Ironic Characters in Tolkien

[Estelyn Telcontar]

The character I thought of immediately as I read this thread is the herb-master in "The Houses of Healing", RotK. He knows so much theoretically, but he cannot give the practical help that is needed = the athelas. Aragorn and Gandalf's comments are humorous and bitingly sarcastic:

Thereupon the herb-master entered. 'Your lordship asked for kingsfoil, as the rustics name it,' he said; 'or athelas in the noble tongue, or to those who know somewhat of the Valinorean....'

'I do so,' said Aragorn, 'and I care not whether you say now asëa aranion or kingsfoil, so long as you have some.'

....

'Then in the name of the king, go and find some old man of less lore and more wisdom who keeps some in his house!' cried Gandalf.

It sounds to me like Tolkien is even making a rather snide comment on his own profession - of what practical use is the science of linguistics?!

Perhaps Ioreth can be included as another ironic character; she is the one who is looked down upon as an "old wife", yet her knowledge is coupled with a practical wisdom that plays a small yet vital part in the development of the story.