#1FRODO GLAZER

Can you imagine how wrecking it would have been for Frodo to find out that his home, the very place he wanted so badly to protect, was gone? He risked his life, faced down horrors that made him realize just how much Bilbo had watered down his stories. He should be headed back home to process all he had seen and done, but instead he is faced with having to be a hero again. Having to fix things AGAIN!

When Bilbo returned from his quest, he had the opportunity to hold away. He spent a few days getting all his stuff back sure, but after that he could focused on readjusting to a quiet, peaceful life. Frodo didn't get that. There was no time for him to process anything because his home still needed saving. So, he gets to work; because like Bilbo, his trauma didn't wipe away the goodness that is such a fundamental part of who he is.

But trauma doesn't take a vacation just because you have other problems to deal with. Bilbos neighbors thought he was odd when he returned. As Frodo's trauma starts forcing itself into the light, do the very hobbits he's trying to help start to turn on him?

How long did it take for bitterness to grow in Frodo's heart?

How long before he finds himself asking "Haven't I already given enough? Why do I have to be the one to save everyone?"

Maybe it starts small. Frodo is working with Mary and Pippin to gather allies in their rebellion and one of the volunteers reminds him a little of Smeagol. Paranoia bubbles in Frodo's mind, whispering that this one is a little too eager to help. Remember what happened last time? Can you really trust him? Frodo knows this hobbit is not Smeagol, but the thoughts just won't go away.

So, Frodo keeps his distance just in case. One night, as they are whispering in a cramped room, a hand is placed on Frodo's shoulder. It was innocent, simply a friendly gesture but that's not what it feels like to Frodo. When Frodo shoves the other away, hand resting on the dagger strapped to his belt, everyone stops. There is one less hobbit at the next meeting.

Does he try to handle it on his own? We saw how Frodo acted when Sam tried to offer support. After the hell he and Sam went through I don't think he's going to be better at letting Sam share the load. Of course, that doesn't stop Sam from trying to take care of Frodo, but he can't help with things Frodo won't talk to him about.

The more Frodo ignores his problems, the worse he gets.

Someone moves a little too quick and Frodo's hand goes to the weapon he refuses not to carry. He's not even sure why he feels the need to always be armed but the tightness in his chest isn't something he has time to examine. Sharkey is ruling with an iron fist and that is more important right now. Frodo volunteered to carry the ring, what else is he willing to burden himself with to help others? When he struggles to sleep, does he try to ignore it? When he has a flash back, does he tell himself that his memories aren't as bad as the conditions his fellow hobbits are currently living under?

What about the effects of the ring?

It's established that the ring effects its wearers even after it's no longer with them. Did anyone expect it to keep effecting Frodo after it's been destroyed? There are some things that never really leave a person.

Two hobbits are arguing. Frodo hasn't slept more than an hour at a time and the noise is just enough to push his annoyance into rage. He yells at them to shut up. Sam pulls him away, tries to make him eat something. The others whisper about the darkness that shadowed his eyes. I would imagine most people wouldn't make the connection. When people start to treat him differently, would Frodo grow to resent them?

Sometimes, when someone ignores their trauma even when it's screaming out to be delt with, they get to a point where they break. Frodo was willing to die for middle earth; I think he would keep trying to push on until he gets to the point where he finally breaks.

So, they win the battle of Bywater. Finally, finally Frodo makes it to Bag End. His friends are quick to make sure Frodo gets his home back after ousting Lotho, but when Frodo walks around it doesn't feel like home anymore. Why is Bilbos clock not on the mantle? Where did the oak tree go? He just wants to rest but when he sees what has become of his home he starts to crack. His work still isn't over.

I try to imagine how heart breaking it would have been; Sam, Pippin and Merry finally thinking Frodo will be able to heal only to see him lose it. What do you think was the final straw for Frodo? After everything he's been through, it could have been the smallest thing. Did Merry and Pippin see Frodo start screaming because he wanted to make some tea for his friends, but Lotho had put the kettle on the top shelf and Frodo's shoulder still hurts? Do you think Frodo walked into Bilbos study, noticed the framed sketch of Thorin was gone, and Sam ran in because he heard sobbing? Did any of them know how to help?

Trama can also manifest as anger, especially when you don't deal with it. Frodo had seen the way Bilbo had treated their cousins, I wonder if he was more understanding now? How long before Merry, Pippin, and Sam were the only ones he let visit?

When Frodo finally realized he didn't belong in the shire, was that before or after he was offered a place among the elves? If he wasn't able to go with them, do you think he would still have decided to leave middle earth for good?