William
| William Huggins | |
|---|---|
| Troll (probably Stone-troll) | |
| File:William.jpg | |
| Biographical Information | |
| Other names | "Bill" |
| Physical Description | |
| Race | Troll (probably Stone-troll) |
| Gender | Male |
William Huggins also known as Bill, was with Tom and Bert, one of the three trolls encountered by Bilbo Baggins and the Dwarves on their eastward journey to the Lonely Mountain. He seems to have been the leader of the troll-band - at least, it was he who led them to the woodlands of Trollshaws, according to his companions. It was William's pocket that Bilbo Baggins tried to pick as his first act of 'burglary', an attempt that brought the entire expedition close to disaster. Luckily, Gandalf was able to trick William and his two companions into arguing together until sunrise, whereupon they all turned to stone.[1]
Etymology
Following Tolkien's use of modern names, logically "William Huggins" would be a "translation" of the troll's "real", Westron name, which is not recorded.[source?]
Inspiration
There was a real historical figure named William Huggins, a pioneering astronomer of the mid-nineteenth century, though there is no apparent reason that Tolkien based his foul-mouthed troll on this noted scientist.
Portrayal in adaptations
1982-97: Middle-earth Role Playing:
- William is a member of the Hugath tribe of Stone Trolls of the Trollshaw. In Hobbit lore he is known as "William Huggins", while his real name is Wûluag Hugath.[2]
1995-8: Middle-earth Collectible Card Game:
- William is playable both as an Hazard Creature and as a Minion. The troll is also given the MERP variant name, Wûluag.
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "Roast Mutton"
- ↑ R. Mark Colburn, Peter C. Fenlon, John D. Ruemmler, Terry K. Amthor, Jessica M. Ney (1989), Lords of Middle-earth Vol III: Hobbits, Dwarves, Ents, Orcs & Trolls (#8004)
