Talking purse

From Tolkien Gateway
Revision as of 11:33, 9 March 2013 by Morgan (talk | contribs) (Created page with "{{unnamed}} The '''talking purse''' was the purse of the troll William. When Bilbo Baggins tried to pick the purse from William's pocket, the purse suddenly sq...")
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
This article describes a concept which is mentioned in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, but was never given a definite name.

The talking purse was the purse of the troll William. When Bilbo Baggins tried to pick the purse from William's pocket, the purse suddenly squeaked "Ere, 'oo are you?". William was thus warned of the pickpocketing and captured Bilbo.[1]

The size of the purse was huge: it is told to have been "as big as a bag to Bilbo". Apparently "Trolls' purses" were known for their mischief.[1]

Background

Fans have suggested that the purse was perhaps not made by trolls, but that it was stolen and, because of it ability to speak (like the sword Gurthang), of dwarvish or elvish origin.[2][3][4]

References