Sam’s Best Quotes In The Lord of the Rings

Summary

• Sam’s loyalty to Frodo is unwavering, as he vows to follow him till the end, even risking his life.
• Sam inspires Frodo with his hope and positivity, reminding him of the good things worth fighting for.
• Sam’s most iconic moment is when he carries Frodo up Mount Doom, showcasing his unwavering courage and friendship.

The Lord of the Rings tells the epic tale of how two hobbits managed to take the One Ring and destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom. With the help of more hobbits, men, elves, a dwarf, and a wizard, the pair are able to make it from the Shire all the way to Mordor, visiting a lot of other distinct Middle-earth locations in between.

In The Lord of the Rings, the viewer or the reader follows two hobbits: Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee. While Frodo is the main protagonist, Sam is the heart and soul of the journey. He provides some of the best quotes throughout the story, and many of them continue to inspire and speak to those who have the honor of hearing them.

Updated on February 1, 2025, by Stephen LaGioia: The Lord of the Rings is one of the most epic, critically acclaimed fantasy franchises ever made, and it’s now several decades since the first novel, The Fellowship Of The Ring, was published. As well as the popular movies from 2001-2003, the franchise has grown, now encompassing video games and TV series as well. Amazon’s The Rings of Power series’ second season has concluded, but the anticipated video game, Tales of the Shire, is expected to release early this year. Between this and Peter Jackson’s upcoming spin-off The Hunt For Gollum (working title), the fire of hype on the Minas Tirith beacons is sure to be kindled for LOTR film and book fans alike.

While most of these quotes exist in some form in the novels, the article focuses on quotes from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy by Peter Jackson.

25

“…Not If I Stick You First!”

The Return Of The King

• Sam gives this one-liner to an unsuspecting orc after saving Frodo in the Tower of Cirith Ungol.

All hope seems to be hanging by a thread when the heroes have hit the middle portion of Return of the King. Not only is Minas Tirith under heavy siege, but Frodo has nearly been killed by a giant spider, and shortly after, captured by Orcs. But once captive and tied down, Sam returns in heroic fashion, delivering a death blow with Frodo’s glowing sword, Sting.

It’s a cool, triumphant scene, punctuated by a sweet one-liner from Sam — after the orc threatens Frodo by saying “Stop squealing, or I’ll bleed you like a stuck pig!” It’s a great, long-awaited action-hero moment for Sam.

24

“There’s Naught Left In Him But Lies And Deceit.”

The Two Towers

• Sam tries to warn Frodo about Gollum’s trickery and malevolence while heading to Mordor, justifying “running him down” after being called out by Frodo.

Well into The Two Towers, during their trek through the increasingly glum, desolate wilds to Mordor, Sam calls Gollum a “Stinker” and not to wander too far ahead. Frodo, more sympathetic towards the ex-Ring Bearer (and once-Hobbit himself), calls out his friend and demands an explanation for his treating Gollum/Smeagol poorly.

At this point, Sam reminds Frodo of his true nature — or at least the dark, deceptive shell of himself the ring has made him into for hundreds of years. While Sam looks a bit insensitive at this point, the words of Frodo’s ever-helpful friend turn out to be prophetic, especially when reaching The Return of the King.

23

“You Don’t Mean That, You Can’t Leave!”

The Return Of The King

• Sam’s emotional reply to Frodo after he tells him he’s leaving Middle-earth.

The movie trilogy’s penultimate scene marks an emotional moment for both the characters and viewers. Frodo’s friends are shocked that he, like the Elves, Gandalf and Bilbo, will be traveling over the Sea. Sam can’t understand why Frodo wouldn’t want to stay in the Shire he fought so hard to save. He doesn’t understand just how deeply Frodo has been affected, both physically and psychologically, by the burden of the Ring and the Quest.

In this tearful moment, Sam tries to convince Frodo that he doesn’t mean what he said. It’s made all the more moving by the fact Sam just doesn’t understand Frodo’s reasons for leaving, which will sadly separate the two best friends.

22

“Mr. Frodo’s Not Going Anywhere Without Me!”

The Fellowship Of The Ring

• Sam boldly declares this in front of the newly formed Fellowship of the Ring.

Seeing as Sam technically wasn’t invited to the Council of Elrond, it caught everyone by surprise when he suddenly bursts out from his hiding place to deliver this iconic line. Hearing of Frodo’s mission, Sam immediately panicked that he’d be separated from his best friend for good, and he can’t bear the thought of this.

At this point in the story, Sam has helped Frodo get to Rivendell, and wanted to honor what he’d promised Gandalf, by not leaving his side. Sam’s almost comedic demonstration of fierce loyalty to Frodo touches Elrond himself, who grants him permission to become part of the Fellowship of the Ring.

21

“I Ain’t Been Dropping No Eaves, Sir.”

The Fellowship Of The Ring

• Sam says this line to Gandalf after being accused of eavesdropping.

As Gandalf explains to Frodo about the history and importance of the One Ring and how it must be taken out of the Shire, Sam is listening underneath the windowsill. He’s been eavesdropping, and that’s exactly what Gandalf accused him of doing. But Sam is quick-witted with his honesty.

This line provides a humorous moment in an otherwise serious instance. Normally, it’s up to Merry and Pippin to provide the comic relief, but this quote proves Sam can also offer much-needed moments of lightheartedness. Also, if Sam hadn’t been eavesdropping, he may never have gone on the journey with Frodo, and thus, the Ring may not have been destroyed.

20

“We’re Going There And Back Again, Just Like Mr. Bilbo. You’ll See.”

The Return Of The King

• Sam says this as he and Frodo are nearing Mordor.

Seen in the Extended Edition of Return of the King, Frodo, Sam, and Gollum come to the Crossroads of the Fallen King. By climbing the Secret Stairs near Minas Morgul, they will be one giant step closer to their destination. Here, Gollum exclaims that they certainly aren’t ”in decent places,” and this causes Frodo to pause for a moment of sad reflection. He wonders if he’ll ever see the Shire again and whether the journey will only be one-way.

This is where Sam steps in, replying sharply but kindly that Frodo will make it out of Mordor alive once the journey is complete. He even quotes Bilbo Baggins’ novel There and Back Again, which is seen being written at the start of The Fellowship of the Ring. Sam couldn’t have picked a better time to compare their perilous quest with that of Frodo’s famous cousin, thereby encouraging his friend to push forward.

19

“Don’t Turn Me Into Anything… Unnatural.”

The Fellowship Of The Ring

• Sam gets confronted by Gandalf after eavesdropping — or “cutting the grass under the window”, as Gandalf warns Frodo of the dangers of the One Ring.

After getting caught “dropping eaves” by a rightly-cautious Gandalf, and getting rather violently pulled into the Hobbit house, Sam nervously pleads with the wizard with an amusing request. He begs not to be turned into anything “unnatural” in particular. What might that have been? One can only imagine…

This not only shows a wittier, more humorous side to Sam, but it fleshes out his character a bit, and counterbalances some dark, gloomy exposition with a more whimsical moment. It’s a nice, lighthearted instance that captures the (relatively) lighter tone of The Fellowship of the Ring.

18

“Of Course You Are, And I’m Coming With You!”

The Fellowship Of The Ring

• Sam shouts this line to Frodo while attempting to follow him from Amon Hen.

After Boromir almost killed Frodo in order to get the Ring, Frodo decided that it would be better to travel to Mordor alone. However, Sam does not let this happen, even when Frodo reiterates his decision. He follows Frodo, who’s in a boat paddling away from Amon Hen, into the water.

Sam is unable to swim, and though he knows this, he still decides to follow Frodo, even if it means he might drown. This line of dialogue showcases Sam’s bravery and also the depth of how much he cares for his best friend.

17

“The Finest Rockets Ever Seen: They Burst In Stars Of Blue And Green!”

The Fellowship Of The Ring

• Sam improvises this poem as a tribute to Gandalf.

After the loss of Gandalf to the monstrous Balrog in Moria, the Fellowship travels to Lothlorien. Upon hearing of Gandalf’s demise, the elves sing a funeral lament to him. Sam comments on how he feels Gandalf’s legendary fireworks should be remembered. He then enthusiastically recites a short verse, though he sits down rather embarrassed shortly into the attempt.

Sam sought to honor what he knew of Gandalf. Though he didn’t know him on the same level that Aragorn and Frodo did, his poem about a joyful, simple Hobbit pleasure shows his determination to pay homage to what he believed to be a special part of Gandalf’s character.

16

“It’s Me! It’s Your Sam! Don’t You Know Your Sam?”

The Two Towers

• Sam says this line to Frodo after witnessing him succumb to the One Ring’s influence.

By the time of the Nazgul attack on Osgiliath, Frodo is gradually succumbing to the effects of the Ring. When he almost gives in to the Nazgul, Sam stops him from putting the Ring on just in time. However, Frodo sees this as an attempt to take it from him and almost kills him.

A desperate Sam delivers this emotional and heartfelt line after witnessing first-hand Frodo’s dramatic change in character. Thankfully, his gentle question helps Frodo realize that Sam is not the enemy. Sam not only saved his friend from the Nazgul in this moment, but he also saved him from himself.

15

“Let Him Go! Or I’ll ‘Ave You, Longshanks!”

The Fellowship Of The Ring

• Sam delivers this line during his first encounter with Aragorn.

Hobbits aren’t exactly known for their bravery, but Sam could rise to the occasion when it came to protecting Frodo. When Aragorn has grabbed Frodo, Sam was more than ready to protect his friend. Given that they’ve never met, it’s understandable for Sam not to understand that Aragorn’s motives are pure.

Sam would not stand a chance in a fight with Aragorn. He knows this, but he’s still willing to risk his life if it means protecting Frodo. It’s a funny and sweet moment that reveals that Sam can be brave when the situation calls for it.

14

“Mordor. The One Place In Middle-earth We Don’t Want To See Any Closer…”

The Two Towers

• “…And The One Place We’re Trying To Get To.” Sam says this line while staring at Mordor from a great distance, and getting ready to scurry through its gates.

This is one of the most iconic lines in The Two Towers. After climbing through the rocky wilderness of Emyn Muil, Sam eyes Mordor in the distance. He and Frodo were lost before this moment.

Sam is known to be full of optimism; Frodo remarks how “nothing ever dampens your spirits, does it, Sam?” However, as Sam looks towards Mordor, his sense of frustration is evident, as is the overall dread of reaching their destination. He knows they must get there, but he certainly is not looking forward to reaching this daunting location.

13

“Thank You, M’Lady… Have You Run Out Of Those Nice Shiny Daggers?”

The Fellowship Of The Ring

• Sam says this line in response to receiving hithlain in Lothlorien.

Galadriel (played by Cate Blanchett) gives gifts to each member of the Fellowship as they prepare to continue their journey down the Great River Anduin. After Merry and Pippin receive a dagger each, Sam is given Hithlain, a cord of Elven Rope. This gift is what leads him to ask if the Elves had run out of daggers.

Given the journey they are about to embark on, it makes sense that Sam would want a dagger for protection. As viewers and readers eventually see, Sam requires a sword on multiple occasions, from killing Orcs to fighting a giant spider. It’s understandable why he asks for one, but it is also quite comical given that he has already received a gift.

12

“Let Him Go, You Filth!”

The Return Of The King

• Sam says this line in an attempt to save Frodo from Shelob.

Unlike during his first meeting with Aragorn, this line is delivered when Sam is tackling an enemy all on his own. When Frodo is poisoned by Shelob, Sam finds his friend’s dropped sword alongside the Phial of Galadriel. Armed with these valuable weapons, he faces the giant spider, showing he will not be stopped until he rescues Frodo.

In this scene, Sam shows great bravery, even though he is up against an opponent that is seemingly impossible to defeat. But, with this quote, the courageous hobbit proves his worth and showcases his determination to stop anything from harming his best friend.

11

“Do You Remember The Taste Of Strawberries?”

The Return Of The King

• Sam says this line to Frodo in an attempt to encourage him to keep going.

What does one say when on the brink of completing a mission when all hope seems lost? The hobbits are struggling up Mount Doom, and Frodo is barely able to walk. At this point, it seems like Frodo won’t even reach the summit to destroy the Ring. Though Frodo can only see and feel darkness, Sam decides to look for the light.

Sam tries to remind Frodo of all the good things in the world, including the taste of strawberries, trying to provide some encouragement to his friend. Even in a moment when it seems like all hope is lost, Sam has a positive outlook. It’s commendable and helps set up the grand climax of the movie, wherein the Eagles save them from the erupting mountain.

10

“If I Take One More Step, It’ll Be The Farthest Away From Home I’ve Ever Been.”

The Fellowship Of The Ring

• Sam uses this line to showcase his reluctance to leave home.

Sam delivers this line as he and Frodo begin their journey from the Shire to Bree to meet Gandalf at the Prancing Pony. Sam had never traveled far outside his homeland, and he had never cared to do so before. He knows this journey, even if it were simple, will change both him and Frodo, and that scares him.

Hobbits typically don’t cross the borders of The Shire and never seek to discover or learn about other places in Middle-earth. Sam is, of course, fearful of leaving his home, especially as traveling isn’t a hobbit custom. However, though he pauses for a while in the field, Frodo helps him take that “one more step,” which sets Sam on a journey that will be treacherous but one that will ultimately deepen his character and make him a better person.

9

“Po-tay-toes!”

The Two Towers

• Sam uses this line to educate Smeagol on food.

Hobbits love food, and Sam tries to make Gollum understand how important potatoes are at one point in their journey. During the events of The Two Towers as Sam prepares a stew in Ithilien, he mentions how the dish needs a “few good taters.” Gollum starts questioning what “taters” are, prompting Sam to deliver this humorous line, breaking it down for him to understand.

He then proceeds to explain what anyone can do with potatoes – that they can “boil ’em, mash ’em,” or even “stick ’em in a stew!” As Gollum fails to understand or appreciate Sam’s cooking, Sam eventually gives up.

8

“The Ring Drove Your Brother Mad!”

The Two Towers

• Sam uses this line to highlight to Faramir the dangers of the One Ring.

Sam was always great at saying exactly the right thing when it needed to be said. Frodo and Sam had served in the Fellowship with Boromir. Despite Boromir wanting to take the Ring to Gondor and try to harness its power, he eventually sacrifices his life for Merry and Pippin.

In The Two Towers, Boromir’s brother, Faramir, captures Frodo and Sam, and much like his brother, he is tempted to take the Ring for himself. Sam informs Faramir of how Boromir died and helps him realize how evil the Ring is. This eventually helps to convince Faramir to let Frodo and Sam continue on their mission to Mordor.

7

“That’s For Frodo! And For The Shire! And That’s For My Old Gaffer!”

The Return Of The King

• Sam shouts this line while fighting his way through the Tower of Cirith Ungol.

At this point, Frodo has been captured by the orcs of Cirith Ungol. Sam follows them and infiltrates their tower, realizing he must do everything he can to free Frodo, or the journey will be in vain. He has been one to fight before, bravely defending Frodo all he could from the likes of the Ringwraiths on Weathertop and Shelob the Spider. Here, he must attempt a similar feat if he hopes to save his friend.

As Sam fights the orcs blocking the way, he lets them know his motivations right before he kills each of them. He’s fighting for his friend, his home, and his “old gaffer.” These are the things in his life that mean the most to him. It’s an extremely brave and emotional line that serves to fill viewers with hope.

6

“His Gardener”

The Two Towers

• Sam uses this line to describe who he is to Faramir.

Once again, Sam’s honesty leads to a genuinely funny moment. When Faramir captures Frodo and Sam in The Two Towers, Frodo introduces himself and Sam to Faramir. This causes Faramir to question if Sam is Frodo’s bodyguard, but Sam lets Faramir know that he’s the gardener.

A gardener is certainly less threatening than a bodyguard. But there may be no character in literary or cinematic history as loyal as Samwise Gamgee is to Frodo Baggins. It’s a funny moment that proves this gardener is more important than a bodyguard. When Faramir releases the hobbits from capture later, he says, “The Shire must truly be a great realm, Master Gamgee, where gardeners are held in high honor.”