Peregrin Took

Peregrin Took, almost always called Pippin, is a young hobbit of the Shire, a member of the prominent Took family, and one of the closest friends of Frodo Baggins. Along with his cousin Meriadoc Brandybuck, he is drawn into the quest to destroy the One Ring, initially as a light-hearted and somewhat reckless companion. His journey transforms him from a carefree hobbit into a knight of Gondor and, eventually, the Thain of the Shire, a journey marked by both impulsive folly and genuine courage.

Identity and Introduction

Pippin is introduced as a young hobbit, still in his 'tweens' at the start of the story, and is one of Frodo's closest friends. He is characterized by his cheerfulness, curiosity, and a tendency toward impulsive actions that often land him in trouble. He is a member of the Took family, known for their adventurous and sometimes peculiar nature, a trait that Pippin embodies. He is also a close friend of Merry Brandybuck, and the two are nearly inseparable throughout their adventures.

Arc Through the Plot

Pippin's role in the Fellowship is initially that of a companion, but he soon proves his worth. He is captured by Orcs along with Merry, and during their captivity, he demonstrates quick thinking by dropping his elven brooch as a clue for Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. After their rescue by the Ents, Pippin accompanies Treebeard to Isengard, where he witnesses the Ents' destruction of Saruman's stronghold. His most significant and dangerous act occurs when he gives in to temptation and looks into the palantír of Orthanc, an act that brings him into direct mental contact with Sauron. This event forces Gandalf to take him to Minas Tirith, where he enters the service of Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, as a guard of the Citadel. During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Pippin fights bravely, killing a troll chieftain before being knocked unconscious. He survives the war and returns to the Shire, where he participates in the Scouring of the Shire.

Key Actions and Objectives

Pippin's key actions are often driven by his impulsive nature. His decision to drop his brooch in Rohan is a clever act that aids his rescuers. His most consequential action is looking into the palantír, which, while dangerous, reveals to Sauron that a hobbit is involved in the quest, thereby drawing the Dark Lord's attention away from Frodo. In Minas Tirith, he swears fealty to Denethor and serves as a soldier, fighting in the final battles. His objective throughout is to support Frodo and his friends, and he consistently chooses to face danger rather than stay behind.

Relationships and Conflict

Pippin's closest relationship is with Merry, his fellow conspirator and constant companion. He also develops a strong bond with Gandalf, who acts as a mentor and protector, especially after the incident with the palantír. His relationship with Denethor is one of service, but also of tension, as Denethor is suspicious of his motives. Pippin's impulsive nature often creates conflict, both with his friends (who worry about his recklessness) and with his enemies (who underestimate him).

Change and Ending

Pippin undergoes a significant transformation. He begins as a carefree, almost childish hobbit, but his experiences—captivity, the palantír, and war—force him to mature. He learns to control his impulses and to act with courage and responsibility. After the War of the Ring, he returns to the Shire and helps to liberate it during the Scouring. He later marries Diamond of Long Cleeve and becomes the Thain of the Shire, a position of great honor and responsibility. He also travels to Gondor and Rohan, and is said to have died and been laid to rest in Rath Dínen among the great of Gondor.

Narrative Role and Evaluation

Pippin serves as a point-of-view character for much of the later part of the story, particularly in the events at Isengard and Minas Tirith. His perspective provides a hobbit's-eye view of the great events of the war. His character arc embodies the theme of growth through adversity, showing that even the most unlikely individuals can rise to meet great challenges. His impulsive nature, while a flaw, also leads to crucial moments that advance the plot, and his courage in battle earns him lasting honor.