Hi! Ol' curiosity here. Thank you for 'friending' me, and thank you too, for this review. I love it - so perceptive and concise. I believe, though, that one can be a hero as well as a martyr. In my view, Frodo was both. A hero, because of the exceptional nobility and selflessness that caused him to undertake a quest that seemed doomed to failure. Remember, when he volunteered, no Fellowship was formed as yet. For all he knew, he would have to go it alone. And yes, a martyr, for all the reasons you set down so well.

Elijah Wood's a smart guy - he said the reason that Sam could go back and Frodo couldn't was because Sam never gave up what made him Sam, whereas Frodo did give up what made him Frodo.

I totally agree. Elijah's smart (which is what attracted me to him in the first place). Have you read his personal take on the cracks of doom scene?

How'd he get so wise - and him so young?