"I wonder if we shall ever be put into songs or tales...And people will say, "Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring!"  And they'll say, "Yes, that's one of my favorite stories."  "Frodo was really courageous, wasn't he, Dad?"  "Yes, my boy, the most famousest of all hobbits and that's saying a lot."

"But you've left out of the chief characters:   Samwise the stouthearted. ... I want to hear more about Sam. ... Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam..."

"Now, Mr. Frodo, you shouldn't make fun.  I was serious."

"So was I."

(The Two Towers, "The Stairs of Cirith Ungol")

"When you write the first word on a blank page, there is no telling where it will take you.  Like the first steps of a journey on an unknown Road."

Frodo - Disc 1 of the BBC Radio Adaptation of The Two Towers

Stories from the Shire

**New of 8/27/11 or 9/10. Also marked are some 2011 MEFA nominations. Make sure you go to the Middle-earth Fan-Fiction Awards site to vote for all your favorites!

Lessons in Life Taught by Hobbits by Antane, The Fiat of Iluvatar's Children During the War of the Ring by Antane, One Step More by Connie Marie, An Essay on Frodo Baggins by Margaret Watkins  and Tolkien in Winter by Claudia Riiff Finseth - Essays on Frodo and Sam and others

A Man of Quality by Antane - An essay on Faramir.

Hope by Trilliah - The thoughts of Frodo and Sam shortly before they reunite in the West. Lovely and loving!

Home, Goodbye, The Way to Healing, The Bridge, The Straight Road - all by Arien - Marvelous tales starting with Frodo shortly before he leaves for the West through to his reunion with Sam. "Home" was the very first fic I read years ago and remains one of my favorites. "The Way to Healing" and "The Straight Road" are also among them.

Cleansed by Larner - A very special person comes to visit Frodo and Sam as they sleep after the eagles bring them back.

Questions, Answers, Samwise Speaks, The Bridge, In The Tower, White are the Stars by Armariel - Wonderful poems! "Answers" is one of my very favorites.

A Secret Gate by Antane - Frodo and Rose the night before the Ring-bearer leaves for the West.

Call of the Dream by Queen Galadriel - A marvelous poem akin to "The Sea Bell".

The Cusp of Victory by Kara's Aunty - Wow! A marvelous, very angsty AU of Mount Doom.

A Little Fall of Rain by Amrunofthesummercountry - What if the Grey Havens was just a metaphor invented by a grieving heart? Very moving!

Concerning Sam by Kara's Aunty - In the Fourth Age, Sam is troubled anew by the Ring.

His Dear Beloved Hobbit Elf, A Friend in Need, Oh Mister Frodo, Hope and Light, Denial, My Dearest Sam, Across the Great Divide and Reunion by Kara's Aunty - Lovely poems, in most cases like love songs sung by Frodo and Sam to each other.

One Heart Protecting Another, The Lucky One, Love Letters and Going Home by Antane - A four-part series that began with the premise that there was a space-time rip that caused the Quest to be taken up again. Except for that part which takes up the first section, most of it is canon-friendly.

Via Dolorosa by Antane - Well into the Fourth Age, two manuscripts are found hidden in the cellar of Bag End, written by Frodo and Sam, which included much they did not put into the Red Book.

Where All His Life Had Fallen Into Ruin by Socrates399 - Sam in Shelob's Lair. Powerful!

Love Endures by Antane - What if in The Two Towers movie Frodo had not be able to stop the Ring when it had Sting at Sam's throat?

Ed'ledhron by Elanor Silmarien - In the West, Elrond explains some important things to the wounded and empty Ring-bearer. Marvelous!

Roots and Shelter, Fire and Scars by Sally Gardens - A quite moving tale of two souls so beloved by each other that they could not bear to part and so chose a path that would allow them to be always together. One of my all-time favorite stories!

Worth Fighting For by Antane - Sam nutures his beloved master after the Quest is over.

No Tears by Trillah - Sam offers his master comfort during the terrible trial that was the Quest.

Bless Them by Tathar - A sweet story of wee Sam and his future master.

Broken Wings by Antane - The Ring-bearer on the ship bearing him to the Undying Lands.

Jewels of Light by Larner - One of the most moving descriptions I have read of Frodo and Aragorn.

Prepared to Live Indeed by Larner - A LOTR/Harry Potter crossover in which Frodo is sent by God to the Halls of Mandos by seek out another damaged soul. Quite moving even for one, like me, who has not read of Harry's world.

Shall I Sing? by Larner - Sam celebrates his Frodo. 

Once by Larner - Frodo's thoughts about how he thought his life would go and then how it did.

Bearer of the Ring, Gorgoroth Duet, More Than Enough - all by Connie Marie - Poems of Frodo and Sam.

Dreams and Reality by Antane - After the Quest is complete, Frodo is having a nightmare or is he?

Dreams or Reality by Eleon Gamgee - One glimpse at the terrible effect of the Ring on the one bearing it to its doom.

Memorial Day by Antane - Aragorn celebrates the memory of his beloved hobbit friends.

Stabat Mater by Iorhael - An unseen observer of the Quest.

Letters To and From a Dear Friend by Antane and Frodo Baggins - Started as a challenge to write a letter to Frodo and then he responded!

A Seat Among Them by Antane - Frodo and Sam are given their rightful seats after they have accepted the Gift.

Hide and Seek by Antane - The child's game gone wrong among the hobbit as they play it after the Quest in the Citadel of Minas Tirith.

Thoughts of Thanksgiving by Larner - Bilbo tells Gandalf who he is thankful for as his 111th birthday party is being prepared for.

Friendship by Elliekin - A heartaching poem of the love between Frodo and Sam, first on the Quest and then Sam's agony after they have parted at the Grey Havens.

Independence Day by Antane - In the West, Frodo and Bilbo declare their independence from the Ring.

It's Going to Be All Right by Antane - The four hobbits after the eagles bring Frodo and Sam back.

Light to See By by Antane - Sam's thoughts of his beloved master as the Quest nears its end.

It's All Right by Antane - Sam and Frodo assuring each other either on the Quest or afterwards.

Hobbit Stew by Kara's Aunty - Bilbo's misadventures in the palace of the Elvenking.

More Than Mushrooms by Antane - How much does wee Frodo love his parents?

Nesting by Antane - Frodo helps Rose get Bag End ready for the arrival of his niece.

Neither Have I the Wings to Fly by Dreamflower - Pippin as he stands at the Grey Havens.

Sacrifice by Nickey - A Mount Doom AU.

Breeze by illyria-pffyffin - Glimpses of the Quest from the POV of a breeze.

The Halfings by Nikki Took - Frodo's thoughts as he briefly wakes after the Quest is over and contemplates the sleeping Sam besides him.

Beauty for All to See by Mysterious Jedi - Faramir points out beauty to Sam.

A Difficult Ascent by Auntiemeesh - Frodo is climbing a mountain.

Letters I've Written Never Meaning to Send by Antane - Frodo's struggle against suicidal temptations in the deep depression that came after the Quest.

Through the Flames by Antane and Queen Galadriel - Sam's grief after his beloved master beloved as departed for the West.

Bluebells by Frodo Baggins of Bag End - AU of Frodo's fading after the Quest. He remains in Imladris and does not return to the Shire.

Still a Jewel by Antane - Sam's answer to a question his eldest asks.

The Birthday by Arien - Part missing Frodo after he's gone and part Sam's care for his master before they parted.

Father's Day by Antane - Wee Frodo enjoys an adventure with his father.

More Sums with Sam by Antane - A sequel to "Sums with Sam" by GamgeeFest which has Frodo teaches young Sam his math. 2011 MEFA nominee!!

Swallowing Sorrows by Ariel - Frodo suffers through another anniversary illness.

Pulling Up Stakes by Grey Wonderer - Sam thinks he's seeing things when some plants in Frodo's garden are behaving rather oddly.

Strength Found by Antane - The Fellowship gathers after the Quest is over to Sam and Frodo's part, but will Frodo have the strength to tell it?

Frodo's Light by Sound of Horns - Frodo thinks about Sam and the real hero of the book he is going to write.

Waiting for the Morning by Armariel - Frodo and Bilbo in the West.

Questions Already Answered by Antane - Would Frodo have gone on the Quest if he knew what it would cost him?

The Letter by Antane - After the Quest, Sam writes a letter to Aragorn asking him to come to aid the still troubled Ring-bearer. Inspired by "Plain and Simple" by Agape4Gondor. Winner 1st place 2009 MEFA for Incomplete AU's!!  Now complete!

A Most Special Birthday by Antane - Bilbo and Gandalf talk as they watch over the Ring-bearer as he sleeps in Rivendell after the Quest is over. 2011 MEFA  nominee!!

A Little Comfort by Antane - Rose comforts Frodo during an anniversary illness while Sam is away

A Visit with a Dragon by Antane - Wee Frodo with his parents and Bilbo. Let the fluff fly!

Help From Above by Antane - Frodo receives some angelic assistance as he suffers through an anniversary illness on the way to the West.

**Prepared to Live Indeed by Larner - After Frodo accepts the Gift, he accepts another mission from God, this time to help heal a soul from the Harry Potter universe. 2011 MEFA nominee!

Happy Yule, Frodo! by Antane - Frodo's first Yule after he moves to Bag End.

Four Nights and Three Days by Antane - The struggle to save the Ring-bearer's life in Rivendell.

Yule Light by Antane - Frodo's first Yule in the West.

Remember Me by Antane - A poem of Frodo

Passing Through by Antane - Frodo's thoughts shortly after Sam arrives in the West

Healed by shirebound - AU that has Merry and Pippin allowed to go to the Undying Lands with Sam and Frodo with a little twist to that.

Quarantined by shirebound - AU of Frodo's and Bilbo's life in the Shire with a close friendship formed with Aragorn. This particular tale has Frodo accidentally exposed to a grave illness by Gandalf.

Black and Blue by Frodo Baggins of Bag End - The aftermath of my favorite scene in The Two Towers in which Sam tends to his master after that nasty tumble they took down the stairs at Osgiliath.

Ghosts by Antane - Do you believe in ghosts? Frodo is beginning to think he does.

Send Me An Angel by Antane - Frodo's thoughts of Sam at the Fire after the Ring is destroyed (movie verse).

Haunted by Antane - Mayor Samwise thinks of the ghosts that linger.

**The Never-Ending Argument by Antane - Even after Frodo and Sam have accepted the Gift, they are still arguing over who is the greatest hero, each convinced the other is.

A Primer for Sam by Antane - As Frodo begins his lessons in Quenya while in the West, he begins a lesson book to give to Sam when the time comes.

Giving Thanks by Antane - Just before he leaves for the Undying Lands, Sam reflects upon his beloved master.

Go Out in Joy by Larner - A moving AU tale of what could have happened if Frodo not gone West.

I Can't Smile Without You by Antane - Merry's thoughts and memories as he stands at the Grey Havens as his cousin is about to leave.

**Memorials by Antane - Frodo and Sam in the West on the Elven version of Memorial Day.

A Very Special Cake by Samwisegirl12 - Sam celebrates Frodo's birthday.

A Fight with a Dragon by Antane - Young Frodo and Sam have an adventure.

I Will Follow by Antane - Sam's thoughts at the Grey Havens as Frodo departs.

Yule on the Quest by Antane - The title says it all! :)

**Flames by Antane - Glimpses of Frodo before, during and after the Quest

**Naked in the Dark by Antane - A poem of Frodo at the Fire. 2011 MEFA nominee!

Protect Me by Elanor Silmarien - A plea from Frodo to his Sam on the Quest.

First Yule by Antane - The first Yule Frodo and Sam together spend in the West.

Havoc in Hollin by shirebound - A fun story of mishaps on the Quest.

And the Stars Shall Sing Your Name by shirebound - Elrond and Frodo talk after the Quest is over.

A Brother's Face by Eleon Gamgee - A short, sweet poem.

Examination by Queen Galadriel - Aragorn examines Sam after the Quest is over and notices a sword nick at his throat.

The Moon's House by Elanor Silmarien - Young Frodo and Pippin.

Fighting the Demons by Elanor Silmarien - Merry and Pippin after the Quest.

In the Tower by Antane - Frodo's torment before Sam comes.

Frodo Writes a Story by GamgeeFest - The scribe pre-Quest.

The Price that was Paid by Antane - Reflections of the cost of the Quest to the Ring-bearer.

The Garden by Antane - A poem of a hobbit and a garden.

They Speak My Language by illyria-pffyffin - A gentle tale of Frodo and the Elves in the West.

The Thirteenth of March by Frodo Baggins - Need I say more?

Signs of Life by Antane - Frodo, Sam and the White Tree.

Don't Go Where I Can't Follow by Antane - After the Quest is over, Frodo makes a promise to Sam that he will never go where Sam can't follow. The story shows glimpses of that promise from the time it is made, to their time alone after Frodo leaves, to their reunion and life in the West.

Spoiled by Antane - Sam takes care of Frodo when his master has a cold (pre-Quest).

Sam's Cloak by shirebound - Frodo and Sam at the Grey Havens.

Would You Believe Where the Prompt Led? by Antane - Frodo is seeing some really odd creatures in the Shire.

Don't Linger, Sweet Brother by Larner - A poem spoken in various voices to the beloved, troubled Ring-bearer.

Somewhere Only We Know by GamgeeFest - Frodo and his mother have a day out.

Realization by Antane - Frodo cames to an understanding about himself after he returns to the Shire.

Dreaming at Dawn by Diamond of Long Cleeve - Frodo and Sam on the morning of Aragorn and Arwen's wedding.

Remember Me by Antane - A poem from Frodo's POV at the Grey Havens.

The Three Towers by shirebound - The four hobbits in Minas Tirith, including a side trip to the Tower of Cirith Ungol.

Mercy by Connie Marie - AU - Merry copes with a terrible loss.

Missing by Connie Marie - The hobbits after the Fellowship is broken.

A Most Sterling Recommendation by Antane - Gandalf writes a letter to Thorin to convince him to take Bilbo along on the expedition to Smaug's mountain.

The Most Timid Hobbit by Antane - What happened to Freddy Bolger after the other hobbits leave for the Quest and he waits at Crickhollow? Winner 2nd place 2010 MEFA for Drama: Gapfiller!

A Conspiracy is Formed by Antane - Merry enlists Sam's help to make sure Frodo doesn't leave the Shire without them.

Obituary by Antane - Gandalf announces the Ring-bearers' acceptance of the Gift.

Prayer by illyria-pffyfin - Merry and Legolas at Frodo and Sam's side after the eagles bring them back.

Shelob's Bane by Kara's Aunty - A story of one of Sam's great deed discovered by two others of the sundered Fellowship.

Shire Yule by Antane - Frodo's last Yule in the Shire.