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{{stub}}
{{hobbit infobox
[[Image:John Howe - Merry.jpg|thumb|''Merry'' by [[John Howe]].]]
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Merry.jpg|250px]]
'''Meriadoc Brandybuck''', called 'The Magnificent', was a [[Hobbit]], the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck]].  Merry (as he was often called), was the heir of the [[Brandybucks]] to [[Brandy Hall]], and eventually became the Master there.
| name=Meriadoc Brandybuck
| pronun=
| othernames=Merry, "the Magnificent", [[Kalimac Brandagamba]]
| titles=[[Master of Buckland]]
| position=
| location=[[Brandy Hall]], [[Buckland]]
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]
| language=
| birth=Early {{SR|1382}}
| birthlocation=[[Buckland]]
| rule=
| death=After {{SR|1484}}
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]
| age=103+
| notablefor=
| family=[[Brandybuck Family|Brandybuck]]
| parentage=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]] and [[Esmeralda Took]]
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Estella Bolger]]
| children=
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than average Hobbit
| hair=Brown, curly<ref name="Isengard">{{TT|Road}}</ref>
| eyes=
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Daggers of Westernesse|Dagger of Westernesse]]
| steed=[[Stybba]]
}}
'''Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck''', called '''The Magnificent''', was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]], the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck]].<ref name=tree>{{App|Brandybuck}}</ref> Merry (as he was often called), was the heir of the [[Brandybuck Family|Brandybucks]] to [[Brandy Hall]], and, after his participation to the [[War of the Ring]], eventually became the Master there.


==His life==
==History==
Meriadoc was the son of [[Saradoc Brandybuck|Saradoc]] and [[Esmeralda Took|Esmeralda]]. Claiming descent from [[Gorhendad Oldbuck]], he also had  [[Took Family|Tookish]] blood through his mother, and also his father's grandmother, [[Mirabella Took]]. He was also first cousins with Peregrin Took.<ref name=tree/>


===Character===
Around {{TA|3000}} Merry witnessed a strange scene: he saw [[Bilbo Baggins]] becoming invisible in order to avoid a meeting with the [[Sackville-Bagginses]]. Startled, he got through the hedge and walked along the field inside, and watched as Bilbo reappeared, and put a [[The One Ring|glint of gold]] in his pocket. This made teenage Meriadoc very curious and he even looked into Bilbo's [[There and Back Again|private diary]].<ref name="Conspiracy"/>


He was a good friend of [[Frodo Baggins]], who eventually became the [[Ringbearer]], and [[Peregrin Took]], a young relative. He was one of the few (if any) who saw [[Bilbo]], Frodo's uncle, actually use the [[One Ring]]. He also managed to read, at least in part, Bilbo's book: ''[[There and Back Again]]'', where he learned about the Ring.
Merry kept this knowledge private but was always suspicious. He was present with his family at [[Bilbo's Farewell Party]]<ref name=tree/> and since Bilbo's disappearance, he believed that Frodo would soon follow. He shared his secrets with a group of Frodo's friends (namely [[Samwise Gamgee]], [[Peregrin Took]], [[Fredegar Bolger]]) the "[[Conspirators]]". Especially after [[April]] {{TA|3018}} he noticed how Frodo was saying "farewell" to his favorite places, selling [[Bag End]] to the [[Sackville-Bagginses]], and secretive talks with [[Gandalf]]. All along, Sam Gamgee had been their "chief investigator". He heard Gandalf's instructions to Frodo for his departure<ref>{{FR|Shadow}}</ref>, and warned his friends about it.<ref name="Conspiracy"/>
[[File:Abe_Papakhian_-_A_Conspiracy_Unmasked.jpg|thumb|left|Abe Papakhian - ''A Conspiracy Unmasked'']]
The Conspirators, sought to protect Frodo (and [[The One Ring|the Ring]]) without his knowledge. When Frodo sold [[Bag End]] to move to [[Crickhollow]], Merry and Fredegar were told to wait for him and make preparations for his arrival. However, knowing that Frodo would begin a secret journey, also arranged for provisions and [[ponies]], planning to accompany him. On the [[September 25|appointed day]], Merry went to [[Bucklebury Ferry]] and waited for Frodo, Sam and Pippin, who arrived a couple days later on [[Farmer Maggot]]'s wagon.<ref>{{FR|Mushrooms}}</ref>


He can easily be recognized as a very sharp Hobbit, and his tone throughout the [[Lord of the Rings]] depicts him as practical, loyal, resourceful, and the best able to cope with the sudden happenings that drew him out of his peaceful home. He was also praised by [[Aragorn II]] as having a 'stout heart'. He was apparently much trusted by Frodo, who sent him along with [[Fatty Bolger]] to [[Crickhollow]] to prepare his newly-bought home.
After dinner in Crickhollow, Frodo prepared to reveal to his friends that he was going to have to leave Crickhollow and go to [[Rivendell]]. It was then that the conspirators revealed themselves to Frodo and demanded to be taken along when he left. Because of their preparations, they were able to start right away.<ref name="Conspiracy">{{FR|I5}}</ref>
===Journey with Frodo===
{{quote|You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin - to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours - closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo.|Merry, ''[[A Conspiracy Unmasked]]''}}
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight.jpg|thumb|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight'']]
During the following trip to [[Rivendell]], Merry seemed to have a greater knowledge of the [[Old Forest]] than any of the other Hobbits.  However, when they encountered [[Old Man Willow]] Merry (and Pippin) were both captured and had to be rescued by [[Tom Bombadil]].<ref>{{FR|I6}}</ref>  Merry and Pippin were captured again (along with Sam and Frodo) by a [[Barrow-wights|Barrow-wight]] upon the [[Barrow-downs]], but Tom again came to their rescue. Before leaving, he told them to keep the [[Daggers of Westernesse]] found in the Barrow Downs, and he advised them to spend the night at the [[The Prancing Pony|Prancing Pony Inn]], inside [[Bree]].<ref>{{FR|I8}}</ref>
[[File:John Howe - Weathertop on the Horizon.jpg|thumb|left|[[John Howe]] - ''Weathertop on the Horizon'']]
Upon reaching the inn, Merry was out for a walk and saw a [[Nazgûl|Black Rider]]. He tried to follow it, but it disappeared. Merry was then overtaken by the [[Black Breath]] and fainted. But before any harm could come to him, [[Nob]] came to his aid; he returned to the Prancing Pony and warned his companions who were talking with [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]].<ref name="Strider">{{FR|I10}}</ref>  During the trip through the wild with Strider, he often saw the most deeply into the others.  After Frodo was wounded on [[Weathertop]], he became the one who consulted most with Strider, and in a way became the spokesman for the Hobbits.


===Actions during the War of the Ring===
After reaching [[Rivendell]], he, with Pippin, insisted on not being left behind on the [[Quest of the Ring]].  Therefore they were chosen as the eighth and ninth members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].<ref>{{FR|II3}}</ref>


He was a part of and apparently led the [[Conspirators]], a group of Frodo's friends (namely [[Samwise Gamgee]], Peregrin Took, and himself) who sought to protect him (and the Ring)Eventually, they revealed themselves to him, and demanded to be taken along when Frodo left Crickhollow. Merry had already arranged for provisions and ponies, and so they were able to start right away.
At the gate of [[Moria]], [[Gandalf]] commended Merry for being "''of all people''" on the right track with the riddle (though this was accidental).  His impetuosity in Moria was such that he nearly fell into an ancient well while running ahead with Pippin.<ref>{{FR|II4}}</ref>  When they reached [[Lothlórien]], he was allowed to sleep in a [[telain]] with Frodo, Sam, Pippin and a few elven guards. He, as with the rest of the Company, walked blindfolded into the Woods of Lórien in a show of support for [[Gimli]], who had to be blindfolded due to being a [[Dwarves|dwarf]].<ref>{{FR|II6}}</ref>
[[File:Alan_Lee_-_Orc-hunting_2.jpg|thumb|[[Alan Lee]] - ''Orc hunting'']]
At the [[Breaking of the Fellowship]], Merry and Pippin ran straight into a company of [[Orcs]] while they were looking for Frodo[[Boromir]] attempted to rescue them, but many [[Uruk-hai]] arrived, and they shot him with arrows.  Captured with Pippin by Uruk-hai, the two were separated from the rest of the Fellowship.  Merry aided Pippin in an attempt to deceive [[Grishnákh]] into thinking that they had the One Ring, and he could have it.<ref>{{TT|III3}}</ref> Because of this, they escaped into [[Fangorn Forest]] during the attack by [[Éomer]] and his [[Rohirrim|Outriders]]. There they met [[Treebeard]]. 
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Wellinghall.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Wellinghall'']]
[[File:Zina Saunders - Flotsam and Jetsam.jpg|thumb|Zina Saunders - ''Flotsam and Jetsam'']]
Thus they became the first mortals for many centuries to encounter the [[Ents]] of Fangorn. They drank of the [[Ent-draughts|Ent-draught]] which caused Merry and Pippin to become the tallest hobbits in history. Also, they were present at the [[Entmoot]],<ref>{{TT|III4}}</ref> and the resulting destruction of [[Isengard]], after which Treebeard appointed them door-wardens of [[Orthanc]]. It was while they were enjoying [[Saruman]]'s [[pipe-weed]], that they were reunited with some of their former companions, who arrived after the [[Battle of the Hornburg]].<ref>{{TT|III8}}</ref>


During the following trip to [[Bree]], Merry seemed to have a greater knowledge of the [[Old Forest]] than any of the other Hobbits, and endured, like them, through meetings with a [[Barrow-wight]] and [[Tom Bombadil]].
===Esquire of Théoden===
While Pippin and Gandalf headed away to [[Minas Tirith]], Merry stayed with Aragorn and the Rohirrim, developing a close friendship with King [[Théoden]].  Out of love for him, Merry offered the King his service, which Théoden warmly accepted.  "''As a father you shall be to me''", Merry said at that time, and Théoden responded "''For a little while''".<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>


Upon reaching Bree, Merry had an encounter with the [[Black Riders]], and bravely followed them until he passed out from breathing the [[Black Breath]]. During the trip through the wild with Aragorn, then known as Strider, he often saw the most deeply into the others.  After Frodo was wounded on [[Weathertop]], he became the one who consulted most with Strider, and in a way became the spokesman for the Hobbits.
As Théoden's esquire, Merry returned with him to [[Edoras]] and was forbidden - firmly but gently - by the King to ride with them to the aid of Minas Tirith because he could not ride the mighty horses of the Rohirrim so fast and so far.  Merry was disappointed until a young rider named [[Dernhelm]] offered to bear him on his horse.<ref>{{RK|V3}}</ref>  In this manner he rode to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], having a secret understanding with [[Elfhelm]] and several others of the Rohirrim.<ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Éowyn against Witch-king'']]
During the charge and the commencement of the battle he was almost useless, hiding behind Dernhelm and shaking with fright and nausea.  However, Dernhelm's steed, [[Windfola]], threw them both upon the coming of the [[Witch-king]].  Affected by the Black Breath, Merry lay almost senseless on the ground, hearing the voice of Dernhelm standing over the body of Théoden -- who had been mortally wounded by the Witch-king -- defying the Nazgûl.  He was startled as he opened his eyes to find that Dernhelm was really [[Éowyn]], the King's niece.  After Éowyn was thrown down, perhaps mortally wounded, Merry rose to attack the Witch-king in order to protect her.  He stabbed the Witch-king through the calf with the [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blade]] he still bore, thus breaking the spell of invulnerability surrounding the Wraith.  He fainted as Éowyn finished off the Witch-king with a thrust into the head.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref>


After reaching [[Rivendell]], he, with Pippin, insisted on not being left behind on the [[Quest of the Ring]].  Therefor they were chosen as the eighth and ninth members of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]].
Almost killed by the Black Breath, he and Éowyn were revived by Aragorn in the [[Houses of Healing]].<ref>{{RK|V8}}</ref>  Because of his condition he was unable to take part in the [[Battle of the Morannon]],<ref>{{RK|V10}}</ref> but afterwards attended the burial of [[Théoden]], at which he wept greatly.  Upon his departure for the Shire, he was given a special horn by Éomer and Éowyn as a parting gift.<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>


At the gate of [[Moria]], he was commended by [[Gandalf]] for being "''of all people''" on the right track with the riddle (though this was hardly his fault).  His impetuosity in Moria was such that he nearly fell into an ancient well running ahead with Pippin.
Upon the return to the Shire, he was, with Pippin, the primary leader of the uprising against [[Sharkey]] and his [[Ruffians]].<ref>{{RK|VI8}}</ref>


Captured with Pippin by [[Uruk-hai]], they were separated from the rest of the Fellowship.  Merry aided Pippin in an attempt to deceive [[Grishnákh]] into thinking they had the [[One Ring]], and he could have it.  During the attack by [[Éomer]] and his [[Outriders]] they escaped into [[Fangorn Forest]], meeting [[Treebeard]].  They thus became the first mortals for many centuries to encounter the [[Ents]] of [[Fangorn Forest]].  They were present at the [[Entmoot]], and the resulting destruction of [[Isengard]].
===After the War===
At some time he stayed with Pippin at Crickhollow<ref>{{RK|Havens}}</ref> and he married the sister of his friend Fredegar, [[Estella Brandybuck|Estella]].


While Pippin and Gandalf headed away to [[Minas Tirith]], Merry stayed with Aragorn and the Rohirrim, developing a close friendship with King [[Théoden]].  Out of love for him Merry offered the King his service, which Théoden warmly accepted.  "''As a father you shall be to me''", Merry said at that time, and Théoden responded "''For a little while''".
He was afterwards known as '''Meriadoc the Magnificent''', and became [[Master of Buckland]] after his father. He wrote several scholarly works which were part of the [[Red Book]]: ''[[Herblore of the Shire]]'', ''[[The Reckoning of Years]]'' and ''[[Old Words and Names in the Shire]]''. In {{FoA|13}} he was made with Pippin and Sam [[Counsellor of the North-kingdom]].


Merry was forbidden firmly but gently by the King to ride with them to the aid of Minas Tirith, because he could not ride the mighty horses of the Rohirrim so fast and so far.  Merry was disappointed, until a young rider named [[Dernhelm]] offered to bear him on his horse.  In this manner he rode to the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], having a secret understanding with [[Elfhelm]] and several others of the Rohirrim.
At {{FoA|63}}<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref> with his friend they resigned from their offices and came down to Rohan (presumably after the death of his wife) at the request of King Éomer, where he was known as Master Holbytla and Holdwine of the Shire.


Upon the charge and the commencing of the battle he was almost useless, hiding behind Dernhelm and shaking with fright and nausea.  However, his steed, [[Windfola]], threw them both upon the coming of the [[Witch-king]].  Affected by the [[Black Breath]], Merry lay almost senseless on the ground, hearing the voice of Dernhelm standing over the body of Théoden (who had been thrown mortally wounded by the Witch-king), defying the NazgûlHe was startled as he opened his eyes to find that Dernhelm was really [[Éowyn]], the King's niece.  After Éowyn was thrown down, perhaps mortally wounded, he rose to smite the Witch-king to protect her.  He stabbed the Witch-king through the calf with the [[Barrow-blade]] he still bore, thus breaking the spell of invulnerability surrounding the Wraith.  He fainted as Éowyn finished off the Witch-king with a thrust into the head.
After the King died, he travelled to Gondor with Pippin, where he was known as Master [[Perian]]. They both died several years later, and were laid in [[Rath Dínen]].  It was said that they upon [[Aragorn|King Elessar]]'s death, their bodies were placed beside his.<ref>{{App|Later}}</ref>


Almost killed by the Black Breath, he was revived with Éowyn by Aragorn in the [[Houses of Healing]].  Because of his condition he was unable to go to the [[Battle of the Morannon]], but attended afterwards the burial of [[Théoden]], at which he wept greatly.  Upon his return to the Shire he was given a special horn by Éomer and Éowyn as a parting gift.
==Character==
He was a good friend of [[Frodo Baggins]], who eventually became the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]], and [[Peregrin Took]], a young relativeHe was one of the few (if any) who saw [[Bilbo Baggins]], Frodo's uncle, actually use [[the One Ring]].  He also managed to read, at least in part, Bilbo's book: ''[[There and Back Again]]'', where he learned about the Ring.<ref name="Conspiracy"/>


Upon the return to the Shire, he was, with Pippin, the primary leader of the risign against [[Sharkey]] and the [[Ruffians]].  He was afterwards known as '''Meriadoc the Magnificent''', and lived to be [[Master of Buckland]].  He lived to a ripe old age, coming down to Rohan (presumably after the death of his wife [[Estella Bolger]]) at the request of King Éomer, having lived 102 yearsAfter the King died, he went down to Gondor with his likewise aging friend Pippin, where they both died several years later, and were laid in [[Rath Dínen]].  It was said that they were laid beside [[King Elessar]] upon his death.
He can easily be recognized as a very sharp Hobbit, and his tone throughout ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' depicts him as practical, loyal, resourceful, and the best able to cope with the sudden happenings that drew him out of his peaceful home.  He was also praised by [[Aragorn|Aragorn II]] as having a 'stout heart'.<ref name="Strider"/> He was apparently much trusted by Frodo, who sent him along with [[Fredegar Bolger|Fatty Bolger]] to [[Crickhollow]] to prepare his newly-bought home.<ref>{{FR|I3}}</ref>


==Portrayal in adaptions==
==Other Versions of the Legendarium==
In the pre-publication manuscript of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', Merry's name was originally "Marmaduke Brandybuck".<ref>{{RS|1Iiii}}, p. 33</ref>


Merry was played by [[Dominic Monaghan]] in [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]].  Many book-readers believe that, like Pippin, he was made far less competent in the movie than he was in the books: instead of a clever "Conspirator" who helped orchestrate Frodo's escape from the Shire, he was frequently a bumbler who had no idea what he was getting into.
==Inspiration==
''Meriadoc'' (also spelled ''Meriadek'') was the legendary leader of a group of Welsh mercenaries who settled Armorica (modern Brittany) in the fourth century and founded the house of [[Rohan]].<ref> [[Mark T. Hooker]], ''[[The Hobbitonian Anthology]]'', p. 57</ref> Tolkien himself comments on the ''Celtic cast'' of this and other [[Buckland]] and [[Bree]] names that end in –ac, -ic, -oc. <ref>{{HM|PM}}, "[[The Appendix on Languages]]"</ref>
 
==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery>File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Merry.jpg|Merry in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Merry.jpg|Merry in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Meriadoc Brandybuck.jpg|Merry in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</gallery>
 
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry is provided by [[Michael Collins]].<ref name="RT1672">Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1672, [[25 November|November 25]], [[1955]]</ref>
 
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Simon Chandler]].
 
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Pat Franklyn]].
 
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Casey Kasem]].
 
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:The part of Merry is portrayed by [[Richard O'Callaghan]].
 
'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
:[[Matthew Morgan]] provided the voice of Merry in the two episodes of this series that make up ''The Adventures of Tom Bombadil''.
 
'''2001-03: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Merry was played by [[Dominic Monaghan]].  Some book-readers argue that, like Pippin, he was made far less competent in the movie than he was in the books: instead of a clever "conspirator" who helped orchestrate Frodo's escape from the Shire, he was portrayed as someone who did not know what he was getting himself into.
 
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''
:The voice of Merry was provided by [[Quinton Flynn]]. Merry and Pippin are shown as the Conspirators, although the "[[Three is Company|three]]" does not include Sam. Merry meets Frodo in the [[Green Dragon Inn]], and he and Pippin and Sam are not seen again until [[Bamfurlong]].
 
==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Meriadoc Brandybuck|Images of Meriadoc Brandybuck]]
 
{{References}}


{{fellowship}}
{{fellowship}}


[[Category:Brandybuck]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Hobbits]]
[[Category:Brandybuck]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
 
[[de:Meriadoc Brandybock]]
[[fa:مریادوک برندی‌باک]]
[[fi:Meriadoc Rankkibuk]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hobbits/brandebouc/meriadoc_brandebouc]]

Revision as of 13:27, 17 July 2015

Meriadoc Brandybuck
Hobbit
John Howe - Merry.jpg
Biographical Information
Other namesMerry, "the Magnificent", Kalimac Brandagamba
TitlesMaster of Buckland
LocationBrandy Hall, Buckland
AffiliationFellowship of the Ring
BirthEarly S.R. 1382
Buckland
DeathAfter S.R. 1484 (aged 103+)
Gondor
Family
FamilyBrandybuck
ParentageSaradoc Brandybuck and Esmeralda Took
SpouseEstella Bolger
Physical Description
GenderMale
HeightTaller than average Hobbit
Hair colorBrown, curly[1]
WeaponryDagger of Westernesse
SteedStybba
GalleryImages of Meriadoc Brandybuck

Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck, called The Magnificent, was a Hobbit, the son of Saradoc Brandybuck.[2] Merry (as he was often called), was the heir of the Brandybucks to Brandy Hall, and, after his participation to the War of the Ring, eventually became the Master there.

History

Meriadoc was the son of Saradoc and Esmeralda. Claiming descent from Gorhendad Oldbuck, he also had Tookish blood through his mother, and also his father's grandmother, Mirabella Took. He was also first cousins with Peregrin Took.[2]

Around T.A. 3000 Merry witnessed a strange scene: he saw Bilbo Baggins becoming invisible in order to avoid a meeting with the Sackville-Bagginses. Startled, he got through the hedge and walked along the field inside, and watched as Bilbo reappeared, and put a glint of gold in his pocket. This made teenage Meriadoc very curious and he even looked into Bilbo's private diary.[3]

Merry kept this knowledge private but was always suspicious. He was present with his family at Bilbo's Farewell Party[2] and since Bilbo's disappearance, he believed that Frodo would soon follow. He shared his secrets with a group of Frodo's friends (namely Samwise Gamgee, Peregrin Took, Fredegar Bolger) the "Conspirators". Especially after April T.A. 3018 he noticed how Frodo was saying "farewell" to his favorite places, selling Bag End to the Sackville-Bagginses, and secretive talks with Gandalf. All along, Sam Gamgee had been their "chief investigator". He heard Gandalf's instructions to Frodo for his departure[4], and warned his friends about it.[3]

Abe Papakhian - A Conspiracy Unmasked

The Conspirators, sought to protect Frodo (and the Ring) without his knowledge. When Frodo sold Bag End to move to Crickhollow, Merry and Fredegar were told to wait for him and make preparations for his arrival. However, knowing that Frodo would begin a secret journey, also arranged for provisions and ponies, planning to accompany him. On the appointed day, Merry went to Bucklebury Ferry and waited for Frodo, Sam and Pippin, who arrived a couple days later on Farmer Maggot's wagon.[5]

After dinner in Crickhollow, Frodo prepared to reveal to his friends that he was going to have to leave Crickhollow and go to Rivendell. It was then that the conspirators revealed themselves to Frodo and demanded to be taken along when he left. Because of their preparations, they were able to start right away.[3]

Journey with Frodo

"You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin - to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours - closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo."
― Merry, A Conspiracy Unmasked
Ted Nasmith - Under the Spell of the Barrow-wight

During the following trip to Rivendell, Merry seemed to have a greater knowledge of the Old Forest than any of the other Hobbits. However, when they encountered Old Man Willow Merry (and Pippin) were both captured and had to be rescued by Tom Bombadil.[6] Merry and Pippin were captured again (along with Sam and Frodo) by a Barrow-wight upon the Barrow-downs, but Tom again came to their rescue. Before leaving, he told them to keep the Daggers of Westernesse found in the Barrow Downs, and he advised them to spend the night at the Prancing Pony Inn, inside Bree.[7]

John Howe - Weathertop on the Horizon

Upon reaching the inn, Merry was out for a walk and saw a Black Rider. He tried to follow it, but it disappeared. Merry was then overtaken by the Black Breath and fainted. But before any harm could come to him, Nob came to his aid; he returned to the Prancing Pony and warned his companions who were talking with Strider.[8] During the trip through the wild with Strider, he often saw the most deeply into the others. After Frodo was wounded on Weathertop, he became the one who consulted most with Strider, and in a way became the spokesman for the Hobbits.

After reaching Rivendell, he, with Pippin, insisted on not being left behind on the Quest of the Ring. Therefore they were chosen as the eighth and ninth members of the Fellowship of the Ring.[9]

At the gate of Moria, Gandalf commended Merry for being "of all people" on the right track with the riddle (though this was accidental). His impetuosity in Moria was such that he nearly fell into an ancient well while running ahead with Pippin.[10] When they reached Lothlórien, he was allowed to sleep in a telain with Frodo, Sam, Pippin and a few elven guards. He, as with the rest of the Company, walked blindfolded into the Woods of Lórien in a show of support for Gimli, who had to be blindfolded due to being a dwarf.[11]

At the Breaking of the Fellowship, Merry and Pippin ran straight into a company of Orcs while they were looking for Frodo. Boromir attempted to rescue them, but many Uruk-hai arrived, and they shot him with arrows. Captured with Pippin by Uruk-hai, the two were separated from the rest of the Fellowship. Merry aided Pippin in an attempt to deceive Grishnákh into thinking that they had the One Ring, and he could have it.[12] Because of this, they escaped into Fangorn Forest during the attack by Éomer and his Outriders. There they met Treebeard.

Ted Nasmith - Wellinghall
Zina Saunders - Flotsam and Jetsam

Thus they became the first mortals for many centuries to encounter the Ents of Fangorn. They drank of the Ent-draught which caused Merry and Pippin to become the tallest hobbits in history. Also, they were present at the Entmoot,[13] and the resulting destruction of Isengard, after which Treebeard appointed them door-wardens of Orthanc. It was while they were enjoying Saruman's pipe-weed, that they were reunited with some of their former companions, who arrived after the Battle of the Hornburg.[14]

Esquire of Théoden

While Pippin and Gandalf headed away to Minas Tirith, Merry stayed with Aragorn and the Rohirrim, developing a close friendship with King Théoden. Out of love for him, Merry offered the King his service, which Théoden warmly accepted. "As a father you shall be to me", Merry said at that time, and Théoden responded "For a little while".[15]

As Théoden's esquire, Merry returned with him to Edoras and was forbidden - firmly but gently - by the King to ride with them to the aid of Minas Tirith because he could not ride the mighty horses of the Rohirrim so fast and so far. Merry was disappointed until a young rider named Dernhelm offered to bear him on his horse.[16] In this manner he rode to the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, having a secret understanding with Elfhelm and several others of the Rohirrim.[17]

Angus McBride - Éowyn against Witch-king

During the charge and the commencement of the battle he was almost useless, hiding behind Dernhelm and shaking with fright and nausea. However, Dernhelm's steed, Windfola, threw them both upon the coming of the Witch-king. Affected by the Black Breath, Merry lay almost senseless on the ground, hearing the voice of Dernhelm standing over the body of Théoden -- who had been mortally wounded by the Witch-king -- defying the Nazgûl. He was startled as he opened his eyes to find that Dernhelm was really Éowyn, the King's niece. After Éowyn was thrown down, perhaps mortally wounded, Merry rose to attack the Witch-king in order to protect her. He stabbed the Witch-king through the calf with the Barrow-blade he still bore, thus breaking the spell of invulnerability surrounding the Wraith. He fainted as Éowyn finished off the Witch-king with a thrust into the head.[18]

Almost killed by the Black Breath, he and Éowyn were revived by Aragorn in the Houses of Healing.[19] Because of his condition he was unable to take part in the Battle of the Morannon,[20] but afterwards attended the burial of Théoden, at which he wept greatly. Upon his departure for the Shire, he was given a special horn by Éomer and Éowyn as a parting gift.[21]

Upon the return to the Shire, he was, with Pippin, the primary leader of the uprising against Sharkey and his Ruffians.[22]

After the War

At some time he stayed with Pippin at Crickhollow[23] and he married the sister of his friend Fredegar, Estella.

He was afterwards known as Meriadoc the Magnificent, and became Master of Buckland after his father. He wrote several scholarly works which were part of the Red Book: Herblore of the Shire, The Reckoning of Years and Old Words and Names in the Shire. In Fo.A. 13 he was made with Pippin and Sam Counsellor of the North-kingdom.

At Fo.A. 63[24] with his friend they resigned from their offices and came down to Rohan (presumably after the death of his wife) at the request of King Éomer, where he was known as Master Holbytla and Holdwine of the Shire.

After the King died, he travelled to Gondor with Pippin, where he was known as Master Perian. They both died several years later, and were laid in Rath Dínen. It was said that they upon King Elessar's death, their bodies were placed beside his.[25]

Character

He was a good friend of Frodo Baggins, who eventually became the Ring-bearer, and Peregrin Took, a young relative. He was one of the few (if any) who saw Bilbo Baggins, Frodo's uncle, actually use the One Ring. He also managed to read, at least in part, Bilbo's book: There and Back Again, where he learned about the Ring.[3]

He can easily be recognized as a very sharp Hobbit, and his tone throughout The Lord of the Rings depicts him as practical, loyal, resourceful, and the best able to cope with the sudden happenings that drew him out of his peaceful home. He was also praised by Aragorn II as having a 'stout heart'.[8] He was apparently much trusted by Frodo, who sent him along with Fatty Bolger to Crickhollow to prepare his newly-bought home.[26]

Other Versions of the Legendarium

In the pre-publication manuscript of The Lord of the Rings, Merry's name was originally "Marmaduke Brandybuck".[27]

Inspiration

Meriadoc (also spelled Meriadek) was the legendary leader of a group of Welsh mercenaries who settled Armorica (modern Brittany) in the fourth century and founded the house of Rohan.[28] Tolkien himself comments on the Celtic cast of this and other Buckland and Bree names that end in –ac, -ic, -oc. [29]

Portrayal in adaptations

1955: The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series):

The voice of Merry is provided by Michael Collins.[30]

1978: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film):

The voice of Merry was provided by Simon Chandler.

1979: The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series):

The voice of Merry was provided by Pat Franklyn.

1980: The Return of the King (1980 film):

The voice of Merry was provided by Casey Kasem.

1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series):

The part of Merry is portrayed by Richard O'Callaghan.

1992: BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm:

Matthew Morgan provided the voice of Merry in the two episodes of this series that make up The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.

2001-03: The Lord of the Rings (film series):

Merry was played by Dominic Monaghan. Some book-readers argue that, like Pippin, he was made far less competent in the movie than he was in the books: instead of a clever "conspirator" who helped orchestrate Frodo's escape from the Shire, he was portrayed as someone who did not know what he was getting himself into.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game):

The voice of Merry was provided by Quinton Flynn. Merry and Pippin are shown as the Conspirators, although the "three" does not include Sam. Merry meets Frodo in the Green Dragon Inn, and he and Pippin and Sam are not seen again until Bamfurlong.

See also

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Road to Isengard"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix C, "Brandybuck of Buckland"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Conspiracy Unmasked"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Shadow of the Past"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Short Cut to Mushrooms"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Old Forest"
  7. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Fog on the Barrow-downs"
  8. 8.0 8.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Strider"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Ring Goes South"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Journey in the Dark"
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Lothlórien"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Uruk-hai"
  13. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "Treebeard"
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Road to Isengard"
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Passing of the Grey Company"
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Muster of Rohan"
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Ride of the Rohirrim"
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Houses of Healing"
  20. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Black Gate Opens"
  21. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Many Partings"
  22. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Scouring of the Shire"
  23. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Grey Havens"
  24. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Prologue", "Note on the Shire Records"
  25. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "Later Events Concerning the Members of the Fellowship of the Ring"
  26. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Three is Company"
  27. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Return of the Shadow, "The First Phase: I. A Long-expected Party, (iii) The Third Version", p. 33
  28. Mark T. Hooker, The Hobbitonian Anthology, p. 57
  29. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "The Appendix on Languages"
  30. Radio Times, Volume 129, No. 1672, November 25, 1955
Members of the Fellowship of the Ring
Frodo · Sam · Merry · Pippin · Gandalf · Aragorn · Legolas · Gimli · Boromir

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