There's no Hobbit more famous in all of Middle Earth than Frodo Baggins — except his faithful companion, Samwise Gamgee, of course. The stout-hearted protagonist of The Lord of the Rings trilogy is known for his bravery, strength, and ultimate sacrifice to destroy the ring of power in the fires of Mount Doom. Yet, many years before the Baggins ever walked Middle Earth, there was Elanor "Nori" Brandyfoot, the strong-willed Harfoot from The Rings of Power.
Both Frodo and Nori had a profound impact not only on those who knew them, but on history as a whole. The two have striking similarities that go beyond their shared species, echoing across both the Second and Third Ages of Middle Earth and shaping the fate of the world. Despite taking place thousands of years apart, Frodo and Nori are very much alike in more ways than one.
The following contains spoilers for The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Rings of Power series.
10 Harfoots Are One Of Three Types Of Ancient Hobbits
The easiest shared trait to spot between Frodo and Nori is their lineage. Despite a slightly different title, Harfoots are the ancient ancestors of what would come to be known as Hobbits. Alongside the Stoors and Fallohides, Harfoots would eventually populate the greater part of the Shire during Frodo's time.
Frodo and Nori both share the traits of Hobbits: curly hair, large round ears, and bare feet. They share a love of plants and things that grow, despite the Harfoots being nomadic and Hobbits being more anchored to the land. Most of all, they share a sense of community and family, which will persist throughout the generations to come.
9 Frodo & Nori Share A Fascination With Language & Magic
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While most Hobbits and Harfoots share a superstitious attitude toward anything they don't understand, Frodo and Nori both find such things to be fascinating. Whether it be strange magics or unfamiliar languages, the two halflings are slow to reject a chance to learn something new.
Frodo was exposed to various cultures during his adolescence. He actually learned quite a bit of Elvish and was able to speak with elves during his journey to Rivendell. Similarly, Nori was enamored with her strange friend and the magical language he used during Episode Two, "Adrift."
8 A Hero Can't Succeed Without Their Friends
While it was Frodo who bore the ring to Mordor, he would never have made it without his companion, Samwise Gamgee. Nori also would never have been able to protect her strange friend without the aid of her friend, Poppy. The heroes' companions kept them from failing their quests, aiding them when anyone else would have faltered.
Sam's contributions are too many to name, but among them were his kindness and ability to stay optimistic. Meanwhile, Poppy served as Nori's voice of reason; she kept Nori out of trouble, protecting her and assisting her with whatever Nori believed was right. Both Frodo and Nori would have failed without companions such as these.
7 A Simple Life Was Never Enough For Frodo & Nori
The life of a Hobbit is not complicated, nor is it ambitious. For most Hobbits, that can be a good thing, but for Nori and Frodo, it was suffocating, despite their love for their family and friends.
Even with the guarantee of a simple life, neither Frodo nor Nori ever seemed content. Frodo, like Bilbo before him, always looked beyond the borders of the Shire for a sense of purpose. Nori couldn't seem to make her peace with being "just a Harfoot," enough so that even her parents encouraged her to go off on her own adventure.
6 Frodo & Nori Can't Seem To Escape Halfling Gossip
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Hobbits and Harfoots are both superstitious; that's something the Shire never outgrew. They're stuck in their ways and resistant to change, making it difficult for Frodo and Nori to find their place among their people, as they both stick out like sore thumbs.
From the beginning, Nori had a reputation for sticking her nose into unwanted places. She asked questions and took risks, much to her family's dismay. Likewise, Frodo was known for his inquisitiveness and interest in the wider world. He and Nori both found themselves blamed for misfortune, as though their curious nature was a thing to be condemned.
5 Hobbits & Wizards Are A Destined Match
Of the friends Frodo makes along his journey, perhaps none can match the wisdom and might of Gandalf. The wizard is known for his fondness of Hobbits, something he might have gotten from Nori thousands of years ago.
Nori manages to befriend the strange man that fell from the sky, despite his volatile nature. She sees goodness in him and takes care of him, and while his identity is not outright confirmed, it is known that he is one of the Istari, a spirit sent to aid Middle Earth. Perhaps it was fate, or something more, that caused both halflings to find their paths crossing those of the wizards'.
4 Neither Nori Nor Frodo Seek Out Destiny
Even though Frodo and Nori felt out of place among their kin, they shared a love of their home and lifestyle. Nori had a family that loved her; Frodo had friends and a home. Despite their desire for a grander purpose, they still embraced what it meant to be a Hobbit or a Harfoot.
Responsibility is thrust upon both Frodo and Nori rather than as a result of their own searching. Frodo does not go looking for the ring; he inherits it from Bilbo. Nori does not wander from her caravan; the strange man arrives at her doorstep. Responsibility finds them, though they are the ones who choose to follow it.
3 Frodo & Nori Would Face Danger Alone If They Had To
Frodo and Nori are, if nothing else, brave. Despite the obstacles, the dangers, and the fear of what lies ahead, both halflings make the choice to push onward. At Rivendell, Frodo is the one to take the ring's burden. Nori is the one to defend the strange wizard and, eventually, join him on his journey.
Ultimately, both Frodo and Nori are willing to face their dangers alone. Friends aid them along the way, but it's clear that both halflings would have still pursued their quests on their own if they'd had to. They both share a passion and commitment to their own sense of righteousness and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.
2 Frodo & Nori Manage To Inspire Those Around Them
The actions of Frodo and Nori are infectious, inspiring those around them to change and grow. While Frodo and Nori simply do what they feel is right, those around them find it difficult not to follow in their footsteps. Frodo was the catalyst behind the fellowship of the ring. Because of him, elves, dwarves, and men could unite under a common purpose.
Likewise, Nori was the reason her people could thrive. When the volcano in the Southlands exploded, it was Nori's faith in the wizard that restored her people's grove. Her conviction also inspired others to trust him, enough to where they confronted powerful magicians on his behalf.
1 The Choice To Face Danger Is More Important Than The Danger Itself
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Ultimately, Frodo and Nori both make difficult but important decisions that eventually shape the course of Middle Earth. Danger is thrust upon them, but they are given every opportunity to turn it away. Frodo did not have to take the ring to Mordor, and Nori did not have to save the life of the strange wizard.
Yet, Frodo and Nori choose to do what they feel is right despite their own fears. The things they accomplish are not a result of an accident or a mistake; both halflings are tested and encouraged to give up on their goals. Both Frodo and Nori, however, make the decision to embark on an adventure of their own free will, despite knowing the dangers that lie ahead.