Lead, Follow, of Go Over the Sea

"In that room there are three tubs, and a copper full of boiling water. There are also towels, mats, and soap. Get inside and be quick!" (I, 111)

"I have prepared practically everything. There are six ponies in a stable across the fields; stores and tackle are all packed, except for a few extra clothes, and the perishable food" (I, 117).

Merry shows an ability to have matters under control when it comes to addressing the needs of others.

That Merry is brave is shown by his willingness to aid Frodo on his quest, despite what he already knows of the danger involved. When it is an issue whether anyone should accompany Frodo on his journey, he says, "We know that the Ring is no laughing matter; but we are going to do our best to help you against the Enemy" (I, 117). This bravery and willingness to serve make Merry a perfect example of the type of individual who could best serve an Old English type lord.

When he finally meets Theoden, a bond is quickly formed between the two and Merry acts unswervingly to offer his service to the Lord of the Rohirrim:

Filled suddenly with love for this old man, he knelt on one knee, and took his hand and kissed it. "May I lay the sword of Meriadoc of the Shire on your lap, Theoden King?" he cried. "Receive my service, if you will!"

"Gladly will I take it," said the king; and laying his long old hand upon the brown hair of the hobbit, he blessed him. "Rise now. Meriadoc, esquire of Rohan of the household of Meduseld!" he said. "Take your sword and bear it unto good fortune!"

"As a father you shall be to me," said Merry.

"For a little while," said Theoden. (III, 50-51)

The relationship is formed out of love and prospers because of Merry's loyalty and good service, and because of Theoden's leadership.

When Theoden makes ready to go to war and tells Merry to stay behind, Merry's act of disobedience is necessary to the fulfillment of his oath. This is understood by realizing that since Theoden knew little about hobbits and the bravery they were capable of possessing, he was only doing what he felt was best for Merry. Merry alone knows what he is capable of, and so when Dernhelm (Eowyn) gives him a chance to follow Theoden to battle he accepts:

"You wish to go whither the lord of the Mark goes: I see it in your face."

"I do," said Merry. (III, 77-78)

Merry disobeys the command of his lord but never swerves from the spirit of loyalty that makes him desire, above all else, to be at his lord's side through the darkest times.

Theoden rides to battle, valorously and bravely as a good leader might have been expected to according to the Old English heroic ideal seen in Beowulf and "The Battle of Maldon":

...the bent shape of the king sprang suddenly erect. Tall and proud he seemed again; and rising in his stirrups he cried in a loud voice, more clear than any there had ever heard a mortal man achieve before (III, 113)

Right through the press drove Theoden, Thengel's son, and his spear was shivered as he threw down their chieftain (V, 114-115).