Sam's, or the Gaffer's, depreciating comments for Tolkien's. Although
Tolkien certainly thought more highly of Frodo than of Sam (see Letter 246) he
also called Sam the "real hero" of LotR (see Letter 131). I judge that
Sam is unduly hard on himself here.
The real test of a hero is what he does after making a mistake. Even
Aragorn faces that test after Amon Hen. Frodo makes many mistakes, as do
all the hobbits. They were not chosen for their wisdom or power, after
all, but for their humility and
innocence.
My Tolkien blog.________________________________________
"‘I think he was a silly little man,' said Councillor Tompkins. ‘Worthless, in fact; no use to Society at all.'
"‘Oh, I don't know,' said Atkins, who was nobody of importance, just a schoolmaster. ‘I am not so sure: it depends on what you mean by use .'
"‘No practical or economic use,' said Tompkins. . . .
. . .
"‘It is proving very useful indeed,' said the Second Voice. ‘As a holiday, and a refreshment. It is splendid for convalescence; and not only for that, for many it is the best introduction to the Mountains. It works wonders in some cases. I am sending more and more there. They seldom have to come back.'"
