{{sources}}
{{location infobox
| name=The Black Gate
| image=[[File:John Howe - The Black Gates.jpg|250px]]
| caption="The Black Gates" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Morannon'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| location=Northern end of [[Cirith Gorgor]], between [[Ephel Dúath]] and [[Ered Lithui]]
| type=Gate
| description=Iron gate with two doors in a wall of stone
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=forces of [[Sauron]], later [[Gondorians]], then again forces of Sauron
| created=after {{SA|1000}}
| destroyed=[[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}
| events=
| gallery=the Black Gate
}}
The '''Black Gate''' ([[Sindarin]]: '''Morannon''') was the main entrance into the land of [[Mordor]]. It blocked the pass of [[Cirith Gorgor]], the gap between the [[Ephel Dúath]] and the [[Ered Lithui]]. The pass of Cirith Gorgor led to the valley of [[Udûn]] that led to the plain of [[Gorgoroth]] in Mordor.<ref>{{FR|Map}}</ref> The Black Gate was a single gate of iron, which consisted of two vast iron doors under a frowning arch,<ref name=Opens>{{RK|Gate}}</ref> in a rampart of stone with a battlement that stretched between the high cliffs on either side of the mouth of the pass. On two sheer, black-boned and bare hills that were thrust forward from the mouth of the pass stood two strong and tall towers, the [[Towers of the Teeth]].<ref name=Closed>{{TT|Gate}}, second and third paragraph</ref>

==History==
The Black Gate was built by Sauron<ref name=Closed/> after he chose Mordor as a land to make into a stronghold in {{SA|1000}}.<ref>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year ''c.'' 1000 of the Second Age</ref>

In {{SA|3434}} the [[Battle of Dagorlad]]<ref>{{App|SA}}, entry for the year 3434 of the Second Age</ref> took place at the plain [[Dagorlad]] in front of the Black Gate.<ref>{{S|Rings}}, "before the gate of the Black Land</ref>

After Sauron's fall, the Men of Gondor built the Towers of the Teeth to prevent his return to Mordor<ref name=Closed/> and the Black Gate was manned by the forces of Gondor.

After the [[Great Plague]] devastated Gondor in {{TA|1636}},<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1636 of the Third Age</ref> the watch on the borders of Mordor ceased and the fortresses that guarded the passes were unmanned in {{TA|1640}} because of a lack of troops.<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for king Telemnar</ref><ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1640 of the Third Age</ref> In {{TA|1944}} when king [[Ondoher]] of Gondor and both his sons fell in a battle against the [[Wainriders]] north of the Morannon<ref>{{App|Gondor}}, entry for king Ondoher</ref><ref>{{UT|Northmen}}</ref> the Morannon and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] were still manned by troops from Gondor.<ref>{{UT|8e}}, note 15</ref> After that the strength of Gondor failed and the Towers of the Teeth and probably also the Black Gate were abandoned by the Men of Gondor and stood empty for long years.<ref name=Closed/> It is possible that the Black Gate was occupied by the forces of Sauron after the Witch-king came to Mordor in {{TA|1980}}.<ref>{{App|TA}}, entry for the year 1980 of the Third Age</ref>

During the [[War of the Ring]], on [[24 March]]{{TA|3019}},<ref>{{App|Great}}, 24 March of the year 3019 of the Third Age</ref> the Army of the West, numbering under 6,000 men, arrived at the Black Gate with the intention of drawing the [[Eye of Sauron]] away from [[Mount Doom]], to allow [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] the Ringbearer to cast [[the One Ring]] into the [[Cracks of Doom|Crack of Doom]] within it.<ref name="Opens"/> On [[25 March]], {{TA|3019}}<ref>{{App|Great}}, 25 March of the year 3019 of the Third Age</ref> the Army of the West challenged Sauron. As a reaction, the forces of Sauron came out of the Black Gate, an army of Easterlings that had hidden in the shadows of the Ered Lithui beyond the eastern Tower of the Teeth approached and orcs poured down from the hills on either side of the Black Gate and attacked the Army of the West. When the [[One Ring]] fell into the [[Cracks of Doom]] the volcano [[Mount Doom]] erupted,<ref>{{RK|Doom}}</ref> and the Towers of the Teeth, the rampart and the Black Gate collapsed in an earthquake. The forces of Sauron fled, most of the Men of Rhûn and Harad fled eastward, some of them surrendered and the rest were destroyed.<ref>{{RK|Cormallen}}</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''[[1987]]-[[1996|96]]: ''[[Middle-earth Role Playing]]'':'''
:The ''[[Teeth of Mordor (book)|Teeth of Mordor]]'' module in the ''Fortresses of Middle-earth'' series contains drawings of the Black Gate with the Towers of the Teeth and a floor plan and description of the Black Gate. It is described that [[Isildur]] began a grand plan to seal off Mordor and that the construction began before the end of {{TA|3019}} and was completed during the reign of [[Rómendacil I]] ({{TA|492}} - {{TA|541}}). It is mentioned that by {{TA|1640}} the last citadel guarding Mordor was abandoned. It is said that in the same year of the closing of the Dúnadan fortresses guarding Mordor Sauron sent all [[Ringwraiths]] except the [[Witch-king]] and [[Khamûl]] to lake [[Núrnen]] with the mission to ready Mordor for his return. It is described that they sent scouts north who found that the Gondorian fortresses were abandoned and that the Ringwraith Dwar of Waw occupied the Black Gate with Orcs, Trolls and mannish servants. It is further said that he repaired and changed the towers and the Black Gate in secret and that Gondor concerned with internal matters scarcely noted the activity. It is described that the Black Gate was destroyed in the cataclysm of Sauron's fall.

{{Gallery
|title=The Black Gate in adaptations
|height=150
|width=250
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Battle of the Morannon.jpg|The Black Gate in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Black Gate.jpg|The Black Gate in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
}}
'''[[2001]]-[[2003|03]]: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:The Black Gate is present in the film series. in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|the second film]] it appears as a double gate, operated by Trolls, where [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] and [[Samwise Gamgee|Sam]] attempt to go through the Gate until convinced by [[Gollum]] not to do so. In [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|the third film]] the Black Gate is a focal point of the [[Battle of the Morannon]], and after the destruction of [[the One Ring]] the Black Gate and the [[Towers of the Teeth]] are seen to collapse.

'''[[2017]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:The Black Gate appears in the game as the location of a number of quests in the lead up to the defeat of [[Sauron]].
{{references}}
{{FellowshipRoute}}
[[Category:Fortresses]]
[[Category:Mordor]]
[[Category:Doors and gates]]

[[de:Morannon]]
[[fi:Musta Portti]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/villes_tours_et_forteresses/mordor/porte_noire]]

User:Ms sho64

2022-10-01T23:10:06Z

Ms sho64:

Mount Doom

2022-09-30T09:39:25Z

Ms sho64:

{{expansion}}
{{location infobox
| name=Mount Doom
| image=[[File:Ted Nasmith - Across Gorgoroth.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Across Gorgoroth" by [[Ted Nasmith]]
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[oˈrodruɪn]}}
| othernames=''Orodruin'', ''Amon Amarth'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| location=[[Mordor]]
| type=Mountain
| description=
| regions=
| towns=
| inhabitants=
| created=
| destroyed=
| events=Forging and destruction of [[the One Ring]]
}}
'''Mount Doom''', or '''Orodruin''', was a volcano in [[Mordor]].

==History==
[[Melkor]] created Mount Doom in the [[First Age]], and the name "''Mordor''" may have been given to the surrounding land before Sauron settled there because of its eruptions.<ref>{{PM|Last}}, p. 390 (note 14).</ref> When [[Sauron]] chose the land of [[Mordor]] as his dwelling-place in the [[Second Age]], Orodruin was the reason for his choice. He "''used the fire that welled there from the heart of the earth in his sorceries and his forging.''" The most famous result of his forging, and in fact the only one we know of for sure, was the One Ring.

The mountain erupted in {{SA|3429}}, signalling Sauron's attack on [[Gondor]] and it took the name [[Amon Amarth]], "Mount Doom".

In {{TA|2954}}, Mount Doom reawakened and the last inhabitants of [[Ithilien]] terrified fled over [[Anduin]].<ref>{{App|B}}</ref> From then on it erupted sporadically until the end of the Age.

The [[Fellowship of the Ring]]'s [[Quest for the Ring|quest]] in the [[War of the Ring]] was to destroy the Ring at Mount Doom.

==Description==
[[File:J.R.R. Tolkien - Orodruin.jpg|thumb|left|''Orodruin'' by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]]]
It stood alone in an empty plain, the [[Plateau of Gorgoroth]] and was connected to the [[Barad-dûr|Dark Tower]] with [[Sauron's Road]], rising about 4500 feet with its base about 3000 feet tall.<ref>[[Robert Foster]], ''[[The Complete Guide to Middle-earth]]'', entry "Orodruin"</ref><ref name=K/> The Road approached the east side of the base at a causeway and then wound up like a snake; at that point, the Road seemed damaged by the lava and re-repaired several times.<ref name=K>[[Karen Wynn Fonstad]], ''[[The Atlas of Middle-earth]]'', p. 146</ref>

Inside its cone, were the [[Cracks of Doom|Sammath Naur]] leading to the Crack of Doom, a fiery chasm where [[the One Ring]] was forged.

==Etymology==
{{pronounce|Sindarin - Orodruin.mp3|Gilgamesh}}

''Mount Doom'' is the [[Westron|Common Speech]] translation of '''''Amon Amarth''''' in [[Gondor]],<ref name="Nomen"/> from ''[[amon]]'' ("hill")<ref>{{S|Elements}}, entry ''[[amon]]''</ref> and ''[[amarth]]'' ("fate, doom").<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 114 entry S ''amarth''</ref><ref>{{S|Elements}}, entry ''[[amarth]]''</ref>

The name was given because the volcano was linked in ancient and little-understood prophecies with the final end of the [[Third Age]], when [[the One Ring]] was found again.<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, pp. 768-9</ref>

Its original [[Sindarin]] name was '''''Orodruin''''', glossed as "burning mountain"<ref>{{App|F2}}</ref> and "mountain of the red flame".<ref>{{HM|N}}, p. 769</ref> The name likely consists of ''[[ered|orod]]'' ("mountain") + ''[[ruin]]'' ("fiery red").<ref>[http://www.tolkiendil.com/langues/english/i-lam_arth/compound_sindarin_names Compound Sindarin Names in Middle-earth] at [http://www.tolkiendil.com Tolkiendil.com] (accessed 14 July 2011)</ref>

==Theories==
According to [[Karen Fonstad]], Mount Doom was obviously a [[Wikipedia:stratovolcano|stratovolcano]], composited by alternating layers of ash and lava. Towering at only 4500ft, it was relatively short.<ref name=K/>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:[[Wikipedia:Mount Ngauruhoe|Mount Ngauruhoe]] was used as Mount Doom in some scenes. In long shots, the mountain is either a large model or a CGI effect, or a combination. It was not permitted to film the summit of Ngauruhoe because it is sacred to the Maori of the region. However, some scenes which showed the slopes of Mount Doom were filmed on the actual slopes of [[Wikipedia:Mount Ruapehu|Mount Ruapehu]].
{{references}}
{{FellowshipRoute}}
[[Category:Mordor]]
[[Category:Mountains]]
[[de:Schicksalsberg]]
[[fr:encyclo/geographie/reliefs/mordor/orodruin]]
[[fi:Tuomiovuori]]

2022-09-19T22:04:38Z

Ms sho64:

{{Expansion}}
{{hobbit infobox
| name=Samwise Gamgee
| image=[[File:Anna Kulisz - Sam Gamgee.jpeg|250px]]
| caption="Samwise" by [[:Category:Images by Anna Kulisz|Anna Kulisz]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Banazîr]]'' ([[Hobbitish|H]])<br />''[[Perhael]]'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| titles=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]], Ring-Bearer (for a short time)
| position=Gardener, [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Bagshot Row|3 Bagshot Row]], [[Hobbiton]]<br/>[[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]]<br/>[[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth=[[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>
| birthlocation=The [[Shire]]
| rule={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|61}}
| sailedto=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=102
| notablefor=Being counted among the Fellowship of the Ring and following [[Frodo Baggins]] into Mordor.
| family=[[Gamgee Family|Gamgee]]; founded the [[Gardner Family|Gardner family]]
| parentage=[[Gaffer Gamgee|Hamfast 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>
| skin colour=Brown-handed
| 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]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Mount Doom]]"}}</center>

'''Samwise Gamgee''', commonly known as '''Sam''', was [[Frodo Baggins]]' servant and the only original member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to remain with him to the very end of the journey to [[Mount Doom]].

==History==
===Early life===
Samwise lived with his father, [[Gaffer Gamgee|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. He helped his Gaffer tending the garden of Bag End and was taught the art of rope making by his [[Hobson|grandfather]] and his uncle [[Andwise Roper|Andy]]. In his work at Bag-End, he was acquainted with [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Bilbo taught him [[tengwar|letters]], and nurtured his love for [[Elves]], poetry, and his belief that the world contains greater wonders than most hobbits are aware of. This set him apart from the beginning to the Gaffer's dismay.<ref>{{FR|Party}};{{TT|Taming}}</ref> Sam often wandered outside [[Hobbiton]] and knew well the area twenty miles around.<ref name=three>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

On [[12 April]] Sam was in ''[[The Green Dragon]]'' and discussed with [[Ted Sandyman]] the strange rumours he heard around the Shire, including his [[Hal Gamgee|cousin Hal]] seeing a "Tree-man", and the [[Elves]] who leave [[Middle-earth]]. Ted called his cousin crazy and dismissed all rumours. In the evening, he returned to [[the Hill]] thinking about the hard work he has to do when he saw [[Gandalf]] arriving to visit Frodo, after many years.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

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

He eavesdrops on Frodo and Gandalf's discussion while working at the garden of Bag End. It was when Gandalf revealed to Frodo that Bilbo's ring is [[Sauron]]'s One Ring, and on the mention that Frodo must leave the Shire, Sam choked. Initially suspected as a spy, Sam feigned innocent curiosity. Sam begged Gandalf not to turn him into anything "unnatural". Sam then immediately asked to be taken to see Elves when they went away. Gandalf decided to make Sam Frodo's first companion.<ref name=shadow/>

===From Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
Sam joined Frodo on his journey to [[Bree]] and [[Rivendell]], as to outside appearances as Frodo's gardener. He lied that he had the lightest baggage after Frodo complained about the weight of his, and he offered to take more. Sam and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin Took]] followed Frodo to his new house at [[Crickhollow]] and when they were encountered by [[Black Riders]] Sam mentioned that one of those was asking his father about Frodo. Later they met one of the [[Wandering Companies]] of Elves; the experience of meeting Elves the first time left him speechless (although they were different than he expected, ''"so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were,"'' as Sam described them<ref name=short>{{FR|Mushrooms}}</ref>); the hobbits camped with them and Sam was like in a living dream, mentioning it as one of the most important events of his life. He was enchanted especially by their singing.<ref name=three/> The Elves warned him not to leave Frodo on his journey, which Sam denied he would ever think about it.<ref name=short/>

The next day Sam insisted that Pippin should leave some elven bread for their breakfast. That morning, Sam felt changed, feeling that he had to fulfill a role that lies beyond the Shire, something more important than meeting Elves or [[dragons]] or seeing mountains.<ref name=short/>

At Crickhollow where his and the Conspirators' role was revealed. Merry joined the travellers on their way to Bree.

===Crickhollow to Bree===
The hobbits decided to risk travelling through the [[Old Forest]] to avoid Black Riders. There [[Old Man Willow]] put a spell of sleepiness on the four hobbits. Once Merry and Pippin slept by the tree and Frodo bathed his feet in the [[Withywindle]], the willow tree tried to drown Frodo and swallowed Merry and Pippin, but Sam proved the most resistant. He saved Frodo from drowning and tried to start a fire to frighten Old Man Willow but the tree threatened to squeeze the hobbits in two if he did not put it out. They were saved by Tom Bombadil and stayed in his house for two days. Sam was the only hobbit who slept contentedly.<ref>{{FR|Forest}}; {{FR|Bombadil}}</ref>

They passed through [[Barrow-downs]] and came to [[the Prancing Pony]] at Bree where they were joined by "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]". Sam did not trust the ranger at first, but Frodo accepted his help as they could not get to Rivendell otherwise. [[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.<ref>{{FR|Sign}}; {{FR|Strider}}; {{FR|Knife}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
When they reached [[Rivendell]], Sam was beside Frodo's bed while he was recovering from the [[Morgul-wound]] he was inflicted on [[Weathertop]]. Sam eavesdropped on the [[Council of Elrond]] and revealing himself insisted that he accompany Frodo on his [[Quest of the Ring|quest to destroy the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|Many}}; {{FR|Council}}</ref>

[[File:John_Howe_-_Watcher_in_the_Water.jpg‎|thumb|150px|left|''Watcher in the Water'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Sam insisted on bringing Bill along on the journey, saying he would pine if he did not come.<ref>{{FR|South}}</ref> He was dismayed that they had to send him away when they entered [[Moria]]. Sam saved Frodo's life as the [[Watcher in the Water]] tried to seize him with one of its tentacles. Sam received a scratch along his scalp for his first orc kill in the mines.<ref>{{FR|Journey}};{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

In [[Lothlórien]], Sam made a verse in honour of Gandalf's fireworks. He, along with Frodo, looked into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] where he saw trees being felled and that the Old Mill had been replaced by a large red-brick building. Sam considered going back to help those at home, but, being warned by [[Galadriel]] not to let the mirror decide his choices, Sam decided to finish his task with Frodo. At their parting from Lórien, Galadriel [[Gifts of Galadriel|gave]] Sam a [[Sam's garden box|box]] containing earth from her orchard.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}};{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>

===Journey to Mordor===
At the [[Falls of Rauros]] Frodo tried to leave the Fellowship secretly by boat, but Sam pursued him and leapt into the water although he could not swim. Thus after the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Sam was the only member of the Fellowship to remain with Frodo.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref>
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]].{{citation needed}}

As Sam, Frodo, and Gollum travelled, Sam began to worry about their food supplies running short and he, unlike Frodo, still thought of the return journey.<ref>{{TT|Passage}}</ref> In [[Ithilien]], he decided to risk a fire and stew rabbit, but he accidentally let it smoke which attracted the attention of [[Faramir]] and his rangers who were also in that region. There, to Sam's delight, he got the chance to see an [[oliphaunt]]. Faramir took the hobbits to [[Henneth Annûn]] where Sam accidentally revealed the purpose of their quest, but Faramir did not hinder it and Sam judged his quality to be "the very highest.", saying he reminded him of Gandalf.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}; {{TT|Window}}</ref>

Gollum led the hobbits to the [[Stairs of Cirith Ungol]], where Sam, in a conversation with Frodo, reflected on whether their adventure would be put in tales and songs to be told by a fireside and noted that they were part of a greater tale than themselves.<ref>{{TT|Stairs}}</ref>
Gollum betrayed the hobbits in [[Shelob's lair]], hoping to find the Ring among Frodo's bones once [[Shelob]] had eaten him. However, Sam pierced Shelob's flesh, being the first person ever to have done so, but not before Shelob seemingly killed Frodo.
[[File:John Howe - Sam and Shelob.jpg|thumb|''Sam and Shelob'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Grieving for Frodo, Sam took the Ring. At first, he was tempted to go on a quest for revenge on Gollum but instead chose to complete the quest. However, 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]].<ref>{{TT|Choices}};{{RK|Tower}}</ref>

Together, Sam and Frodo crossed [[Mordor]] to [[Mount Doom]]. Sam himself carried Frodo up the slope for part of the way. There, Gollum tried to attack the hobbits and Sam spared his life now he had an idea of what it had been like for Gollum to be Ring-bearer—a choice which soon led to success in their quest. After the destruction of the Ring, both Sam and Frodo were honoured by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] for their deeds. <ref>{{RK|Doom}}; {{RK|Field}}</ref>

===Later life===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Sam and Rosie Cotton.jpg|thumb|left|''Sam and Rosie Cotton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
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 was especially shocked that [[the Party Tree]] was cut down and planted a silver nut in the [[Party Field]] where it had once been, and the nut grew into a [[Mallorn]] tree.

He married [[Rose Cotton|Rose "Rosie" Cotton]] on [[1 May]] {{SR|1420}}.<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> 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, during which time King Elessar appointed the Mayor as a [[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]. In {{SR|1436}} he met King Elessar on the [[Brandywine Bridge]] and was awarded the [[Star of the Dúnedain]]. In {{SR|1442}} he left [[Tolman Cotton Junior]] as deputy Mayor so that he rode to Gondor with his wife and his daughter Elanor, maid of honour to Queen Arwen, to spend a year there. When Elanor married [[Fastred of Greenholm]], he requested from Thain Peregrin to make him [[Warden of Westmarch]] in {{SR|1462}}.<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref>

After his wife died in {{FoA|61}}, on [[22 September]] Sam left Bag End, and went to the [[Tower Hills]] where he was last seen by Elanor, entrusting to her the Red Book; according to her, he went to the [[Grey Havens]] to sail across the Sea<ref name=later/> and be reunited with Frodo in the [[Undying Lands]].

==Characteristics==
Sam has brown eyes. At some points his hands are described as brown.<Ref>{{TT|Stairs}}</ref><ref>{{RK|Tower}}</ref>
This could indicate he belongs to the [[Harfoots]], as they are described as having browner skin than the [[Fallohides]], to which breed Merry, Pippin and Frodo belong.<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> Or it could simply be a tan from years of working outside. His face is often described as red-faced, turning scarlet or blushing. At one point his face is said to have turned white, before flushing scarlet.

==Etymology==
''Samwise'' means "simple minded" or "half-minded". ''Gamgee'' is explained as 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]]'''''. In the [[King's Letter]], contained in the unpublished "[[Epilogue]]", King Elessar refers to Sam as ''Perhael (i sennui Panthael estathar aen)'', Sindarin for "Halfwise (who should rather be called Fullwise)."

==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:
{{blockquote|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:
{{blockquote|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:
{{blockquote|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]]''}}

==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 centre of ''The Lord of the Rings''. Sam's humbleness and plain speaking are 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:
{{blockquote|My Sam Gamgee is indeed a reflection 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.

==In other stories==
In the illustrated short story ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'', the local police officer is a Sergeant [[Boffin Family|Boffin]] who - at the behest of [[Gaffer Gamgee]] - seeks to lock up Mr Bliss as a thief for failing to pay for his car. Sergeant Boffin also has a son named Sam.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'' (2011 edition), p. 62</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Samwise Gamgee in adaptations
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|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:The Lord of the Rings Online - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Sam mini figure.png|Sam as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
}}

'''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.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Samwise Gamgee is provided by Stano Dančiak. Dančiak, though a slightly older actor than the other actors portraying the four hobbits, was well-known for his convincing "smart everyman" roles. This is utilised in the series to emphasize that Sam comes from a more ordinary family and humbler social standing than Frodo, Pippin and Merry. Sam is portrayed as resourceful, honest, loyal, caring, and capable of finding bravery when he least expects it. He is also very curious about the world outside of The Shire, including Elven and Dwarven culture and lore. He is addressed almost entirely by his abbreviated name, Sam.

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

'''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]].

'''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 character 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. A series of a session plays depicts Sam, Frodo and Gollum's journey through the [[Dead Marshes]], the Pass of [[Cirith Ungol]] and [[Mordor]]. The player later meets Sam and Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]].

:The game's "Guardian" class ("Tank" in MMO terms) is based on Samwise due to the dedication he showed Frodo. Samwise 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".

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''
:Samwise appears in the game as a non-playable character, with [[Sean Astin]] reprising his role. He narrates the story of Aragorn to his children when the latter is to come to the Shire.

{{References|n}}
{{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
| prev=[[Will Whitfoot]]
| list=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]]
| dates={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55}}
| next=Unknown
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Gamgee]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Mayors of Michel Delving]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Samweis Gamdschie]]

Samwise Gamgee

2022-09-19T13:33:40Z

Ms sho64:

{{Expansion}}
{{hobbit infobox
| name=Samwise Gamgee
| image=[[File:Anna Kulisz - Sam Gamgee.jpeg|250px]]
| caption="Samwise" by [[:Category:Images by Anna Kulisz|Anna Kulisz]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''[[Banazîr]]'' ([[Hobbitish|H]])<br />''[[Perhael]]'' ([[Sindarin|S]])
| titles=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]], Ring-Bearer (for a short time)
| position=Gardener, [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]]
| location=[[Bagshot Row|3 Bagshot Row]], [[Hobbiton]]<br/>[[Bag End]], [[Hobbiton]]<br/>[[Tol Eressëa]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=[[Westron]]
| birth=[[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>
| birthlocation=The [[Shire]]
| rule={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55|n}}
| sailedwest=After {{FoA|61}}
| sailedto=[[Grey Havens]]
| age=102
| notablefor=Being counted among the Fellowship of the Ring and following [[Frodo Baggins]] into Mordor.
| family=[[Gamgee Family|Gamgee]]; founded the [[Gardner Family|Gardner family]]
| parentage=[[Gaffer Gamgee|Hamfast 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>
| skin colour=Brown-handed
| 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]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Mount Doom]]"}}</center>

'''Samwise Gamgee''', commonly known as '''Sam''', was [[Frodo Baggins]]' servant and the only original member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] to remain with him to the very end of the journey to [[Mount Doom]].

==History==
===Early life===
Samwise lived with his father, [[Gaffer Gamgee|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. He helped his Gaffer tending the garden of Bag End and was taught the art of rope making by his [[Hobson|grandfather]] and his uncle [[Andwise Roper|Andy]]. In his work at Bag-End, he was acquainted with [[Bilbo Baggins]]. Bilbo taught him [[tengwar|letters]], and nurtured his love for [[Elves]], poetry, and his belief that the world contains greater wonders than most hobbits are aware of. This set him apart from the beginning to the Gaffer's dismay.<ref>{{FR|Party}};{{TT|Taming}}</ref> Sam often wandered outside [[Hobbiton]] and knew well the area twenty miles around.<ref name=three>{{FR|Three}}</ref>

On [[12 April]] Sam was in ''[[The Green Dragon]]'' and discussed with [[Ted Sandyman]] the strange rumours he heard around the Shire, including his [[Hal Gamgee|cousin Hal]] seeing a "Tree-man", and the [[Elves]] who leave [[Middle-earth]]. Ted called his cousin crazy and dismissed all rumours. In the evening, he returned to [[the Hill]] thinking about the hard work he has to do when he saw [[Gandalf]] arriving to visit Frodo, after many years.<ref name=shadow>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>

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

He eavesdrops on Frodo and Gandalf's discussion while working at the garden of Bag End. It was when Gandalf revealed to Frodo that Bilbo's ring is [[Sauron]]'s One Ring, and on the mention that Frodo must leave the Shire, Sam choked. Initially suspected as a spy, Sam feigned innocent curiosity. Sam begged Gandalf not to turn him into anything "unnatural". Sam then immediately asked to be taken to see Elves when they went away. Gandalf decided to make Sam Frodo's first companion.<ref name=shadow/>

===From Hobbiton to Crickhollow===
Sam joined Frodo on his journey to [[Bree]] and [[Rivendell]], as to outside appearances as Frodo's gardener. He lied that he had the lightest baggage after Frodo complained about the weight of his, and he offered to take more. Sam and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin Took]] followed Frodo to his new house at [[Crickhollow]] and when they were encountered by [[Black Riders]] Sam mentioned that one of those was asking his father about Frodo. Later they met one of the [[Wandering Companies]] of Elves; the experience of meeting Elves the first time left him speechless (although they were different than he expected, ''"so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were,"'' as Sam described them<ref name=short>{{FR|Mushrooms}}</ref>); the hobbits camped with them and Sam was like in a living dream, mentioning it as one of the most important events of his life. He was enchanted especially by their singing.<ref name=three/> The Elves warned him not to leave Frodo on his journey, which Sam denied he would ever think about it.<ref name=short/>

The next day Sam insisted that Pippin should leave some elven bread for their breakfast. That morning, Sam felt changed, feeling that he had to fulfill a role that lies beyond the Shire, something more important than meeting Elves or [[dragons]] or seeing mountains.<ref name=short/>

At Crickhollow where his and the Conspirators' role was revealed. Merry joined the travellers on their way to Bree.

===Crickhollow to Bree===
The hobbits decided to risk travelling through the [[Old Forest]] to avoid Black Riders. There [[Old Man Willow]] put a spell of sleepiness on the four hobbits. Once Merry and Pippin slept by the tree and Frodo bathed his feet in the [[Withywindle]], the willow tree tried to drown Frodo and swallowed Merry and Pippin, but Sam proved the most resistant. He saved Frodo from drowning and tried to start a fire to frighten Old Man Willow but the tree threatened to squeeze the hobbits in two if he did not put it out. They were saved by Tom Bombadil and stayed in his house for two days. Sam was the only hobbit who slept contentedly.<ref>{{FR|Forest}}; {{FR|Bombadil}}</ref>

They passed through [[Barrow-downs]] and came to [[the Prancing Pony]] at Bree where they were joined by "[[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]]". Sam did not trust the ranger at first, but Frodo accepted his help as they could not get to Rivendell otherwise. [[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.<ref>{{FR|Sign}}; {{FR|Strider}}; {{FR|Knife}}</ref>

===Fellowship of the Ring===
When they reached [[Rivendell]], Sam was beside Frodo's bed while he was recovering from the [[Morgul-wound]] he was inflicted on [[Weathertop]]. Sam eavesdropped on the [[Council of Elrond]] and revealing himself insisted that he accompany Frodo on his [[Quest of the Ring|quest to destroy the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|Many}}; {{FR|Council}}</ref>

[[File:John_Howe_-_Watcher_in_the_Water.jpg‎|thumb|150px|left|''Watcher in the Water'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Sam insisted on bringing Bill along on the journey, saying he would pine if he did not come.<ref>{{FR|South}}</ref> He was dismayed that they had to send him away when they entered [[Moria]]. Sam saved Frodo's life as the [[Watcher in the Water]] tried to seize him with one of its tentacles. Sam received a scratch along his scalp for his first orc-kill in the mines.<ref>{{FR|Journey}};{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

In [[Lothlórien]], Sam made a verse in honour of Gandalf's fireworks. He, along with Frodo, looked into the [[Mirror of Galadriel]] where he saw trees being felled and that the Old Mill had been replaced by a large red-brick building. Sam considered going back to help those at home, but, being warned by [[Galadriel]] not to let the mirror decide his choices, Sam decided to finish his task with Frodo. At their parting from Lórien, Galadriel [[Gifts of Galadriel|gave]] Sam a [[Sam's garden box|box]] containing earth from her orchard.<ref>{{FR|Mirror}};{{FR|Farewell}}</ref>

===Journey to Mordor===
At the [[Falls of Rauros]] Frodo tried to leave the Fellowship secretly by boat, but Sam pursued him and leapt into the water although he could not swim. Thus after the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Sam was the only member of the Fellowship to remain with Frodo.<ref>{{FR|Breaking}}</ref>
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]].{{citation needed}}

As Sam, Frodo, and Gollum travelled, Sam began to worry about their food supplies running short and he, unlike Frodo, still thought of the return journey.<ref>{{TT|Passage}}</ref> In [[Ithilien]], he decided to risk a fire and stew rabbit, but he accidentally let it smoke which attracted the attention of [[Faramir]] and his rangers who were also in that region. There, to Sam's delight, he got the chance to see an [[oliphaunt]]. Faramir took the hobbits to [[Henneth Annûn]] where Sam accidentally revealed the purpose of their quest, but Faramir did not hinder it and Sam judged his quality to be "the very highest.", saying he reminded him of Gandalf.<ref>{{TT|Herbs}}; {{TT|Window}}</ref>

Gollum led the hobbits to the [[Stairs of Cirith Ungol]], where Sam, in a conversation with Frodo, reflected on whether their adventure would be put in tales and songs to be told by a fireside and noted that they were part of a greater tale than themselves.<ref>{{TT|Stairs}}</ref>
Gollum betrayed the hobbits in [[Shelob's lair]], hoping to find the Ring among Frodo's bones once [[Shelob]] had eaten him. However, Sam pierced Shelob's flesh, being the first person ever to have done so, but not before Shelob seemingly killed Frodo.
[[File:John Howe - Sam and Shelob.jpg|thumb|''Sam and Shelob'' by [[John Howe]]]]
Grieving for Frodo, Sam took the Ring. At first, he was tempted to go on a quest for revenge on Gollum but instead chose to complete the quest. However, 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]].<ref>{{TT|Choices}};{{RK|Tower}}</ref>

Together, Sam and Frodo crossed [[Mordor]] to [[Mount Doom]]. Sam himself carried Frodo up the slope for part of the way. There, Gollum tried to attack the hobbits and Sam spared his life now he had an idea of what it had been like for Gollum to be Ring-bearer—a choice which soon led to success in their quest. After the destruction of the Ring, both Sam and Frodo were honoured by [[Aragorn|King Elessar]] for their deeds. <ref>{{RK|Doom}}; {{RK|Field}}</ref>

===Later life===
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Sam and Rosie Cotton.jpg|thumb|left|''Sam and Rosie Cotton'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]
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 was especially shocked that [[the Party Tree]] was cut down and planted a silver nut in the [[Party Field]] where it had once been, and the nut grew into a [[Mallorn]] tree.

He married [[Rose Cotton|Rose "Rosie" Cotton]] on [[1 May]] {{SR|1420}}.<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref> 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, during which time King Elessar appointed the Mayor as a [[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]]. In {{SR|1436}} he met King Elessar on the [[Brandywine Bridge]] and was awarded the [[Star of the Dúnedain]]. In {{SR|1442}} he left [[Tolman Cotton Junior]] as deputy Mayor so that he rode to Gondor with his wife and his daughter Elanor, maid of honour to Queen Arwen, to spend a year there. When Elanor married [[Fastred of Greenholm]], he requested from Thain Peregrin to make him [[Warden of Westmarch]] in {{SR|1462}}.<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref>

After his wife died in {{FoA|61}}, on [[22 September]] Sam left Bag End, and went to the [[Tower Hills]] where he was last seen by Elanor, entrusting to her the Red Book; according to her, he went to the [[Grey Havens]] to sail across the Sea<ref name=later/> and be reunited with Frodo in the [[Undying Lands]].

==Characteristics==
Sam has brown eyes. At some points his hands are described as brown.<Ref>{{TT|Stairs}}</ref><ref>{{RK|Tower}}</ref>
This could indicate he belongs to the [[Harfoots]], as they are described as having browner skin than the [[Fallohides]], to which breed Merry, Pippin and Frodo belong.<ref>{{FR|Hobbits}}</ref> Or it could simply be a tan from years of working outside. His face is often described as red faced, turning scarlet or blushing. At one point his face is said to have turned white, before flushing scarlet.

==Etymology==
''Samwise'' means "simple minded" or "half-minded". ''Gamgee'' is explained as 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]]'''''. In the [[King's Letter]], contained in the unpublished "[[Epilogue]]", King Elessar refers to Sam as ''Perhael (i sennui Panthael estathar aen)'', Sindarin for "Halfwise (who should rather be called Fullwise)."

==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:
{{blockquote|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:
{{blockquote|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:
{{blockquote|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]]''}}

==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''. 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:
{{blockquote|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.

==In other stories==
In the illustrated short story ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'', the local police officer is a Sergeant [[Boffin Family|Boffin]] who - at the behest of [[Gaffer Gamgee]] - seeks to lock up Mr Bliss as a thief for failing to pay for his car. Sergeant Boffin also has a son named Sam.<ref>[[J.R.R. Tolkien]], ''[[Mr. Bliss]]'' (2011 edition), p. 62</ref>

==Portrayal in adaptations==
{{Gallery
|title=Samwise Gamgee in adaptations
|height=150
|width=200
|lines=3
|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:The Lord of the Rings Online - Samwise Gamgee.jpg|Sam in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''
|File:Lego - Sam mini figure.png|Sam as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''
}}

'''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.

'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Samwise Gamgee is provided by Stano Dančiak. Dančiak, though a slightly older actor than the other actors portraying the four hobbits, was well-known for his convincing "smart everyman" roles. This is utilised in the series to emphasize that Sam comes from a more ordinary family and humbler social standing than Frodo, Pippin and Merry. Sam is portrayed as resourceful, honest, loyal, caring, capable of finding bravery when he least expects it. He is also very curious about the world outside of The Shire, including Elven and Dwarven culture and lore. He is addressed almost entirely by his abbreviated name, Sam.

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

'''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]].

'''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. A series of session plays depicts Sam, Frodo and Gollum's journey through the [[Dead Marshes]], the Pass of [[Cirith Ungol]] and [[Mordor]]. The player later meets Sam and Frodo again at the [[Field of Cormallen]].

:The game's "Guardian" class ("Tank" in MMO terms) is based on Samwise due to the dedication he showed Frodo. 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".

'''2010: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest]]'':'''
:Samwise appears in the game as a non-playable character, with [[Sean Astin]] reprising his role. He narrates the story of Aragorn to his children, when the latter is to come to the Shire.

{{References|n}}
{{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
| prev=[[Will Whitfoot]]
| list=[[Mayor of Michel Delving]]
| dates={{FoA|6}} - {{FoA|55}}
| next=Unknown
}}
{{seq-end}}

{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{ringbearers}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Chroniclers of Arda]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Gamgee]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Mayors of Michel Delving]]
[[Category:Ring-bearers]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]

[[de:Samweis Gamdschie]]