Favourite minor character? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Aaron · 06-25-2016, 11:46 AM

With such a rich world as Middle Earth, there are many characters who only appear fleetingly, who we never get a chance to learn much about, but nevertheless make a massive impression on us as readers.
So, who is your favourite minor character in all of Tolkien's works?

For me, the honour has to go to Queen Beruthiel. I have always been intrigued by the Black Numenoreans, and I love the idea of one of their number rising to become Queen of Gondor. I am just very fascinated by her in general. Why was her marriage childless? If she was cunning enough to try and spy on her enemies, shouldn't she have birthed an heir to ensure her position was untenable?

Just such a fascinating figure, and I wish we knew more about her

Morthoron · 06-25-2016, 02:01 PM

How minor is minor? Like mentioned once? Completely obscure? Or a bit player in a longer story? Not knowing the parameters, I'll give you a few:

Eöl - unlike any other Elf Tolkien referred to in his whole corpus. Friendly with Dwarves, dark, malignant, proud.

Halbarad - the only Ranger I cared about besides Aragorn, and you have to go and kill him right off the bat. His death resounded in me as if he was a Game of Thrones character.

The Blue Wizards, Alatar and Pallando - so obscure they didn't even rate separate colors. What, you couldn't afford to give one a green cloak?

Inziladun · 06-25-2016, 02:18 PM

I like my namesake. He tried so hard to reverse the evil of his people, bucking the will of the masses when he believed it would lead them to ruin. I have to admire that kind of nerve and faith.

***Mithadan*** · 06-25-2016, 07:19 PM

Fatty Bolger, who tried to be brave and heroic with limited success, and yet his acts may have had a major impact upon the outcome of LoTR.

Morthoron · 06-26-2016, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithadan

Fatty Bolger, who tried to be brave and heroic with limited success, and yet his acts may have had a major impact upon the outcome of LoTR.

Plus, he gained notoriety as a best-selling author. His Lockholes Diet Plan was really popular in Bree, Buckland, Archet and Combe.

Inziladun · 06-26-2016, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morthoron

Plus, he gained notoriety as a best-selling author. His Lockholes Diet Plan was really popular in Bree, Buckland, Archet and Combe.

From Fatty to Fitty!

06-25-2016, 11:46 AM	#1
Aaron Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: England Posts: 96	Favourite minor character? With such a rich world as Middle Earth, there are many characters who only appear fleetingly, who we never get a chance to learn much about, but nevertheless make a massive impression on us as readers. So, who is your favourite minor character in all of Tolkien's works? For me, the honour has to go to Queen Beruthiel. I have always been intrigued by the Black Numenoreans, and I love the idea of one of their number rising to become Queen of Gondor. I am just very fascinated by her in general. Why was her marriage childless? If she was cunning enough to try and spy on her enemies, shouldn't she have birthed an heir to ensure her position was untenable? Just such a fascinating figure, and I wish we knew more about her __________________ Remember, stranger, passing by: As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you shall be. Prepare thyself to follow me.

06-25-2016, 02:01 PM	#2
Morthoron Curmudgeonly Wordwraith Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ensconced in curmudgeonly pursuits Posts: 2,510	How minor is minor? Like mentioned once? Completely obscure? Or a bit player in a longer story? Not knowing the parameters, I'll give you a few: Eöl - unlike any other Elf Tolkien referred to in his whole corpus. Friendly with Dwarves, dark, malignant, proud. Halbarad - the only Ranger I cared about besides Aragorn, and you have to go and kill him right off the bat. His death resounded in me as if he was a Game of Thrones character. The Blue Wizards, Alatar and Pallando - so obscure they didn't even rate separate colors. What, you couldn't afford to give one a green cloak? __________________ And your little sister's immaculate virginity wings away on the bony shoulders of a young horse named George who stole surreptitiously into her geography revision.

06-25-2016, 02:18 PM	#3
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,038	I like my namesake. He tried so hard to reverse the evil of his people, bucking the will of the masses when he believed it would lead them to ruin. I have to admire that kind of nerve and faith. __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.

06-25-2016, 07:19 PM	#4
*Mithadan* Spirit of Mist Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Tol Eressea Posts: 3,391	Fatty Bolger, who tried to be brave and heroic with limited success, and yet his acts may have had a major impact upon the outcome of LoTR. __________________ Beleriand, Beleriand, the borders of the Elven-land.