I also voted for Beren for the same reason; though it would have been Frodo except he was relying on Gandalf to get him past the rough spots and he really didn't know what he was up against.

I voted for Frodo without much hesitation. For basically the same reasons Vee mentioned. He was a nobody, nothing but a hobbit who likes to sit out in the sun and dream of far-fetched adventures. He had no training, no experience, nothing except a bit of hobbit courage. The fact that he knew he was going into something he couldn't get out of, and the fact that he knew that anyone would have little chance of completing the task that was set to him, makes him seem all the braver for sticking to the path to Mordor.

Another part of the bravery shown in Frodo is his willing to accept the psycological burden of carrying the Ring. Not many people are willing to accept a task that has a little chance of success, but even fewer people would accept a task that has a little chance of success and grave consequences.

Yet others may also argue that Frodo's oblivion is a reason for NOT makiing him brave. A fool might go into a lion's cave but that doesn't make him brave, it makes him a fool. To this, I would argue back that Frodo was not ignorant of danger, though he may have been ignorant of many other things. There's that little sort of hobbit danger-sensor in him that knows what is out there and the possibilities.

I voted for Beren. Going desperado in Taur-nu-Fuin, crossing the Nan Dungortheb, winning/stealing the heart of the loveliest creature ever, then taking up the quest to retrieve a Silmaril does it for me.

No, he was forced to stay on his seat until his whole family was destroyed just because he had defied Morgoth. At that point he had lost any chance of being released even if he would have betrayed Turgon :

You're forgetting L’thien, who was the second one next to Tulkas who toppled Morgoth.

Besides, Fingolfin was not turned into a hamburger; he was smitten by Morgoth's shield after having skillfully avoided many hammer blows. After that, his body was saved from being devoured by Morgoth's wolves by Thorondor.

And Luthien didn't defy Morgoth, she deluded and ensorcelled him. Hurin was the only one said, "Do your worst. You can kill me, but you can't make me betray Turgon. You can't MAKE me do anything. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, scarface."

He said nothing. He merely laughed in Morgoth's face, because he had spotted a huge pimple on the tip of the Dark Lord's nose (aptly named "Mt Doom" by Sauron).


That's defiance to me. Anyone else would have cowered in fear before him, or hide like Beren did.


Yes, I bet you're still laughing. It was a real groaner.

Well, I was paraphrasing, but he DID say something: he called him a liar, which touched a nerve, I'm afraid. That's the difference between open defiance and guile, you see, and the difference between his actions and Luthiens. Mind, I'm not saying what she did wasn't brave (but notice who's in the poll and who's not?) just not bravery to the same degree as Hurin, whom I consider unequalled. Yet Luthien doesn't even merit a mention in the poll, while her cowering boyfriend is currently leading Hurin. Though the movies have apparently insured that Hurin and Beren combined can't match Frodo.

That's my fault, I'm only able to get on late at night except for some rare occasions.
My opinion is that Frodo is the bravest, because he made an act of selfless bravery for all of ME, knowing it could fail. Beren is very brave as well, but, with all due respects, he did it for a somewhat selfish reason. Fingolfin is also brave, however, his challenge to Morgoth was more out despair than courage. They are all brave, but Frodo's braver, in my opinion.
Hey, Grondy, the poll made it to the web a lot sooner than I thought it would. Do I get some mithril for it?

Fingolfin did that more out of despair than sheer courage. And seven wounds was the number by Fingolfin, the eagle, what's-his-name, gave Melko the eighth.

Nah, Grep was just being mean to Vir.

I went for Frodo. Beren's deeds were probably greater, but Beren was already an outlaw warrior when he entered Morgoth's lair. Frodo on the other hand was a small hobbit from a peaceful community, who volunteered to carry the ring into Mordor. Someone mentioned that his deeds were not as great because he did not fully understand the danger he would be facing, but I disagree. He had already met the Witchking, and almost been killed by him. He still volunteered, however. Okay, Gandalf was with him, but after Boromir attacked him, he chose to go on alone with Sam.

Another reason I chose Frodo was because he performed his deed to save the Free People's and in particular the Shire. It was not for personal gain. Beren on the other hand performed his deeds to win the hand of Luthien. He was loved up, and we all know what crazy things that feeling makes us do on occasions.

Turin performed some great deeds, but in my mind he was fearless rather than brave. He seemed blinded by a desire to wreck revenge on Morgoth, and fought a wreckless war with what seemed to be a death wish. His father Hurin was brave to defy Morgoth so long, but having endured what Morgoth was doing to him, probably realised things could get no worse anyway.

Earendil went to sea on a journey he did not expect to return from. Many sailors have done that in the past, and was often part of the package of being a sailor. Leaving his wife was more an act of self sacrifice than bravery.

Gandalf... He's maian. Whatever happens to him he's going to be alright. If he dies he goes back to being Olorin.

Fingolfin... Noble and brave, but also wreckless and blinded by dispair.

Frodo maybe did not perform the greatest deed, but compared to his own strength and prowess, it took the most courage to perform.

I agree with Val and Golden_red... in fact I think Ihave already posted much the same.


JRRT Letters

I think that is what makes the difference for me. The others had some expectation of success, some hope of victory but Frodo had nothing. Was there ever a time when Frodo really thought he would succeed and survive?

Only if you go by the film. Shame on you, Vir!

Fionw’ Urion, Fingolfin wounded Morgoth 7 times before he fell and Morgoth set his foot upon his throat, whereupon Fingolfin lobbed it off... So eight wounds if you count the foot

Valid points, though I contend Hurin had a choice (not a good one, granted.) His death was certain, but he could choose the manner of it, and of the life he'd lead in the interval. He chose nobly and well, and defiantly at that, then maintained that defiance through two decades or more in Angband as he saw his family suffer a far different fate than Earendils family (except for his brothers-in-law, of course.) One could argue Earendils choice was from necessity, and that even if unsuccessful he didn't have to witness Morgoths wrath against his family. Every moment. Every day. For decades. Until their suffering ended and they died.

It doesn't count if it hasn't happened yet.

Now, clearly, Tolkiens version of Ragnarok is a future event, no? The central conceit of Middle-earth is that it represents an ancient prehistorical earth (particularly when we arrive at Eriol/Aelfwine and the HoME books that contain the story you reference.) So the fact we're having this conversation renders the death of Morgoth, within the context of Arda, a future event. You can count deeds of history, but not deeds of prophecy.

I would have to say Sam, because he went through that whole adventure and not once doubted himself or wanted to quit.
Oh....and he had to put up with Frodo's crying and complaining.

Yeah, PJ messed a lot of things up. Frodo was very courageous in the books, and he acted like it, but not in the movies.

i will have to say sam, though he's masker was "gone" he keept going