Wk13 Bk6 Ch8: Captains Meriadoc & Peregrin

[Stormrider]

From: AnnieofTR (Original Message) Sent: 6/22/2003 8:40 AM

Details of Merry and Pippin by Inger Edelfeldt
Copyright. All Rights Reserved

Wk13, Bk6, Ch8, DISCUSSION: Captains Meriadoc and Peregrin

The Battle of Bywater "has a chapter to itself in the Red Book and the names of all those who took part were made into a roll, and learned by heart by Shire-historians . . . at the top of the Roll in all accounts stand the names of Captains Meriadoc and Peregrin."

It wasn’t so very long ago that Merry felt like baggage and wondered if he would ever be of use to the King to whom he had pledged his fealty. Aiding Eowyn in killing the Lord of the Nazgul must have been significant in preparing Merry for what he would face in the Shire. What else influenced or prepared him to lead a revolt against the Ruffians that had invaded his homeland? Captain Meriadoc, the strategist, raised the Shire by blowing the horn of the Mark. He organized the first attack of a small band of Men and prepared the hobbits for the upcoming battle by setting up road blocks and posting look-outs for the night. Merry laid the plans for the battle with the Ruffians from Waymeet. He had the Hobbits set up a barricade of carts on Bywater Road where there were high banks and hedges on either side of the road. When the Men arrived, the Hobbits pushed more carts in behind them, and the Men found that they were trapped. A line of armed Hobbits looked down on them from the banks above. What did Merry need to know to put the plans in place.? Where had Merry learned the art of strategy? What did you think of his battle plans?

Was it really Pippin who angered the wizard and looked into the stone of Orthanc? Was it Pippin who cowered in terror and fear on the walls above the Pelennor Fields? And now we see him standing up to the Shirriffs on the road, casting back his cloak, brandishing his sword and announcing, "I am the King’s messenger." Later we see him ride off to raise the Tooks bringing back a hundred strong with Pippin in the lead. It seems long ago that he was referred to as a Fool-of-a-Took and now he is the distinguished Captain Peregrin. What do you make of this Hobbit’s transformation? What prepared him for this leadership? Do you think that being a Took had anything to do with it?

Was it a surprise to you that Merry and Pippin were the instigators of the rebellion? Why were the hobbits of the Shire willing to listen and follow these captains who had been gone so long? What prepared these "uncommonly large and strong looking" hobbits to rally the Shire and overcome the villains?

[Stormrider]

From: jerseyshore Sent: 6/23/2003 4:59 PM
I wasn't the slightest bit surprised to see Merry and Pippin lead the rebellion. With all they had seen and been through, there was no way they would bow down to the ruffians who had taken over the Shire. After all, when you have fought Orcs, Nazguls and wild men, what are a few Shirrifs and Bill Fernys? They have developed a confidence, a belief in their own worth and abilities. This must have been obvious to the hobbits they met. Besides their unusual dress and size, there was a commanding air about them, a feeling of power that came from their experience and growth over the past months. I think this would have been easy to see and would make them the natural leaders for the hobbits, who had had just about enough and were ready to rebel as soon as someone took command.

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From: Fangorn Sent: 6/23/2003 5:34 PM
It brings tears to my eyes. Historically, "The Scouring of the Shire" has always been, one of my favorite chapters of the Trilogy. I can understand PJ not including it, but for me, it is the low man on the totem pole finally getting the upper hand. As had been said, these Hobbits had been through sooo much and worse, that these little bad guys are dust.

It may be anti-climatic cinemagraphically, but in the written word, it just rocks. The Hobbits get to kick ass in a way, they would never have been able to before. It also gives more depth to the toll taken on Frodo, as he begrudgingly resents each and every death. I think nowhere in the Trilogy, do the Hobbits growth and character become more apparent. Love it!

Fangorn

From: Galenas_ Sent: 6/25/2003 10:53 PM
I agree Fangorn! The hobbits had observed and learned much during their adventures. They watched skilled warriors rally troops and set strategy.....in the face of tremendous odds.
My thought is that once you've faced nazgul and been hauled around by a band of orcs, the likes of evil spirited men would not seem quite so scary. It was their time to shine.

They saw first hand what happens when evil has its way and I think they were not going to let it happen in this place they'd been trying to get back to for so long.

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From: Illadria Sent: 8/13/2003 5:37 PM
I think so often it seemed to the Nine Walkers, and especially to Merry and Pippin themselves that there was no reason for them to be there. In the end though, it became evident that they were very much needed just where they were and that their inclusion was in no way incidental. Providence perhaps? Who else but Merry and Pippin to lead the revolt? All they experienced in their travels made them the perfect candidates to rally the Hobbits into action.

~Illadria