A Guard, an Errand Boy and a Hobbit
of Beregond, Bergil and how our choices impact the future
In Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, there are many heroic characters. When this work of literature is mentioned names like: Galadriel, Éowyn, Frodo, Aragorn and Samwise come to mind. But, as you read through the story, other lesser known names make their way onto the page. These characters aren’t found throughout the story, we meet them along the way and then their narratives fade. However Tolkien writes them in such a way that their impact on the story ripples out much further than the handful of pages we find them on.
Names like Farmer Maggot, Fredegar Bolger, Gildor and Haldir might not be as well-known in the legendarium but they’re no less heroic in their actions and choices. Today we’re going to highlight two of my favorite lesser known characters we meet near the end of the tale and talk about the vital parts they played in the War of the Ring.
If you’ve only experienced the works of Tolkien through the Peter Jackson films or the new Rings of Power series, these characters might be new ones for you. And if you’re a long-time fan, they might be ones you’ve forgotten about or haven’t thought about in a time. So, grab your favorite comfort drink of choice and have a seat for today’s Tolkien Deep Dive on Beregond and Bergil.
“I am no captain.”
We first meet Beregond when Pippin comes to Minas Tirith. The young Hobbit volunteers his services to the Steward of Gondor, Denethor, and is swiftly sworn in to his role. Pippin is then assigned a man of the citadel to show him around the city, teach him the lesser passwords and help acclimate the Hobbit to life in Minas Tirith.
“Presently he noticed a man, clad in black and white, coming along the narrow street from the centre of the citadel towards him. Pippin felt lonely and made up his mind to speak as the man passed; but he had no need. The man came straight up to him.
You are Peregrin the Halfling?' he said. 'I Am told that you have been sworn to the service of the Lord and of the City. Welcome!' He held out his hand and Pippin took it.” -The Return of the King, Chapter: Minas Tirith, J.R.R. Tolkien
We learn that Beregond’s ancestors are from the fair region of Ithilien. And we quickly see that this man is kind, curious and welcoming. He regards Pippin with respect and dignity as he shows him around the city. They soon become comrades; sharing about their respective homelands and the slim hope they have of winning the war.
'I am no captain. Neither office nor rank nor lordship have I, being but a plain man of arms of the Third Company of the Citadel. Yet, Master Peregrin, to be only a man of arms of the Guard of the Tower of Gondor is held worthy in the City, and such men have honour in the land.’-Beregond, The Return of the King, Chapter: Minas Tirith, J.R.R. Tolkien
We see that Beregond regards his “plain” job in Minas Tirith as a role to be treated with honor. That even if he isn’t a captain or a lord, he’s still committed to showing up valiantly. Little does he know just how greatly this aspect of his character will be tested in future events.
In these conversations we learn that Beregond has a family. His wife and (possibly younger children) have been sent away to a safer place before the siege begins. He tells Pippin he has a son who has remained with other lads in the city who may find some tasks to do while everyone braces for the battle.
Hope and memory shall live still.
As they sit looking out over looking over the Pelennor a shadow passes over the sun and a fell voice rends the air. Beregond and Pippin are both struck with despair when they realize a Nazgûl has passed over.
‘For a time they sat together with bowed heads and did not speak. Then suddenly Pippin looked up and saw that the sun was still shining and the banners still streaming in the breeze. He shook himself. 'It is passed,’ he said. 'No, my heart will not yet despair. Gandalf fell and has returned and is with us. We may stand, if only on one leg, or at least be left still upon our knees.'
'Rightly said!' cried Beregond, rising and striding to and fro. ‘Nay, though all things must come utterly to an end in time, Gondor shall not perish yet. Not though the walls be taken by a reckless foe that will build a hill of carrion before them. There are still other fastnesses, and secret ways of escape into the moun-tains. Hope and memory shall live still in some hidden valley where the grass is green.'“ -The Return of the King, Chapter: Minas Tirith, J.R.R. Tolkien
Beregond shows us that he is resolved to face even the ruin of his beloved city with fortitude and hope. They go on to talk of Captain Faramir. The deep admiration that Beregond holds for his leader is made evident.
After spending a portion of the day with Beregond, the guard-turned-friend tells Pippin he must return to his duties. He instructs him on where he can find his son so the Hobbit doesn’t have to wander the city by himself.
Pippin leaves to find Beregond’s son among the other boys who’ve stayed behind in the city. After a bit of banter where Pippin quickly learns how stout-hearted this 10 year old is, they become fast friends as well.
“The boy drew himself up proudly. 'I am Bergil son of Beregond of the Guards,’ he said.
'So I thought,’ said Pippin, 'for you look like your father. I know him and he sent me to find you.’ “ -The Return of the King, Chapter: Minas Tirith, J.R.R. Tolkien
Pippin enjoys the light-hearted presence of Bergil as they explore parts of the city together. Pippin is comforted by the companionship of Bergil in Merry’s absence. Like his father, Bergil proves to be kind, welcoming and courteous to his new Hobbit friend.
When darkness falls, how will you respond?
Pippin and Beregond meet again when they witness Captain Faramir returning to Minas Tirith from the River. From their viewpoint in the city, they watch as Faramir and his men are attacked by Nazgûl. This is when Beregond displays that his love for Faramir overcomes his fear of the Nazgûl and leaves Pippin to see how he can help. Faramir makes it safely inside the city and reports to his father.
We don’t see much from Beregond and Bergil until events take a much darker turn during the siege of Minas Tirith. Beregond’s beloved captain Faramir, is mortally wounded in a doomed attempt to retake the River and the Pelennor. The city of Minas Tirith is falling into fear, chaos and despair. Denethor, driven mad by the onslaught of Mordor, believes Faramir to be beyond healing and directs his servants to carry Faramir to the tombs where he plans to burn himself and his son alive.
Once Pippin realizes how dangerous Denethor’s state of mind is, he knows he needs to find help. Denethor gives him leave to, “Go now, and die now what way seems best to you.” Pippin flees Denethor in search of Gandalf. This is when he runs into his friend Beregond. When he learns what Denethor plans to do with Faramir, he believes his captain to be dead.
“ 'No,' said Pippin,'not yet. And even now his death might be prevented, I think. But the Lord of the City, Beregond, has fallen before his city is taken. He is fey and dangerous." Quickly he told of Denethor's strange words and deeds. 'I must find Gandalf at once.”
'Then you must go down to the battle.”
'I know. The Lord has given me leave. But, Beregond, if you can, do something to stop any dreadful thing happening.’
‘The Lord does not permit those who wear the black and silver to leave their post for any cause, save at his own command.’
'Well, you must choose between orders and the life of Faramir,’ said Pippin. 'And as for orders, I think you have a madman to deal with, not a lord. I must run. I will return if I can.'“ -The Return of the King, Chapter: The Siege of Gondor, J.R.R. Tolkien
We learn later that Beregond chose the life of Faramir. Gandalf and Pippin return to the tombs where Denethor is to find that Beregond was forced to slay the porter who guarded the locked doors of the tomb. In the inner chambers he has made a stand between where Denethor has placed Faramir on the funeral pyre and the servants carrying torches to set him aflame. Beregond has bought his captain valuable time and saved his life. Faramir is taken to the Houses of Healing where we witness the quiet courage of Bergil play a vital role in his recovery.
The small work that moves the wheels of the world.
Aragorn sneaks into the city to attempt to heal those wounded in mind and body by the evils of the Nazgûl. He finds Merry, Éowyn and Faramir on the brink of slipping away forever and asks the herb-master if there can be any kingsfoil (or athelas) in the city that they could use to help the dying victim. And here we find Bergil, one of the brave young boys who stayed behind to help, ready to play his part.
And at last Bergil came running in, and he bore six leaves in a cloth. 'It is kings-foil, Sir, he said; "but not fresh, I fear. It must have been culled two weeks ago at the least. I hope it will serve, Sir?' Then looking at Faramir he burst into tears.
Perhaps Bergil has been able to hold it together up until this point. At 10 years old, he’s been strong amidst the attack on his city and is still showing up to play his small part of running important tasks. But seeing the captain his father so deeply admires on the brink of death, his resolve wavers and he openly cries in front of Aragorn. Bergil’s future king responds with gentleness:
“But Aragorn smiled. 'It will serve,' he said. 'The worst is now over. Stay and be comforted!' Then taking two leaves, he laid them on his hands and breathed on them, and then he crushed them, and straightway a living freshness filled the room, as if the air itself awoke and tingled, sparkling with joy.” -The Return of the King, Chapter: The Houses of Healing, J.R.R. Tolkien
Small Roles Lived In Great Honor
Many days later, after the victory over Sauron is complete, Aragorn returns to take his place as king in Minas Tirith. There is met with the task of passing judgement on Beregond who spilt blood in the Hallows where it is forbidden and left his post without leave of Lord or Captain. He tells Beregond that in the old days, death would have been the penalty and the guard must now face his doom.
“ 'All penalty is remitted for your valour in battle, and still more because all that you did was for the love of the Lord Faramir. Nonetheless you must leave the Guard of the Citadel, and you must go forth from the City of Minas Tirith.’
Then the blood left Beregond's face, and he was stricken to the heart and bowed his head. But the King said:
'So it must be, for you are appointed to the White Company, the Guard of Faramir, Prince of Ithilien, and you shall be its captain and dwell in Emyn Arnen in honour and peace, and in the service of him for whom you risked all, to save him from death.
And then Beregond, perceiving the mercy and justice of the King, was glad, and kneeling kissed his hand, and departed in joy and content. And Aragorn gave to Faramir Ithilien to be his princedom, and bade him dwell in the hills of Emyn Arnen within sight of the City. “ - The Return of the King, Chapter: The Steward and the King, J.R.R. Tolkien
Beregond chose to make hard choices in the face of evil and play his “small part” valiantly even if no one commanded him to do so. Because of this he not only saved the life of his beloved captain, but also gets to take his brave son, Bergil, and the rest of his family back to dwell in the homeland of his ancestors.
From this father and son we can learn the lessons of looking darkness in the eye and doing the right thing. We learn that there really isn’t such a thing as “small roles”, only roles that we rise to valiantly. We learn that the unseen choices we make in the face of despair, oppression, and injustice can ripple out and pave the way for victory over the darkness.
This is beautifully written. How encouraging to have this reminder to live with integrity, kindness, and faith.
I always love the many minor characters in ROTK. For as many times as I've read it, or seen the films, I never feel like I remember it as well as the first two books. Love Beregond!