Samwise Gamgee

Samwise was the son of the Gaffer, and he was Frodo Baggins' gardener.  Recruited by Gandalf to accompany Frodo to Rivendell, Sam grows to be his stout-hearted and most loyal companion.  Upon the breaking of the Fellowship, Sam finds Frodo and follows him into Mordor.

Although Frodo was appointed Ring-bearer, Sam took up the burden of carrying the Ring for a short time while Frodo was in the hands of the Orcs of Cirith Ungol.  After the War of the Ring Sam returned to the Shire and married Rosie Cottonwood and had 13 children.  He also held the office of Mayor of Michel Delving.   Story holds that Sam, because of his Ring-bearer status, was eventually allowed to travel across the Sea to Valinor.