 | |
| Pony | |
| Stybba | |
|---|---|
| Biographical Information | |
| Location | Rohan |
| Affiliation | Meriadoc Brandybuck |
| Physical Description | |
| Gender | Male |
| Gallery | Images 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
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
Stybba is Old English for "stubby".[3]
Portrayal in adaptations
1980: The Return of the King (1980 film):
- Merry rides a small pony undoubtedly intended to be Stybba, though not named as such. This version is evidently able to keep pace with the horses of Rohan, as no objection is raised against Merry riding with them to Gondor.
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
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Passing of the Grey Company"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Muster of Rohan"
- ↑ Jim Allan (1978), An Introduction to Elvish, "Giving of Names" - Other Names of Rohan, p. 219