Samwise Gamgee is Frodo Baggins’s gardener and closest companion in The Lord of the Rings.
Sam begins the story as Frodo’s gardener at Bag End, but he becomes far more than a household helper. He accompanies Frodo from the Shire, joins the Fellowship’s wider mission, and remains with him through the perilous journey to Mordor.
Sam carries Frodo when the Ring-bearer can no longer continue near Mount Doom. He also briefly bears the One Ring after Shelob attacks Frodo, then gives it back when Frodo is found alive. His loyalty and practical courage are central to the quest’s success.
Sam is often called Samwise, while Gamgee is his family name. Tolkien based the character partly on the dependable batmen and servants he knew during the First World War, though Sam is not a simple portrait of one historical person.