tolkiens legendarium - How did Sam remain unaffected by the ring's power?

There are two characters who seem to be able to handle and wear the One Ring without being affected by its power. One is the mysterious Tom Bombadil. Later in the book, another character seems to have a similar ability:

Sam, believing Frodo to be dead, takes the ring and vows to finish the job. Upon learning that Frodo is still alive, Sam hurries to him and willingly gives the ring back to him. He was able to do this despite being inside Mordor, and despite Sauron's actively seeking the ring bearer.

How was Sam able to resist the temptations of the ring at such a critical stage in the journey?

Answer

I think a few things contributed to his resistance:

Hobbits are naturally more resistant to the influences of the ring than other races (Gandalf comments on this).

Sam had only been carrying the ring for a short time, the longer the ring is in someone's possession, the more addicted they become to it.

Sam's love for Frodo was too great for the ring to corrupt.

The ring may have sensed that it had a greater chance of returning to its master through the already corrupted Frodo, rather than having to start fresh with Sam.

Comments

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