It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish

It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish is a homely proverb that Samwise Gamgee invokes in Lothlórien, a saying he attributes to his old gaffer, Hamfast Gamgee. The line captures a distinctly Hobbit philosophy of practical action, one that stands in sharp contrast to the Elven realm's atmosphere of timelessness and lingering. In the context of the Quest, the proverb becomes a quiet but decisive statement of intent, signaling Sam's growing restlessness and his readiness to confront the perils that lie ahead, even as he acknowledges the comfort and beauty of his current surroundings.

Context and Setting

The saying emerges during a moment of respite in Lothlórien, where the Fellowship has found refuge and healing after the harrowing passage through Moria and the loss of Gandalf. Sam and Frodo Baggins are conversing, and Sam reflects on their situation with a mixture of contentment and unease. He confesses that he has often wished to see the magic described in old tales, and that Lothlórien feels like being at home and on a holiday at the same time. Yet despite this idyllic quality, Sam admits he is beginning to feel that if they must go on, they had best get it over with. It is in this context that he recalls the gaffer's words, using the proverb to articulate his sense that delay only prolongs the burden.

The Proverb's Meaning and Function

The proverb operates on a simple but profound logic: the anticipation and postponement of a difficult task make it feel more arduous than the task itself. By invoking it, Sam expresses a preference for decisive action over lingering, a sentiment that aligns with his practical nature. The saying also serves a narrative function, marking a shift in Sam's perspective. He acknowledges that the Elves of Lothlórien can do little more to help them, magic or no, and he predicts that it will be when they leave this land that they will miss Gandalf most acutely. This foresight reveals Sam's growing awareness of the dangers ahead and his pragmatic acceptance that the Fellowship must eventually depart from this sanctuary.

Contrast with the Elven Realm

The proverb implicitly critiques the Elven way of life, which is characterized by timelessness, memory, and a reluctance to hasten toward endings. Lothlórien is presented as a place where time seems to stand still, where the beauty of the past is preserved and cherished. Sam's proverb, with its emphasis on starting and finishing, introduces a note of urgency that runs counter to this Elven ethos. His words suggest that the Fellowship's sojourn, however pleasant, cannot be an end in itself; it is a pause before the inevitable continuation of the Quest. This tension between the desire to remain and the necessity to move forward is central to the scene.

Character Development and Foreshadowing

The exchange reveals much about both Sam and Frodo. Sam's invocation of the proverb demonstrates his grounded, practical wisdom, a quality that will prove essential in the trials to come. His comment about missing Gandalf worse after leaving Lothlórien foreshadows the hardships the hobbits will face without the wizard's guidance. Frodo, for his part, responds with agreement and a hope that they will see the Lady of the Elves again before they depart. This hope is immediately fulfilled, as the Lady Galadriel herself approaches, tall and white and fair, walking beneath the trees, and beckons to them without a word. The timing of her arrival, as if in answer to their words, underscores the sense of providence and guidance that surrounds the Quest.

Thematic Significance

The proverb resonates with the broader themes of the narrative, particularly the idea that courage and action are necessary in the face of overwhelming odds. It echoes the sentiment expressed elsewhere that the job which is never started takes the longest to finish, a philosophy that applies not only to the physical journey but also to the moral and spiritual burdens the characters carry. Sam's willingness to embrace the task, despite his fear and uncertainty, exemplifies the quiet heroism that the story celebrates. The proverb, rooted in the simple wisdom of the Shire, becomes a touchstone for the resilience and determination that will carry the hobbits through the darkest moments of their journey.