Status Updates From Le Seigneur des Anneaux, II...

“But do you remember Gandalf’s words: ‘Even Gollum may have something yet to do?’ But for him, Sam, I could not have destroyed the Ring. The Quest would have been in vain even at the bitter end. So let us forgive him! For the Quest is achieved, and now all is over. I’m glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam.”

“‘Well, this is the end, Sam Gamgee,’ said a voice by his side. And there was Frodo, pale and worn, and yet himself again; and in his eyes there was peace now, neither strain of will, nor madness, nor any fear. His burden was taken away. There was the dear master of the sweet days in the Shire. […] The burden was gone. His master had been saved; he was himself again, he was free.”

“No more debates disturbed his [Sam’s] mind. He knew all the arguments of despair and would not listen to them. His will was set, and only death would break it. […] He knew that all the hazards and perils were now drawing together to a point: the next day would be a day of doom, the day of final effort or disaster, the last gasp.”