5 Fictional Items That Could Improve Our Quality of Life

Fictional stories, especially fantasy and sci-fi, are overflowing with new inventions and devices to help move the story forward and make life easier for its characters. While there's often a focus on how we want fictional characters or worlds to be real, I think the special devices of fiction often get overlooked. I don't know about you, but I find myself often wishing I had some of these amazing creations in real life to make every day a little more palatable. Here are a few fictional items that I think could make our life even better if they were real.

Lembas bread

The Lord of the Rings

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When preparing for any road trip, one must make sure you have enough snacks packed to sustain your journey. If lembas bread existed in the real world, the process of packing for any journey, long or short, would become ten times more simple. Lembas is an elven bread gifted to the Fellowship before they departed Lothlorien, and it sustained them over the course of their entire journey. It doesn't spoil, which is a major plus, and it's very filling—according to Legolas, "one small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man." Whether going on a trip to Mordor or just to the grocery store, lembas is a meal useful for any purpose.

Pro: More sustenance for far less space.
Con: As Frodo and Sam discovered, you may get tired of the taste after a while. If you supplement lembas with other things, however, you should be fine.
Conclusion: The benefit of this tasty treat far outweighs the bad.

Time-turner

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

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Who hasn't wished they had more time in the day? Whether you're crunching a deadline or just want more time to do the things you enjoy, sometimes it can feel like the days are all too short. Hermione encountered this same problem in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and she used a handy device called a time-turner to allow her to add more courses to her workload. Each time you turn, the time-turner gives you one extra hour, and you can stay in the past a maximum of five hours. (Though as of 2020 and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, two more time-turners have been invented with varying amounts of time, including forever if you wish.) The allure of adding more hours to the day is all too appealing. You can literally turn back the clock and even redo things if you wish. Whether used for studying, more leisure time, or changing the fate of the world, a time-turner could definitely come in handy in the Muggle realm.

Pros: More time, being able to rewrite history.

Cons: ...More time, being able to rewrite history. As Hermione proved, having more time can tend to be extremely overwhelming. And all you have to do is watch an episode of Doctor Who to know that messing with time is not always a good idea.

Conclusion: The time-turner could be a useful invention, but as with all magic and devices, it must be used wisely. Perhaps this sentiment would be a better way to live: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." Wait, wrong fandom, wrong wizard...

J.A.R.V.I.S. & Tony Stark's Computer

Marvel Cinematic Universe

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Computers have been one of the greatest inventions of the 21st century; however, like all things, they aren't exactly perfect. All computers crash, break, and freeze up. Except for one... Tony Stark's. I don't think I've turned on a Marvel movie without being incredibly jealous of Tony Stark's computer system. I mean, not only does it never freeze up or seem to have any problems whatsoever, but the way it functions is incredibly cool. Tony can control his computer with his body—how cool is that? He flings 3D computer projections around like it's nothing and controls it with just his voice. And speaking of voices—there's an aspect of his computer system who's a character in his own right: J.A.R.V.I.S., which stands for Just A Rather Very Intelligent System. J.A.R.V.I.S. listens to Tony, talks to him, sets reminders, and basically helps him keep his life on track. He's not just a computer, he's a friend. Who wouldn't want a computer just like that?

Pro: An amazing computer, a built-in organizational assistant, a constant companion.

Con: As we saw in Age of Ultron and countless movies before it, artificial intelligence isn't totally foolproof. Artificial intelligence can easily be controlled and manipulated and even turn evil on its own.

Conclusion: While they certainly have some downsides, computers and technology aren't going anywhere. I'd definitely like to have the best one out there. (Now, if this hypothetically became real, I would just need the hypothetical money to afford it...)

Transporter

Star Trek

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One of the biggest problems we all face in life is transportation—how do we get from here to there? Whether you're just trying to get to work each day or you want to travel all the way across the country, transportation is a challenge faced by everyone. We've managed to come up with our best solutions for the issue, but they're still not perfect. What if there was a better way? Gene Roddenberry certainly thought there was, and he integrated it into his show Star Trek with the transporter. Used as a plot device since the beginning of the show, the transporter has been integral to every Star Trek series. (It's also the origin of the popular yet non-verbatim phrase, "Beam me up, Scotty!") The transporter allows humans and objects to be "beamed over" long distances (about 16,000 miles) by temporarily converting matter into energy. Throughout Star Trek history it's been used in just about any scenario, and I think it could be applied just as easily in real life to get us to work, school, and anywhere in between. (Just make sure you don't have any transporter accidents along the way!)

Pro: You can get anywhere easily, as long as it's within 16,000 miles.
Con: The transporter isn't foolproof. There have been many transporter accidents, from combining two individuals to turning four characters into their child selves. These accidents are usually easily reversible, though, and the accidents are rare compared to the amount of successful transporter incidents.
Conclusion: The transporter's pros are far greater than its cons. Gene Roddenberry had the right idea—it's an extremely helpful way to get from point A to point B.

The Holodeck

Star Trek

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From the beginning of time, humans have sought an escape from the drudgery of reality by retreating into fictional worlds and scenarios. Most of the time we do this by retreating into fiction, but what if that fiction could become real? This is the question that the Holodeck on Star Trek brings to life. (A few notes: The holodeck is one of the more indulgent items on this list, but what is life without a little fun? It's also an item that seems increasingly close to fact rather than fiction, but we'll get to that in a bit.)

Formally known as a Holographic Environment Simulator, a holodeck is a room with the capability to simulate any scenario or situation that a person so desires. It's been used as a plot device since Star Trek: The Next Generation to bring to life various situations, fictional characters, and even historical characters. While it's often used to practice combat skills, it's also used for entertainment purposes, which is the main reason I'm including it in this article. If a holodeck existed, I think every single one of us would be recreating each of our favorite stories and fandoms. It would be an amazing way to bring our fandoms to life and make fiction almost real.

Pro: Making our favorite fictional characters and worlds real!
Cons: As Star Trek illustrated, there are some downsides. There have been instances of people getting way too involved in the holodeck and never wanting to leave, as well as certain holodeck characters gaining sentience.
Conclusion: As with all technology, the holodeck can go wrong. It seems we're on the fast track to holodeck-like platforms with virtual reality devices such as the Oculus Rift. As things like the holodeck become real, be sure to use them wisely and remember to poke your head out into reality once in a while.

What fictional item do you want to become real? Sound off in the comments!

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League of Literary Gentlemen: Samwise the Stouthearted, Part Two

In part one of my adventure with Samwise Gamgee, I explored how his steadfast loyalties and his fearless bravery worked together to make him a heroic character and worthy of admiration. In part two, I will continue this exploration by discussing some of his softer qualities--the traits that make him persevere through the thick and thin, and the aspects that make him the gentle hobbit many people have come to love.  

3. He's down-to-earth

Samwise isn't all ferocity and fearlessness; there is a softer side to him as well, a down-to-earth side (pun definitely intended). This side comes from being a gardener and loving things that grow. Often, Samwise thinks of plants and animals before anything else. He ended up in the whole mess because he was determined to cut the weeds under the windowsill at Bag End and overhears Frodo and Gandalf discussing the Ring and Sauron: "'Nothing! Least ways I was just trimming the grass-border under the window, if you follow me'" (FOTR 69-70).

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He also cares for animals tenderly, such as with Bill the Pony. He not only rescues Bill from the obnoxious Bill Ferny's harsh hand, but when he must part with Bill, he is torn: "Bill, seeming to understand well what was going on, nuzzled up to him, putting his nose to Sam's ears. Sam burst into tears, and fumbled with the straps, unloading all the pony's packs and throwing them on the ground" (FOTR 341). When he returns from his travels, Sam makes it priority to visit Bill first thing (ROTK 297). Sam's connection to the earth and to animals gives him a simple, humble demeanor. He may show bravery in the most dire of situations, but often, he is thinking of his garden and the Shire.

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Thus when Galadriel looks at him in Lothlorien, as if seeing into his mind, he had the impression that if given the chance he would return home "'to the Shire to a nice little hole with--with a bit of garden of my own'" (FOTR 401). This is also why Galadriel gives him a piece of earth as a parting gift; his love for the earth runs deep and becomes a part of his character (FOTR 422). It's such an integral part of his character that when he is tempted by the Ring, the thing he dreams about is a "garden of flowers and trees and brought forth fruit'" (ROTK 186). A garden! Only Samwise Gamgee would wield the Ring of Power to create a perfect garden out of the ruins of Mordor. In addition, it is his simple-hearted, down-to-earth nature that keeps the temptation of the Ring out of his mind:

"...deep down in him lived still unconquered his plain-hobbit sense: he knew in his core of his heart that he was not large enough to bear such a burden, even if such visions were not a mere cheat to betray him. The one small garden of a free gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command." -The Return of the King, 186

Later, Sam uses nature to spread hope and joy in the Shire. He doesn't keep Galadriel's gift for himself; he shares it with the Shire to restore what was destroyed (ROTK 330). Sam's love for nature keeps him grounded during his journey through darkness and temptation. His humble origins in the Shire paired with his deep sense of connection to the earth are what balance out his ferocious bravery and overeager loyalty. He can sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet of good-tilled earth, knowing he needs nothing more than friendship, greenery, and maybe a pipe or draught of ale.

"'I am only a hobbit, and gardening's my job at home, sir, if you understand me, and I'm not good at poetry.'" -Samwise Gamgee, The Two Towers, 324

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4. He's fascinated by the world

The first mention of Samwise in the story discusses his love for stories, especially Mr. Bilbo's stories: "'He's in and out of Bag End. Crazy about stories of the old days, he is, and he listens to all Mr. Bilbo's tales'" (FOTR 24). Over and over, Sam mentions stories he's heard of Elves, 'walking trees,' and, of course, oliphaunts (FOTR 49, 283). In addition to gardening getting him into trouble, he also "eavesdropped" because he couldn't help himself: he is fascinated by stories.

"'I listened because I couldn't help myself, if you know what I mean. Lor bless me, sir, but I do love tales of that sort. And I believe them too, whatever Ted may say. Elves, sir! I would dearly love to see them. Couldn't you take me to see Elves, sir, when you go?'" -Samwise Gamgee, The Fellowship of the Ring, 70

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When he learns he will see Elves, he promptly bursts into tears (FOTR 71). He takes in the world with wide eyes, even finding himself disappointed when he learns not everything is as he imagined: "He had imagined himself meeting giants taller than trees, and other creatures even more terrifying, some time or another in the course of his journey" (FOTR 172). He also sings songs he's learned, or made up his own (FOTR 235). Basically, Sam is wonderstruck by the world around him. He hopes that all the stories are true and that the world is as incredible as he's heard. He's spent his whole life in the Shire, so he hasn't seen the world. He often has no sense of direction while they travel across Middle-earth (FOTR 80).

"Maps conveyed nothing to Sam's mind, and all distances in these strange lands seemed so vast that he was quite out of his reckoning." -The Fellowship of the Ring, 321

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Thus he is often amazed at the world. When they visit Lothlorien, he feels as if he's "inside a song" (FOTR 393). When they are traveling, he often forgets about the quest to marvel over plants or whether or not there are oliphaunts around: "Sam drew a deep breath. 'An oliphaunt it was!' he said. 'So there are oliphaunts, and I have seen one. What a life! But no one at home will ever believe me'" (TT 302).

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It's this sense of wonder and fascination to the world that keeps him grounded along with this love for nature. His wonder keeps his thoughts held high as he traverses the darkest parts of the world. He takes time to think about others--such as the soldiers fighting for the other side--and to daydream about the stories that might be told about his journey someday (TT 301; ROTK 245). When he focuses on what is to come, instead of the present moment, he is able to persevere through the hardships. It's the heart of fantasy and stories in general: to bring hope to a desperate situation.

"'The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures as I used to call them. I used to think that they were things the wonderful folk of the stories went out and looked for, because they wanted them, because they were exciting and life was a bit dull, kind of a sport, as you might say. But that's not the way of it with the tales that really mattered, or the ones that stay in the mind. Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually--their paths were laid that way, as you put it. But I expect they had lots of chances , like us, of turning back, only they didn't. And if they had, we shouldn't know because they'd have been forgotten. We hear about those as just went on--and not all to a good end, mind you; at least not to what folk inside a story and not outside it call a good end. You know, coming home, and finding things all right, though not quite the same--like old Mr. Bilbo. But those aren't always the best tales to hear, though they may be the best tales to get landed in! I wonder what sort of tale we've fallen into?'" -Samwise Gamgree, The Two Towers, 362

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5. He's full of hope

Just as Sam's loyalty flows into his bravery, his fascination with the world and with stories flows into his sense of hope. Throughout the novel, Sam claims he has given up hope, yet I find that to be the opposite. More often than any other character, Sam is the one with the optimistic outlook. When they are being hunted by Wargs, Sam is scared, but he also has a sense of hope that they'll make it through: "'But we aren't etten yet, and there are some stout folk here with us. Whatever may be in store for old Gandalf, I'll wager it isn't a wolf's belly'" (FOTR 334).

When Sam and Frodo depart from the Fellowship, Frodo doubts he will ever see their friends again, but Samwise reassures him that they might still (FOTR 457). Even in the midst of despair, Sam is cheerful and hopeful that things will turn out for the better and they will make it through.

"And after all, he never had any real hope in the affair from the beginning; but being a cheerful hobbit he had not needed hope, as long as despair could be postponed. Now they were coming to the bitter end. But he had stuck to his master all the way, that was what he had chiefly come for, and he would stick to him. His master would not go to Mordor alone. Sam would go with him--and of any rate they would get rid of Gollum." -The Two Towers, 273

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After Frodo is taken by the orcs to Cirith Ungol, Samwise still doesn't give up hope. His love for Frodo spurs him onward to rescue him: "Faint as was the hope that his guess brought him, it was enough to rouse him. There might be just a chance. His love for Frodo rose above all other thoughts, and forgetting his peril he cried aloud: 'I'm coming, Mr. Frodo!'" (ROTK 183). In the midst of the Cirith Ungol, surrounded by the corpses of the dead orcs, he even manages to find the will to sing, despite his grief (ROTK 194). When Sam realizes he might not return to the Shire, his hopeful attitude starts to fade out of sorrow, but it soon rises in a new strength: "Sam's plain hobbit-face grew stern, almost grim, as the will hardened in him [...] with a new sense of responsibility, he brought his eyes back to the ground near at hand, studying the next move" (ROTK 225). Despite overwhelming odds and obstacles that falter their journey, Sam continues to rise above the gloom until the very end.

"'Master!' cried Sam, and fell upon his knees. In all that ruin of the world for the moment he only felt joy, great joy. The burden was gone. His master had been saved; he was himself again, he was free.'" -The Return of the King, 241

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Atop Mount Doom, the two little hobbits watch Sauron's reign fall. They accomplished their quest, and Frodo has given his last bit of strength. And yet, Samwise continues to be optimistic, believing the end has not come for them just yet: "'But after coming all that way I don't want to give up yet. It's not like me, somehow, if you understand'" (ROTK 244). Thus, their journey continues as they return to the Shire and rescue their people. Again, they are facing an insurmountable obstacle, but as they are arrested, Sam and the other hobbits laugh and sing their way to the prison house! (ROTK 306).

Samwise's greatest strength--more than his bravery, loyalty, fascination with the world, and simplicity--is his ability to find hope in the midst of darkness and despair. This, more than anything, allowed him to persevere through Mordor by Frodo's side. It was only with a small ounce of hope, a small bit of light among the blackness, that allowed the story to end with freedom and victory.

"There, peeping among the cloud--wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the shadow was only a small passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach." -The Return of the King, 211

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Samwise Gamgee has a lot of endearing qualities that make him a memorable character. He is known for his steadfast loyalty and inspiring feats of courage. He grows from being a simple hobbit with a love for stories to a strong hobbit with a sense of purpose, gratefulness for the world, and hope for a future. He is the reason Frodo succeeded in his mission; without Sam, Frodo wouldn't have gotten far at all. But Samwise is still a hobbit, a small fellow in a wide world, and he holds on to that throughout the story. It is this, more than anything, that makes Samwise truly memorable. It would take a lot to journey through such overwhelming circumstances, but he keeps up because he must. He knows that is what the folk in the great stories do--they keep fighting because it's all worth it.

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All quotations from from 2012 Del Rey Mass Market editions of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), The Two Towers (1954), The Return of the King (1955). 

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The League of Literary Gentlemen: Samwise the Stouthearted, Part One

One of my favorite memes is "Disney didn't give me unrealistic expectations of men; Tolkien did" (or the equivalent of). When it comes to The Lord of the Rings and the realm of Middle-earth, there are a lot of great literary gentlemen to highlight. This makes it especially hard to pick just one character to spotlight. From men to elves and even to hobbits or dwarves, Middle-earth is ripe with all types of heroic gentlemen. My personal, all-time (I almost can't bear to admit it!) favorite character is Samwise Gamgee.

From the first moment I watched and read The Lord of the Rings, I fell in love with sweet, loyal Sam. I always regarded him as more heroic than anybody else, and I thought he deserved more recognition than he ever received. Later I learned Tolkien felt much the same, calling him the "chiefest hero" of the story. At first, Sam may not seem heroic or important since he's a simple hobbit who loves gardening, but his endearing qualities help shape the events of the story in extraordinary ways.

"'Why, Sam,' he said, 'to hear you somehow makes me merry as if the story was already written. But you've left out one of the chief characters: Samwise the stouthearted. "I want to hear more about Sam, dad. Why didn't they put in more of his talk, dad? That's what I like, it makes me laugh. And Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam, would he, dad?'" -Frodo Baggins, The Two Towers, 363

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1. He's loyal

Anyone who knows the story of Samwise Gamgee wouldn't be surprised to learn that one of Sam's greatest qualities is his loyalty. Throughout the books, Samwise has one goal: to stick by Frodo's side, no matter what. At every turn, he is looking out for his master and carefully makes sure he knows where Frodo is at all times (The Fellowship of the Ring, 252; The Two Towers 328). At the beginning of the book, he aims to help Frodo by carrying more than his fair share of supplies (FOTR, 78, 201). In addition, he refuses to leave Frodo's side, even falling asleep at his feet: "Sam refused to leave his master. When Pippin had gone he came and sat curled up at Frodo's feet, where at last he nodded and closed his eyes" (FOTR 92). When they meet Strider, he's suspicious, if only to make sure Strider won't hurt Frodo (FOTR 194, 222). The same happens when they encounter Gollum; he doesn't want Gollum to turn around and strangle them in their sleep (TT 264, 274). When they are in Rivendell he "had begged to be allowed to wait on his master, but had been told that for this time he was a guest of honor" (FOTR, 255).

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Of course, he is most known for declaring to follow Frodo all the way to Mordor if that is what they are meant to do. He interrupts the Council of Elrond to demand Frodo is not sent off by himself, and he chases after Frodo, determined that Frodo won't get lost by himself (FOTR 304, 455).

"'But I'm going to Mordor.'
'I know that well enough, Mr. Frodo. Of course you are. And I'm coming with you.'" -Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee, The Fellowship of the Ring, 457

He defends Frodo multiple times, whether it be from swampy tentacle-monsters, strange Men of Gondor, or greedy orcs (FOTR 346-47; TT 306; The Return of the King 200). He makes sure Frodo gets proper food and sleep, even giving Frodo the last drink of water and his own portion of lembas bread (TT 292, 361, 365; ROTK 219). After they are attacked in Shelob's Lair and Samwise believes Frodo to be dead, Samwise stays loyal to his master by deciding to take up Frodo's quest and destroy the Ring (TT 385-86). When he learns Frodo is not dead, he makes it his priority to save Frodo first: "He sprang up. He flung the Quest and all his decisions away, and fear and doubt with them. He knew now where his place has and had been: at his master's side" (TT 389).

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Even to the end of the Quest, Samwise is by Frodo's side. He determines he was meant to stick by Frodo's side to the end, even if that meant death: "'So that was the job I felt I had to do when I started,' thought Sam: 'to help Mr. Frodo to the last step and then die with him? Well, if that is the job then, I must do it'" (ROTK 225). He offers to help carry the Ring, but when Frodo refuses to allow him such a burden, Samwise decides he will do what he must to help Frodo succeed, even if that means carrying Frodo himself (ROTK 229, 232). In one of the most heroic moments in the books and on cinematic screens, Samwise carries the frail Frodo upon his back into the heart of Mount Doom:

"'Come, Mr. Frodo,' he cried. 'I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you and it as well. So up you get! Come on, Mr. Frodo dear! Sam will give you a ride. Just tell him where to go, and he'll go.'" -Samwise Gamgee, The Fellowship of the Ring, 233

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After the Ring is destroyed, Samwise continues to show his loyalties to Frodo and all of the hobbits, including his gaffer. When they return to the Shire and learn it's been taken over by suspicious and greedy people, he is determined to find his gaffer first and foremost to make sure he is well (ROTK 307). Then he helps his friends restore the Shire. Once the Shire is restored, Samwise continues to stay with Frodo, sharing Bag End even after he marries Rosie Cotton (ROTK 332). When Frodo decides to sail into the West, Samwise can hardly be parted from him. He wishes to go with him, but he must remain in the Shire to care for his family (ROTK 338). In the end though, after Rosie dies, Sam sails West to be reunited with his master once and for all (ROTK 419). Samwise is loyal, through and through, when it comes to his friendships and family. He sticks by them, no matter what--marshes, Mordor, or Mount Doom.

"'If you don't come back, sir, then I shan't, that's certain,' said Sam. 'Don't you leave him! They said to me. Leave him! I said. I never meant to. I am going with him, if he climbs to the moon, and if any of those Black Riders try to stop him, they'll have Sam Gamgee to reckon with, I said. They laughed.'" -Samwise Gamgee, The Fellowship of the Ring, 97

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2. He's brave

Sam's loyalty to others filters straight into his other qualities, namely his bravery. Hobbits are known for being exceedingly surprising, especially when it comes to resilience and strength in the face of despair (think Bilbo facing Smaug or Frodo carrying the Ring to Mount Doom), yet Samwise is more surprising than most. At the beginning of the story, he ends up bursting into tears over pretty much anything: Elves, excitement, eavesdropping. Yet by the end, he is a steadfast, stouthearted hobbit that shows incredible bravery.

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Due to his loyalty, he finds it is his personal duty to defend Frodo, as mentioned earlier. He will do whatever it takes to save his master from trouble. He'd go up against Black Riders, Bill Ferny, Gollum, orcs, and a nasty spider just to see Frodo safely into Mordor. That kind of action requires bravery that far exceeds the normal capacity.

"'Sam is an excellent fellow, and would jump down a dragon's throat to save you, if he did not trip over his own feet...'" -Peregrin Took, The Fellowship of the Ring, 117

While Sam reveals his bravery at the beginning, it isn't until he and Frodo travel alone that his true character is revealed. When they pass through Emyn Muil, Sam volunteers to go down the side of a cliff first, if only to save Frodo from being squashed: "Before Frodo could stop him, he sat down, swung his legs over the brink, and twisted around, scrabbling with his toes for a foothold. It is doubtful if he ever did anything braver in cold blood, or more unwise" (TT 235). After Gollum betrays them in Shelob's Lair, Samwise fights off Gollum and shows resilience in the fight. He had fought Gollum previously and knew it was not easy, but he was willing to try again if to rid the world of the wretch (TT 378-79). But Sam's greatest feat of bravery comes when he fights off Shelob in order to save Frodo:

"Sam did not wait to wonder what was to be done or whether he was brave, or loyal, or filled with rage. He sprang forward with a yell, and seized his master's sword in his left hand. Then he charged. No onslaught more fierce was ever seen in the savage world of beasts, where some desperate small creature armed with little teeth, alone will spring upon a tower of horn and hide that stands above its fallen mate." -The Two Towers, 381

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Samwise could not have fought off Shelob like he did without his strength of courage. He doesn't give up, even when she comes at him with her stinger. And his bravery continues as he decides to take up Frodo's quest and place the burden of the Ring around his neck: "But slowly, as if the weight became less, or new strength grew in him, he raised his head, and then with a great effort got to his feet and found that he could walk and bear his burden" (TT 387). Sam continues to show bravery as he tracks down Frodo's whereabouts and rescues him from an orc-infested stronghold. He doesn't even hesitate when he hears the orcs' uproar and fighting. He continues through, determined to save Frodo if it's the last thing he does. He simply walks in and bravery maneuvers his way through the tower, past the dead bodies of orcs and the wicked air of the enemy's land (ROTK 189). When he does find Frodo, he once more shows his courage by fighting off the orcs who have him:

"With a cry Sam leapt across the floor, Sting in hand. The orc wheeled around, but before it could make a move Sam slashed its whip-hand from its arm. Howling with pain and fear but desperate the orc charged head-down at him." -The Return of the King, 196

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Later, Sam shows the same kind of fearless bravery when he helps save the Shire (ROTK 311). Samwise's bravery helped save Frodo on numerous occasions and gave him the resilience and strength to keep moving forward, despite all their obstacles and losses. It is with good reason Frodo calls him "Samwise the stouthearted" (TT 363).

"'Now come, you filth!' he cried. 'You've hurt my master, you brute, and you'll pay for it. We're going on; but we'll settle with you first. Come on, and taste it again!'" -Samwise to Shelob, The Two Towers, 383

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Samwise has many more qualities that set him apart as an extraordinary literary gentlemen. I'll continue discussing more of these qualities and how they all tie together in part two!

All quotations from from 2012 Del Rey Mass Market editions of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), The Two Towers (1954), The Return of the King (1955). 

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