Fellowship Of The Ring Courage Quotes

“There is a seed of courage hidden (often deeply, it is true) in the heart of the fattest and most timid hobbit, waiting for some final and desperate danger to make it grow.” This quote from Chapter Eight of the Fellowship of the Ring may become a little clearer when we define courage. Courage is defined by Dictionary.com as: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear; bravery. The idea that the ability to face danger, pain and difficulty without fear is in everyone, including fat hobbits, is a profound statement. However, I believe it to be true, nonetheless.

We can see instances of courage all throughout the Lord of the Rings. In Chapter Two of the Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo agrees to carry the Ring to Rivendell. He has lived in the Shire for the majority of his life. He has been given Bag End, a Baggins family heirloom, as his home. Without much persuasion, he agrees to give it all away, and set out to Rivendell. What possessed him to do this? The beginning of his journey is started with courage, a trait that would help him greatly along the way.

This same courage is expressed in Sam’s character in the second chapter.

After being discovered by Gandalf listening outside the window, Gandalf insists that Sam go with Frodo on his perilous journey. Sam agrees quite joyously. At the time, he is partially inspired due to the elves, but it also required courage on his part. He agrees to giving up a life of peace, leaving the only home he has ever known, and journeying across Middle-Earth. This, to me, is obviously an act of

courage.

In Chapter Three, upon meeting with the Elves, Frodo the hobbit and Gildor the elf, have a discussion about courage... Frodo asks Gildor, “But where shall I find courage? That is what I chiefly need.” Gildor responds, “Courage is found in unlikely places.” This quote gives us some insight into the root of courage. In Chapter Eight, in the Wight’s Barrow, Frodo is faced with a decision: run and save himself saying there was nothing he could do; or, he could muster his courage, and find a solution to save his friends from the ghastly figure. Frodo finds his courage through his desperation, the danger bringing it to fruition. He chops off the Wight’s arm and eventually saves his friends. This is an example of how courage can be born in times of need.

In conclusion, I believe it is shown very clearly throughout the Fellowship of the Ring that courage can be found anywhere, sometimes in unusual places. You can find it in a hobbit, however sheltered and fat. It isn’t something only a hero has. It isn’t something that is reserved for the mighty. Everyone can have courage. This is illustrated through these points: not only did Frodo find courage, but Sam did as well. Without courage, the Lord of the Rings would look a lot different, as would our world. Its presence and ability to manifest itself anywhere is imperative for justice and the prevailing of good.