Frodo Baggins

From Tolkien Gateway
This article is about the Ring-bearer. For the son of Samwise Gamgee, see Frodo Gardner.
Frodo Baggins
Hobbit
Jenny Dolfen - Frodo Baggins.jpg
"Frodo Baggins" by Jenny Dolfen
Biographical Information
Other namesSee below
PositionRing-bearer
LocationBrandy Hall, Buckland
Bag End, Hobbiton
Crickhollow
Tol Eressëa
AffiliationFellowship of the Ring
LanguageWestron and Sindarin
Birth22 September, T.A. 2968
Sailed west29 September, T.A. 3021 (aged 53)
Grey Havens
Notable forBearing the One Ring to the land of Mordor, and bringing it to the Cracks of Doom
Family
FamilyBaggins
ParentageDrogo Baggins and Primula Brandybuck
SpouseNever married
ChildrenNone
Physical Description
GenderMale
HeightTaller than some Hobbits[1]
Hair colorBrown[note 1]
ClothingMithril coat, Elven cloak
WeaponrySting
SteedStrider
GalleryImages of Frodo Baggins
"And though all the mighty elf-friends of old, Hador, and Húrin, and Túrin, and Beren himself were assembled together, your seat should be among them."
― Elrond to Frodo Baggins in The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"

Frodo Baggins was a hobbit of the Third Age, the most famous of all Hobbits in the histories for his leading role in the Quest of the Ring. During this epic quest, he bore the One Ring to Mount Doom and there destroyed it, giving him renown like no other Halfling throughout Middle-earth. He is also peculiar for being, as a Ring-bearer, one of the only three Hobbits to be granted passage from Middle-earth to Aman, the Undying Lands.

History[edit | edit source]

Childhood and youth[edit | edit source]

Frodo, child of the respectable Drogo Baggins and Primula Brandybuck, was born on 22 September of T.A. 2968. After his parents died in a boating accident, Frodo went to live in Brandy Hall with his mother’s relatives, the Brandybucks. He grew up under the guardianship of the Master of Buckland Rorimac "Goldfather" Brandybuck, who was his uncle. Frodo was caught several times stealing mushrooms from Farmer Maggot, who, on the last incident, thrashed Frodo and set his three dogs to chase Frodo from Bamfurlong to Bucklebury Ferry. Frodo was terrified of them afterwards.[2]

Frodo stayed in Buckland until his "uncle" Bilbo adopted him and took him in to live in Bag End, Bilbo's house in Hobbiton. He enjoyed life with Bilbo, with whom he shared the same birthday - though others often called the old hobbit "queer." Bilbo taught him to read, and told him stories of the past, even giving him some instruction in the elvish tongue. Frodo was the only one Bilbo allowed to read his memoirs. Bilbo made Frodo his heir, frustrating the attempts of the disagreeable Sackville-Bagginses, who coveted the estate of Bag End.[3]

The two went often out for long walks along the lanes of the Water-valley and talked about adventure; they were sometimes seen by Wandering Companies of Elves, though the hobbits did not see them. When they returned home, Bilbo would tell Frodo that the Road is like a massive river, and all porches are its "springs" and all paths are its "tributaries".[4]

Frodo and Bilbo were comfortable and well off until T.A. 3001. At this time, Bilbo threw an enormous party to celebrate his 111th birthday, and Frodo's 33rd, the date of Frodo's coming of age. At this party Bilbo gave his farewell speech, and made his long-planned "disappearance" and withdrawal from the Shire. Frodo, who had been informed beforehand of the "joke", as Bilbo called it, was spared the shock that afflicted the other assembled Hobbits. Frodo returned home as the new Master of Bag End, as per Bilbo's will. He was greeted there by Gandalf, who informed him that, among other things, Frodo had inherited Bilbo's magic ring.

Master of Bag End[edit | edit source]

Bag End by Eric Faure-Brac

Frodo took charge of distributing the presents Bilbo had left for the other hobbits, a long and tiring task. Then Gandalf the wizard, who had come for the festivities, warned Frodo not to use the magic ring, and to keep it secret and safe. Then he left, Frodo knew not where, with his mind full of curiosity about the ring. A suspicion was growing in the back of the Wizard's mind, but Gandalf did not yet know what it was.

Frodo, meanwhile, was quite well off. He continued honouring Bilbo every year along with his own birthday. He had also inherited some strange customs from Bilbo, like wandering by himself at nights far from home in the hills and woods under the starlight. His closest friends at this time were Merry and Pippin, also Folco Boffin and Fredegar Bolger, and other cousins from the family of the Old Took. Like Bilbo, Frodo continued to look robust and energetic even in his forties, and dreamed of one day seeing mountains and wilderness; he often wondered what lay beyond the borders of the Shire, and as he grew older, he would travel further and further from home. His friends were worried, and suspected that he met Elves and other strangers that had begun to be more common sights in the Shire. These strangers bore strange tales of unrest from lands far-off.[5]

Still, he lived in peace and respectability for seventeen years, until Gandalf returned with the dreadful revelation that the "magic ring" was really the One Ring, weapon of Sauron, a thing of evil power thousands of years old. Furthermore, the Dark Lord was now aware of its survival, and would be searching for it, as Gollum had revealed - under torture - that it was to be found in the Shire. After a long discussion and a test by fire, which revealed the Black Speech written upon the ring, the two agreed that Frodo would have to leave the Shire for his own safety. Samwise Gamgee, the gardener, was selected to travel with him. Gandalf recommended Rivendell as a destination, as the road was likely safe and the valley well-protected. He told Frodo to take the alias Underhill while abroad. Frodo was reluctant, but wisely followed the wizard's advice. He bought a house in Crickhollow as an excuse to head east.

Gandalf stayed for two months while Frodo worked out the details. At the end of that time the wizard left to "get some news", as rather disturbing tidings had come to his ears. He promised to be back for the farewell party. Meanwhile, Frodo was not aware that some of his closest friends were watching him - Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger, his cousin Peregrin "Pippin" Took, Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck, and Sam himself knew that Frodo and Gandalf were in some trouble concerning the Ring, and that Frodo was preparing for some adventure.

As autumn passed, Frodo was waiting for Gandalf, but did not return and Frodo grew quite anxious. Merry and Fatty drove the cart of Frodo's belongings ahead, while Frodo still waited for Gandalf. At the last possible day, he gave up waiting and departed with Pippin and Sam.

Hobbiton to Crickhollow[edit | edit source]

Last Sight of Hobbiton by Ted Nasmith

Less than a day into their journey, Frodo, strangely nervous, requested that the threesome hide upon the approach of a horseman. The rider was dressed in black, riding upon a black horse, and making queer sniffling noises. Frodo felt the urge to put on the Ring and vanish, but just as he was about to give in, the rider departed at a trot. Samwise then remarked upon the "Black Rider" that had spoken to his father, Gaffer Gamgee, some time earlier. This made Frodo wish that he had waited for Gandalf.

That night, they were again overtaken by a Black Horseman. This time it seemed to be able to sniff out their hiding place. But as it approached, it was driven away by the song of a group of Elves. Their leader, Gildor, greeted the hobbits warmly, and lauded Frodo for his knowledge of their tongue. Frodo tried to get information from Gildor on the Black Riders, but the elf would tell him very little. Gildor foresaw that Frodo would have many dealings with the Riders in the future, and urged him to flee them whenever he met them. He and his party left the Hobbits before daybreak, while the three slept.

The next day the threesome agreed to stay off the road. After a brief scare when Sam sighted a Rider, they worried about losing their way. That evening they heard a terrible wail, and Frodo distinguished words in it. Before long they came to Bamfurlong, the property of Farmer Maggot. Although Pippin knew Maggot, Frodo recalled a scare he had received at a young age after caught stealing the farmer’s mushrooms, being threatened with the dogs. He froze when the dogs came forth from the house, but Maggot's hospitality soon won him over. When Maggot told of a Black Rider who had stopped at his house asking for "Baggins," and made several shrewd guesses, Frodo grew uncomfortable. Maggot took them to Bucklebury Ferry in his wagon. There they joined up with Merry. As they were ferried across into Buckland, they caught sight of a dark shape on the landing from which they had come.

Crickhollow to Bree[edit | edit source]

Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight

When they reached the house in Crickhollow, the other hobbits revealed their knowledge of the One Ring and promised to stick with Frodo on the road to Rivendell. The next morning, leaving Fatty to housesit, they passed into the Old Forest. In time they were driven by the trees down to the Withywindle, where they were ensnared by Old Man Willow. Rescued by Tom Bombadil, the hobbits came to his house. There they met Tom's wife, Goldberry, and Frodo was moved to poetry over her loveliness. He was interested in Bombadil himself, and several times tried to learn who he was. That night he dreamed of a white-haired figure on a pinnacle of stone, borne away by an eagle.

The next day Frodo tried on the Ring, after finding it had no effect on Bombadil. Not subject to the Ring’s power, Tom nevertheless could see Frodo. That night Frodo dreamed once more, a dream he never forgot.

Frodo heard a sweet singing running in his mind: a song that seemed to come like a pale light behind a grey rain-curtain, and growing stronger to turn the veil all to glass and silver, until at last it was rolled back, and a far green country opened before him under a swift sunrise.
The Fellowship of the Ring, "Fog on the Barrow-downs"

After bidding Tom and Goldberry farewell, the Hobbits went on and traveled through the barrow-downs. Becoming lost in the mist, they were taken by the barrow-wights, Frodo last of all. Frodo woke in the barrow to find the barrow-wight bending over his three friends. He rose and in a tremendous act of bravery and resilience took a sword and smote off the wight's hand. Then he summoned Bombadil with a song Tom had taught him. Bombadil drove the wight away and helped Frodo wake the others. Tom gave the hobbits ponies and escorted them all to the road before turning his face back toward the Withywindle. The hobbits continued along the road to Bree, where they took lodging at The Prancing Pony inn as Bombadil had recommended, with Frodo registering under the name of Underhill as Gandalf had suggested.

Strider and Weathertop[edit | edit source]

Strider in The Prancing Pony by Peter Xavier Price

While Merry went out to take a walk in the night air, the other hobbits came down to the common-room and were introduced by the landlord Barliman Butterbur to the gathering, Frodo under his alias. Frodo asked if Gandalf was present in Bree, only to learn that he had not yet arrived. While Pippin and Sam enjoyed the drink and conversation, Frodo remained withdrawn, soon falling into conversation with a curious ranger called Strider, who gave him a warning about letting his friends talk to much. Pippin began to tell about Bilbo's Birthday Party, and Frodo, at Strider’s encouragement and in an attempt to prevent the name of Baggins from being raised, began to sing The Man in the Moon Stayed Up Too Late. This proved popular with the gathering, but unfortunately, as Frodo relaxed, he fell from the table and the Ring slipped on his finger, causing him to vanish.

Against the Shadow by John Howe

Frodo crawled over to Strider's corner and slipped off the Ring, and said that he had rolled quickly to the side. The suspicious Breelanders, however, grew angry or frightened, and eventually all left the common-room. Frodo and his comrades retired to their room, where they found Strider waiting to talk to them. Strider was honest and blunt, telling what he had overheard and what he knew of them, as well as warning them of the Black Riders and traitors in Bree. He urged them to accept his aide by inviting him into the company. Frodo was leaning to believe the ranger when Butterbur broke in, giving Frodo the long-awaited letter from Gandalf, undelivered by Butterbur’s forgetfulness. After some little bit of light was shed on the situation to the innkeeper, he swore to help the hobbits in any way he could, as a friend of Gandalf and one very much afraid of Mordor. Frodo, reading the letter, learned that Gandalf recommended Strider as one to whom Frodo could go for help. After some further debate, Frodo agreed to let Strider lead them to Rivendell.

Strider arranged for a deception, by moving them to a different room. The next morning, their ponies were gone and the room was ravaged. Butterbur paid for a replacement pony, and the four hobbits and ranger set out into the Wilds. They passed through Chetwood and Midgewater Marshes, and finally to the Weather Hills before coming up to Weathertop. Black Riders were sighted from the top of the cairn, and Strider counselled to remain where they were. Shortly after the Black Riders came, and Frodo was stricken down. In desperation he put on the Ring and saw the Nazgûl in their true forms. Frodo then tried to attack in Elbereth’s name, but their leader, the Witch-king of Angmar, stabbed Frodo in the shoulder with a Morgul-knife, before being driven away by Strider.

Weathertop to Rivendell[edit | edit source]

Because of a piece of the knife embedded in his shoulder, Frodo started to become ill, so his companions hurried to take him to the House of Elrond. After journeying for 12 days, they were found by Glorfindel, one of the High Elves, who was sent by Elrond to help Frodo after he heard of him from Gildor. Glorfindel, seeing that Frodo was starting to fade, put him upon his horse, Asfaloth, and ordered him to go on when the Ringwraiths approached. Asfaloth outran the steeds of the Nazgûl and bore Frodo across the Ford of Bruinen, but Frodo, who was on the brink of becoming a wraith, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. The Riders, were driven into the River by Glorfindel, Strider and the three hobbits, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.[6] As a sign that Frodo was shifting to the Wraith-world, he could see the Unseen luminous form of Glorfindel.

Unconscious, Frodo was carried inside Rivendell, where Elrond removed the fragment of the knife from his shoulder. He awoke two days later, mostly recovered, and was delighted to find that Gandalf had arrived. Frodo's recovery was celebrated with a feast during which he met Glóin and asked concerning the Dwarves of Erebor. Afterwards, Elrond led his guests to the Hall of Fire, where Frodo found Bilbo, whom he hadn't seen in seventeen years. Bilbo asked to see the Ring and was saddened to see Frodo's negative reaction. The two hobbits then enjoyed talking about Bilbo's works on lore and the Shire.[7]

Fellowship of the Ring[edit | edit source]

See also: Quest of the Ring

During the Council of Elrond, it was decided that the Ring must be destroyed by casting it into the Cracks of Doom. Frodo volunteered to be the Ring-bearer, and a Fellowship was formed to protect him; the fellowship included Gandalf, Aragorn (Strider's real name), Boromir of Gondor, Legolas of the Woodland Realm, Gimli of Erebor, and Frodo's friends Sam, Merry and Pippin.[8] Before their departure, Bilbo gave Frodo his sword, Sting, and his Mithril coat to protect him on the perilous journey to Mount Doom that lay ahead.

On December 25, the fellowship left Rivendell, and headed south along the west side of the Misty Mountains. They attempted to cross them by the Redhorn gate, but were thwarted by a fierce blizzard [9] and had to go back. After surviving a Warg attack, Gandalf persuaded the company to go through the abandoned Dwarf kingdom of Moria. Just before entering Moria, Frodo was attacked by the Watcher in the Water and barely escaped. During the journey through Moria, Frodo began to suspect that something was tracking them. Later, inside the chamber of Mazarbul, the Fellowship was attacked by Orcs, and Frodo was struck by an Orc spear but was saved by the mithril coat he wore. The company escaped the chamber, and were close to exiting Moria, when Durin's Bane appeared and pursued them to the bridge of Khazad-dûm where Gandalf held him off so the rest of the Fellowship could escape. After breaking the bridge, both he and the Balrog fell and disappeared into the chasm below, after which Aragorn took over as leader.[10]

The Mirror of Galadriel by Alan Lee

Eventually they reached Lothlórien, and were housed by the elves at Caras Galadhon. During their rest there, Galadriel allowed Frodo and Sam to look into the Mirror of Galadriel, in which they saw many things.[11] When leaving the Woods, Galadriel gave Frodo a vial with light from the Silmaril of Eärendil.[12]

They travelled down the Anduin river in boats given to them by the elves. On their trip down the river, Frodo confirmed his suspicion that they were being trailed by Gollum. At Amon Hen, the Ring's corrupting power caused Boromir to try to take the Ring from Frodo, who escaped by putting it on. Seeing the corrupting influence of the ring on Boromir, he then decided to leave the Fellowship and go on alone, but he was thwarted in this when Sam discovered him attempting to cross the Nen Hithoel, and insisted on accompanying him.

Emyn Muil to Ithilien[edit | edit source]

The two companions reached Amon Lhaw and toiled through the Emyn Muil. Soon after, they found Gollum following them, and they captured him with the Elven rope.

Through the Marshes by Ted Nasmith

Frodo decided to trust Gollum to be their guide. He led the Hobbits out of the Emyn Muil and through the Dead Marshes. During their route, they were delayed several times by a Nazgûl flying on a fell beast. The Hobbits reached Carchost, the western Tower of the Teeth, where Frodo had intended to enter Mordor, but Gollum persuaded Frodo to follow him to a safer entrance, the pass of Cirith Ungol. During the next night's march they passed into North Ithilien, and by daylight of March 7 they reached the stream of Henneth Annûn.

Their camp fire attracted the Rangers of Ithilien, and their leader, Faramir (Boromir's brother), considered them spies and questioned Frodo concerning their errand, who recounted the journeys of the Fellowship, but said nothing about the Ring. Faramir informed Frodo of Boromir's death, implying Frodo's involvement. Faramir blindfolded the Hobbits and led them to Henneth Annûn, a secret Gondorian outpost, and questioned them further in private. After a meal, Sam accidentally revealed that Frodo had the Ring, but Faramir denied its lure, and thus gained the trust of the hobbits.

During the night, Faramir called Frodo and Sam to him, and showed them Gollum, who had found his way to Henneth Annûn, and (ignorant of their presence) was hunting for fish. Faramir, suspecting that Frodo had lied about Gollum's involvement in their quest, threatened to kill him for fear that he might reveal the location of their outpost to the enemy. Frodo confessed to the part of Gollum in their errand, and begged Faramir not to slay him. Gollum was caught and questioned and then surrendered to Frodo. The following morning Faramir released the three travellers, warning them strongly against taking the pass of Cirith Ungol.

Entering Mordor[edit | edit source]

Shelob About to Leap on Frodo by John Howe

After two marches they came to the valley of the Morgulduin and continued east. On the "Dawnless Day" Gollum lead them east to the Southward Road and reached the Cross-roads just as the sun was setting.[13] They reached just opposite the north-facing gate of Minas Morgul and they saw the Morgul-host march forth.

In that night they ascended the Straight Stair and reached the top of the Winding Stair at dawn of March 11 where they were woken by Gollum. He led the up the to the entrance to Shelob's Lair. Inside the tunnel Gollum betrayed Frodo and Sam to Shelob the spider, who stung Frodo after he left the tunnel. Sam saved Frodo from being eaten by Shelob, but thought him dead and took the Ring from him, resolving to continue the Quest alone. However Frodo (who was still alive) was captured by Orcs and taken to the Tower of Cirith Ungol.

Cirith Ungol to Mount Doom[edit | edit source]

Mount Doom by John Howe

Learning of this, Sam rescued Frodo and on early March 15 the Hobbits escaped and jumped into the ravine west of the Morgai and crossed the valley. The next day they attempted to climb the Morgai, but had to retrace their steps and reached the north end of the valley, and on March 18 they set out on the road that ran to the Isenmouthe. There they were overtaken by an Orc troop and had to follow their trot.

As Sauron's troops moved at night, the hobbits continued their journey in daytime towards Mount Doom. During the morning of March 25 they reached the Crack of Doom where, at the last moment, Frodo, under the influence of the Ring, claimed it as his own. However, at that moment he was attacked by Gollum, who seized the Ring and then fell into the fire with it, thus destroying the Ring.

By then, this pressure of the ring reached its maximum, which was impossible, "especially after long possession, months of increasing torment, and when starved and exhausted." Frodo had done what he could, and by then he was simply incapable of making a conscious decision to destroy the Ring.[14]

Return home[edit | edit source]

Frodo and Sam were rescued by Gwaihir, Landroval and Meneldor and taken to Ithilien. After being healed and having rested for a month, the Ring-bearers were honoured on the Field of Cormallen. The following months the Hobbits witnessed the coronation of their companion Aragorn as King Elessar, and were present at his marriage to Arwen that summer. Arwen renounced her immortality and gave to Frodo her place to sail into the West. She also gave to Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace that she claims would aid him when he remembers the fear and darkness of the toll the ring took on him.[15]

Frodo and his company left Minas Tirith on July 19 for Edoras and the funeral of King Théoden, then set out for the Hornburg and eventually Isengard. They parted there from Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn.

After overtaking Saruman and Wormtongue, they reached the Mountains of Moria; and when they approached Lothlórien, Celeborn and Galadriel parted from their company. The hobbits, with Gandalf and other Elves, reached Rivendell on September 21, where Frodo met Bilbo once again.

They stayed there until October 5 and eventually visited the Prancing Pony in Bree before reaching the Shire. At the Buckland Gate Gandalf left them to go and have a talk with Tom Bombadil. Once in the Shire, they reached Frogmorton where they were arrested. The next day they reached Bywater where they defeated the ruffians who had overtaken their land. The leader of the ruffians was revealed to be Saruman, and Frodo decided to let him live, even after he had tried to stab him with a knife. But Saruman did not live much longer, for his servant, Wormtongue, killed him himself (before being killed by the hobbits), thus ending the War of the Ring.

Later years[edit | edit source]

Grey Havens by Francesco Amadio

Over the next two years, the travellers reordered the Shire and their lives; but Frodo was still troubled by his wounds, falling ill every 13 March and 6 October, clutching the white gem in a manner reminiscent of the One Ring. Frodo served as Mayor of Michel Delving until Will Whitfoot was restored in S.R. 1420.[16] Having no family of his own, Frodo left his estate (Bag End) and passed on the Red Book to Samwise Gamgee, who named his son after Frodo.

On September 21 of T.A. 3021 Frodo set out for the Grey Havens. Going south to Woody End he met the Last Riding of the Keepers, Elrond, Galadriel, and Bilbo. On September 29 they came to the firth of Lhûn where Gandalf awaited them, and on the White Ship[16] they crossed the Straight Road into the West. Frodo would spend the rest of his days in "a period of reflection and peace" on Tol Eressëa, giving him the opportunity to truly understand his position in Arda before passing beyond the Circles of the World.[17]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

According to Elanor Gardner, Sam followed Frodo across the sea on September 22nd, 1482 following the death of his wife Rose (née Cotton).[18]

At some point well into the Fourth Age, the words "Frodos Dreme" appeared scrawled at the head of a poem, The Sea-Bell, within the Red Book, possibly derived from the nightmares that Frodo had before passing into the West.[19]

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

The only real description of Frodo's appearance was given only once by Gandalf in his letter to Barliman Butterbur, in which he was declared a "stout fellow with red cheeks, taller than some (hobbits), and fairer than most", with a cleft chin, a bright eye, and a perky personality.[1] Although Frodo was apparently fairly stout before his journey, he seemed to have lost a significant amount of weight on his trip from Hobbiton to Rivendell.[7] Also, at a later point, Sam remarked that Frodo was "too thin and drawn" for a hobbit.[20]

Frodo carried a small Elven sword called Sting and wore a coat of Dwarven mail made of mithril under his clothes, both given to him by Bilbo. In Lothlórien, Galadriel gave him an Elven cloak that helped him blend in with his natural surroundings and a phial carrying the light of the Star of Eärendil to aid him on his quest.

Before Frodo returned to the Shire after the Quest of the Ring was completed, Arwen Evenstar, wife of Aragorn and daughter of Elrond, gave Frodo a white gem on a silver necklace to wear around his neck.

Frodo is said to have shown great "skill with foreign sounds" and probably could pronounce Elvish correctly, more than other Hobbits (who pronounced long Elvish vowels as diphthongs).[21]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The name Frodo Baggins is an English translation of his Westron name Maura Labingi. The name Maura has the element maur- (wise, experienced), which Tolkien equated to the Germanic element frod- of the same meaning. Frodo's name in Sindarin was Iorhael ("old-wise") although in some instance he is mentioned as Daur (probably lenited form of taur).

In the German translation he is called Frodo Beutlin, in Spanish, Frodo Bolsón, in French, Frodon Sacquet, or Frodo Bessac (in the latest translation of the books), in Norwegian, Frodo Lommelun, in Danish, Frodo Sækker, in Faroese, Fróði Pjøkin, in Finnish, Frodo Reppuli, in Swedish, Frodo Secker, in Portuguese, Frodo Bolseiro, in Czech, Frodo Pytlík, and in Dutch, Frodo Balings. In one of three Polish translations he is called Frodo Bagosz, but he keeps his original name in the other two.

Other names[edit | edit source]

Genealogy[edit | edit source]

 
 
Balbo Baggins
 
Berylla Boffin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mungo Baggins
(grandfather of Bilbo)
 
 
 
Largo Baggins
 
Tanta Hornblower
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dora Baggins
 
Drogo Baggins
 
Primula Brandybuck
 
Dudo Baggins
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Frodo Baggins
 
 
 
Daisy Baggins
 
Griffo Boffin
 


Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

Frodo Baggins in adaptations
Frodo as a Lego minifigure  

Films[edit | edit source]

1978: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film):

Frodo was voiced by Christopher Guard. Sharon Baird was the model for Frodo in the live-action recordings Bakshi used for rotoscoping.

1980: The Return of the King (1980 film):

Frodo was voiced by Orson Bean, who had previously played Bilbo in The Hobbit (1977 film).

2001-03: The Lord of the Rings (film series):

Frodo is played by Elijah Wood.

2012-14: The Hobbit (film series):

Elijah Wood reprises his role as Frodo Baggins.[23] He has a conversation with Bilbo on the day of his 111th Birthday, before setting off to the woods to wait for Gandalf.

Television[edit | edit source]

1993: Hobitit:

Frodo was played by Taneli Mäkelä.

Radio series[edit | edit source]

1955: The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series):

Oliver Burt provided the voice of Frodo.

1979: The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series):

The voice of Frodo is provided by James Arrington.

1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series):

Frodo is voiced by Ian Holm.

1992: Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series):

Frodo is played by Matthias Haase.

1992: Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series):

In two episodes telling of the meeting of Frodo and Tom Bombadil, Nigel Planer provided the voice of Frodo.

2001-2003: Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series):

In the first of the three series (seasons), based on The Fellowship of the Ring, the voice of Frodo is provided by Dušan Cinkota. Cinkota was unable to reprise his role after the first series, and the role of Frodo was recast with Ľuboš Kostelný for the second and third series (based on The Two Towers and The Return of the King).

Games[edit | edit source]

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

Frodo is one of the playable characters; his story doesn't significantly differ from the book. He is voiced by Steve Staley.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game):

Frodo is present in all missions from Sam's perspective: escape from Osgiliath, Shelob's Lair, Cirith Ungol and the Crack of Doom. Completing the game allows to replay those missions from Frodo's perspective.

2004: The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring:

Frodo is a "Hero" unit of the Free People; his ability to use the Ring and turn invisible makes him ideal for scout missions.

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:

Frodo 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:

Frodo is first met in Rivendell, preparing for departure. Later, he is found on Cerin Amroth in Lothlorien, weary from the loss of Gandalf. From Amon Hen onwards, player experiences Frodo's journey in a series of Session Plays, alternatively playing as either Frodo, Sam or Gollum. The player meets Frodo again at the Field of Cormallen, he later gives a speech at Aragorn and Arwen. A Hobbit actor portrays Frodo Baggins in a Hobbit-made theater play "The Disappearance of Mad Baggins". Notably, the player is not told about Frodo's mission for a very long time, with Elrond, Gandalf, Aragorn and others only saying that it is "of great importance".

2011: The Lord of the Rings: War in the North:

Frodo is mentioned as "Frodo the Ringbearer", one of the much honored heroes of the War of the Ring, in the introduction of the game.
In The Prancing Pony Aragorn tells that he is waiting on a Hobbit with an important burden, this refers to Frodo and the One Ring.[24]
Later in the game, Frodo appears in Rivendell, but interactions with him do not affect the main plot.

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes

  1. In the chapter "Strider", Nob says to Frodo: "And I made a nice imitation of your head with a brown woollen mat"

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Strider"
  2. : "though I daresay the beasts knew their business..."
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Long-expected Party"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Three is Company"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Shadow of the Past"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Flight to the Ford"
  7. 7.0 7.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Many Meetings"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Council of Elrond"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Ring Goes South"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Mirror of Galadriel"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Farewell to Lórien"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Journey to the Cross-Roads"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 246, (dated September 1963)
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Many Partings"
  16. 16.0 16.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Chief Days from the Fall of Barad-dûr to the End of the Third Age"
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 246, (dated September 1963): "a gaining of a truer understanding of his position..."
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "Later Events Concerning the Members of the Fellowship of the Ring": "Among them the tradition is handed down from Elanor..."
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, "Preface": "It is the latest piece and belongs to the Fourth Age..."
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit"
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix E, "Pronunciation of Words and Names", "Vowels"
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Sauron Defeated, "Part One: The End of the Third Age: VII. Many Partings": "the bards and the minstrels should give them new names..."
  23. Peter Jackson, "Production begins in New Zealand on The Hobbit" dated 20 March 2011, Facebook (accessed 23 December 2011)
  24. The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, Prologue
Frodo Baggins
Baggins Family
Born: 22 September, T.A. 2968 Died: Sailed west on 29 September, T.A. 3021
Preceded by:
Bilbo Baggins
Ring-bearer
22 September, T.A. 3001 - 13 March, 3019
Followed by:
Samwise Gamgee
Preceded by:
Samwise Gamgee
Ring-bearer
14 - 25 March, T.A. 3019
Followed by:
Gollum


Attendees of the Council of Elrond
Aragorn · Bilbo Baggins · Frodo Baggins · Boromir · Elrond · Erestor · Galdor · (Samwise Gamgee) · Gandalf · Gimli · Glóin · Glorfindel · Legolas
Members of the Fellowship of the Ring
Frodo · Sam · Merry · Pippin · Gandalf · Aragorn · Legolas · Gimli · Boromir
Route of the Fellowship of the Ring
Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Rohan · Edoras · Hornburg · Isengard · Dunharrow · Paths of the Dead · Gondor · Hill of Erech · Lamedon · Linhir · Lebennin · Pelargir · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Boromir
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen
Frodo and Sam
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Emyn Muil · Dead Marshes · Black Gate · Ithilien · Henneth Annûn · Cross-roads · Morgul Vale · Stairs of Cirith Ungol · Cirith Ungol · Shelob's Lair · Tower of Cirith Ungol · Mordor · Morgai · Plateau of Gorgoroth · Mount Doom · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Gandalf
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Celebdil† · Lothlórien · Fangorn Forest · Edoras · Hornburg · Isengard · Rohan · Anórien · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Cair Andros · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Merry
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Parth Galen · Amon Hen · Emyn Muil · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Wellinghall · Derndingle · Isengard · Hornburg · Dunharrow · Drúadan Forest · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Pippin
Rivendell · Eregion · Caradhras · Moria · Lothlórien · Caras Galadhon · Anduin · Amon Hen · Parth Galen · Emyn Muil · Eastemnet · Fangorn Forest · Wellinghall · Derndingle · Isengard · Rohan · Anórien · Gondor · Minas Tirith · Osgiliath · Cross-roads · Ithilien · Dagorlad · Black Gate · Field of Cormallen · Gondor · Cair Andros · Minas Tirith · Anórien · Rohan · Edoras · Isengard
Ring-bearers of the One Ring
Sauron (S.A. 1600 - 3441) · Isildur (S.A. 3441 - 25 September, T.A. 2) · Déagol (c. 2463) · Sméagol (c. 2463 - 2941) · Bilbo Baggins (2941 - 22 September, 3001) · Frodo Baggins (22 September, 3001 - 13 March, 3019) · Samwise Gamgee (13 March, 3019 - 14 March, 3019) · Frodo Baggins (14 March, 3019 - 25 March, 3019) · Gollum (25 March, T.A. 3019)
Also briefly held the Ring: Gandalf (13 April, T.A. 3018) · Tom Bombadil (27 September, T.A. 3018)
The Hobbit film series
Source material: The Hobbit · The Lord of the Rings
Films An Unexpected Journey (extended editionThe Desolation of Smaug (extended edition) · The Battle of the Five Armies (extended edition)
Music An Unexpected Journey (Special Edition) · The Desolation of Smaug (Special Edition) · The Battle of the Five Armies (Special Edition) · "Song of the Lonely Mountain" · "I See Fire" · "The Last Goodbye"
Tie-in books An Unexpected Journey Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2013 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: Creatures & Characters · The World of Hobbits
The Desolation of Smaug Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2014 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: Cloaks & Daggers · Smaug: Unleashing the Dragon · Activity Book · Sticker Book · Ultimate Sticker Collection
The Battle of the Five Armies Official Movie Guide · Visual Companion · Movie Storybook · Annual 2015 · Chronicles: Art & Design · Chronicles: The Art of War · Activity Book
Video games Kingdoms of Middle-earth · Armies of The Third Age · Lego The Hobbit
Characters Bilbo · Thorin · Gandalf · Balin · Fíli · Kíli · Dwalin · Dori · Nori · Ori · Óin · Glóin · Bifur · Bofur · Bombur · Smaug · Radagast · Elrond · Galadriel · Saruman · Azog · Bolg · Thranduil · Legolas · Tauriel · Bard · Bain · Tilda · Sigrid · Master of Lake-town · Alfrid · Dáin Ironfoot · Necromancer · Bert · William · Tom · Beorn · Thráin · Thrór · Goblin King · Gollum · Frodo
The Lord of the Rings film series
Source material: The Hobbit · The Lord of the Rings
Films The Fellowship of the Ring (extended editionThe Two Towers (extended edition) · The Return of the King (extended edition)
Music The Fellowship of the Ring (The Complete Recordings) · The Two Towers (The Complete Recordings) · The Return of the King (The Complete Recordings) · "May It Be" · "Gollum's Song" · "Into the West"
Tie-in books Official Movie Guide · The Making of the Movie Trilogy · Complete Visual Companion · Gollum: How We Made Movie Magic · There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale · Weapons and Warfare · The Art of The Lord of the Rings · Sketchbook
The Fellowship of the Ring Visual Companion · The Art of The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers Visual Companion · Photo Guide · The Art of The Two Towers
The Return of the King Visual Companion · The Art of The Return of the King
Video games The Two Towers · The Return of the King · The Third Age · Tactics · Conquest · Aragorn's Quest · Lego The Lord of the Rings
Characters Frodo · Bilbo · Gandalf · Sam · Merry · Pippin · Gandalf · Aragorn · Boromir · Legolas · Gimli · Elrond · Galadriel · Théoden · Éomer · Éowyn · Saruman · Sauron · Witch-king · Denethor · Faramir · Gollum · Gríma · Treebeard · Celeborn · Haldir · Lurtz · Sharku · Grishnákh