MBTI Type: ESFJ

Sam has an immediate, emotional response toward everything they encounter, from his fear of Gandalf (begging him not to turn me into anything “unnatural,” inferring a system of judgment of things that are out of place or unusual) to his continual power-struggles with Frodo over Gollum. He halts outside the Shire and confesses that if he takes one more step, it will be the farthest away from home he has ever been; he judges Merry and Pippin for stealing Farmer Maggot’s crops (again); he dashes into the Council of Elrond to insist that Frodo isn’t going anywhere without him; once they begin to travel with Gollum, Sam judges him as a treacherous little “stinker,” and becomes increasingly perplexed by Frodo’s inability to see him for who he is, a manipulator who uses emotional appeals to stay close to Frodo. Sam varies between being over reactive and emotional to being consoling; he is always there for Frodo, full of encouragement and feelings, but also tries to reassure Gollum, after the events in Gondor, that Frodo “did not mean for them to hurt you… he was saving your life.” Sam does not like to repress his judgments, and continues to assert them even when Frodo does not care for them (mostly, his opinions on Gollum). He is somewhat homesick on the journey, carrying along a little box of salted herbs “in case we need it.” At home, he tended the gardens faithfully and did not mind a quiet, simple life full of good brews, fine friends, and non-adventures. He carefully tends all of Frodo’s physical needs, looking after his eating habits and making sure he gets enough sleep, in a “mother hen” kind of way. He finds it hard to let go of the past, and is still waxing nostalgic about home months into their journey; even when he reaches Rivendell, Sam wants to return to the Shire, where he is more comfortable surrounded by things that are familiar to him. Sam treats all idealism as novelties, elves to be glimpsed and then forgotten… but he also senses Gollum’s trickster side and nefarious intentions, and has no desire of allowing him to drive the hobbits apart, or prey on Frodo. He offers continual warnings to his friend that go ignored, but in the end, Sam finds proof to support Gollum’s influence over Frodo (in the cast aside Lembas bread) and charges back up the mountain to confront him, rescuing Frodo from Shelob in the process.

Enneagram: 2w1 sp/so

Sam is driven to serve Frodo and take care of all his needs; he assumes a parental role, rather than that of a friend, in making sure Frodo has all his needs met, with the expectation that Frodo will love him in return – when Frodo rebuffs him continually in Gollum’s favor, Sam becomes angry and resentful that his kindness is not being repaid with affection and trust. His disintegration to 8 becomes more and more evident the further they go into their journey, and the more often Gollum torments him. Sam becomes violent, aggressive, assertive, competitive, and controlling, all in an attempt to keep the hobbit he cares about safe. Sam challenges the cave troll in Moria, offers to fight Aragorn the first time they meet, stands up to Faramir and confronts him with the truth about his brother’s death, and kills Shelob to rescue his friend – not to mention charging into a tower full of orcs single-handed to save him. His 1 wing makes him morally disapproving of others’ flaws and life choices (he conflicts with Merry and Pippin at first) but also gives him a strong sense of duty.

The Caregiver Archetype

The Caregiver is characterized by compassion, nurturing, and care. caregivers are people who have a strong sense of empathy and are able to put themselves in other people’s shoes. They often have a calling to help others and feel a deep need to care for others. Caregivers are often great listeners and have a lot of compassion. They are able to offer emotional support to others and are often good at giving advice.