Second only to the mighty Pip. Can usually consume the same quantity, though not with the same apparent lack of effects.

Fair. Even though Goodwife Brandybuck struggles with his repulsiveness, he has been known to turn the occasional she-eye.

Envied by the brave. Seeks the arduous when even the stoic would resort to comfort. He always prefers to eschew the accommodation of downstairs rooms for little folk, when a canopy of stars is otherwise available. Or even when not available. Often carries more apples than his allotted share.

Notable. Who better to conjure-up a Hobbit’s Breakfast? Knows the secret magical recipe for lembas.

A reluctant observer of this hobbit basic. Will, under duress from Bandobras, sometimes shed his footwear in a hostelry. On one celebrated occasion however, he demonstrated perfect bare-footedness in the snows and ice of West Witton.

Of firm foundation. Though understated, his undoubted valour serves to spur on his fellows. His well-known fear of the ever-watchful Eye mitigates against him in this category, however.

Peerless. He is, without question, the most natural pipe weed artist to ever tread the Path and is at symbiotic oneness with his church warden. What little he lacks in skill (he has yet to master the complexity of Bandobras’ smoke shapes), he more than makes up for in poise and refinement.

The core of the core. Meriadoc (along with Pip) dared to imagine a world free of the chains of the 4th Age. Through his commitment and dedication, a Utopia was begotten. He beckons us blessed fellows join him in this realisation and through it, he has given us a gift that scarce comes across the chance of men. As components we differ greatly, yet Merry’s endeavour has united us as a mosaic of great artistry, each fellow lending of his own to the tapestry. It may be that our gratitude can never truly be enough to match the debt we owe. Yet we will try. Yes, we will try.