Bill the Pony

This article is about the pony. For the the troll, see William.

John Howe - Bill the Pony

"Bill" was Samwise Gamgee's pony, named for its original owner Bill Ferny.

History

Bill (who probably had not even a name then) was owned by Bill Ferny in Bree, mistreated and half-starved. He was the only animal in town, since Bill or his allies had opened the stables of The Prancing Pony and all the mounts went loose.

The next day Bill sold the pony to Frodo Baggins for twelve silver pennies (more than three times his worth). This proved the best thing for Bill, as Sam Gamgee dearly loved him and fed him back to health.

Finally, Sam rode Bill when he accompanied Frodo on his trip to the Grey Havens.

Portrayal in Adaptations

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

Rather than being released at the West-gate of Moria, Bill is instead taken by the Watcher in the Water.

2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring:

A pony accompanies the Fellowship of the Ring from Rivendell to the Doors of Durin. There, it is released by Aragorn. Both Aragorn and Sam refer to it as "Bill."

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Bill can be found lost just west of Moria. There is a quest where the player has to escort Bill to safety from a pack of wolves.