Bill the Pony

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Bill the Pony by John Howe.

"Bill" was Samwise Gamgee's pony, named for its original owner Bill Ferny.

History

Bill (who probably had not even a name then) was owned by Bill Ferny in Bree, mistreated and half-starved. It was the only animal in town, since Bill or his allies had opened the stables of The Prancing Pony and all the mounts went loose.

The next day Bill sold the creature to the Hobbits for twelve silver pennies (more than three times its worth).[1]

The beast travelled with the Company of the Ring through the leagues of Eriador,[2] first to Rivendell[3] and then to the West-gate of Moria. For fear of his safety, he was released into the wild, to make his way back to Bree.[4]

On the homeward journey of the hobbits, Sam, who was fond of the pony, was reunited with Bill at the Prancing Pony.[5] When the returning hobbits came to the gate upon the bridge across the Brandywine and Bill Ferny threw the keys at Merry, it was Bill the pony who kicked Bill Ferny as he ran off into the night.[6] Finally, Sam rode Bill when he accompanied Frodo on his trip to the Grey Havens.[7]

Portrayal in Adaptations

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Bill can be found lost just west of Moria. There is a quest where the player has to escort Bill to safety from a pack of wolves.

References