Gerontius Took
Oldest Took in recorded history; second-oldest Hobbit. Gerontius Took was born in 2790 of the Third Age. He was the son of Fortinbras Took I. Gerontius married Adamanta Chubb. They had twelve children: Isengrim III, Hildigard, Isumbras IV, Hildigrim, Isembold, Hildifons, Isembard, Hildibrand, Belladonna (mother of Bilbo Baggins), Donnamira, Mirabella, and Isengar.
In 2848, Gerontius became Thain of the Shire after his father's death. The family moved to a large room in the Great Smials packed with furniture. It was old and musty and dirty. Pippin Took was reminded of this room in Fangorn Forest.
Gerontius's term as Thain lasted seventy-two years. One year, the wizard Gandalf gave him two diamonds that opened when ordered. Gandalf also threw a midsummer's eve party with fireworks.
The Fell Winter in 2911 also struck during Gerontius's term. Snow covered the Shire, and all Hobbits camped in their Hobbit-holes under the hills. The Brandywine River froze, and White Wolves passed over it from the North. Since all were inside, no one was hurt by the Wolves, but many Hobbits died of the cold or the lack of air. Gandalf visited the Shire during this time, and was impressed by the Hobbits' care and concern for one another.
Gerontius died in 2920. He was the second-oldest Hobbit known to live, the oldest being his grandson Bilbo.
In 2848, Gerontius became Thain of the Shire after his father's death. The family moved to a large room in the Great Smials packed with furniture. It was old and musty and dirty. Pippin Took was reminded of this room in Fangorn Forest.
Gerontius's term as Thain lasted seventy-two years. One year, the wizard Gandalf gave him two diamonds that opened when ordered. Gandalf also threw a midsummer's eve party with fireworks.
The Fell Winter in 2911 also struck during Gerontius's term. Snow covered the Shire, and all Hobbits camped in their Hobbit-holes under the hills. The Brandywine River froze, and White Wolves passed over it from the North. Since all were inside, no one was hurt by the Wolves, but many Hobbits died of the cold or the lack of air. Gandalf visited the Shire during this time, and was impressed by the Hobbits' care and concern for one another.
Gerontius died in 2920. He was the second-oldest Hobbit known to live, the oldest being his grandson Bilbo.
Names & Meanings
Gerontius is Latin, coming from the Greek word geron meaning "old." He was called the "Old Took" because of his old age at the end of his life.
References
The Hobbit: "An Unexpected Party," page 13
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring: "A Long-Expected Party," pages 30, 31, 32; "The Shadow of the Past," page 51
The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers: "Treebeard," page 64
The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King: "The Grey Havens," page 309
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B: "The Tale of Years," page 370
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix C: "Took genealogy," page 381
The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring: "A Long-Expected Party," pages 30, 31, 32; "The Shadow of the Past," page 51
The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers: "Treebeard," page 64
The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King: "The Grey Havens," page 309
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B: "The Tale of Years," page 370
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix C: "Took genealogy," page 381
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