Did Bill Ferny die?

[Gothbogg the Ripper]

In the Scourging of the Shire Ferny is working for Sharkey, but when the hobbits come along he runs off (after getting kicked by Bill the pony), and I believe Tolkien writes something to the effect of "he was never heard of again", so what do you think happened to him, was Bills kick fatal or did he go back to Bree?

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I'd be surprised if he ran off and then died from the kick. My guess is that he went on to live an altogether miserable life, hiding in the woods and whatnot.

[Mithalwen]

But don't forget that Bill the Pony made it back to Bree despite Snakes and Wolves (though why he headed back to Bree not Rivendell can only be surmised - may be he was out for revenge). Goodness know what skills he learned on that remarkable journey. My theory is that he made a detour to the mystic east and learnt martial arts from a great master (cf the Matrix cow) and where his hooves were shod with metal from a renowned sword (The Green Dragon Destiny). Thus one blow from a hoof thus shod and wieded with such lethal skill could indeed prove fatal.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

There is another theory which says that Ferny accepted a highly-paid accounting job in Minas Tirith. I guess he had to shave and clean up sooner or later.

[Mithalwen]

Nah that was his twin brother Bob. It is an easy mistake to make.. Bill did kill Bill. Bob was the more studious brother who preferred to spend his evenings drinking cocoa and revising for his ACA (Arnor Chartered Accountants) exams.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Looks to me like this thread is a good candidate for the Mirth forum - I'm moving it there. Have fun!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I'm with Eomer on this one. He obviously died eventually. I don't think he was immortal. He probably became wretched and Gollum esque. Though perhaps not SO extreme, but you know what I mean.

And Bill being thought by some super intelligent cow? Interesting theory Mithalwen, though I doubt Tolkien would write such and event down, then his work would lose a lot of credibility.

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Hookbill the Goomba

And Bill being thought by some super intelligent cow? Interesting theory Mithalwen, though I doubt Tolkien would write such and event down, then his work would lose a lot of credibility.

Sorry Hookbill -Of course he wouldn't want anything so implausible in his work to stop people suspending their disbelief about those talking eagles or walking trees or a poetry spouting, animated garden gnome .....

[Boo Radley]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

But don't forget that Bill the Pony made it back to Bree despite Snakes and Wolves (though why he headed back to Bree not Rivendell can only be surmised - may be he was out for revenge). Goodness know what skills he learned on that remarkable journey. My theory is that he made a detour to the mystic east and learnt martial arts from a great master (cf the Matrix cow) and where his hooves were shod with metal from a renowned sword (The Green Dragon Destiny). Thus one blow from a hoof thus shod and wieded with such lethal skill could indeed prove fatal.

Bill the Pony: "But Master, when will I earn the right to have my hooves shod with metal and fulfill my destiny?"

Great Bovine Master: "You must have patience, Grasshopper."

Bill the Pony: "I'm a pony."

Great Bovine Master: "Shhh."

[Gothbogg the Ripper]

Could it have been possible that Ferny would have run into Old Man Willow? Disorientated and injured he would easily fall foul of the Old Forest.