But in the end doesn’t actually succumb to his hate. It’s intense.

[@stevendouglas3781]

I read a theory recently that Sam is resilient to the ring’s influence in part because of how much he hates Gollum. He sees the ring’s true nature clearly. Succumbing to it would be aligning with the force that is turning his friend into a monster.

[@12classics39]

@@stevendouglas3781Sam is usually so gentle and kind that his attitude toward Gollum almost feels out of character until one recalls how fiercely protective of Frodo he is. Also it could very well be the Ring’s influence amplifying his anxiety and rage toward Gollum. Boromir proves one does not have to carry the Ring to be affected by it.

[@shotgunsandstakes]

"Where he would live out his remaining days with his friend Frodo Baggins." Aw that got me 🥺🥺 When I got near the end and he was saying that Sam was going to the sea I was thinking "please don't ruin my illusion" 'cause I heard some people say that Frodo would have been long gone by then but I was so happy when he said that!!

[@ElffriendYT]

Yes, while Tolkien didn’t fully confirm it in his letter, he did say that they are granted the gift to sort of “choose” how long they stay in Valinor (probably to an extent) whether brief or long, before dying and going to “places which the Elves knew nothing” - and so it could be implied that Frodo would wait for Sam to arrive there.

[@mikeynth7919]

@@ElffriendYT And I hope that Sam got some time to see the gardens of Yavanna before passing. Would only be fitting.

[@ElffriendYT]

@@mikeynth7919 ofc!

[@Bryan198026]

Yeah, I've heard that theory before as well. Supposedly time would move much more quickly in Aman, so whatever years Frodo had left would have passed long before Sam got there according to Middle-Earth time.

[@krausgaming4154]

The final moments of Sam leaving Middle-Earth is so heartwarming.

[@etienneporras7252]

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.

[@rosie_gamgee]

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

[@peterreily1490]

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.

[@samcrorie]

Read the books and watch the movies. It's so worth the time and effort.

[@ChipzBitz]

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[@janstransky6071]

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.

[@catlange]

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.

[@jack1235ify]

The level of writing put into this world and this story is always impressive and inspiring .

[@raquelcarrera8911]

Wow, this made me cry! It is very touching. Sam is my favorite character, always and forever.

[@prallencreative]

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!

[@vilhelmandersson6346]

My favorite Tolkien character, the true hero of the war of the ring!

[@Cabin_Pat]

A nice breakdown of Sam's journey, thanks. It's easy to forget how important he was to the life of the One ring. What a hero!

[@GryphonBrokewing]

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.

[@marchingham]

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!

[@kristenchen7084]

Would SO take that movie if they could keep any actors for characters they decide to include.

[@reneedailey1696]

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.

[@Agreus93]

My favorite character, without knowing Tolkien said that about him, it was the real hero to me. I remember the first time I read the book, I was so overwhelm when he faced Shelob, it was the definition of courage. I would love to see Sam in Valinor, I could bet that he would be loved by Yavanna and the things that maybe she could teach him, also could bet that he could even impress her. Awesome video!

[@alightinthedarkages9494]

Far more courageous for him to face such a terror and threat than one of the tall folk with their huge muscles and fell weapons, their magic and special armor and lore. Simple gardener with a stout heart, true hero indeed!

[@nathanthaxton7492]

Samwise Gamgee is hand's down my favorite literary character. He is someone I aspire to be like. And I always try to be the "Sam" in my relationships.

[@charlesfloyd2989]

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.

[@parkerdemoss3663]

My dude, your videos never get old. Well done 👏

[@NerdoftheRings]

🙏

[@vinz4066]

Who thought that instead of all the Kings, princes, Warriors, sourceres and captians a simple Hobbit gardener would be the downfall of sauron, one of the Most terrible beeings that ever existed?

[@Jakblade]

❤️ absolutely

[@jamesgalbreath343]

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.

[@philippalinton5850]

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.

[@ChiaraSiasat]

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!!

[@ChipzBitz]

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[@eli3568]

Yes I wish they'd kept that part in too.

[@Spiri7ualShi7]

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.

[@eli3568]

@@Spiri7ualShi7 Well they probably should have included the scouring on the Shire as well.

[@Spiri7ualShi7]

@@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.

[@frenchroast1355]

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.

[@HonkIfYouLoveBeer]

I have an unreasonable amount of pride knowing that Slidebelts also loves NotR. I feel so seen

[@sodeiku]

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

[@vn_bricks]

I started reading lotr few weeks ago and i am already on chapter 12 (the moment when frodo arrived to rivendel)

[@Jakblade]

You are in for an amazing time. I’ve read them probably 50 times and I wish I was exaggerating. It just gets better and better every time for me. The little details get clearer and clearer.

[@jaysgamingcorner8539]

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.

[@lorekeepermeerah]

It makes me so happy that Bill and Sam are reunited at the end

[@marionbaggins]

BILL!!!

[@mikeynth7919]

Bill gives Bill Ferny a parting kick that connected.

[@jananay2768]

We love Samwise! Best character in LOTR (maybe, it’s arguable. Kind of)

[@mrjoe332]

Nah, he's the GOAT

[@sawyeratkinson]

You got it right

[@marionbaggins]

Who is arguing, Samwise will always be the GOAT, and famous fictional Sam's he is the Greatest and Grandfather to the rest!!!

[@philippalinton5850]

@@marionbaggins Many of us love Frodo just as much. “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.

[@sarahsophia9625]

The ending almost made me cry. I love it when good-hearted people get the happy ending they deserve.

[@off-labelbotanist5355]

I'm appreciating the proper colouration of everyone's eyes and hair at 4:47

[@matthewnewman2976]

the true hero. a person who had no business saving the world but he went for a friend and went all the way to the finish.

[@thorhammerstrong2809]

13 kids ..." good gracious Rosy ,you have been productive "

[@OreadNYC]

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.

[@mosesbrown4126]

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.

[@billshears6062]

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.

[@OreadNYC]

@@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.

[@billshears6062]

@@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…

[@shamankaangel-heart7509]

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

[@tikitiki5226]

The horror of the ring is that it can control even heroes and wise men. Therefore, apart from heroes, there needed to be another being who could fight the domination of the ring. That is why Frodo needed Sam and Sam needed Frodo. The only reason they survived, in my opinion, was because they saved each other. Thanks for the great video!

[@omarchodhry8139]

Loved watching each characters journey. Keep it coming.

[@lordofthehouseofstormcrows8615]

Excellent work Mellon! "My ol' Gaffer wouldn't believe this!" KEEP IT UP! ECTHELION!

[@specialnewb9821]

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.

[@genlob]

My favourite character from LoTR and Sean Astin played him so well. I read somewhere that Tolkien based the Frodo/Sam relationship on that of the WW1 British Officer and his batman (military servant). Think Blackadder and Baldric. Sam is the dependable working class doughty English yeoman that always bails out the English toffs. Pippin gives the game away on page 95. "Sam! Get breakfast ready for half-past nine! Have you got the bath-water hot?" Sam jumped up, looking rather bleary. "No sir, I haven't sir!" It would be interesting to see if Tolkien had his own batman in the trenches of Flanders and, if so, was he like Sam?

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

So many illustrations in this vid that are new to me; awesome!!! 👍

[@VoiceoftheRings]

Awesome Video Nerd of the RIngs! One of My Favorite Characters!

[@mrjoe332]

Can't believe I've read those books more than 10 times each, and had no idea that Sam had siblings

[@NerdoftheRings]

👆

[@mrjoe332]

@@Alexs.2599 oh yeah! Thanks.

[@ChristaCrow]

9:30 that was so beautifully read I almost started crying. Lovely use of music too. ❤️🖤

[@isaacday1151]

Love these stories so much. The ending stories (though death is just another path) of these characters always hits me in the feels.

[@AndrewCarlisle11B]

Love that Sam got to make the voyage, always one of my favorite characters.

[@arslors]

Watching this on monday after work, and not going to lie its so relaxing as Sam is my favorite character out of all of Tolkien's characters. Congrats on 600k subs man, been here since before you had 50k!

[@beesod6412]

Happy 600k subs Matt! heres to 600k more! and sam is one of my favorites, great video. thank you!

[@tjbmenick7263]

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.

[@samcrorie]

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.

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

J.R.R. Tolkien took the name from Gamgee Tissue, a surgical dressing invented by a 19th Century Birmingham surgeon called Joseph Sampson Gamgee.

[@darrenjarvis2118]

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?

[@shehansenanayaka3046]

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.

[@brooke9885]

It makes me so happy to know that sam and frodo got to spend their last days together. At the end of lotr it always broke my heart that such good friends were separated 😭

[@joannakleinheksel-horn3494]

That was so beautiful and well implemented, I loved it! 🙂

[@afolsom685]

Sam has always been one my favorites. Everyone could use a bit of Sam in one's life.

[@sigfreed11]

Best character of any story, real or fiction. I love Samwise. Great episode thank you!

[@marionbaggins]

I love that Poem, you reintroduced me to that song, with Bill Nighy on the best covers of Tolkien Songs you did!!!

[@NerdoftheRings]

My favorite rendition! So wonderful!

[@marionbaggins]

@@NerdoftheRings Yes, and what a beautiful song still relevant in time like these.

[@TCO1216]

One of your best yet. Absolutely beautiful poetry from the Master and reading by NOTR!

[@ryansutter9434]

My favorite character in all fiction!

[@jayneharding6546]

I really love this video! Sam has been a favorite of mine for a long time!

[@tryfryingmikejones]

The story of Samwise Gamgee is the story of the greatest hobbit who ever lived and IMO the greatest character of the books. He assumed the ring from Frodo (who was in paralysis after Shelob) and gave it back to him. In the Tolkien universe, that action in and of itself is legendary. not an inheritor of great objects, homesteads or treasures, nor enabled by any divine providence or purpose, Samwise is your *everyman's* man, that just does the right thing bc its the right thing to do. He gives the goddamn ring back, what more do you have to say? If you don't understand this action, then you don't understand the work of the author.

[@philippalinton5850]

I have always regarded Frodo and Sam as equally great. They're a team. Tolkien said: “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.

[@huanhoundofthevailinor2374]

I love how sam got that end biblo had said and he lived happily ever after to the rest of his days

[@pinkywinky911]

The song made me tear up by the end 🥹❤️

[@roli6460]

No character ever fit the category 'such a good heart' better

[@offroader9965]

Great vid! As always

[@treyowen9213]

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.

[@NerdoftheRings]

It is such an incredible moment!

[@Bryan198026]

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.

[@iainballas]

I love how sam is so humble and down-to-earth it's easy to forget that he slew a GIANT FREAKING SPIDER well maybe didn't slay it, but defeated Shelob so badly she wasn't seen again. Same difference IMO.

[@TheMrTJWhite]

I love your videos. This was great. Could you do a history of the Red Book of Westmarch? Thanks.

[@cherylcouch-thomas8250]

I am crying because I love Samwise so much!

[@philiptaram]

I love every video you put out, so much thought and effort!!

[@tasosgr1000]

One of the most beautiful stories

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Loved it! Sam’s my favorite

[@full_metal2452]

Was tearing up at the end of this

[@leelduttis4086]

“Now being resourceful is why I love the survival belt from SlideBelts”?

[@venepskeuten9206]

Samwise is a gigachad. Dude went through hell and back again to help frodo out of the pure goodness of his heart.

[@meganrussell5103]

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 😅😜🙌🏻👌😉

[@annaroselarsen4218]

Sam wise gamgee ! My favorite character

[@atharvakarekar3076]

The belt recommend by you is awesome 😎👍 I have never seen such a good belt

[@jessepollard7132]

the old military fabric/canvas belts worked the same way.

[@TolkienAnswers]

I think there is enough material out there to make a solo movie on the 4th age. Sam, mayor of the Shire, would definitely be a main character.

[@Gandalf914]

Sam is an example for us all. There were many times he could have left Frodo. But Sam chose to fulfill that oath until the end.

[@heftydrewdunn6869]

Awsome next complete travels i want to see next is Frodo the complete travels

[@Ieremos]

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...

[@mihajlo7835]

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

[@philippalinton5850]

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.

[@Kuro_Tsuki]

I'M NOT CRYING I SWEAR IT'S JUST RAINING ON MY FACE

[@matthew1182]

Frodo and Sam together at the end. If that doesn't get you in the feels....

[@AMcGrath82]

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.

[@billshears6062]

Wow, I always thought “scouring” was a negative word and assumed the title to refer to Saruman’s takeover.

[@Warriorsfan540]

So well done. Thank you so much.

[@Mr_Doogz]

Eyyyy, my favorite hobbit gets his own notr feature

[@Aurora-qn2dx]

Even though Tolkien said that Sam is the hero i still think Frodo is...the one that sacrifices more is the true hero in my eyes...Sam even though a kind,loyal,faithful friend and aid only got good things and a splendid life..even got bag end,the Red book and a ticket to the undying lands...Frodo on the other hand got shafted in every sense..lost everything and needed to go to the undying lands because he was tormented.. and lost even his title as the true hero...as a famous song goes "i tried so hard to get this far.. but in the end it doesnt even matter" poor character. As for the video , excellent work..Sam's story is one of my favourites and a fine exsample of a wholesome character.

[@ZGundam83]

5:29 😯That's an awesome detailed map of Moria.

[@technodrome]

Samwise Gamgee going to Valinor is pretty much the most epic thing ever.