finally reading LotR in the original English and wow the Hobbits' journey to Rivendell is way longer than I remembered and this Tolkien fellow sure knows how to write
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Tolkien
it's funny how little he hides how the four Hobbits are just his ideal for how people should be, they appreciate good food and drink, like to be comfortable, don't care too much about riches or power, don't involve themselves with bigger things in the world but will become heroes if need be, especially to support a friend.
Tolkien
Also there's definitely a romantic subtext with Sam and Frodo, even if Tolkien didn't realize it himself. A gardener doesn't usually passionately declare his willingness to die for his employer