Summary
The Lord of the Ringstells 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.
InThe Lord of the Rings, the viewer or the reader followstwo 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 thebest quotesthroughout the story, and many of them continue to inspire and speak to those who have the honor of hearing them.
Updated on June 08, 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 theanticipated 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 theLord of the Ringsfilm trilogy by Peter Jackson.
25"…Not If I Stick You First!"
The Return Of The King
All hope seems to be hanging by a thread when the heroes have hit the middle portion ofReturn 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 withFrodo’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
Well intoThe 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 hasmadehim 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 reachingThe Return of the King.
23"You Don’t Mean That, You Can’t Leave!"
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
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."
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."
Seen in the Extended Edition ofReturn 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' novelThere and Back Again, which is seen being written at the start ofThe Fellowship of the Ring. Sam couldn’t have picked a better time to compare their perilous quest with that of Frodo’s famous cousin, therebyencouraging his friendto push forward.
19"Don’t Turn Me Into Anything… Unnatural."
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 ofThe Fellowship of the Ring.
18"Of Course You Are, And I’m Coming With You!"
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!"
After the loss of Gandalf tothe 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 aspecial part of Gandalf’s character.
16"It’s Me! It’s Your Sam! Don’t You Know Your Sam?"
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.
