Tales from the Middle Earth

J.R.R. TOLKIEN Tales from the Middle Earth

Under construction

Index:
*My own research.
*Links to recommended websites / pages.
*Middle Earth Books Shop.

My Own Research (still in progress):

Were J.R.R. Tolkien’s characters based on real / legendary historic people?
It's the object of this paper to link J.R.R. Tolkien's characters with historic ones, whether they lived in the real world, in legend, or in the place where reality ends and lengend begins. The first step in this quest is to remember Tolkien's interests, verbi gratia: filology, early mediaeval literature, christian apologetics. This can be seen in his works (such as the edition of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and "Beowulf"), in his letters and interviews, in his friends (especially, C.S. Lewis).
FRODO BAGGINS:
There is a certain Saint Frodulphus of Barjon, a benedictine hermit (also known as Frou) who died at Barjon, c. 750. Frodulphus, was a disciple of Saint Medericus (Morry or MERRY), and became a monk at Saint Martin's in Autun, from which he was driven by the Saracen invasion. Thereafter, he settled in Barjon, Côte d'Or. He is buried next to Saint Merry in Paris (Benedictines, Encyclopedia).

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MERRY (MERIADOC BRANDYBUCK):
There is a Saint MERIADOC of Vannes B (AC) (also known as Meriadec, Meriasek) who died c. 688. He said “Poverty is a remover of cares and the mother of holiness.” Meriadoc, though venerated especially in Cornwall and northern France (Brittany), [both celtic strongholds in those days] was probably a Welshman who lived in the 5th or 6th century. He came to Cornwall and founded several churches, one of which at Camborne was once dedicated to him. He became renowned in these parts and a miracle play in Cornish still survives, recounting his legendary exploits.
   He then crossed over into Brittany, where his memory is still strong. In the 16th-century church at Plougasnou is a reliquary containing what may well be part of Meriadoc's skull. At Stival is preserved what purports to be his bell. Placed on the heads of the deaf and those suffering migraine, it is said to heal them. Some documents state that Meriadoc even became bishop of Vannes at a time when it was one of the most important cities of Brittany.
   Meriadoc had been a rich man. Before becoming a hermit he gave all his money to poor clerics, distributing his lands to the needy. So great became his reputation for sanctity that he feared he would become vain and retired even further from the world. Instead of the silks and purple that he once wore, Meriadoc new dressed in rags, eating simple food, living in complete poverty.
   When his relatives tried to make him leave his new life and return to the world, he told the viscount of Rohan who had come with these relatives that he would be better engaged extirpating the thieves and robbers of the neighborhood. The viscount took the saint at his word, and a great evil was removed from Brittany.
   Although Meriadoc was unanimously elected bishop of Vannes, he took the bishopric reluctantly. After his consecration he continued a life of abstinence and love for the poor. He died kissing his brethren and crying, "Into your hands, Lord, I commend my Spirit" (Bentley).
There is another Saint MERIADOC (Meriadec) II of Vannes B (AC)who was born in Brittany; and died 1302. Meriadoc was known for his charity when he lived in the world. After stripping himself of his estates, he became a priest and then retired to live a hermit's life in ROHAN, Brittany. Against his will he was elected bishop of Vannes by its canons. The bishops of the province seconded that election and forced him to fill the episcopal seat. It did offer him an advantage: He had far greater resources as bishop to give to the poor. Under his episcopal finery he wore a rough hair shirt, and had no better to bring to his bed than sackcloth. The old breviaries of Nantes and Vannes contain an office in his honor on this day. He is titular saint of the chapel of the castle of Pontivi, and of several others in Brittany (Benedictines, Encyclopedia, Husenbeth).
There is a Saint Merryn of date unknown. Saint Merryn is the titular patron of a place in Cornwall. He may be identical with the Breton saint honored at Lanmerin and Plomelin. During the medieval period, the legendary Saint Marina was believed to have been its patron. For this reason, the Cornish St. Merryn observed the feast on July 7, whereas the Breton feast was on April 4 (Farmer).

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PIPPIN (PEREGRIN TOOK):
There is a Blessed Pepin of Landen (AC) (also known as PIPPIN)who died February 21, c. 646. Pepin was, perhaps, the most important, powerful person in the empire during his age. As duke of Brabant and mayor of the palace (first minister) of kings Clotaire II, Dagobert I, and Sigebert III, he determined much of the policy of the Franks. Pepin, the ancestor of the Carolingian dynasty of French kings, was the husband of Blessed Itta and father Grimoald, of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles and Saint Begga. He is described as "a lover of peace and the constant defender of truth and justice," though it may not seem that way at first glance.
Pepin and Bishop Arnulf of Metz aided King Clotaire II of Neustria in overthrowing Queen Brunhilda of Austrasia in 613. In recognition of the important roles they played, Clotaire appointed them mayors of the palace to rule Austrasia for Clotaire's son Dagobert I from 623. When Pepin rebuked Dagobert (who had succeeded his father about 629) for his licentious life, Dagobert discharged him and he retired to Aquitaine. Dagobert still respected him enough to appoint him tutor of his three-year-old son Sigebert before his death in 638, and Pepin returned and ruled the kingdom until his own death the following year.
Pepin worked to spread the faith throughout the kingdom, defended Christian towns from Slavic invaders, and chose responsible men to fill vacant sees. The marriage of his daughter, Begga, and Bishop Arnulf's son, Segislius, produced Pepin of Herstal, the first of the Carolingian dynasty in France. Pepin of Landen was buried at Landen, but his relics were later translated to Nivelle, where they are now enshrined with those of his wife and daughter Gertrude. Here is feast is kept. Pepin was never canonized but is listed as a saint in some of the old Belgic martyrologies and a litany published by the authority of the archbishop of Mechlin (Benedictines,Delaney, Encyclopedia, Husenbeth).
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