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Elven customs

2023-05-24T12:38:29Z

Kgreen20: /* Epessë */

The Elves had various '''Customs''' they practiced.

==Marriage==

Spouses can choose each other long before they are married and be betrothed. The betrothal is subject to parental approval unless the parties are of age and intend to marry soon, at which point the betrothal is announced at a meeting of the two houses, during which the couple exchange rings. The betrothal lasts at least a year, and is revocable by the return of the rings (but is rarely broken). After their formal betrothal, the couple appoints a time for the wedding when at least a year has passed.

Marriage is celebrated at a feast of the two houses. The spouses return their betrothal rings and receive others worn on their index fingers. The bride’s mother gives the groom a jewel to be worn, but the marriage is only achieved with its consummation. Technically, only the words exchanged by the bride and groom (including the speaking of the name of Eru) and the consummation are required for marriage.

==Naming conventions==
The following traditions were practiced among the Noldor; other Eldar had slightly different conventions. Naming conventions are complex, as both parents named the child, and the Elves often chose additional names for themselves later, or were given names by others.

===Essë===
The Noldor were typically given one name (an ''[[essë]]'') at birth. This name was given by the father, therefore called the Father-name.<ref name=Mother>{{PM|Mother}}</ref> The name was often derived from the father's or the mother's own name.
The most prominent example for this are [[Finwë]] and his descendants:
*Finwë gave to his oldest son [[Fëanor]] the name ''Curufinwë'' (skilled Finwë), to his middle son [[Fingolfin]] the name ''Ñolofinwë'' (Wise Finwë), and to his youngest son [[Finarfin]] the name ''Arafinwë'' (Noble Finwë).<ref name=Finwe>{{PM|Finwe}}</ref>
*Many of Finwë's descendants bear the ''fin'' element in their names, such as [[Fingolfin]], [[Finarfin]], [[Fingon]] and [[Finrod]].

Fëanor in turn also gave to all his sons names based on Finwë, with slight derivation:
*His eldest son [[Maedhros]] was given the name ''Nelyafinwë'' (third Finwë), the second son [[Maglor]] was named ''Canafinwë'' (strong-voiced Finwë), the fourth son [[Caranthir]] was named ''Morifinwë'' (dark Finwë) and the youngest son [[Amras]] was named ''Telufinwë'' (last Finwë).<ref name=Sons>{{PM|Feanor}}</ref>
The prefixes are partially based on physical appearance and skills and thus might be added some time after birth.

===Amilessë===
When the children had become older, they received a second name from their mother, the ''amilessë''. They often described the physical appearance of the child or a character trait.
As an example, [[Galadriel]]'s amilessë was ''Nerwen'', meaning man-maiden due to her height, physical strength and pride. [[Celegorm]]'s amilessë was ''Tyelkormo'', meaning "hasty-riser" referring to his quick temper (Celegorm is the Sindarin rendering of the name).
Sometimes the mother-name divulged details about an Elf's fate or strong characteristics, such as the name Fëanor (spirit of fire) or the mother-name of [[Amrod]] ''Umbarto'' (the Fated), then called ''amilessi tercenyë'' ("mother names of insight"). These names were rarely given, but considered extremely important.

===Cilmessë===
As the Noldo grew older, he or she chose a third name, called a ''cilmessë'', or "chosen name". This name reflected the Noldo's unique linguistic tastes.<ref name=Mother/> It was not used by those who did not know the Noldo well and would be considered rude to do so, and for this reason no example for a cilmessë is known, as they wouldn't appear in historical records and tales. In those cases, the Father-name (which remained the official name throughout the Noldo's life) would be used.

===Epessë===
The ''epessë'' or the "after-name" was the fourth type. The after-name was given later in life (not necessarily by the Elf's kin), as a title of admiration and honour.<ref name=Mother/> In some circumstances, the ''epessë'' was chosen by the Elf himself or herself.
A typical example of an ''epessë'' is [[Galadriel]]. Galadriel is the Sindarin rendering of ''Alatáriel'', the latter being the Telerin ''epessë'' originally given to her by [[Celeborn]], meaning "Maiden Crowned by a Radiant Garland".

===Special cases===
Due to the Noldor's migration to Middle-earth, where they abandoned their native language and adopted [[Sindarin]], there are a few more complex cases. Many of the original names have been rendered into Sindarin, but not translated entirely correct. In other cases two names have been merged, creating a new epessë.
For example [[Maedhros]], the oldest son of [[Fëanor]], was called ''Russandol'' (copper-top) by his brothers, due to his auburn hair.<ref name=Sons/> His mother name was ''Maitimo'' (well-shaped one). Maedhros is the combination of both names.

Another very special case is Amrod. His mother-name was Umbarto, meaning the fated. His father Fëanor was disturbed by this name and changed it to Ambarto.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Sindarin Name !! Quenya father-name !! Quenya mother-name !! epesse
|-
| Feanor || Curufinwe|| Feanaro ||
|-
| Fingolfin || Nolofinwe || Aracano ||
|-
| Finarfin || Arafinwe || Ingalaure ||
|-
| Maedhros || Nelyafinwe || Maitimo || Russandol
|-
| Maglor || Kanofinwe || Makalaure ||
|-
| Celegorm || Turkafinwe || Tyelkormo ||
|-
| Caranthir || Morifinwe || Carnistir ||
|-
| Curufin || Curufinwe || Atarinke ||
|-
| Amrod || Pityafinwe || Ambarto -> Umbarto ||
|-
| Amras || Telufinwe || Ambarussa ||
|-
| Fingon || Findekano || ||
|-
| Turgon || Turukano || ||
|-
| Aredhel || Írissë || || Ar-Feiniel
|-
| Argon || Arakáno || ||
|-
| Finrod || Findaráto || ||
|-
| Angrod || Angarato|| || Angamaitë
|-
| Aegnor || Ambarato || Aikanaro ||

|-
| Galadriel || Artanis || Nerwen || Alatariel
|}

{{references}}
[[Category: Elves]]

Elven customs

2023-05-24T12:36:13Z

Kgreen20: /* Epessë */

The Elves had various '''Customs''' they practiced.

==Marriage==

Spouses can choose each other long before they are married and be betrothed. The betrothal is subject to parental approval unless the parties are of age and intend to marry soon, at which point the betrothal is announced at a meeting of the two houses, during which the couple exchange rings. The betrothal lasts at least a year, and is revocable by the return of the rings (but is rarely broken). After their formal betrothal, the couple appoints a time for the wedding when at least a year has passed.

Marriage is celebrated at a feast of the two houses. The spouses return their betrothal rings and receive others worn on their index fingers. The bride’s mother gives the groom a jewel to be worn, but the marriage is only achieved with its consummation. Technically, only the words exchanged by the bride and groom (including the speaking of the name of Eru) and the consummation are required for marriage.

==Naming conventions==
The following traditions were practiced among the Noldor; other Eldar had slightly different conventions. Naming conventions are complex, as both parents named the child, and the Elves often chose additional names for themselves later, or were given names by others.

===Essë===
The Noldor were typically given one name (an ''[[essë]]'') at birth. This name was given by the father, therefore called the Father-name.<ref name=Mother>{{PM|Mother}}</ref> The name was often derived from the father's or the mother's own name.
The most prominent example for this are [[Finwë]] and his descendants:
*Finwë gave to his oldest son [[Fëanor]] the name ''Curufinwë'' (skilled Finwë), to his middle son [[Fingolfin]] the name ''Ñolofinwë'' (Wise Finwë), and to his youngest son [[Finarfin]] the name ''Arafinwë'' (Noble Finwë).<ref name=Finwe>{{PM|Finwe}}</ref>
*Many of Finwë's descendants bear the ''fin'' element in their names, such as [[Fingolfin]], [[Finarfin]], [[Fingon]] and [[Finrod]].

Fëanor in turn also gave to all his sons names based on Finwë, with slight derivation:
*His eldest son [[Maedhros]] was given the name ''Nelyafinwë'' (third Finwë), the second son [[Maglor]] was named ''Canafinwë'' (strong-voiced Finwë), the fourth son [[Caranthir]] was named ''Morifinwë'' (dark Finwë) and the youngest son [[Amras]] was named ''Telufinwë'' (last Finwë).<ref name=Sons>{{PM|Feanor}}</ref>
The prefixes are partially based on physical appearance and skills and thus might be added some time after birth.

===Amilessë===
When the children had become older, they received a second name from their mother, the ''amilessë''. They often described the physical appearance of the child or a character trait.
As an example, [[Galadriel]]'s amilessë was ''Nerwen'', meaning man-maiden due to her height, physical strength and pride. [[Celegorm]]'s amilessë was ''Tyelkormo'', meaning "hasty-riser" referring to his quick temper (Celegorm is the Sindarin rendering of the name).
Sometimes the mother-name divulged details about an Elf's fate or strong characteristics, such as the name Fëanor (spirit of fire) or the mother-name of [[Amrod]] ''Umbarto'' (the Fated), then called ''amilessi tercenyë'' ("mother names of insight"). These names were rarely given, but considered extremely important.

===Cilmessë===
As the Noldo grew older, he or she chose a third name, called a ''cilmessë'', or "chosen name". This name reflected the Noldo's unique linguistic tastes.<ref name=Mother/> It was not used by those who did not know the Noldo well and would be considered rude to do so, and for this reason no example for a cilmessë is known, as they wouldn't appear in historical records and tales. In those cases, the Father-name (which remained the official name throughout the Noldo's life) would be used.

===Epessë===
The ''epessë'' or the "after-name" was the fourth type. The after-name was given later in life (not necessarily by the Elf's kin), as a title of admiration and honour.<ref name=Mother/> In some circumstances, the ''epessë'' was chosen by the Elf himself or herself.
A typical example for an ''epessë'' is [[Galadriel]]. Galadriel is the Sindarin rendering of ''Alatáriel'', the latter being the Telerin ''epessë'' originally given to her by [[Celeborn]], meaning "Maiden Crowned by a Radiant Garland".

===Special cases===
Due to the Noldor's migration to Middle-earth, where they abandoned their native language and adopted [[Sindarin]], there are a few more complex cases. Many of the original names have been rendered into Sindarin, but not translated entirely correct. In other cases two names have been merged, creating a new epessë.
For example [[Maedhros]], the oldest son of [[Fëanor]], was called ''Russandol'' (copper-top) by his brothers, due to his auburn hair.<ref name=Sons/> His mother name was ''Maitimo'' (well-shaped one). Maedhros is the combination of both names.

Another very special case is Amrod. His mother-name was Umbarto, meaning the fated. His father Fëanor was disturbed by this name and changed it to Ambarto.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Sindarin Name !! Quenya father-name !! Quenya mother-name !! epesse
|-
| Feanor || Curufinwe|| Feanaro ||
|-
| Fingolfin || Nolofinwe || Aracano ||
|-
| Finarfin || Arafinwe || Ingalaure ||
|-
| Maedhros || Nelyafinwe || Maitimo || Russandol
|-
| Maglor || Kanofinwe || Makalaure ||
|-
| Celegorm || Turkafinwe || Tyelkormo ||
|-
| Caranthir || Morifinwe || Carnistir ||
|-
| Curufin || Curufinwe || Atarinke ||
|-
| Amrod || Pityafinwe || Ambarto -> Umbarto ||
|-
| Amras || Telufinwe || Ambarussa ||
|-
| Fingon || Findekano || ||
|-
| Turgon || Turukano || ||
|-
| Aredhel || Írissë || || Ar-Feiniel
|-
| Argon || Arakáno || ||
|-
| Finrod || Findaráto || ||
|-
| Angrod || Angarato|| || Angamaitë
|-
| Aegnor || Ambarato || Aikanaro ||

|-
| Galadriel || Artanis || Nerwen || Alatariel
|}

{{references}}
[[Category: Elves]]

Gaffer Gamgee

2015-01-17T03:59:49Z

Kgreen20: /* History */

{{hobbit infobox
| image=[[Image:Stephen Hickman - Gaffer Gamgee and the Black Rider.jpg|250px]]
| name=Hamfast Gamgee
| pronun=
| othernames=Gaffer, Old Gamgee, [[Ranugad]] [[Galbasi]]
| titles=
| position=Gardener
| location=[[Hobbiton]]
| affiliation=
| language=
| birth={{SR|1326}}
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| death={{SR|1428}}<ref group=note>''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth]]'' gives {{FoA|8}}</ref>
| deathlocation=
| age=102
| notablefor=
| family=[[Gamgee Family|Gamgee]]
| parentage=[[Hobson|Hobson Gamgee]]
| siblings=[[Andwise Roper|Andy]], [[May (hobbit)|May]] and [[Halfred of Overhill|Halfred]]
| spouse=
| children=[[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]], [[Samwise Gamgee|Samwise]] and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=In later life, grey
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=
| steed=
}}
{{quote|Elves and Dragons! Cabbages and potatoes are better for me and you.|[[Gaffer Gamgee|The Gaffer]]<ref>{{FR|Party}}</ref>}}
'''Hamfast Gamgee''', better known as '''the Gaffer''', was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of [[the Shire]], and the father of [[Samwise Gamgee]].
==History==

Hamfast was born in 2926, the third son of [[Hobson|Hobson Gamgee]], who was a roper by trade.<ref name="Gamgee">{{App|Gamgee}}</ref>

He entered the service of his relative, [[Holman Greenhand]], and became a gardener. One of his first jobs was tending the garden of [[Bag End]]. On [[22 June]], {{TA|2942}}, he and Holman tried frantically to keep the garden in order during the auction of the presumed-dead [[Bilbo Baggins]]. It is likely that at this time he already lived at Number 3, [[Bagshot Row]].

Hamfast became a gardener in his own right in about {{TA|2960}}<ref>{{HM|Guide}}, p. 187</ref>, and a local expert on [[potatoes]]. He married [[Bell Gamgee|Bell Goodchild]], and they had six children: [[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]], Samwise and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]].<ref name="Gamgee"/> Sam became Hamfast's apprentice.

Sam took over most of his father's work, who had become too old for the laborous work. He became known as the "Gaffer", a name Sam uses more often than "Hamfast".

Prior to the [[Bilbo's Farewell Party|Farewell Party]], the Gaffer entertained a crowd at the [[Ivy Bush]]. Always a man of loquacity and knowledge, he argued with [[Sandyman]], [[Old Noakes]] and Ham's neighbor [[Daddy Twofoot]] about the [[Baggins Family|Bagginses]] and the [[Sackville-Baggins Family|Sackville-Bagginses]].

On [[22 September]], {{TA|3018}}, the night of the departure of [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and Sam from the Shire, [[Khamûl]], one of the [[Nazgûl]] rode up the lane, and asked the elderly hobbit about "[[Baggins Family|Baggins]]". A week later, he was visited by [[Gandalf]] who also informed about Frodo's whereabouts.<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

When [[Lotho Sackville-Baggins|Lotho]] and eventually [[Sharkey]] took over the Shire, the Gaffer was evicted from Bagshot Row.<ref>{{RK|Scouring}}</ref> After the [[Battle of Bywater]], in which he only had a marginal role, he moved back into the newly restored [[New Row]], while Sam moved into Bag End. He was looked after by the [[Widow Rumble]], and died in [[Fourth Age 7]].<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref>

His son, Sam, named his seventh child [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]] after his father.<ref name="Gamgee"/>

==Etymology==
The name ''Hamfast'' means "Stay-at-home", or literally, "Home-fast". It is a translation of his [[Westron]] name, [[Ranugad]] [[Galbasi]].<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref> In the [[King's Letter]], the name (referring to [[Hamfast Gardner]], not the Gaffer) is translated into [[Sindarin]] as [[Baravorn]].<ref>{{SD|Epilogue}}</ref>

"[[Wiktionary:gaffer|Gaffer]]" is a colloquial word for "old man".

==Inspiration==
In [[Letter 257]], [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] recounts a holiday to Lamorna Cave in the early 1930's. To amuse his sons, he named a local Gaffer Gamgee. This "curious local character" was "an old man who used to go about swapping gossip and weather-fashion and such like". The surname was chosen because it alliterated with Gaffer.

Tolkien had several encounters with actual Gamgees, however. [[wikipedia:Gamgee Tissue|Gamgee Tissue]], a word young Ronald considered comical, was named after [[wikipedia:Sampson Gamgee|J. Sampson Gamgee]] (1828-1886), a famous [[Birmingham]] surgeon,<ref>{{L|72}}</ref> whilst in the Black Country dialect cotton wool was referred to as "gamgee".<ref>{{webcite|website=[http://sedgleymanor.com/ The Ancient Manor of Sedgley]|articleurl=http://sedgleymanor.com/dictionaries/dialect.html|articlename=Black Country Dialect|accessed=9 September 2014}}</ref> The Gamgees were notorious surgeons - years later, Dr. Leonard Gamgee tended those war-wounded, including Lieutenant Tolkien.{{fact}}

==Portrayal in Adaptations==
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[John Church]] plays Gaffer Gamgee. He used a thick peasant accent for the role. He is included in early episodes including a full dramatisation of his encounter with the Nazgul. He also features towards the end of the adaptation when he admonishes the returning Hobbits for wearing "ironmongery."

[[File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring - Gaffer Gamgee.jpg|Gaffer in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]''|right|thumb|150px]]
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''
:Gaffer appears in the film's [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (extended edition)|Extended Edition]], where he is played by [[Norman Forsey]]. The conversation in the Ivy Bush is moved to the [[Green Dragon]] Inn, though the dialogue remains much the same. He does not appear at Sam's marriage in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:Gaffer appears twice; at first, he drinks at the Green Dragon, but during the night, he informs Frodo of the Ringwraith that stalks the Shire. He was voiced by an uncredited [[Jim Piddock]].

==Notes==
<references group=note/>
{{references}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Gamgee]]
[[de:Hamfast Gamdschie (Sohn von Hobsen)]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hobbits/gamegie/hamfast_gamegie_1]]
[[fi:Hamfast Gamgi (Ukko Gamgi)]]

Samwise Gamgee

2015-01-17T03:56:46Z

Kgreen20: /* History */

{{Expansion}}
{{hobbit infobox
| image=[[File:Lorraine Brevig - Sam in a Garden.jpg|250px]]
| name=Samwise Gamgee
| pronun=
| othernames=[[Banazîr]]
| titles=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]]
| position=Gardener
| location=[[Bagshot Row|3 Bagshot Row]], [[Hobbiton]]<br/>[[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}
| birthlocation= The Shire
| rule={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|61}}
| sailedfrom=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=102
| notablefor=
| family=[[Gamgee Family|Gamgee]]
| parentage=[[Gaffer Gamgee]] and [[Bell Goodchild]]
| siblings=[[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]] and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]]
| spouse=[[Rose Cotton]]
| children=[[Elanor Gardner|Elanor]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]
| gender=Male
| height=
| hair=
| eyes=Brown<ref name="breaking">{{FR|Breaking}}</ref>
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Daggers of Westernesse|Dagger of Westernesse]], also [[Sting]]
| steed=[[Bill the Pony|Bill]]
}}
<center>{{quote|I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam|[[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]<ref name="Mount Doom">{{RK|Doom}}</ref>}}</center>

'''Samwise "Sam" Gamgee''' (6 April {{TA|2980}}<ref group="note">In the second edition of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Sam's year of birth was added to ''[[Appendix B|The Tale of Years]]''; it was, however, {{TA|2983}}. This contradicts both the ''[[Longfather Tree of Master Samwise]]'' and a later entry in ''The Tale of Years''. The incorrect date has been corrected in the [[The Lord of the Rings (50th Anniversary Edition)|50th anniversary edition]]. See also ''[[The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion]]'', p. 716.</ref> - {{FoA|61}}; [[Shire Reckoning]]: 1380 - 1482; 102 years old when he sailed into the [[Aman|West]]) was [[Frodo Baggins]]' servant and the only original member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to remain with him till the very end of the journey to [[Mount Doom]].

== History ==
He lived with his father, Hamfast Gamgee, better known as "[[The Gaffer]]", on [[Bagshot Row]] in [[the Shire]], close to [[Bag End]]. Sam's mother was [[Bell Gamgee|Bell Goodchild]]; he had five siblings: [[Hamson Gamgee|Hamson]], [[Halfred Gamgee|Halfred]], [[Daisy Gamgee|Daisy]], [[May Gamgee|May]], and [[Marigold Gamgee|Marigold]].

A gardener by trade, Sam seemed to be a simple [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of plain speech. However, his love for [[Elves]], his gift for poetry, and his belief that the world contains greater wonders than most hobbits are aware of (all nurtured by his tutor [[Bilbo Baggins]]) set him apart from the beginning.

Sam was one of the "[[Conspirators]]" who were summoned by [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry Brandybuck]] in order to watch after [[Frodo Baggins]] and the [[The One Ring|Ring]] inherited by Frodo from Bilbo. Being the closest to Frodo, Sam was their "chief investigator" who eavesdropped on his talks with [[Gandalf]] the [[Wizards|Wizard]].<ref>{{FR|Conspiracy}}</ref>

On [[13 April]], when Gandalf revealed to Frodo that Bilbo's ring is [[Sauron]]'s One Ring, they noticed Sam eavesdropping. Initially suspected as a spy, Sam feigned innocent curiosity. As "punishment", Sam was made Frodo's first companion on his journey to [[Bree]] and [[Rivendell]].<ref>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref> Sam and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin Took]] followed Frodo to his new house at [[Crickhollow]] where his and the Conspirators' role was revealed. Merry joined the travelers on their way to Bree. They passed through the [[Old Forest]], the [[Barrow-downs]] and [[the Prancing Pony]] at Bree where they were joined by "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]". [[Sauron]]'s spies had opened the stables of the inn and all the mounts went loose, therefore before leaving the village, the company purchased a [[Ponies|pony]] from [[Bill Ferny]]. Sam loved and tended the animal, and named him [[Bill the Pony|Bill]], after his owner.

When they reached [[Rivendell]], Sam was beside Frodo's bed while he was recovering from the [[Morgul-wound]] he was inflicted on [[Weathertop]]. Sam also was caught eavesdropping on the [[Council of Elrond]] and insisted that he accompany Frodo on his [[Quest of the Ring|quest to destroy the Ring]].

In [[Lothlórien]], [[Galadriel]] [[Gifts of Galadriel|gave]] Sam a [[Sam's garden box|box]] containing earth from her orchard.

After the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Sam was the only member of the Fellowship to remain with Frodo.
When [[Gollum]] joined up with them, Sam remained distrustful of his loyalty to Frodo, and treated him with disdain, and partially (though unintentionally) pushed Gollum to betray Frodo in [[Shelob's Lair]].
[[File:John Howe - Sam and Shelob.jpg|thumb|[[John Howe]] - ''Sam and Shelob''.jpg]]
After [[Shelob]] attacked and seemingly killed Frodo, Sam took the Ring, intending to complete the quest, but upon learning that Frodo still lived, he rescued him from the [[Tower of Cirith Ungol]] and returned the Ring to him. Because he held the Ring for a time, he is considered one of the [[Ring-bearers]].

Together, Sam and Frodo crossed [[Mordor]] to [[Mount Doom]]. Sam himself carrying Frodo up the slope for part of the way. After the destruction of the Ring, both Sam and Frodo were honored by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] for their deeds.

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Sam and Rosie Cotton.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Sam and Rosie Cotton'']]
After the [[War of the Ring]], and the [[Scouring of the Shire]], Sam planted saplings in all the places where specially beautiful and beloved trees had been destroyed, and he put a grain of Galadriel's soil at the root of each. He planted a silver nut in the [[Party Field]] where [[the Party Tree]] had once been, and the nut grew into a [[Mallorn]] tree.

He married [[Rose Cotton|Rose "Rosie" Cotton]]. In honor for restoring the Shire his family was given the name [[Gardner Family|Gardner]].

They had thirteen children: [[Elanor Gardner|Elanor the Fair]], [[Frodo Gardner|Frodo]], [[Rose Gardner|Rose]], [[Merry Gardner|Merry]], [[Pippin Gardner|Pippin]], [[Goldilocks Gardner|Goldilocks]], [[Hamfast Gardner|Hamfast]], [[Daisy Gardner|Daisy]], [[Primrose Gardner|Primrose]], [[Bilbo Gardner|Bilbo]], [[Ruby Gardner|Ruby]], [[Robin Gardner|Robin]], and [[Tolman Gardner|Tolman]]. When Frodo sailed on the [[White Ship]], at the end of the Third Age, Sam inherited Bag End and was entrusted the [[Red Book of Westmarch]].

After [[Will Whitfoot]] resigned his post as [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] (the largest town in the Shire and the "unofficial capital"), in {{FoA|6}}, Sam was elected Mayor of the Shire for seven consecutive 7-year terms.

After his wife died in {{FoA|61}}, Sam entrusted the Red Book to Elanor and left [[Middle-earth]] to sail across the Sea and be reunited with Frodo in the [[Undying Lands]].

==Etymology==
Samwise means "simple minded" or "half-minded". Gamgee is a corruption of the name [[Gammidgy]], a village in the Shire. Both names are presented as translations of the [[Westron]] form of Sam's name '''[[Banazîr]] [[Galbasi]]''' (''also spelled Banazîr Galpsi'') (q.v. for more information).<ref>{{App|Translation}}</ref>

Tolkien's English translation, ''Samwís Gamwich'', could have come to ''Samwise Gamgee'' in modern English.

The [[Sindarin]] version of Samwise is '''[[Perhael]]'''.

==Inspiration==
[[J.R.R. Tolkien]] took the name from ''Gamgee Tissue'', a surgical dressing invented by a 19th century [[Birmingham]] surgeon called Joseph Sampson Gamgee. "Gamgee" became the colloquial name in Birmingham for cotton wool. Here, Tolkien describes why he had chosen that name for his character:
{{quote|The choice of Gamgee was primarily directed by alliteration; but I did not invent it. It was caught out of childhood memory, as a comic word or name. It was in fact the name when I was small (in Birmingham) for 'cotton-wool'. (Hence the association of the Gamgees with the Cottons.) I knew nothing of its origin.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}

It is possible that Tolkien may have subconsciously recalled Dr. Gamgee (who died in 1886 but is commemorated by a plaque at the Birmingham Medical Institute, only yards from Tolkien's childhood home) but he claimed to be genuinely surprised when, in March 1956, he received a letter from one Sam Gamgee, who had heard that his name was in ''The Lord of the Rings'' but had not read the book. Tolkien replied on March 18:
{{quote|Dear Mr. Gamgee,<p>It was very kind of you to write. You can imagine my astonishment when I saw your signature! I can only say, for your comfort, I hope, that the 'Sam Gamgee' of my story is a most heroic character, now widely beloved by many readers, even though his origins are rustic. So that perhaps you will not be displeased at the coincidence of the name of this imaginary character of supposedly many centuries ago being the same as yours.|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]:'' [[Letter 184]]}}

He proceeded to send Mr Gamgee a signed copy of all three volumes of the book. However, the incident sparked a nagging worry in Tolkien's mind, as he recorded in his journal:
{{quote|For some time I lived in fear of receiving a letter signed 'S. Gollum'. That would have been more difficult to deal with.|''[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]''}}

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<center><gallery>
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Sam Gamgee.png|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
File:Lego - Sam mini figure.png|Sam as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
</gallery></center>

'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Victor Platt]] provided the voice of Sam.
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:[[Michael Scholes]] was the voice of Sam, and [[Billy Barty]] played him in rotoscoped footage.

'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Sam is provided by [[Lou Bliss]].

'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:[[Roddy McDowall]] provided the voice of Sam.

'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:A young [[Bill Nighy|William Nighy]] portrays Sam as a warm and caring person. No dialectical or social difference was made.

'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:In the two episodes of "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil", [[Jonathan Adams]] portrayed Sam with a very rustic accent.

'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:[[Scott Menville]] provided the voice for Sam in all but the X-box version; there, [[Cliff Broadway]] took over. The role of Sam is greatly diminished: after being caught eavesdropping by Gandalf, Sam is to be Frodo's companion, but he does not appear again until Frodo reaches [[Farmer Maggot]].

'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Sam is played by [[Sean Astin]].

'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''
:Sam is a playable characters in several missions: escape from [[Osgiliath]], Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring]]'':'''
:Samwise only makes a single appearance in the Lothlorien mission.

'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Unlike most other characters, Frodo and Sam make no appearance in Skirmish battles - they only appear in the storyline campaign.

'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Sam and other Hobbits are no longer permanent units, they are now a temporary power boost available to Free People forces.

'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Samwise is first found in Rivendell, preparing for the departure. Later, he is found on [[Cerin Amroth]] in Lothlorien, alongside Frodo. The game's "Guardian" class ("Tank" in MMO terms) is based on Samwise due to the dedication he showed Frodo. This leads to an interesting occurrence: at some point each player gets to talk to a major character, who inspired his class. But while Legolas can teach a lot to a Hunter and Bilbo can show much to a Burglar, Sawmwise insists that he is no Guardian and not fit to be one - because his heroic deeds have not happened yet. The player has to double-check and discovers that whoever talked of Sam as a great Guardian, apparently had misheard the word "Gardener".

== Commentary ==
Sam Gamgee is by many regarded as the "true hero" of Tolkien's story. Tolkien himself expressed this view in one of his letters: Sam is referred to as the "chief hero", and special emphasis is placed on Sam's "rustic love" for Rosie.<ref>{{L|131}}</ref> The quest to destroy the Ring only succeeds because of Sam, who repeatedly saves Frodo from disaster (such as rescuing him at [[Cirith Ungol]] and carrying him up [[Mount Doom]]). He was one of only two Ring-bearers strong enough to surrender the Ring voluntarily.

The relationship between Frodo and Sam is, in many respects, at the center of ''The Lord of the Rings''. To the modern reader, it seems archaic, as it is extremely class-oriented. Sam's humbleness and "plain speaking" is frequently emphasised in contrast to Frodo's "gentility", and he often shows deference to Frodo, calling him "Mister Frodo" or "Master". At the same time, a strong bond of love and trust grows between them, portrayed most poignantly during the events of Cirith Ungol, where Sam vows to return to his (apparently) dead master, to be reunited with Frodo in death.

[[Tolkienists]] regard Sam as Frodo's ''[[wikipedia:Batman (army)|batman]]''. In the British Army, a batman was an orderly who acted as the personal servant of an officer. It was a role with which Tolkien (who served as an Army officer in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I First World War]) would have been extremely familiar. Sam undertakes all of the typical roles of a batman — he runs errands for Frodo, he cooks, he transports him (or at least carries him), and he carries his luggage. Tolkien confirmed this interpretation when he wrote in a private letter that:
{{quote|My Sam Gamgee is indeed a reflexion of the English soldier, of the privates and batmen I knew in the 1914 war, and recognized as so far superior to myself|''[[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien]]''}}

Compare to the relation between [[wikipedia:Don_Quixote|Don Quixote]] and his squire [[wikipedia:Sancho Panza|Sancho Panza]], and the gradual "Quixotization" of Sancho.

{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=hobbit
| house=[[Gamgee Family]]
| born=[[6 April]] {{TA|2980}}
| died=After {{FoA|61}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Frodo Baggins]]
| list=[[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| dates=[[13 March|13]]-[[14 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| next=[[Frodo Baggins]]
}}
{{seq-end}}
{{fellowship}}

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Samwise Gamgee|Images of Samwise Gamgee]]

{{References|n}}

[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Gamgee]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[de:Samweis Gamdschie]]
[[fa:سم‌وایز گمجی]]

The Breaking of the Fellowship

2013-04-15T01:31:54Z

Kgreen20: /* Summary */

{{fotrchapters}}
'''The Breaking of the Fellowship''' is the eleventh and final chapter of book two in [[The Fellowship of the Ring]].

===Summary===
That night the company rests on the right-bank of the river at the foot of [[Amon Hen]]. The next day the burden of choice is laid on [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]]'s shoulders. He must decide whether to return with [[Boromir]] to [[Gondor]] and defeat [[Sauron]], or proceed with the plan to destroy [[The One Ring|the Ring]].

Frodo takes a walk. Boromir follows him and tries to persuade him to return with the ring to Gondor. Frodo refuses and says that if he does not take the difficult path to [[Mount Doom]] and destroy the Ring, every good battle will ultimately be lost.

In desperation, Boromir tries to take the Ring. Frodo slips it on and evades Boromir, who comes to his senses and realizes what he has done.

Frodo is aware that the others must be looking for him. He puts the Ring on again and goes towards the foot of the hill, realizing that he must proceed alone, to avoid further complications. The company learns from Boromir part of what has happened and they pair off to go and look for him. On a hunch, [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] goes to the river where he sees an empty boat floating. He jumps towards it, but misses and falls into the water. Frodo takes off his Ring and helps Sam ashore, thus saving him from drowning. After much arguing, Frodo agrees that Sam should accompany him and the two of them set out toward the [[Mordor|Land of Shadow]].

[[Category:The Fellowship of the Ring chapters|Breaking of the Fellowship]]

The Field of Cormallen

2013-04-15T01:26:24Z

Kgreen20: /* Summary */

{{rotkchapters}}
'''The Field of Cormallen''' is the fourth chapter of the sixth book in ''[[The Return of the King]]''.

===Summary===
The narrative returns to [[Gandalf]] and those outside the [[Black Gate]]. To the north, the [[Captains of the West]] founder on the hills outside the Gate, surrounded by a dark, rolling sea of [[Orcs]] and [[Wild Men]]. Gandalf stands proudly, white and calm, with no shadow falling upon him. Suddenly, a great cry rises up: “The [[Eagles]] are coming!” Out of the north arrives a company of great eagles, led by [[Gwaihir]] the [[Windlord]]. The will of [[Sauron]] falters, and all the armies of [[Mordor]] quail in terror. A great roar shakes the hills. Gandalf cries in victory that the [[Ring-bearer]] has completed his quest, and that the reign of Sauron has ended. As Gandalf speaks, a huge shadow rises in the south, extending across the sky like a giant hand, and then vanishes in the wind with a great rush.

[[Aragorn]] leads the Captains in a great sweep over the plains. Gandalf then soars into Mordor on the back of Gwaihir. Meanwhile, [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]], still in the heart of Mordor, have given up all hope of survival. As they talk quietly below the ruin of [[Mount Doom]], Gwaihir spots them before they lose consciousness. Two eagles sweep down and lift the hobbits into the air.

When Sam wakes, he finds himself on a soft bed in [[Ithilien]], the eastern lands of [[Gondor]]. He first comments on the extraordinary dream he has just had and then cries out in astonishment that his dream actually happened. Frodo sleeps next to Sam, and Gandalf watches over the two of them. The wizard says that a great Shadow has departed, asks the [[Hobbits]] to dress in their worn and ragged attire, and escorts them out of the wood. They are to attend a reception hosted by the [[King of Gondor]].

A great throng of people awaits the Hobbits. At their emergence, the crowd bursts into thunderous applause, singing songs in praise of the Hobbits. Frodo and Sam approach a great throne, where Aragorn welcomes them. He lifts them and sets them on the throne, and the joy of the people flows over them like a warm wind. In a regal ceremony, Frodo bequeaths his knife [[Sting]] to Sam, who initially resists but finally accepts the gift. That evening, Frodo and Sam attend a generous feast. They reunite with their old companions. Sam is greatly surprised by Pippin, who seems to have grown several inches. The next morning, King Aragorn prepares to enter the great city of Gondor as its rightful ruler.

[[Category:The Return of the King chapters|Field of Cormallen]]
[[fi:Cormallenin kenttä (TSH)]]

The Taming of Sméagol

2013-04-15T01:19:49Z

Kgreen20:

{{ttchapters}}
'''The Taming of Sméagol''' is the first chapter of the fourth book in ''[[The Two Towers]]''.

===Summary===
The narrative returns to [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] on the third day after they departed from their companions at the end of [[The Fellowship of the Ring]]. The [[Hobbits]] wander the barren slopes of the mountains called [[Emyn Muil]], striving to make their way to [[Mordor]], but frequently getting lost and having to retrace their steps. Standing on the edge of a tall cliff, they can see the way down into Mordor, but have no way to descend the cliff. Sam complains to Frodo about their desperate situation. He has been lugging cooking gear for days, but there is nothing to cook. The Hobbits survive only on old [[lembas]] cakes, and Sam yearns for a pint of beer and a chunk of bread. He expresses his hope that they have lost [[Gollum]], the creature who has been pursuing them for some time. Frodo agrees, but says that he is more troubled by the unending hills of the landscape, which torture his feet. He observes that there is no turning back, as Orc warriors now patrol the banks of the river they have crossed.

Sam and Frodo continue to follow the cliff northward for several more days, finally arriving at a spot where it appears they might be able to climb down. Sam insists on going first, against Frodo’s objections. Sam lowers himself down the cliff without looking first to see where he is going, only to be pulled back to the surface by Frodo. The latter then begins to climb down himself, when suddenly a great dark shape appears overhead with a horrible wind and a crack of thunder. Frodo tries to hide his face in fear, but he loses his foothold and falls down onto a ledge below. It begins to rain. Sam suddenly remembers that he has a strong, thin Elf rope in his bag. He measures it out, and finds that it is long enough to allow the two hobbits to lower themselves to the ground below.

After descending safely, Sam and Frodo prepare to go onward to Mordor. Sam regrets abandoning the rope, which is still attached to a rock overhead and cannot be untied. Suddenly, as if by magic, the rope is released and falls into his hands. Frodo suspects that the knot was not tied well, but both wonder whether it was perhaps enchantment that freed the rope.

As the hobbits huddle in the cold, Frodo spots a crawling insect-like creature on a distant cliff, clinging to the wall by its hands. Sam realizes the creature is Gollum. As the creature draws nearer, he leaps on Sam. They wrestle. Frodo draws his knife Sting from its sheath and thrusts it against Gollum’s neck, forcing him to free Sam and demanding obedience from the creature. Gollum is suddenly subservient and vows total servitude, but Frodo does not trust him entirely. Gollum suddenly bounds away, attempting escape. The hobbits get him back and harness him with the Elf rope, which causes Gollum great pain. Gollum again vows obedience, and this time he seems sincere. The creature leads his Hobbit masters onward to Mordor.