When I first read The Lord of the Rings in my youth, Tolkien’s world opened the doors to fantasy for me, never to be closed again. After that, I devoured every series I could get my hands on. Some stayed with me, while others faded from memory like bubbles on the wind (sorry, Salvatore). Along this journey, I met many heroes: Some reached the pinnacle of power and brought evil to its knees like demigods; some silenced their inner turmoil with the strength of their sword arm; and some overcame their weaknesses with the help of their friends. Frodo belongs to this last group. How can we forget Sam’s unwavering support?

Looking back, it didn’t occur to me for many years to remember Frodo among all the grand and glorious heroes, let alone to think of him as one. With the whirling blades of Drizzt Do’Urden (Forgotten Realms), the word-commanding Ged (Earthsea), or Aragorn, the wisest and bravest king Middle-earth could have, how can a humble Hobbit find a place among them?

Yet, even though it may not be easy for him to enter the “hall of fame” of heroes, I believe our small yet big-hearted friend undoubtedly deserves at least an honorable mention. Why, you ask? Because great heroes often have great ambitions, desires, and unshakable confidence in themselves. This is precisely why an object of absolute power, like the One Ring, must be entrusted to someone who lacks the hunger for power and desire — someone humble and pure. But is humility alone enough for a journey to Mount Doom? Certainly not! One must also add courage and a will of iron to the mix.

From this perspective, Frodo stands in a place beyond the standard, a rank that typical heroes might struggle to reach. On the other hand, aren’t his qualities, which make him special, more attainable for us mere mortals who love fantasy than those of the usual hero archetype? Courage, willpower, strength, and resistance to desire are not easily acquired traits. It might take a lifetime for a person to achieve even a few of these. But considering that (at least in the reality we know) we will never become a necromancer, allomancer, or shapeshifter, Frodo’s virtues seem far more within reach, even if they take a lifetime to attain.

As a parent with an interest in philosophy, I’ve started thinking, “I hope my child grows up to be like Frodo!” In fact, this wish applies to me as well: “I hope I can succeed in becoming a man like Frodo!”