Birth: April 6, 2980 of the Third Age
Death: Late 60s of the Fourth Age Race: Hobbit Culture: Shire Hobbit Height: Short Hair Color: Blond Eye Color: Brown Skin Color: White Residence: Three Bagshot Row in Hobbiton Part of the Fellowship: Frodo's loyal friend Father: Hamfast "Gaffer" Gamgee Mother: Bell Goodchild Gamgee Siblings: Hamson and Halfred-brothers; Daisy, May, and Marigold-sisters Spouse: Rose "Rosie" Cotton Children: 7 sons - Frodo Gardner, Merry, Pippin, Hamfast, Bilbo, Robin, and Tolman; 6 daughters - Elanor the Fair, Rose, Goldilocks, Daisy, Primrose, and Ruby Gift of Lorien: Seeds of a Mallorn tree, soil from Elven country |
Biography
Heroic and caring Hobbit of the Shire. Sam was the closest of Frodo's friends. He accompanied him all the way from the Shire to Mount Doom and always gave him encouraging words or advice. Sam would follow Frodo, even if it meant death. He also backed Frodo on any point he made and almost always agreed with and greatly respected him.
Samwise Gamgee was born to Hamfast and Bell Gamgee on April 6, 2980 of the Third Age. He was originally a gardener with his father. He lived at number three Bagshot Row with his parents and five siblings: Hamson, Halfred, Daisy, May, and Marigold.
Sam was of the working class. He and his father did lots of local gardening around the Shire. When his father became of age, he retired and Sam took over his business. He gardened at special places including Bag End, which was covered with flowers and green grass. Sam had a passion for growing things and therefore greatly enjoyed his profession.
Sam learned much from his neighbor Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo taught him to read and write and how to write stories and compose literature. Sam loved local songs, dances, and poems.
Sam attended Bilbo's Farewell Party in 3001. He had a great respect for Frodo, but by this time still did not know him as well as he would come to. He fell in love with Rosie Cotton around this time, and she was the daughter of Farmer Tolman Cotton.
By 3018, Sam became great friends with Frodo. He was also well acquainted with Pippin Took and Merry Brandybuck. In April, Frodo was losing his love for the Shire and felt the need to leave. On the 13th, Gandalf came to Bag End and warned Frodo that his Ring was the One Ring of Sauron. Sam was gardening at the time and happened to overhear the entire conversation. Gandalf heard him and thought he was eavesdropping. He could have killed him using his staff. Instead, he decided that Sam should accompany Frodo on his quest as long as he knew about the mission to take the Ring far away from home.
On September 23, Frodo and Sam left Bag End and it was sold to Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. They journeyed with Pippin Took. The three companions had several near-death encounters with the evil Nazgul including Khamul in the Woody End. They also met an Elf named Gildor Inglorion on September 24 who advised them to stay off the road.
On September 25, the Hobbits crossed Bamfulong in the Marish. Farmer Maggot took them in for a supper of mushrooms with butter, eggs, and bacon. After the farmer informed Frodo that he had been asked by a Nazgul about Frodo's whereabouts, the Hobbits left the farm and met Merry Brandybuck in Buckland.
They crossed the Brandywine River that night and met Fatty Bolger at Frodo's new home in Crickhollow. They payed him to make the place look inhabited while they were on their quest. Sam bathed and sang with his friends, and was shocked to learn that Merry and Pippin were aware of the quest and intended to come along with them.
The next morning, the Hobbits left the Shire for the first time. They entered the vast woods of the Old Forest, which were full of mysterious trees called Huorns.
At the eastern borders of the Old Forest, the companions were attacked by a tree called Old Man Willow. He put a spell on them at the Withywindle valley. Sam guided Frodo out of the spell, but he was kicked into the river. The tree intended to digest Merry, Pippin, and Sam, but they were saved by Tom Bombadil, Master of the Old Forest.
Tom took the companions to his house where they stayed the night. They met his wife Goldberry and discovered that Tom was immuned to the Ring's power. In the morning, the Hobbits departed the woods.
The Hobbits made their way through the Barrow-downs. They all became stuck in a Barrow and were nearly struck by a Barrow-wight before being saved by Frodo and Tom Bombadil.
They reached Bree on September 29. Once there, the Hobbits entered the Prancing Pony Inn and booked a room. They inquired about Gandalf, but he was not there to meet them like he had promised. Sam, Pippin, and Merry each got a nice pint of beer and socialized with the locals. Sam was afraid of a man in the corner who was staring at Frodo. Aragorn introduced himself after Frodo became invisible when putting the Ring on his finger.
That night, Merry's ponies were released and retreated to Fatty Lumpkin. In the morning, Barliman Butterbur bought Sam a pony named Bill, whom Sam became emotionally attached to. Aragorn set out with the four Hobbits that day.
On October 6, the five companions camped at the old fortress of Weathertop. While Aragorn had a look around, Sam, Merry, and Pippin lit a fire and began roasting a meal. The Nazgul noticed and followed, and Frodo quickly burnt the fire out and called his companions fools. Despite his haste, the Nazgul found Frodo and the Witch-King stabbed his shoulder with the Morgul-knife. He was then driven out by Aragorn, who wielded fire. Sam lost his suspicion of the ranger at that moment.
In the Midgewater Marshes, many insects surrounded the Hobbits and bit them. Sam named them Neekerbreekers because of the annoying noises they made.
In Rivendell, Sam secretly spied on the Council of Elrond on October 25. He could not bare to be excluded. It was decided that the Ring would go to Mordor to be destroyed, and Frodo would do this with several companions. This was when Sam burst out of his hiding spot and volunteered. Elrond scolded him for eavesdropping, but allowed him to join the Fellowship nevertheless. Pippin and Merry joined, too, as did Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir. The Fellowship left the city of Rivendell on December 25.
The Fellowship several times tried to travel closer to Mordor near Caradhras. First they tried Dunland, which was guarded by Crebain. They then tried Caradhras itself, which was too snowy for the Hobbits, who nearly died due to the conditions. Frodo decided that the Fellowship would travel through the mines of Moria.
At the West Gate on January 13, the Fellowship released Bill, for he could not enter the mines. He made his way back to Bree. Sam was saddened by this because he came to love Bill. However, he soon had to defend Frodo from the Watcher in the Water, who attacked from the river nearby. Sam cut off some of its tentacles, but others came and the Fellowship quickly entered Moria.
The Fellowship were followed by Gollum. They escaped the Chamber of Mazarbul, where Sam was wounded by a goblin before he killed it.
A Balrog soon arose from the depths and chased the Fellowship. Gandalf fell off the Bridge of Khazad-Dum while battling it. They battled through a bottomless abyss. The Fellowship escaped the mines and entered the woods of Lothlorien on January 17.
There, they met the Lady Galadriel and her husband Celeborn. Galadriel let Frodo and Sam look into her mirror on February 14. Sam saw in the water the Scouring of the Shire and Frodo lying dead. He was worried and thought about returning to the Shire, but then changed his mind, deciding to accompany Frodo through the end.
On February 16, the Fellowship left Lothlorien. Galadriel gave Sam a box of earth from Lorien as a parting gift. She also gave the seeds of mallorn trees.
The Fellowship spent the next few days sailing down the Anduin. They reached Amon Hen on February 26 and a skirmish between the Fellowship and attacking Uruk-Hai occurred. Frodo attempted to escape alone to go to Mordor to destroy the Ring. Sam followed him and refused to turn back, and nearly drowned chasing after his friend. Sam was too desperate for Frodo to reject, so the two set out for Mordor together.
As they travelled through the hills of the Emyn Muil, the Hobbits noticed a terrible smell. As Sam and Frodo slept on February 29, they were attacked by Gollum, who attempted to seize the Ring. Frodo decided to spare Gollum so he could guide them to the Black Gate. Sam did not trust the creature and suggested that they tie him up and leave him, but Frodo warned that enemy spies could find him and he would tell everything he knew about the Ring. They decided to use Gollum as their guide.
Along the way, the Hobbits passed through the Dead Marshes. Sam came up with two nicknames for Gollum: Stinker and Slinker. Gollum called Sam the Fat Hobbit.
At the Black Gate, Sam and Frodo realized that they could not pass as they watched Orcs and Easterlings patrol the the area. Gollum promised to lead them a secret way into Mordor. Frodo agreed despite Sam's warnings.
The three travelled south through Ithilien. As Sam made stew from Gollum's dead rabbits, they heard horns blowing and armies marching. Frodo and Sam investigated and found a force of Haradrim travelling to Mordor on Oliphaunts. Sam was very exited to see the Oliphaunts, and recited a poem about them that he had learned. Suddenly, shots were fired at the force and Rangers from Gondor led by Faramir captured Frodo, Sam, and Gollum. They brought them to Henneth Annun.
Frodo told Faramir of his quest and convinced him to let them free. Faramir decided to spare them and let them continue their quest.
At Cirith Ungol, the Hobbits climbed the long stairs. They heard the shrieks of the Witch-King and his Fell Beast from below and watched as a great army of Mordor exited Minas Morgul. When they reached a landing, they slept a bit. Gollum tossed away their Lembas bread and placed the crumbs on Sam. When he awoke, Sam threatened Gollum. Later, he found the Lembas only several steps below.
Gollum had a secret plan. He was planning to kill the Hobbits so he could have the Ring for himself. He decided to feed them to a giant spider called Shelob who lived in her lair in Cirith Ungol.
On March 13, the Hobbits reached Shelob's tunnel and Sam fought her after Frodo was paralyzed. He used the phial to shine light in her eyes and stabbed her with his sword and Sting. Shelob retreated. Frodo lay on the ground and Sam believed him to be dead. He took the Ring from him intending to continue the quest alone. Orcs led by Gorbag and Shagrat took Frodo to the Tower of Cirith Ungol and revealed that he was in fact alive
Sam realized that the Orcs were fighting over Frodo's Mithril Mail. He waited until most were dead to enter the tower. He climbed until he reached the chamber in which Frodo lay. Snaga and Gorbag had survived the battle and were collecting Frodo's belongings, so Sam stayed outside. Sam grew sad and began to sing. Frodo answered, but was told to shut it. Sam had had enough, so he entered the chamber and slew both Snaga and Gorbag. Sam gave Frodo his Ring back and the two dressed in Orc armor as a disguise.
They made their way away from the tower and down to the plains of Gorgoroth. On March 18, an orc captain whipped them into a line of Orcs going to the Black Gate. He did not know their true identity. The next morning, they escaped the line and headed straight for Mount Doom.
While moving on, Sam disposed of his pots and pans because the burden of the Ring was growing too heavy for Frodo to handle. He gave all of his water to his companion. Several times the Eye of Sauron looked straight at them from Barad-dur, but always it moved on.
By March 25, Frodo and Sam had climbed about half way up Mount Doom. Frodo could not longer walk, so Sam began to carry him. Gollum attacked Frodo seeking the Ring, but Sam threw a rock at his head. Gollum battle Sam while Frodo walked into the Chamber of Fire and dangled the Ring, about to destroy it once and for all. Sam followed after escaping Gollum. Gollum, too, made his way into the chamber.
Sam watched Frodo refuse to toss the Ring away. He tried to encourage him, but Frodo responded by saying that the Ring was his. Gollum then snuck up behind Sam and knocked him unconscious. In single combat with Gollum, Frodo lost his finger and the Ring, which fell into the fires. Frodo pushed Gollum into the fires and he escaped with Sam. Gwaihir and his Eagles saved the Hobbits under the order of Gandalf as Mount Doom erupted. They were brought to Minas Tirith, where they were reunited with their companions and honored on the Field of Cormallen.
Frodo, Sam, Pippin, and Merry returned to the Shire on October 30 to find it in ruin. Saruman had convinced Lotho Sackville-Baggins to take it over and turn it to industry. Ruffians managed the Shire. Sam led many Hobbits to rebel these evil men. He also planted the mallorn seeds where the Party Tree had been chopped down on Party Field.
Sam married his true love, Rose "Rosie" Cotton, on May 1 of 3020. They had thriteen children including Elanor the Fair and Frodo Gardner. The family moved to Bag End. Sam came with Frodo to the Grey Havens on September 29 of 3021, but returned home afterwords.
Sam became Mayor of the Michel Delving in year 6 of the Fourth Age. He remained mayor for the rest of his days in Middle-Earth. When Rosie died in year 61 of the Fourth Age, Sam went to the Undying lands to see Frodo again before his death.
Samwise Gamgee was born to Hamfast and Bell Gamgee on April 6, 2980 of the Third Age. He was originally a gardener with his father. He lived at number three Bagshot Row with his parents and five siblings: Hamson, Halfred, Daisy, May, and Marigold.
Sam was of the working class. He and his father did lots of local gardening around the Shire. When his father became of age, he retired and Sam took over his business. He gardened at special places including Bag End, which was covered with flowers and green grass. Sam had a passion for growing things and therefore greatly enjoyed his profession.
Sam learned much from his neighbor Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo taught him to read and write and how to write stories and compose literature. Sam loved local songs, dances, and poems.
Sam attended Bilbo's Farewell Party in 3001. He had a great respect for Frodo, but by this time still did not know him as well as he would come to. He fell in love with Rosie Cotton around this time, and she was the daughter of Farmer Tolman Cotton.
By 3018, Sam became great friends with Frodo. He was also well acquainted with Pippin Took and Merry Brandybuck. In April, Frodo was losing his love for the Shire and felt the need to leave. On the 13th, Gandalf came to Bag End and warned Frodo that his Ring was the One Ring of Sauron. Sam was gardening at the time and happened to overhear the entire conversation. Gandalf heard him and thought he was eavesdropping. He could have killed him using his staff. Instead, he decided that Sam should accompany Frodo on his quest as long as he knew about the mission to take the Ring far away from home.
On September 23, Frodo and Sam left Bag End and it was sold to Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. They journeyed with Pippin Took. The three companions had several near-death encounters with the evil Nazgul including Khamul in the Woody End. They also met an Elf named Gildor Inglorion on September 24 who advised them to stay off the road.
On September 25, the Hobbits crossed Bamfulong in the Marish. Farmer Maggot took them in for a supper of mushrooms with butter, eggs, and bacon. After the farmer informed Frodo that he had been asked by a Nazgul about Frodo's whereabouts, the Hobbits left the farm and met Merry Brandybuck in Buckland.
They crossed the Brandywine River that night and met Fatty Bolger at Frodo's new home in Crickhollow. They payed him to make the place look inhabited while they were on their quest. Sam bathed and sang with his friends, and was shocked to learn that Merry and Pippin were aware of the quest and intended to come along with them.
The next morning, the Hobbits left the Shire for the first time. They entered the vast woods of the Old Forest, which were full of mysterious trees called Huorns.
At the eastern borders of the Old Forest, the companions were attacked by a tree called Old Man Willow. He put a spell on them at the Withywindle valley. Sam guided Frodo out of the spell, but he was kicked into the river. The tree intended to digest Merry, Pippin, and Sam, but they were saved by Tom Bombadil, Master of the Old Forest.
Tom took the companions to his house where they stayed the night. They met his wife Goldberry and discovered that Tom was immuned to the Ring's power. In the morning, the Hobbits departed the woods.
The Hobbits made their way through the Barrow-downs. They all became stuck in a Barrow and were nearly struck by a Barrow-wight before being saved by Frodo and Tom Bombadil.
They reached Bree on September 29. Once there, the Hobbits entered the Prancing Pony Inn and booked a room. They inquired about Gandalf, but he was not there to meet them like he had promised. Sam, Pippin, and Merry each got a nice pint of beer and socialized with the locals. Sam was afraid of a man in the corner who was staring at Frodo. Aragorn introduced himself after Frodo became invisible when putting the Ring on his finger.
That night, Merry's ponies were released and retreated to Fatty Lumpkin. In the morning, Barliman Butterbur bought Sam a pony named Bill, whom Sam became emotionally attached to. Aragorn set out with the four Hobbits that day.
On October 6, the five companions camped at the old fortress of Weathertop. While Aragorn had a look around, Sam, Merry, and Pippin lit a fire and began roasting a meal. The Nazgul noticed and followed, and Frodo quickly burnt the fire out and called his companions fools. Despite his haste, the Nazgul found Frodo and the Witch-King stabbed his shoulder with the Morgul-knife. He was then driven out by Aragorn, who wielded fire. Sam lost his suspicion of the ranger at that moment.
In the Midgewater Marshes, many insects surrounded the Hobbits and bit them. Sam named them Neekerbreekers because of the annoying noises they made.
In Rivendell, Sam secretly spied on the Council of Elrond on October 25. He could not bare to be excluded. It was decided that the Ring would go to Mordor to be destroyed, and Frodo would do this with several companions. This was when Sam burst out of his hiding spot and volunteered. Elrond scolded him for eavesdropping, but allowed him to join the Fellowship nevertheless. Pippin and Merry joined, too, as did Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir. The Fellowship left the city of Rivendell on December 25.
The Fellowship several times tried to travel closer to Mordor near Caradhras. First they tried Dunland, which was guarded by Crebain. They then tried Caradhras itself, which was too snowy for the Hobbits, who nearly died due to the conditions. Frodo decided that the Fellowship would travel through the mines of Moria.
At the West Gate on January 13, the Fellowship released Bill, for he could not enter the mines. He made his way back to Bree. Sam was saddened by this because he came to love Bill. However, he soon had to defend Frodo from the Watcher in the Water, who attacked from the river nearby. Sam cut off some of its tentacles, but others came and the Fellowship quickly entered Moria.
The Fellowship were followed by Gollum. They escaped the Chamber of Mazarbul, where Sam was wounded by a goblin before he killed it.
A Balrog soon arose from the depths and chased the Fellowship. Gandalf fell off the Bridge of Khazad-Dum while battling it. They battled through a bottomless abyss. The Fellowship escaped the mines and entered the woods of Lothlorien on January 17.
There, they met the Lady Galadriel and her husband Celeborn. Galadriel let Frodo and Sam look into her mirror on February 14. Sam saw in the water the Scouring of the Shire and Frodo lying dead. He was worried and thought about returning to the Shire, but then changed his mind, deciding to accompany Frodo through the end.
On February 16, the Fellowship left Lothlorien. Galadriel gave Sam a box of earth from Lorien as a parting gift. She also gave the seeds of mallorn trees.
The Fellowship spent the next few days sailing down the Anduin. They reached Amon Hen on February 26 and a skirmish between the Fellowship and attacking Uruk-Hai occurred. Frodo attempted to escape alone to go to Mordor to destroy the Ring. Sam followed him and refused to turn back, and nearly drowned chasing after his friend. Sam was too desperate for Frodo to reject, so the two set out for Mordor together.
As they travelled through the hills of the Emyn Muil, the Hobbits noticed a terrible smell. As Sam and Frodo slept on February 29, they were attacked by Gollum, who attempted to seize the Ring. Frodo decided to spare Gollum so he could guide them to the Black Gate. Sam did not trust the creature and suggested that they tie him up and leave him, but Frodo warned that enemy spies could find him and he would tell everything he knew about the Ring. They decided to use Gollum as their guide.
Along the way, the Hobbits passed through the Dead Marshes. Sam came up with two nicknames for Gollum: Stinker and Slinker. Gollum called Sam the Fat Hobbit.
At the Black Gate, Sam and Frodo realized that they could not pass as they watched Orcs and Easterlings patrol the the area. Gollum promised to lead them a secret way into Mordor. Frodo agreed despite Sam's warnings.
The three travelled south through Ithilien. As Sam made stew from Gollum's dead rabbits, they heard horns blowing and armies marching. Frodo and Sam investigated and found a force of Haradrim travelling to Mordor on Oliphaunts. Sam was very exited to see the Oliphaunts, and recited a poem about them that he had learned. Suddenly, shots were fired at the force and Rangers from Gondor led by Faramir captured Frodo, Sam, and Gollum. They brought them to Henneth Annun.
Frodo told Faramir of his quest and convinced him to let them free. Faramir decided to spare them and let them continue their quest.
At Cirith Ungol, the Hobbits climbed the long stairs. They heard the shrieks of the Witch-King and his Fell Beast from below and watched as a great army of Mordor exited Minas Morgul. When they reached a landing, they slept a bit. Gollum tossed away their Lembas bread and placed the crumbs on Sam. When he awoke, Sam threatened Gollum. Later, he found the Lembas only several steps below.
Gollum had a secret plan. He was planning to kill the Hobbits so he could have the Ring for himself. He decided to feed them to a giant spider called Shelob who lived in her lair in Cirith Ungol.
On March 13, the Hobbits reached Shelob's tunnel and Sam fought her after Frodo was paralyzed. He used the phial to shine light in her eyes and stabbed her with his sword and Sting. Shelob retreated. Frodo lay on the ground and Sam believed him to be dead. He took the Ring from him intending to continue the quest alone. Orcs led by Gorbag and Shagrat took Frodo to the Tower of Cirith Ungol and revealed that he was in fact alive
Sam realized that the Orcs were fighting over Frodo's Mithril Mail. He waited until most were dead to enter the tower. He climbed until he reached the chamber in which Frodo lay. Snaga and Gorbag had survived the battle and were collecting Frodo's belongings, so Sam stayed outside. Sam grew sad and began to sing. Frodo answered, but was told to shut it. Sam had had enough, so he entered the chamber and slew both Snaga and Gorbag. Sam gave Frodo his Ring back and the two dressed in Orc armor as a disguise.
They made their way away from the tower and down to the plains of Gorgoroth. On March 18, an orc captain whipped them into a line of Orcs going to the Black Gate. He did not know their true identity. The next morning, they escaped the line and headed straight for Mount Doom.
While moving on, Sam disposed of his pots and pans because the burden of the Ring was growing too heavy for Frodo to handle. He gave all of his water to his companion. Several times the Eye of Sauron looked straight at them from Barad-dur, but always it moved on.
By March 25, Frodo and Sam had climbed about half way up Mount Doom. Frodo could not longer walk, so Sam began to carry him. Gollum attacked Frodo seeking the Ring, but Sam threw a rock at his head. Gollum battle Sam while Frodo walked into the Chamber of Fire and dangled the Ring, about to destroy it once and for all. Sam followed after escaping Gollum. Gollum, too, made his way into the chamber.
Sam watched Frodo refuse to toss the Ring away. He tried to encourage him, but Frodo responded by saying that the Ring was his. Gollum then snuck up behind Sam and knocked him unconscious. In single combat with Gollum, Frodo lost his finger and the Ring, which fell into the fires. Frodo pushed Gollum into the fires and he escaped with Sam. Gwaihir and his Eagles saved the Hobbits under the order of Gandalf as Mount Doom erupted. They were brought to Minas Tirith, where they were reunited with their companions and honored on the Field of Cormallen.
Frodo, Sam, Pippin, and Merry returned to the Shire on October 30 to find it in ruin. Saruman had convinced Lotho Sackville-Baggins to take it over and turn it to industry. Ruffians managed the Shire. Sam led many Hobbits to rebel these evil men. He also planted the mallorn seeds where the Party Tree had been chopped down on Party Field.
Sam married his true love, Rose "Rosie" Cotton, on May 1 of 3020. They had thriteen children including Elanor the Fair and Frodo Gardner. The family moved to Bag End. Sam came with Frodo to the Grey Havens on September 29 of 3021, but returned home afterwords.
Sam became Mayor of the Michel Delving in year 6 of the Fourth Age. He remained mayor for the rest of his days in Middle-Earth. When Rosie died in year 61 of the Fourth Age, Sam went to the Undying lands to see Frodo again before his death.
References
The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring: "A Long-Expected Party," page 32 and passim; "Strider," page 183; " "Flight to the Ford," page 220; "The Council of Elrond," page 284 and passim; "The Ring Goes South," passim
The Two Towers: "The Choices of Master Samwise," passim; "The Stairs of Cirith Ungol," page 322
The Return of the King: "The Tower of Cirith Ungol," pages 185 and passim; "Mount Doom," passim; "The Field of Cormallen," pages 228-231, "The Grey Havens," passim
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B: "Gamgee genealogy," pages 379-383
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix D: "The Calendars," page 390
The Lord of the Rings Appendix F: "The Languages and People of the Third Age," 414 and 416
Letters of J.R.R Tolkien:
Letter # 72
Letter # 96
Letter # 246
Letter # 325
The Fellowship of the Ring: "A Long-Expected Party," page 32 and passim; "Strider," page 183; " "Flight to the Ford," page 220; "The Council of Elrond," page 284 and passim; "The Ring Goes South," passim
The Two Towers: "The Choices of Master Samwise," passim; "The Stairs of Cirith Ungol," page 322
The Return of the King: "The Tower of Cirith Ungol," pages 185 and passim; "Mount Doom," passim; "The Field of Cormallen," pages 228-231, "The Grey Havens," passim
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B: "Gamgee genealogy," pages 379-383
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix D: "The Calendars," page 390
The Lord of the Rings Appendix F: "The Languages and People of the Third Age," 414 and 416
Letters of J.R.R Tolkien:
Letter # 72
Letter # 96
Letter # 246
Letter # 325
Timeline
April 6, 2980
Sam was born to Hamfast and Bell Gamgee.
3001
Sam fell in love with Rosie Cotton.
3018
April 13: Sam was gardening and heard Frodo and Gandalf discussing the One Ring of the Dark Lord Sauron. Gandalf caught him and decided that he would join Frodo in his quest to Crickhollow.
September 23: Sam and Frodo left Bag End and met Pippin Took. He accompanied him.
September 24: Khamul and several other Nazgul were after Frodo in Woody End. They were scared off by Gildor Inglorion, who supplied Sam, Frodo, and Pippin with food and told them to stay off the road.
September 25: The Hobbits were given dinner by Farmer Maggot. Merry met them in Buckland. In Crickhollow, Pippin and Merry told Sam and Frodo that they planned on coming with them.
September 26: The four Hobbits left the Shire and traveled through the Old Forest where they were attacked by Old Man Willow and Sam saved Frodo from drowning in the Withywindle. They met Tom Bombadil and his wife Goldberry and were housed by them.
September 28: The companions entered the Barrow-downs and were nearly struck by a Barrow Wight. Frodo summoned Tom Bombadil to save them. They also collected each collected a mighty sword.
September 29: The companions arrived at Bree where they did not find Gandalf. They met Aragorn, whom Frodo decided to trust, though Sam remained suspicious of him.
September 30: Sam left with his companions, at this point including Aragorn. Sam became attached to his new pony, Bill.
October 6: Frodo was stabbed on Weathertop by the Witch-King of Angmar. Aragorn frantically drove the Nazgul away, and Sam and his friends escorted Frodo to the Trollshaws where Sam intended to cheer Frodo by telling him silly stories and showing him the troll statues.
Around October 24: All of the companions but Frodo arrived in Rivendell. Frodo had been ridden ahead by Glorfindel.
October 25: Sam hid and spied on the Council of Elrond, which he was not invited to. Frodo was, though, for he was the Ring-bearer. It was decided that the Ring would be destroyed in Mordor. Sam automatically jumped out of his hiding spot and joined the Fellowship of the Ring.
December 25: The Fellowship of the Ring departed from Rivendell.
3019
January 13: At the West gates of Moria, Sam and Frodo battled the Watcher in the Water. Bill was released to Sam's horror.
February 14: Sam looked into the Mirror of Galadriel and saw the Scouring of the Shire. He wanted to go back, but then decided to stay with Frodo until the very end.
February 16: The Fellowship set sail on the Anduin.
February 26: Frodo decided to leave the Fellowship and continue the quest alone, but Sam followed, insisting upon coming with him.
February 29: In the Emyn Muil, Gollum attacked intending to get the Ring. While Sam wanted to kill the creature, Frodo spared him and made him promise to lead them to the Black Gate.
March 5: Sam, Frodo, and Golllum arrived at the Black Gate. It was guarded by Orcs and Easterlings. Gollum promised to lead them to a secret way, but Sam did not trust him.
March 7: As the companions went south through Ithilien, Sam saw an Oliphaunt being ridden by Haradrim. He recited his poem about it. They were soon captured by Faramir.
March 13: Sam fought Shelob in Cirith Ungol. Frodo was paralyzed and Sam believed him to be dead, so he took the Ring, intending to continue the quest alone. Orcs took Frodo and revealed that he was alive.
March 14: Sam chased the Orcs to Cirith Ungol where he found Frodo and gave him the Ring again.
March 15: Sam and Frodo left Cirith Ungol and continued on their journey to Mount Doom.
March 18: Sam saw Gollum. Frodo and Sam were whipped into a line of Orcs heading toward the Black Gate.
March 19: The two Hobbits stated confusion in the line in order to escape the Orc Inspector. They continued across Gorgorath.
The next five days: The two companions got to Mount Doom.
March 25: Sam reminded Frodo of the Shire. Frodo told Sam that the Ring was such a burden, he could not think of such places. Sam carried him up Mount Doom until Gollum attacked. Sam quickly wounded Gollum and followed Frodo into the Chamber of Fire. Sam encouraged Frodo to cast the Ring away, but he could not willingly do such. Gollum knocked Sam out and faught Frodo, eventually falling into the fire with the One Ring, which was destroyed, as was Sauron. Gandalf and the Eagles saved the companions.
October 30: The returned to the Shire to find it in ruin.
November 2: Sam saw Rosie and her brothers as well as their father Tolman. All of them wanted the Ruffians out.
May 1, 3020
Sam was wed to Rosie Cotton and the two inherited Bag End from Frodo.
3021
March 25: Sam had his first child, a daughter named Elanor.
September 21: Sam went with Frodo to the Grey Havens.
September 29: Frodo left Middle-Earth for the Undying Lands. Sam returned to the Shire.
Fourth Age, year 2
Sam's second child, a son named Frodo, was born.
4
Sam's third child, a daughter named Rose, was born.
6
Sam's fourth child, a son named Merry, was born.
Sam was named Mayor of Michel Delving.
8
Sam's fifth child, a son named Pippin, was born.
10
Sam's sixth child, a daughter named Goldilocks, was born.
11
Sam's seventh child, a son named Hamfast, was born.
12
Sam's eighth child, a daughter named Daisy, was born.
13
King Aragorn named Sam a Counsellor of the North-kingdom.
14
Sam's ninth child, a daughter named Primrose, was born.
15
Sam's tenth child, a son named Bilbo, was born.
Aragorn visited Sam and gave him the Star of the Dunedain.
17
Sam's eleventh child, a daughter named Ruby, was born.
19
Sam's twelfth child, a son named Robin, was born.
21
Sam's thirteenth child, a son named Tolman, was born.
Sam and Rosie visited Gondor.
22
Sam and Rosie returned home from Gondor.
33
Sam's first grandson, Elfstan Fairbairn, was born to Elanor and her husband Fastred.
61
Mid-year: Rosie died.
September 22: Sam departed Middle-Earth through the Grey Havens.
Names & Meanings:
Sam was called many things throughout his history. Here is a record of them all.
Samwise:
Samwise means "half-wise" in Old English.
Sam:
Sam was a nickname for Samwise. It is also often a nickname for Samuel in our own world.
Samwise the Stouthearted/Samwise the Brave:
Frodo referred to Sam as Samwise the Stouthearted when wondering whether the two would evr be put into tales.
In Peter Jackson's film Trilogy of the Lord of the Rings, Frodo called Sam Samwise the Brave.
Perhael:
Perhael means "half wise" in Sindarin. Sam was called this on the Field of Cormallen.
Panthael:
Panthael means "full wise" in Sindarin. Aragorn awarded Sam with this name in the Fourth Age.
Banazîr Galbasi:
The Hobbitish name for Samwise Gamgee.
Mayor of Michel Delving:
Sam served as the Mayor of Michel Delving from year 6 of the Fourth Age to year 61 of the Fourth Age.
Samwise:
Samwise means "half-wise" in Old English.
Sam:
Sam was a nickname for Samwise. It is also often a nickname for Samuel in our own world.
Samwise the Stouthearted/Samwise the Brave:
Frodo referred to Sam as Samwise the Stouthearted when wondering whether the two would evr be put into tales.
In Peter Jackson's film Trilogy of the Lord of the Rings, Frodo called Sam Samwise the Brave.
Perhael:
Perhael means "half wise" in Sindarin. Sam was called this on the Field of Cormallen.
Panthael:
Panthael means "full wise" in Sindarin. Aragorn awarded Sam with this name in the Fourth Age.
Banazîr Galbasi:
The Hobbitish name for Samwise Gamgee.
Mayor of Michel Delving:
Sam served as the Mayor of Michel Delving from year 6 of the Fourth Age to year 61 of the Fourth Age.
Gallery:
Image Credits:
Sean Astin portrays Sam in the New Line Cinema film Trilogy of The Lord of the Rings directed by Peter Jackson.
The three paintings in the gallery are all of Sam. The one on the top left is by artist Alan Lee, on the top right of the gallery is a painting of Sam with his sword by artist John Howe, and the bottom painting is of Sam by artist Michael Kaluta.
The three paintings in the gallery are all of Sam. The one on the top left is by artist Alan Lee, on the top right of the gallery is a painting of Sam with his sword by artist John Howe, and the bottom painting is of Sam by artist Michael Kaluta.
Family Tree
Sam's branch of the Gamgee Family Tree:
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