My opinion would be that it had to be a mistake on Tolkien's part. He took a lot of time and effort on the hobbit genealogies that I can't imagine him having left out the cildren of someone as important as Merry and allowing the book to go to publication that way. On the other hand, one sentence in one chapter is easy to overlook. Therefore I've always thought that quote about their 'sons' must have been a slip perhaps intended to refer to whomever Merry passed the Headship of the Brandybuck family to?
__________________
The seasons fall like silver swords, the years rush ever onward; and soon I sail, to leave this world, these lands where I have wander'd. O Elbereth! O Queen who dwells beyond the Western Seas, spare me yet a little time 'ere white ships come for me!
|