As I was reviewing the second part of the “Adar” episode of The Rings of Power I inadvertently referenced Enneagram numbers for some beloved Tolkien characters. Let me explain my thinking.
One of the hallmarks of a Man Two is his collection. For Sam, he collects . . . condiments! Haha. He carries his Shire salt all through Mordor. When he’s home, he’s a gardener. His flowers, all the things that make life beautiful and delicious, are his collection.
His devotion to Frodo is another Two indicator. In the brief moment when he carries Sting and the Ring, fighting Shelob and rescuing Frodo, he’s the hero. He immediately relinquishes this role as soon as Frodo is himself, though. Sam is a follower. The glory is not about him.
It would be easy to see Sam as a Nine. He doesn’t seek conflict and, with Frodo a Six, they would share an intriguing strength/weakness relationship. Sam is not a squire, though. He’s not a knight in training, he’s a servant. As a Heart Type Sam should exhibit some form of Envy. It’s not toward Frodo and his quest to carry the Ring, though; it’s toward Gollum. Sam is eaten alive by Frodo’s friendship with Smeagol. Sam made a promise, Mr. Frodo, a promise. He’s to take care of Frodo. Gollum tries to replace him, but he’s a false servant. This drives Sam crazy, partly because it’s unfair and dangerous, but also because he’s been superseded. That Envy makes it painful for him to lose Frodo’s favor.
I’ve never particularly liked Jackson’s decision to have Sam abandon Frodo and descend the staircase of Cirith Ungol. It’s a storyteller’s manipulation to build tension for Gollum’s betrayal and Frodo’s seeming death to Shelob. However, looking at Sam as a Two, I don’t hate this plot twist so much. His Envy tricks him into an emotional breakdown, into leaving his master and friend. I can see the justification for it in his Enneagram. And because he’s Sam, he quickly recovers and returns to Frodo’s side in time to save the day. Sam changes after that moment, becoming more confident, and leads Frodo through Mordor. It’s — gulp, I’m forced to admit — a good character choice!