The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Bilbo Baggins was named 'Magnificent' during his adventures of III 2941 (1341 by the Shire-reckoning); Meriadoc Brandybuck lived III 2982 - c. IV 70 (S.R. 1382 - c. 1491)
Location
The Elvenking named Bilbo 'the Magnificent' on the borders of Mirkwood; Meriadoc Brandybuck dwelt for most of his life in Buckland on the eastern borders of the Shire
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Title of

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  • Updated 2 September 2020
  • Updates planned: 1

The Magnificent

A title shared by two Hobbits

A title given to Bilbo Baggins by the Elvenking of the Woodland Realm. It was also used of Meriadoc Brandybuck after his return from the War of the Ring.

Bilbo
Baggins
On his journey home to the Shire, Bilbo gave the Elvenking a gift in recompense for the food and wine he had stolen during the outward journey. Seeing this as a noble act, Thranduil named him Bilbo the Magnificent, and granted him the title of Elf-friend.
Meriadoc
Brandybuck
It was traditional in the Brandybuck family for each Master of Buckland to have their own epithet, and Merry became known as 'Meriadoc the Magnificent'. It's never revealed quite when or how he acquired this title, but it seems sure that his exploits during the rallying of the Shire and the defeat of Sharkey must have played an important part.

The title is also very nearly used of the Dragon Smaug. Though he is never described exactly as 'Smaug the Magnificent', Bilbo came very close to using the title when he addressed Smaug (not entirely seriously) as 'Your Magnificence' (The Hobbit 12, Inside Information).


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About this entry:

  • Updated 2 September 2020
  • Updates planned: 1

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