Writing Challenge: Rosie Cotton

#ChallengeSeason

Challenge Season - Writing: Rosie Cotton

Character: Rosie Cotton

Race: Hobbit

The hobbit, Rose (Rosie) Cotton, is a much undervalued character in the books and films. Or perhaps, she is one who could be justifiably be expanded upon in her own right. In a book which is relatively sparse on female characters, Rosie is, for me, memorable albeit not notable.

Professor Tolkien himself was once recognised that the simple ‘rustic’ love between Sam and Rosie is essential to the study of Sam’s character, and to the theme of the relation of ordinary life and quests, sacrifice, causes. In the novelisation, love interests were not a particularly strong theme. It would, thus, appear to me that Tolkien intentionally established a traditional romance and relationship between Rosie and Sam, to reflect values of the time in England.

This is perhaps significant if we interpret Sam Gamgee to metaphorically represent the common foot soldier of the first Great War, who fights for a cause, that of his country and not specifically his own. Rosie, then, is surely the devoted wife or girlfriend who waited behind not knowing when it if her loved one will return to her. In fact, when Sam and Frodo eventually returned from their quest, Rosie told Sam that she had expected him by the spring and thought him dead.

Beyond her devotion in waiting for Samwise to return, Rosie and her family housed Sam and Frodo upon their return to the Shire until Bag End has been restored. After marrying Sam a year later, Rosie subsequently bore him what is believed to be a halfling record of 13 children.

With regard to the relationship between Frodo and Sam, there has been some conjecture as to the nature of the bond. Professor Tolkien had likened their relationship to that of an officer in the British Army (Frodo) and his military servant (Sam). Sam’s lengthy marriage to Rosie (which lasted until Rosie ed at the age of 98), and the prolific number of children they produced, would add credence to the heterosexual nature of Samwise.

Beyond the novelisation and cinematic depiction of Rosie, there are real-world or behind the scenes points of interest that can have implications for Rosie Cotton fans. It is well established that Peter Jackson took some liberties with interpretation of the original source material to facilitate the narrative of the films.

In The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Rosie Cotton resides at 10 Bagshot Row. This gives fans of Rosie and Samwise a location they can visit in pilgrimage (at Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand). Rosie is portrayed by New Zealand actress, Sarah McLeod, and in Peter Jackson’s films and is employed as a barmaid at the Green Dragon Inn.

While Sarah, as Rosie, scarcely speaks at all, she dances at Bilbo's party in The Fellowship of the Rings, enthusiastically taking Sam in her arms as he is encouraged to participate by Frodo. Sarah subsequently shares a romantic scene with Sean Austin in the Return of the King when Rosie and Samwise are married.

Enthusiasts of The Lord of the Rings can take advantage of this when planning their own wedding anniversary gifts. The second wedding anniversary is traditionally the “Cotton” wedding anniversary, celebrated by bestowing a cotton gift to their spouse. What more apt and romantic gift than a Cameo Video message from Rosie Cotton (Sarah McLeod) herself; or a signed picture of Rosie Cotton marrying Sam; or a cotton t-shirt with the image of Rosie Cotton’s and Sam Gamgee’s wedding day. The significance and impact that Rosie Cotton can have transcends text and screen.

Rosie Cotton’s relatively brief in-text reference in the novel or on screen appearance, simply does not do justice to interpretations of her character’s impact on a major protagonist, in Sam Gamgee & the influence she can potentially have beyond her depiction.