Talking purse
From Tolkien Gateway
| This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name. |
| Talking purse | |
|---|---|
| Trolls' purse | |
_Wallet.png) | |
| The "Wallet" in The Hobbit (2003 video game) | |
| Location | Trollshaws |
| Owner | William |
| Appearance | It is said to have been huge and "as big as a bag to Bilbo".[1] |
| Notable for | Catching Bilbo in the act of pickpocketing it. |
- "'Ere, 'oo are you?"
- ― Talking purse to Bilbo in The Hobbit, "Roast Mutton"[note 1]
The talking purse was the purse of the troll William.
History[edit]
When Bilbo Baggins tried to pick the trolls' purse from William's pocket, the purse squeaked, alerting William of the attempted burglary and captured Bilbo.[1]
Background[edit]
Fans have suggested that the purse was perhaps not made by trolls, but that it was stolen and was of dwarvish or elvish origin due to it having the ability to speak.[2][3][4] Elrond certainly guessed that the trolls had some plunder from Moria, although he was specifically referring to Glamdring and Orcrist.[5]
Portrayal in adaptations[edit]
1989: The Hobbit (comic):
- David T. Wenzel portrays the trolls' purse having holes resembling a shouting mouth.
2003: The Hobbit (2003 video game):
- The trolls' purse is referred to as a wallet and it has eyes that open up when it is touched by Bilbo.[6]
Notes
- ↑ Unless one interprets the talking purse's words as fantastical elaboration by Bilbo, there exists only one other item in the legendarium which shows an ability to speak: Gurthang, the bloodthirsty sword of Túrin.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Roast Mutton"
- ↑ "Talking Wallet?", The Lord of the Rings Fanatics Plaza: Forum (accessed 9 March 2013)
- ↑ "The talking purse", Minas Tirith Forums (accessed 9 March 2013)
- ↑ "The talking purse - anything in the mythology to explain what it is?", The One Ring Forums (accessed 9 March 2013)
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "A Short Rest"
- ↑ "The Hobbit Game - Part 3 "Roast Mutton" (time 14:10)" dated 14 February 2013, YouTube (accessed 18 July 2016)
