As the journey progresses, Frodo develops as a hero not by acquiring new wisdom, strength, or power, but by trusting his own virtues: the common sense, goodness, and determination that motivated him from the beginning. Spurred by Boromir's actions, Frodo realizes that the Ring will destroy everyone around him. His common sense tells him that he will have to rely on himself to complete the task, and his heart tells him not to endanger the others — physically or spiritually — by bringing them along. And as the exhausting journey continues, only his determination to see it through allows him to continue, struggling step by step along the difficult path.
Befriending Gollum is a crucial point in Frodo's personal journey as well as his physical one. When he first hears of Gollum, Frodo's initial reaction is one of disgust and anger. If only Bilbo had killed the creature, none of this terrible journey would be necessary; Sauron would not have learned of the Ring and Frodo could have remained safe in his hobbit-hole. He does not believe Gandalf when the wizard says that Gollum is pitiable, but he finds this to be the case when they at last meet. Gollum's service as a guide proves invaluable, even considering tricking them into Shelob's lair, but that is only one part of the service he does for Frodo. For the Ringbearer, Gollum serves as both an object-lesson (here is what the Ring will do to its bearer) and a glimmer of hope (if Gollum can be saved, perhaps Frodo himself will not be destroyed by the quest). Although Frodo does not see it, Gollum's moment of hesitation on the steps of Cirith Ungol shows that Frodo's hope has not been misplaced.
Frodo's quest succeeds through the fortunate intervention of Gollum and his life is saved by the eagles, but like many who leave to fight for their homes, Frodo suffers physical and spiritual wounds that cannot heal. While we would like to believe that heroes can come home, sometimes the struggle is too painful. Frodo's departure from Middle-earth acknowledges and rewards his sacrifice, freeing him from the pain of lingering in a world that he can no longer enjoy.
