22 September | A Long Expected Party - The Old Forest
A cousin of Frodo’s and one of his companions. Brandybucks aren’t considered as “respectable” as other hobbits of the Shire; they’re too adventurous.
Merry prepares Frodo’s new house at Crickhollow and reveals that he, Pippin, and Fatty already know of Frodo’s plan to leave the Shire. He and Pippin insist on traveling with Frodo.
Merry proves himself perceptive and bold. He had already known about Bilbo’s magic Ring years ago. When the hobbits head into the Old Forest, Merry alone is unafraid.