The Lord of the Rings has been a cherished fantasy saga for many fans, including myself, long before the cinematic adaptations graced our screens. A significant aspect of its allure lies in the profound relationship between Frodo and Sam. J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary brilliance was heavily influenced by his harrowing experiences of camaraderie during World War I, where young British soldiers forged deep bonds amid the chaos of combat, transcending social classes and backgrounds.
The film adaptations by Peter Jackson are widely celebrated for their cinematic achievements, yet they inevitably left behind numerous subtle nuances from Tolkien’s writings, including those found within the epic’s extensive appendices. This omission means that crucial details are often lost, especially regarding the ties that bind Frodo and Sam beyond the final credits of the films.
The Aftermath at Bag End: A Missing Chapter
The True Ending of The Return of the King
The climax of The Return of the King culminates with Sam’s poignant return to the Shire after seeing Frodo sail away from the Grey Havens towards the Undying Lands. Upon reuniting with his wife Rosie and their children, Sam utters the final line of the film: “Well, I’m back.”While this moment is a touching conclusion to an epic saga, it neglects to address the profound final chapter of Sam’s life, a narrative overshadowed by the emotional farewell.
Interestingly, the book’s ending echoes the film closely, concluding with a similarly reflective moment:
At last the three companions turned away, and never again looking back they rode slowly homewards; and they spoke no word to one another until they came back to the Shire, but each had great comfort in his friends on the long grey road.
At last they rode over the downs and took the East Road, and then Merry and Pippin rode on to Buckland; and already they were singing again as they went. But Sam turned to Bywater, and so came back up the Hill, as day was ending once more. And he went on, and there was yellow light, and fire within; and the evening meal was ready, and he was expected. And Rose drew him in, and set him in his chair, and put little Elanor upon his lap.
He drew a deep breath. ‘Well, I’m back,’ he said. (The Return of the King, Book 6, Chapter 9, “The Grey Havens”)
Tolkien further expanded Sam’s narrative in The Appendices, where we learn how he flourished after Frodo’s departure. It turns out, Sam became a pivotal figure in the Shire, beginning with his inheritance of the Bag End estate from Frodo.
The Legacy of Bag End: A Future for Samwise Gamgee
The Historical Significance of Bag End in Shire Lore
With an acute awareness of his impending departure from Middle-earth, Frodo entrusted the entire Baggins estate to Sam. This act marked the start of Sam’s ascent as a highly regarded leader in the Shire. Just six years post-Frodo’s departure, Sam was elected as Mayor of the Shire for the first time. Around the same period, Aragorn, now revered as King Elessar, established protections for the Shire by prohibiting outsiders, enhancing the safety of its inhabitants.
Under Sam’s administration, the Shire experienced an era of prosperity. His remarkable popularity led to seven consecutive re-elections, totaling an impressive 42 years in office. Eventually, at the age of 102, after the passing of his beloved Rose, Sam bequeathed Bag End to his family before venturing back to the Grey Havens as the last of the Ring-bearers, leaving the Shire behind.
The Emotional Significance of Bag End in Frodo and Sam’s Bond
A Symbol of Equality: Bag End’s Transfer from Frodo to Sam
Within the narratives of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Bag End encompasses an array of meanings. However, in the context of Frodo and Sam’s relationship, it primarily symbolizes family. The saga commences with Frodo inheriting Bag End as the heir to Bilbo, along with the burdens of the Ring. However, as the Ring’s curse is finally lifted, the estate is passed from Frodo to Sam, signifying the deep familial bond that echoes throughout their journey.
There is a part of me that wishes for a way to visually represent the profound legacy Frodo left Sam. The exclusion of these narratives from both the literature and films is understandable, as lengthy sequences detailing Shire politics would detract from the emotional impact of the original ending. Nevertheless, the connection between Frodo and Sam is a cornerstone of The Lord of the Rings, ultimately highlighting Sam as one of the greatest heroes of Middle-earth.