The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Born III 2980 (1380 by the Shire-reckoning); survived until at least III 3019 (S.R. 1419), and almost certainly beyond
Race
Culture
Family
Pronunciation
'Bolger' is pronounced like the English surname: 'boljer'
Meaning
Fredegar is uncertain, but presumably related to frid, 'peace'1

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About this entry:

  • Updated 31 October 2008
  • Updates planned: 1

Fredegar ‘Fatty’ Bolger

Loyal friend of Frodo Baggins

A friend of Frodo Baggins in the Shire, who assisted with his removal to Buckland. When Frodo travelled eastward out of the Shire, Fredegar remained behind, impersonating Frodo in order to allay suspicion.


Notes

1

Fredegar's name doubtless shares its first element with common names like Frederick, deriving from frid, meaning 'peace'. The second element is difficult to translate, but perhaps comes from ger, 'spear' (as in the name of his great-grandfather Rudigar). As a whole, 'peace-spear' doesn't make apparent sense, though perhaps it was meant in the sense of, say, a retired spearman.

Whatever its source, it is known that Tolkien didn't invent the name Fredegar out of whole cloth. Instead, it seems to have its source in the name of a real seventh-century Frankish chronicler.

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 31 October 2008
  • Updates planned: 1

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