Meriadoc Brandybuck
Meriadoc Brandybuck, known to all as Merry, is a hobbit of Buckland and one of the central members of the Fellowship of the Ring. He begins the story as a cheerful, inquisitive young hobbit, deeply loyal to his cousin Frodo Baggins, but his journey transforms him into a figure of decisive courage and martial prowess. He becomes a knight of Rohan, the esquire of King Théoden, and, in the climactic Battle of the Pelennor Fields, he delivers the wound that enables Éowyn to slay the Witch-king of Angmar, fulfilling an ancient prophecy. His arc from a light-hearted conspirator to a warrior who deals a mortal blow to the chief of the Ringwraiths marks one of the most dramatic personal transformations in the entire legendarium.
Identity and Background
Merry is a Brandybuck, the son of Saradoc Brandybuck, the Master of Buckland. He is a close friend of Peregrin Took (Pippin) and a cousin of Frodo Baggins. From the outset, he is portrayed as shrewd and observant. He had long suspected Bilbo Baggins of possessing a magic ring, having once glimpsed Bilbo vanish on the road and later catching a glint of gold as he put something back in his pocket. He also managed to get a rapid glance at Bilbo's secret book. This inquisitiveness led him to form a "conspiracy" with Sam Gamgee and Pippin to keep watch on Frodo and to prepare for his eventual departure from the Shire. Merry is the one who reveals this conspiracy to Frodo at Crickhollow, demonstrating his role as a planner and a loyal friend who is not content to be left behind.
Arc Through the Plot
Merry's journey is one of increasing responsibility and martial growth. He is part of the Fellowship that sets out from Rivendell, but his path diverges after the Breaking of the Fellowship at Parth Galen. He and Pippin are captured by a band of Uruk-hai from Isengard. During their captivity, Merry shows resourcefulness, and it is he who drops his elven brooch as a token for Aragorn to follow. After escaping the orcs, they meet Treebeard the Ent, and Merry becomes a key witness to the Ents' decision to march on Isengard. He later rides with the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor, having sworn fealty to King Théoden as his esquire. In the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, he is carried into battle by Éowyn, disguised as the Rider Dernhelm. When the Witch-king attacks, Merry, despite his terror, stabs the Nazgûl lord from behind with his barrow-blade, breaking the spell that held his unseen sinews together and allowing Éowyn to deliver the killing stroke. This act fulfills the prophecy that the Witch-king would not fall by the hand of any living man.
Relationships and Conflict
Merry's most significant relationships are with his fellow hobbits. His friendship with Pippin is a constant source of support and humor, and his loyalty to Frodo is the driving force behind his decision to join the quest. His relationship with King Théoden is a defining one; the old king takes Merry as his esquire, and Merry's grief at Théoden's death is profound. He later receives the Horn of the Mark from Éowyn as a gift. His conflict is not with a single personal enemy but with the overwhelming forces of evil that threaten his home and friends. His greatest internal struggle is against his own fear and physical limitations, which he overcomes through sheer courage and loyalty.
Change and Ending
Merry undergoes a profound change. He begins as a mischievous and clever hobbit, but the war forces him to mature into a warrior and a leader. After the War of the Ring, he returns to the Shire and helps lead the hobbits in the Scouring of the Shire, fighting in the Battle of Bywater. He later becomes the Master of Buckland. He and Pippin ride to Edoras to be with King Éomer before his death, and then travel to Gondor, where they spend their final years. Merry is buried in Rath Dínen in Minas Tirith, among the great of Gondor, a final honor that reflects his immense deeds.
Narrative Role and Evaluation
Merry serves as a crucial point-of-view character, especially during the events in Rohan and the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. His perspective provides a hobbit's-eye view of the great wars of Men. His role as the one who enables the Witch-king's downfall is a central example of the theme that the small and overlooked can change the fate of the world. His growth from a hobbit who "had not been of much use yet" to a hero whose deeds are sung in the halls of Rohan is a testament to the power of courage and friendship.
