Elijah Wood ~ Frodo Baggins ~ Beyond the Black Gate

Frodo's character was originally named Bingo Bolger-Baggins, but was changed as the story was being written and was becoming more serious. The name "Frodo" was originally used for one of his travelling companions and comes from the story Beowulf. Frodo looking down at Ring On the subject of hobbits, Wood says, "Although they are only a little people who would never normally be given such a responsibility, they accomplish this amazing feat which is a reminder, perhaps, that any of us can do anything if we only put our mind to it."

Originally, only English actors were to play the hobbits in the films and casting for the lead, Frodo, was becoming increasingly difficult. With the help of friends, Elijah filmed a video audition tape dressed in character for the role. "I just hoped that it would convey my passion for the role and for the films." The name "Baggins" may have derived from the slang word "baggings" for "snacks."

The Hobbits had 4' tall screen doubles for many scenes: "It was more than a bit strange seeing somebody four-foot high, walking around not only dressed like me, but wearing a mask of me! What was even stranger was that the face didn't move, it just had this one singular expression of mine moulded onto a piece of Latex! Now that was bizarre, but cool!"

"O! Wanderers in the shadowed land despair not! For though dark they stand,

all woods there be must end at last, and see the open sun go past: the setting sun, the rising sun,

the day's end, or the day begun. For east or west all woods must fail..." ~Frodo's Song.

Frodo in Osgilliath Frodo holding Sting

"I know what you would say, and it would seem like wisdom, but for the warning in my heart."

The origin of the sword 'Sting' comes from the story The Hobbit. Bilbo stole it from one of the trolls that were turned to stone. (The same trolls can be seen in The Fellowship film when they meet up with Arwen on the way to Rivendell.) While slaying a band of giant, man-eating spiders in Mirkwood, Bilbo named the sword 'Sting.' Tolkien chose the date of December 25th (Christmas day) as the day for the Fellowship to begin it's quest.

Frodo at party - close-up Frodo with Sting Frodo after Moria - close-up