Character of the Week

Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck

Leader of “The Conspirators,” lover of maps, squire of the Rohirrim, and future Master of Buckland.

Merry Brandybuck was far more than the second half of a comic relief duo. In the books he led Sam, Pippin, and Fredegar “Fatty” as they worked to discover the mysterious events in Bag End. It wasn’t long before they discovered the Red Book of Westmarch and learned of the One Ring. Merry knew, eventually, that Frodo would try to figure out a way to go on this journey alone, not wanting to bring this danger to his friends. When all this had come to light, Frodo was appalled that his friends had been spying on him and his family.

“But it does not seem that I can trust anyone,” said Frodo.

Sam looked at him unhappily. “It all depends on what you want,” put in Merry. “You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin – to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours – closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo. Anyway: there it is. We know most of what Gandalf has told you. We know a good deal about the Ring. We are horribly afraid – but we are coming with you; or following you like hounds.”

Merry stood for what was right and did more to help Frodo on his journey, he helped him move, set him up with a house in Crickhollow, led the Hobbits on a path through the Old Forest and on to Bree. For the beginning of Frodo’s journey Merry led the way. Frodo probably would have never made it to Bree, if Merry wasn’t around.

Not to mention, this Hobbit goes on to join the Rohirrim and fights in the Battle of Pelennor Fields, where he landed a mighty blow against the Witch-King of Angmar.

After the events in The Return of the King, Merry becomes the Master of Buckland and marries Estrella Boldger, Fatty’s sister. Both Merry and Pippin were in their 100’s when they past away, and they were entombed beside King Aragorn Elessar.

This Hobbit was more than second breakfasts, pipe weed, and a fun time. We hope you join us as we celebrate Merry Brandybuck with the Character of the Week title.

Thank you for your time and remember, a light from the shadows shall spring.

– The Wandering One