Frodo Baggins

Captivating fans the world over for its classic themes of aspiration and faith, the Lord of the Rings is revered by readers and moviegoers for being a superb tale of Good vs. Evil. When it comes to classics such as this, several characters can’t help but shine out and make their marks on fans. One perfect example of such a fictional character is Frodo Baggins. Frodo Baggins is the offspring of Drogo Baggins [1] and Primula Brandybuck. He was a Hobbit of the Shire in the Third Age. Frodo is indeed the most popular character in J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books and movies. He is most known for leading the Quest of the Ring, wherein he succeeded in bringing and destroying the One Ring into Mount Doom. Frodo was called the Ring Bearer. He is also one among the only three Hobbits that journeyed through Middle Earth up until the Uttermost West towards the conclusion of the Third Age. His gardener and best friend, Samwise Gamgee, was also his most trustworthy, reliable companion. The journey would have been indeed an impossible feat for Frodo if Samwise didn’t tag alongside him.​

While this is quite starting on a tragic note, it is essential in how Frodo’s character was eventually built up. When he was younger, he spent most of his time in Buckland at the Brandy Hall. This is the Brandybuck family’s ancestral home, which of course, includes his mom, Primula Brandybuck. Frodo can be considered a little rascal since he and his friends, Merry and Pippin, caused loads of trouble with everyone and everything they came across. One of their naughty deeds was stealing mushrooms from the farm of Farmer Maggot. When Frodo was twelve, his parents perished in an accident while sailing through the Brandywine River. Being an only son, he remained in Brandy Hall. This was until his “uncle” Bilbo, who was 99 years old then, took him under his wings.

Bilbo brought Frodo in his homestead at Bag End to live with him. He then designated him as heir. In the Fellowship of the Ring’s first chapter, it was written that some of the Hobbits were trying to figure out their seemingly mysterious deaths. According to Old Noakes, the boating accident happened because of Drogo’s weight, which sank the boat. However, Sandyman, the Hobbiton Miller, believes that Primula tried to push Drogo into the water, but he was able to pull her with him. The explicit explanation for their mysterious deaths was never delved into more adequately. Frodo got orphaned because of the unfortunate reason stated above—a boating accident. It was important to note, however, death because of drowning is unusual for Hobbits. This notion is because boating isn’t included on their typical hobbies list.​

Middle Earth’s family trees are both complicated and compelling to explore. As a matter of fact, Bilbo is not Frodo’s uncle, but rather, they’re cousins. Bilbo and Frodo share the same ancestry. Drogo Baggins, Frodo’s father, was Bilbo’s second cousin. Therefore, on his father’s side, Frodo is a second cousin to Bilbo, once removed. Further, things are a little bit less confusing on his mother’s side. Primula Brandybuck was a first cousin to Bilbo on his mother’s side. This makes Bilbo and Frodo's first cousins to each other--once removed. Both of them became absolutely close to each other in the years that came after Bilbo adopted Frodo. Frodo was taught most of the language of the Elves, and also Middle Earth’s lore. Interestingly, they also have identical birthdays, which was September 22 on the Shire Reckoning. On our calendar, however, this date falls roughly on September 12 to 15.

At the start of The Fellowship of the Ring, with Frodo 33 and Bilbo 111, an extraordinary party was held. This was the part where Bilbo delivered a remarkable speech for his birthday and then performed an antic on the other Hobbits. Bilbo put on the One Ring so he could disappear. Gandalf was surprised by this action, so he cast an overwhelmingly blinding light where Bilbo had stood. Everyone at the celebration became irritated and baffled by this. Ultimately, the one who played the prank, Bilbo, was by no means ever seen again in the Shire. Just before Bilbo journeyed towards Rivendell, he had a lengthy discussion with Gandalf. By then, Gandalf finally succeeded in making Bilbo submit the One Ring voluntarily. He then placed it on the mantel covering the fireplace, including a letter for a Frodo.​

Frodo went back home after the celebration. He then found out that he now was Bag End’s new master, as well as the heir of his uncle Bilbo’s “magic ring.” By then, Gandalf, who was extremely interested in the “magic ring’s” abilities, told Frodo not to use it. You have to remember that during this point in time, Gandalf was still uncertain that the “magic ring” was indeed the One ring. Seventeen years went by, Frodo safeguarded the ring, heeding Gandalf’s request. However, Gandalf went back into Bag End on April 12, 3018, and informed the Hobbit that the ring in question was indeed the One Ring. This ring is what Sauron, the Dark Lord of Middle Earth, required so he could dominate the whole of Middle Earth. Gandalf has the foresight that Sauron would be searching for the One Ring. He then told Frodo that he should go to Rivendell in secret to follow Bilbo. After their talk, he encouraged rumors to spread about him. This started with a false report that he was now going bankrupt. One of his friends, Merry, helped him to get a tiny house located at Crickhollow. Frodo also informed the Shire’s Hobbits that he was planning to move back to Buckland. He also sold off his home to the wealthy Sackville-Baggins. The following day of his 50th birthday, Frodo departed from Bag End, together with Pippin and Sam. The Hobbits left for Bree just as the sun was coming up. Just as they went, nine Nazgûl soldiers clothed as Black riders entered the Shire and overturned the whole place to seize a Hobbit named Baggins.​

Frodo’s conversations with Farmer Maggot and the High Elves didn’t bear much fruit. When he came towards Buckland, he discovered that Pippin and Merry had knowledge of his covert journey, therefore, leaving him no choice but to take his friends with him. The hobbits were able to get through the Barrow-downs, as well as the Old Forest. They finally prevailed in trying to shake off the Black Riders. However, they encountered some mishaps in those places that took care of the Barrow-wights and Old Man Willow. But twice, Tom Bombadil, a mystical being amid the Old Forest, was able to rescue them.​

When they came to Bree, the four Hobbits lodged at The Prancing Pony, which was an old and decrepit inn. To raise minimal suspicion, Frodo hid under the name Mr. Underhill. That was when he observed a mysterious cloaked man. He was smoking a pipe and perched within the shadows. Curious, Frodo inquired at the innkeeper about the identity of the man to which he was informed that the mysterious man was a ranger called. The same night, the Black Riders turn up in Bree, attacking The Prancing Pony to look for the One Ring that Frodo has in possession. Luckily, Strider was able to home up the Hobbits just in time. After that, Strider revealed himself to be Aragorn to the Hobbits. He then told them about the Black Riders’ history, adequately known as Ringwraiths or the Nazgûl. Riding on a pony, Strider ushered the Hobbits towards the Wild. He was also their escort to get them to Rivendell. He would also help the Hobbits get across the Midgewater Marshes onwards to the top hill of Weathertop.​

The four Hobbits were besieged by five Nazgûl soldiers on the night of October 6. This happened atop the hill of Weathertop. With the Ringwraiths around him, Frodo wore the Ring—which was a terrible mistake. He resisted the Nazgûl's persistence to capture him by pulling out his sword as well as enforcing the name A Elbereth Gilthoniel, who was included in the Valar. Unluckily, the Witch-king of Angmar, Nazgûl’s captain, was able to pierce Frodo’s shoulders using a Morgul blade. It was quite fortunate for him that he got stabbed in the shoulders as the Witch-king was gunning for his heart. If he did the latter, Frodo could possibly have turned into a Nazgûl, but a far lesser version. Aragorn then arrived and shunned the Ringwraiths away, using his skills as a true warrior. Also, it was because he brought with him some lighted torches, which was a known fragility for the Nazgûl. Aragorn could be considered as an adept healer.

However, his skills were no match for Frodo’s wound. This is because a sliver of the Nazgûr’s blade was still stuck in his flesh and continues creeping to his heart. With Frodo almost losing his life, he was saved by an Elf called Glorfindel. They were still chased by the Ringwraiths as Asfaloth took Frodo towards the Ford of Bruinen, the entry path to the Rivendell valley. Upon crossing the Bruinen River, he looked at the Nine Nazgûls across them. They were still pursuing Frodo the ring, to which he rebuffed. Following this, the Nazgûl were disbanded because of the flood called upon them by Rivendell’s leader, Elrond. Elrond then attended to Frodo’s injuries in Rivendell. However, both Frodo and Elrond were aware that the injury wouldn’t really heal. This is because, while it was a physical wound, it was also spiritual. Frodo regained consciousness on October 24, 3018, and reconvened with Merry, Pippin, Sam, Aragorn, Gandalf, and Bilbo. Even though his physical wound was healed by Elrond, he couldn’t help but be bothered by it for the rest of his life.​

Frodo was called to a Council organized by Elrond when his wounds had recovered. It was there that the lore of the Rings of Power was discussed by the representatives of Middle Earth’s free peoples. They have concluded that the One Ring should and needs to be destroyed at all costs. An argument then started about who shall bear the Ring during this quest. It was at that moment that Frodo proposed to take on the role of a Ring Bearer and bring forth the Ring towards Mordor and finally toss it into Mount Doom’s fires. One member each from the Free People’s volunteered to accompany Frodo in this journey. This formed the Fellowship of the Ring.​

The Fellowship of the Ring was composed of Gimli of the Dwarves, Legolas of the Woodland Realm, Boromir ofGondor, Gandalf, Aragorn, Merry, Pippin, Sam, and of course, Frodo. Bilbo handed over two of his belongings to Bilbo before they left for the journey. First of which was Sting, an Elven blade. Bilbo took possession of this blade from a troll’s den. The second item was a Mithril shirt, which was given to him by Thorin. Two months after Frodo woke up from his injury, the Fellowship left Rivendell and journeyed south.​

Barely three weeks into the quest, the Fellowship of the Ring tried to pass through the Misty Mountains. However, because of a snowstorm, they were stumped and couldn’t go on. Alternatively, they traversed Moria’s underground city upon Gimli’s persuasion. Khazad-Dum, more commonly known as Moria, was the grandest and oldest among the cities of the Dwarves. However, its inhabitants deserted the place when they discovered a Balrog or a Durin’s Bane just under the city. The Dwarves then succumbed to myriads of goblins. The Fellowship then went into the Chamber of Mazarbul. There, they were ambushed by a cave troll and countless numbers of Orcs. Frodo tried his hand at killing it. However, one of the Orc captains stabbed him. Thanks to his mithril coat, he was spared from death once again. The band fled until they reached Moria’s Bridge of Khazad-Dum. This was where Gandalf while battling Durin’s Bane, fell with it. The Fellowship managed to get out of Moria, with no Gandalf with them.​

The Fellowship of the Ring continued their quest even while mourning the loss of a dear companion. They arrived at Lothlórien, a kingdom of the Elves. This was where they came across Lord Celeborn and LadyGaladriel. Using her Mirror, Lady Galadriel, presented Frodo with the eyesight of the future. He offered for her to just keep the One Ring. However, she was able to shake off the temptation, making her pass the test laid in front of her. It was then that she also admitted that the Elves’ power was starting to wane. She also gave gifts to each member of the Fellowship. The gift that she gave Frodo was a Phial that has the star of Eärendil’s light stored inside it. While this gift could be easily shrugged off a novelty, this will prove its massive importance later in their journey. The Elves also gave them vessels for their Andiun River voyage, supplies, and elvish waybread.​

As they journeyed south towards Amon Hen, one of the brothers of the Fellowship, Boromir, tried to persuade Frodo to take the Ring towards the Minas-Tirith, to reconvene there. Frodo asked for some time to think about his options. However, Boromir went after him and, by force, attempted to seize the ring from him. This was all because Boromir was under the impression that Frodo was not keen on taking the action plan he suggested—and also because he has somehow been corrupted by the Ring. Frodo wore the Ring on his finger, fled, and went towards the Seat of Seeing. Here, he took witness of the war taking place across the whole Middle Earth. He also saw that the Eye of Sauron was adamant in his own quest to find him while he journeyed.

With Frodo being utterly distraught about what he saw, he removed the Ring. He then made up his mind that he was going to bring it to Mordor all by his lonesome. This was something he didn’t inform the rest of the members of the brotherhood. Nevertheless, Samwise Gamgee, his best friend, accompanied him. Sam, being ever so loyal to his friend, believed that it was his duty to guide and protect Frodo. Frodo was, however, reluctant at first, but he was soon happy to have Sam alongside him in his quest. They continued traversing through Mordor. Thus, the Fellowship of the Ring was divided. While protecting Merry and Pippin, Boromir was then slain by Uruk-hai archers. The two Hobbits were later seized by the Uruk-hai. The three remaining hunters, while tempted to follow and protect Frodo and Samwise’s journey to Mordor, decided that it was more critical to take Merry and Pippin back. With all these circumstances happening, the Fellowship was then completely broken.​

With Gollum as their guide, the two Hobbits were led to Mordor’s Black Gate [2]. Although this was the path that Frodo wanted to take, Gollum told them about how they could alternatively get into Mordor through a secret passage. He further explained that going through the Black Gate was way too dangerous. The two Hobbits believed the Gollum and were once again guided by him. They then traversed through Ithilien and encountered Haradrim warriors riding on their Oliphaunts, as well as Gondor’s rangers. The three were later seized by Faramir, the ranger’s captain. When the bout came into conclusion, Frodo was blindfolded by Faramir and was taken to Henneth Annûn, also known as the Window on the West. There, they were scrutinized, and Sam had a slip of the tongue. He revealed that the One Ring was undeniable with Frodo. By this time, Faramir came into a realization about how important it was to get the quest fulfilled. He then let the Hobbit go on his way to complete the mission. Later on, Gollum was apprehended in the Forbidden Pool. He was then taken by force through the secret lair. Although he did not die, thanks to Frodo pleading for them to let him go safely, the conflict between servant and master had taken place once again.​

Samwise and Frodo were almost to the end of their journey. Although weakened by the beatings caused by their mission, the two Hobbits clambered forward through Mordor’s plains. The Orcs then were pretty busy since they were ordered to forbid the army of Men of the West. The two Hobbits then started their way up to Mount Doom. It was indeed a critical journey because they hardly had any water and food. Frodo also weakened progressively. This was because as they drew closer towards Orodruin, the One Ring’s power became more vigorous. Eventually, he was unable to move any further. Samwise, being the loyal servant and friend, carried him on his back and traveled for some distance. Right then, Gollum reappeared, of course, to try and take the ring once more. After a short altercation, Samwise was able to slash Gollum on his belly, as Frodo continued to flee up Mount Doom. Finally, in the Cracks of Doom, the Ring Bearer had his chance to obliterate the Ring so he could be rid of this burden at once. However, it was there that the Ring’s power became so strong due to it being a short distance away from the cracks.

During this moment, Frodo eventually gave up on the lure of the One Ring’s power. He started to claim and take possession of the Ring for himself. Samwise shouted so that Frodo would toss the ring into the fires of Mount Doom. Not knowing that he was followed, Samwise was attacked by Gollum. He then fell and was knocked unconscious because of a rock hitting his head. Frodo checked them out and found that Gollum was fighting with something that he couldn’t see. At this time, Frodo was already wearing the Ring. Gollum saw it and tore off Frodo’s finger, with the Ring. Gollum was finally rejoined with his precious. He was dancing with so much joy that he tripped on the edge and fell down the depths of Mount Doom. This eventually destroyed the One Ring and Gollum himself. The Hobbits then fled as Mount Doom exploded, and they thought that they were themselves doomed. Thanks to Gwaihir, the Lord of Eagles, and his companions Meneldor and Landroval, they were able to fly the two Hobbits to safety.​

When the war ended, Frodo recovered at the Minas Tirith. From there, he took part in King Aragorn’s coronation. It was then time to go home. The four Hobbits, Frodo, Merry, Pippin, and Samwise, journeyed back to the Shire, their home. However, when they got there, they readily found that the Shire was controlled by a man called Sharkey and his army. Later on, he was revealed as Saruman. Saruman utilized Bag End as a stronghold for his forces and was controlling the Shire from there. Later on, Saruman was slain by Grima Wormtongue. The four Hobbits gathered all the townsfolk and Shirriffs in the Shire. Working together, they became triumphant in destroying the Ruffians that were hired by Sharkey during the Battle of Bywater. While Frodo wasn’t involved directly in the Battle of Bywater, he ensured that no Hobbit ever gets injured. He also ensured that the Ruffians who yielded would not be harmed. Frodo beloved that there’s not one Hobbit in the Shire that would intentionally harm another—that it won’t begin in the Battle of Bywater.​

Frodo became the Mayor of the Shire for a brief moment. This was because he retired when he realized that he was still bearing the wounds caused by his journey to destroy the Ring. Though years and years have passed, Frodo still experienced continuous pain from the blade wound he got from the Nazgûl. When Frodo was 53, he reunited with Círdan, the Lady Galadriel, Elrond, Gandalf, and Bilbo on an Elven ship. He was permitted to pass through the sea towards the Undying Lands. This was because he was a Ring Bearer. He was hoping to heal the damages of bearing the Ring that had inflicted on his spirit. Samwise Gamgee, his best friend, and fellow Ring Bearer joined him in the undying lands. This was sometime after the 61st year in the Fourth Age. It was presumed then that the two Hobbits lived out the rest of their days in the Undying Lands.​

As characterized by Gandalf, Frodo was taller than some Hobbits and fairer than most of them. He had perky lips, a cleft in his chin, and bright eyes. Frodo was a shy and young Hobbit. Just like most Hobbits, he also had curly and thick brown hair. Due to his Fallohide ancestry from his mother, he had skin that was lighter than usual. Frodo could more or less be described as a reasonably good-looking Hobbit. Because of the Ring’s influence, he appears to look thirty-three even though he was fifty. Just like his uncle Bilbo, the inhabitants of Hobbiton consider Frodo quite odd. His fascination with the Elves, curiosity about the world outside, as well as places far away, did not fall under the general and typical personality of most Hobbits.

This kind of attitude and preferences were attributed to his Took ancestry. Frodo was also compassionate as well as kind, that he allowed Gollum to guide them through Mordor and even went against the warnings of his friend Samwise. This particular show of kindness, later on, proved to be an essential factor in their journey to destroy the One Ring. The wound that was bestowed on him by the Morgul sword, as well as the Ring’s influence, seemingly gave him the access and capability to look into the spirit world. An example of this was Frodo’s ability to dream about events that happen far away during some occasions. It also seemed that he could sense danger, and he also saw the Lady Galadriel’s ring of power.​