Stybba

From Tolkien Gateway
Stybba
Pony
Catherine Chmiel - Merry and Stybba.jpg
Information
LocationRohan
AffiliationMeriadoc Brandybuck
Physical Description
RacePony
GenderMale
GalleryImages of Stybba

Stybba was a pony of Rohan. He was shaggy and grey, and suitable for mountain riding but slower than the horses of the Rohirrim.

History[edit | edit source]

When Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli rode off to Hornburg with the Grey Company, King Théoden lent Stybba to Meriadoc Brandybuck.[1] Stybba carried Merry through the mountain passes from the Hornburg east and south to Dunharrow and thence northward to Edoras.

Stybba was too slow to accompany the mustered army of Rohan across the plains, and Théoden ordered Merry to stay at the Courts with Lady Éowyn. Thus Stybba was left behind but Merry did secretly complete the journey with a Rider named Dernhelm (who was in fact Éowyn in disguise).[2]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Stybba is Old English for "stubby".[3]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:

Merry is indeed shown riding a small pony while traveling with the Rohirrim from Edoras to Dunharrow. Though this pony is not identified as Stybba, it is obviously a reference to Stybba.

References