As September inches closer, Tolkien fans across the globe are anticipating The Rings of Power with building excitement. One of the elements of the show they are most excited for is the Harfoots, the proto-Hobbits that roam Middle-Earth in the Second Age. Though they have barely been talked about thus far in the Tolkien legendarium, it's safe to assume that Harfoot characters will still exhibit the most cherished Hobbit traits: friendship, loyalty, and simple courage.
Those traits are on full display in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, as well. The most-discussed friendship in the series is that of Frodo and Sam, the two Hobbits responsible for the destruction of the Ring. But Merry and Pippin, who get much less credit, had an even closer relationship and were catalysts for some of the most important events of the Third Age.
When They Steal Gandalf's Fireworks
As Bilbo's 111th birthday party gets into full-swing, a pair of shifty-eyed Hobbits sneak into Gandalf's fireworks wagon and steal a large, dragon-shaped piece. They set it off prematurely, and spoil the wizard's grand finale, for which he punishes them by assigning them dish duty.
This is the audience's first introduction to Merry and Pippin, and at the time they seem like no more than mischievous youngsters in search of a laugh. They don't mean serious harm, and they're willing to work hard to make amends for their behavior.
When They Get Into Farmer Maggot's Crop
As Frodo and Sam make their way from Hobbiton to Bree, they cut across a cornfield to save some time. Suddenly, Merry and Pippin crash through the stalks straight into them, laden with freshly picked vegetables. The four Hobbits are pursued through the field by Farmer Maggot until they fall down a short cliff.
At first this scene seems like just another example of the pair's roguishness (which is not based in Tolkien canon, but an invention of the films). They're irreverent and rowdy, but they also stick by Frodo and Sam as things take a darker turn. When the Nazgul overtakes them on the road and Frodo tells them of his plans, they drop their mischief and do everything they can to help.
When They Eavesdrop Together At The Council Of Elrond
Left off the invite list at the Council of Elrond, Merry and Pippin are forced to listen surreptitiously from behind a nearby pillar. As they listen, Frodo volunteers to bear the Ring to Mordor and attempt to destroy it. Others volunteer to accompany him, including Sam. Merry and Pippin burst out of hiding, insisting on coming along.
The two Hobbits act of bravery at the Council of Elrond saves the Fellowship, in a way. Merry and Pippin understand the danger of what they're signing up for less than everyone else who elects to go, but it doesn't matter to them. They intend to stick by their friends no matter what. They go on to do great deeds, but it could never have happened if they hadn't been eavesdropping.
When They Try To Stand By Boromir
The incorrigible Hobbits find themselves in real danger as they attempt to lead Saruman's Orcs away from Frodo on Amon Hen. Cornered, they are saved at the last moment by Boromir, who insists they run. Instead they pick up stones and draw their swords, determined to stand by their defender.
Though the Hobbits are captured anyway, their refusal to leave Boromir's side is a true show of their character. They have every excuse, even their friend's command to flee, but they stay and fight as hard as they can. Their willingness to sacrifice their freedom, or even their lives for their comrades is a far cry from what they thought they signed up for, but Merry and Pippin don't flinch.
When They're Held Captive By Orcs
The Uruks of Isengard carry the Hobbits back toward Orthanc, where they'll be subject to all the torments of Saruman for all they know. They remain defiant, refusing to give the Orcs the satisfaction of knowing they're in pain or despair.
This period is one of the darkest in Merry and Pippin's entire journey. They've lost everyone else they care about, and there's very little reason to think they'll be rescued. But they hold onto each other, standing up for one another against the bullying of the Orcs and keeping each others spirits' up until a chance of escape presents itself.
When They Rally The Ents Together
After meeting Treebeard in Fangron Forest, Merry and Pippin nearly persuade him and the other Ents to join the war and attack Saruman. The Ents decide against intervention despite impassioned pleas, but Pippin's idea to show Treebeard first-hand the damage being caused by the wizard finally changes his mind.
The two Hobbits play off each other in achieving their goal to rouse the Ents, and it works to beautiful effect. Merry's earnest speech about the greater good of Middle-Earth comes so near to working that it convinces Pippin desperate measures will need to be taken. So he pretends he wants to sneak past Isengard to get home, knowing the effect that seeing Saruman's devastation will have on the peace-loving Ents.
When They Find The Longbottom Leaf
As Isengard lies in ruins around them, the two Hobbits pause to reflect on their adventures thus far, and the achievement of destruction they played so large a part in instigating. They begin poking around the flotsam and jetsam, and find an unopened barrel of Shire pipe weed and promptly light up.
This scene is a good example of the comic relief Merry and Pippin always bring, but it also has deep roots in the Lord of the Rings novels. The finding of Shire leaf in Isengard was one of the first hints toward the scouring of the Shire storyline, which was rightfully cut from the Lord of the Rings films.
When They Guard The Gates Of Isengard
After the Battle of Helm's Deep, Gandalf rides with the other members of the Fellowship to Isengard to question Saruman. At the gate they're greeted by their old friends Merry and Pippin, who have clearly been enjoying the fruits of victory.
Even Gandalf can do nothing but shake his head at the two rascals. It's a reassuring confirmation that though the Hobbits have been through a lot, they're still as irrepressible as ever. Their love of fine food, good drink and easy laughter is intact, despite the horrors of captivity and battle they've been through.
When They're Separated
After Pippin looks into the palantir and learns of Sauron's intentions, Gandalf spirits him away to Minas Tirith, the chief city of Gondor, in a scene that's sad but offers one of the best out of context quotes in LoTR. Merry is left behind to serve Theoden, the king of Rohan.
It's the first time the two are separated in the film trilogy, and it serves notice to the audience that things are about to get deadly serious. The final battle for Middle-Earth is about to begin, and all roads are running toward it. Merry and Pippin each earn distinction with their deeds on their own, but it's very sad to watch the two friends parted so hastily.
When They Find Each Other Again
After the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Pippin searches the battlefield for his lost friend. He has to haul a corpse off Merry, who is dazed and weakened by the Black Breath after his stabbing of the Witch King. Merry asks confusedly if Pippin intends to leave him, but Pippin reassures his friend that he's there to look after him.
It's a very touching reunion, and all the more poignant because of how much has happened to the two Hobbits in the short time since they parted. They have both seen great heroism and great sorrow, and their fates brought them back together after a cataclysmic battle because frankly, they belong together.