Meriadoc Brandybuck: Difference between revisions

From Tolkien Gateway

Meriadoc Brandybuck (edit)

Revision as of 19:23, 15 November 2019

1,014 bytes added ,  15 November 2019
→‎After the War
(Added {{FellowshipRoute}})
(32 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{hobbit infobox
{{hobbit infobox
| name=Meriadoc Brandybuck
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Merry.jpg|250px]]
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Merry.jpg|250px]]
| name=Meriadoc Brandybuck
| caption="Merry" by [[John Howe]]
| pronun=
| pronun=
| othernames=Merry, "the Magnificent", [[Kalimac Brandagamba]]
| othernames=Merry, "the Magnificent", [[Kalimac Brandagamba]]
Line 15: Line 16:
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]
| age=103+
| age=103+
| notablefor=
| notablefor=Accompanying [[Frodo Baggins]] in the early stages of the Ring-quest<br/> Participating in the slaying of the [[Witch-King of Angmar]]<br/> Co-leading the [[Battle of Bywater]] with [[Peregrin Took]]
| family=[[Brandybuck Family|Brandybuck]]
| family=[[Brandybuck Family|Brandybuck]]
| parentage=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]] and [[Esmeralda Took]]
| parentage=[[Saradoc Brandybuck]] and [[Esmeralda Took]]
| siblings=
| siblings=
| spouse=[[Estella Bolger]]
| spouse=[[Estella Bolger]]
| children=
| children=At least one son
| gender=Male
| gender=Male
| height=Taller than average Hobbit
| height=Taller than average Hobbit
Line 36: Line 37:
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"/>
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"/>


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"/>
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 favourite 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'']]
[[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>
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>
Line 51: Line 52:


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>
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'']]
[[File:Alan Lee - The Plains of Rohan 2.jpg|thumb|"The Plains of Rohan" by [[Alan Lee]]]]
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]].   
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:Ted Nasmith - Wellinghall.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ted Nasmith]] - ''Wellinghall'']]
Line 64: Line 65:
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>
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>


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>
After the battle, Pippin found him ill and wandering in a daze outside of [[Minas Tirith]] and alerted Aragorn, who brought him into the city. 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, which was later used in the [[Battle of Bywater]].<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>


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>
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>
Line 71: Line 72:
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]].
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]].


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]].
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]]''. At some point he collected historical information in Rivendell, which was later assembled as the [[Tale of Years]].<ref>{{FR|records}}</ref> In {{FoA|13}} he was made with Pippin and Sam Counsellor of the North-kingdom.


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.   
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.   


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>
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 upon [[Aragorn|King Elessar]]'s death, their bodies were placed beside his.<ref>{{App|Later}}</ref>


==Character==
==Character==
He was a good friend of [[Frodo Baggins]], who eventually became the [[Ring-bearers|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.<ref name="Conspiracy"/>
He was a good friend of [[Frodo Baggins]], who eventually became the [[Ring-bearers|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.<ref name="Conspiracy"/>


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>
He can easily be recognised 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"/> and [[Éowyn|Lady Éowyn]] as 'valiant'.<ref>{{RK|Houses}}</ref>  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>


==Other Versions of the Legendarium==
==Other Versions of the Legendarium==
Line 86: Line 87:


==Inspiration==
==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>
''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>  
 
==Etymology==
The name '''''Meriadoc''''' means "Great Lord" in [[Welsh]] (from ''mawr''="great" and ''udd''="lord").<ref>{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.namenerds.com/welsh/meaning.html|articlename=Welsh Names|website=[http://www.namenerds.com/ Name Nerds]|accessed=21 February 2016}}</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==
==Portrayal in adaptations==
Line 94: Line 100:


'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
'''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>
: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)]]:'''
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
Line 100: Line 106:


'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
'''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]].
:The voice of Merry was provided by Pat Franklyn.


'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
Line 109: Line 115:


'''1992: ''[[Tales from the Perilous Realm (1992 radio series)|BBC Radio's Tales from the Perilous Realm]]'':'''
'''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''.  
: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)]]:'''
'''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.
: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. The movie trilogy also shows a blonde Merry as opposed to the brown-haired young hobbit in the novels.


'''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)]]:'''
'''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)]]:'''
Line 121: Line 127:


{{References}}
{{References}}
{{fellowship}}<br/>{{FellowshipRoute}}
{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{masters}}
[[Category:Brandybuck]]
[[Category:Brandybuck]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
Line 129: Line 135:


[[de:Meriadoc Brandybock]]
[[de:Meriadoc Brandybock]]
[[fa:مریادوک برندی‌باک]]
[[fi:Meriadoc Rankkibuk]]
[[fi:Meriadoc Rankkibuk]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hobbits/brandebouc/meriadoc_brandebouc]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hobbits/brandebouc/meriadoc_brandebouc]]
Sage
15,976

edits

Retrieved from "https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Special:MobileDiff/278625...308369"