5 Most Selfless Characters In Lord Of The Rings

Highlights

• Eowyn: Fights not for herself, but for others, showing selflessness and bravery in battle to protect her loved ones.
• Gandalf: Always where he is needed, using his wisdom and magic to aid the fellowship in their greatest times of need.
• Frodo Baggins: First to volunteer as Ring Bearer, showing true bravery and selflessness in carrying out the dangerous quest.

Lord of the Rings brought people far and wide and a story of epic proportions, as one group of fantasy races set off on a perilous journey to save Middle-earth from certain doom by destroying a ring with great power that can corrupt even the purest of hearts. Epic battles were fought, unbreakable bonds forged, and a sense of fellowship was felt in every scene and interaction.

The dangers, the perils, and the arduous journey brought out some of the best qualities in the fellowship; bravery, strength of mind, heroism, and of course, selflessness. Certain members in the movie series displayed a good heart and were willing to sacrifice anything to ensure Frodo’s journey would be a success.

5 Eowyn

Wishes to Fight Not for Herself, but for Others

In the lands of the Rohirim, the fellowship meets Eowyn, a stubborn and strong but kind shield-maiden concerned for her ailing Uncle, who has a servant of Saruman exerting his influence over him in his weakened state. Over the course of the trilogy, numerous wars are fought, calling every man who can hold a sword, even those too old or young, while the women are relegated to hiding behind the army’s lines.

Eowyn is dissatisfied with merely waiting and watching on the sidelines, not from misplaced pride or arrogance, but simply out of a desire to fight and protect those she cares about. In the end, she takes up a sword, joins the army, and slays the Witch King herself. Even if she couldn’t save her uncle, her selfless nature meant that she saved countless others.

4 Gandalf

Is Always Exactly Where He is Needed

Gandalf is the catalyst for the events of Lord of the Rings, visiting Bilbo for his birthday, and informing Frodo of the true dangers of the ring his uncle left in his possession. Though there are arguments to be made that he sometimes abandons the fellowship when they have a need for his magic, he always returns at the eleventh hour, turning the tides of battle in the heroes’ favor.

At the Council in Rivendell, he was the first to pledge his aid to Frodo for the journey to Mount Doom, and presumedly died for the fellowship to save them from the Balrog in an act of great heroism and selflessness. Even though Gandalf survived the encounter, it does not diminish the act, nor his altruism.

3 Frodo Baggins

Was the First to Volunteer Himself as the Ring Bearer

At Rivendell, a council meeting is called in regards to what to do with the ring, especially now that danger is rising, threatening the safety and peace of Middle Earth. Most are in agreement that the ring must be destroyed, but it can only be destroyed where it was forged. While the ring becomes a subject of heated discussion, leading to arguments and insults being thrown around the council, the most unlikely person volunteers himself to carry the ring, Frodo Baggins.

This was a move of true bravery and selflessness, as there were countless men with more expertise traversing Middle Earth and defending themselves against the dangers that would follow the ring, such as the Nazguls. Though Frodo doesn’t make the journey alone, the fact he volunteered for it in the first place shows he holds this quality within his heart.

2 Aragorn

Always the First to Rush Forward to Defend Others

Despite being descended from royalty, Aragorn is known far and wide as a ranger, traveling the land with no one place to call home, and even though he eventually does take up the throne of Gondor, he first swears himself to another, more pressing duty: aiding the ring bearer on his quest to Mordor.

Outside of Gandalf, who quickly promises his assistance to Frodo, Aragorn swears his life and his sword to the young hobbit and proves time and time again these aren’t just empty words. He is constantly vigilant of threats around them, always the first to rush into battle in order to protect the hobbits who aren’t as battle-ready, and their precious payload. Time and time again, Aragorn shines as one of the most selfless members of the fellowship.

1 Samwise Gamgee

A Loyalty Undying to Frodo Every Step of the Way

Sam is the friend everyone wishes they had. His optimistic and sunny outlook can brighten even the dreariest of days, and when he becomes someone’s friend, he is the ride-or-die friend who will be with them, be supportive, and love them every step of the way. This is the perfect way to describe his relationship with Frodo, and serves as the most loyal and dedicated member of the fellowship, as he is with Frodo from the very start to the end.

Even when Frodo callously dismisses him when manipulated by Gollum, Sam doesn’t give up, returning to save the day, save Frodo, and carry him up the mountain to deliver the ring. There could be a case made to even say Sam was the real hero of the story, which Frodo himself admits towards the end of the series. As far as selfless heroes go, Sam outclasses every other character in every one of his scenes.