As far as i know, Sam and Bilbo was the only two "mortals" ever able to willing give away the ring after wearing it. And if we consider how other hobbits was both instantly subjugated (Smeagle), or slowly corrupted (Frodo), this is quite something.
When you're 12 you tend to focus on different aspect of the story. A bit like the first time you read Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas by Jules Verne and you didn't fully realize the fight between Nemo and his "British" enemies.
