Bill the Pony - Epic Character History

Bill the Pony was a mythic and legendary character in Tolkien’s world of Middle-earth during the events of the War of the Ring, and he aided the Fellowship of the Ring in the early part of their journey, among his incredible deeds. Thank you all so much for watching, and Happy April Fools’ Day, let me know your thoughts on good ole Bill in the comments below! As always, a great thanks to the online artists whose visual works made this video possible! If you are one of the artists, please let me know and I will post your name and a link to your work in this description!
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[@docjoebie]

Hes finally covering the most important tolkien character

[@bishopmuzoreva5533]

I think Froto is more

[@andrzejkopalnia]

Bill is even more important than Jesus in the Bible

[@namesurname7172]

Even more important than Tolkien himself.

[@DiePersoon]

@@bishopmuzoreva5533 Frodo would be taken by the nazgul if Bill didn’t safe him

[@lrj3000]

*fellowship member

[@Kiatro]

Bill carried the guy, who carried the guy who destroyed the Ring! LEGEND

[@marcusviniciusmagalhaesdea3779]

Actually as he carried Frodo for some time, together with Sam, he carried the Ring Bearer, and didn't shake his resolve.

[@georgejcox9241]

Bill the Great Hero Pony.

[@exelltori7328]

Yep! He knew the guy who knew the guy who knew the guy who knew the guys who CREATED the rings! (Sam, Frodo, Sauron, dwarves who made the rings)

[@cottoncatt1186]

Someone carried Gollum on a pony ? O_O

[@HortensyaM]

To me, the fact that Tolkien bothered to reunite Bill and Sam in the end, truly shows that Bill is not any random pony, but has a part in the entire story. And its heart-warming to think that Bill has a place in Middle Earth, that he truly is a character in the story, even tho, as human readers, we tend to neglect animals when they (oh so rarely) appear in novels.

[@madamastersgaming]

Tolkien had a dog I believe. Wouldn't doubt that Bill was inspired by his dog

[@newwavepop]

it also gos to show Sams loyalty, when you become a friend of Samwise you have a friend for life. and the same can be said for Bill.

[@robertisham5279]

Sucks he didn't reunite with Aragorn

[@connieannemcentee1892]

If Shadowfax was the Lord of All Horses, then truly Bill was the Lord of All Ponies.

[@johnnyedelhoff5866]

He'd have to fight with Old Fatty Lumpkin for that title

[@Skaroosh]

Bill of the Fellowship, Sam-Bearer, Ferny's Bane, Elf-Friend. What a guy, indeed.

[@Jumanji089]

If Bill were the ringbearer, the ring wouldn't have had a chance.

[@georgejcox9241]

So true my friend. So true.

[@madamastersgaming]

To be honest, if they kept the ring inside a simple pouch on the pony they would have gotten it to mount doom a lot easier

[@georgejcox9241]

@@madamastersgaming Good point on that.

[@dropkickpiper3204]

Wait, if Bill carried Frodo while he was poisoned by the Morgul Blade, does that mean that Bill *was* a ring bearer?

[@madamastersgaming]

@@dropkickpiper3204 technically not. He was the bearer of the ringleader but yes he still deserved to go to the Undying Lands

[@MenoftheWest]

Shoutout to Ridgy93 and all my patrons for recommending this idea and some others for my pre-April Fools' Day video! You guys are the best!

[@Johan.Dingler]

Awesome video

[@chesterthewild8025]

Bill the Pony, the goodest of all bois. And he's been my friend through many dangers. - Samwise

[@Nodim1er]

And that one isn't an april's fool's episode! A truly adorable character.

[@naidanewling9284]

Love this, Bill was a character I was so worried about the first time I read LortR as a child, when he and Sam were reunited I was so happy that Tolkien hadn't forgotten about him.

He went trough though times: he suffered unjustly from hand of those who were supposed to take care of him. He suffered physically and emotionally. When he joined the party and proved a valuable member: he embodied the values and experiences that made true heroes in Tolkien's Legendarium. I imagine Tolkien poured some of his most genuine and humane essence when he wrote Bill the pony. He is truly a horse from legend. Great Video. Now do some merch.

[@thefrozenone417]

I second the request for merch. I too want to bear the visage of the great and noble being, Bill the Pony.

[@melkhiordarkfell4354]

Sauron stayed in Barad Dur during the War of the Ring because he knew Bill the Pony was out there. No distance is too far for Bill to strike fear into the Dark Lord.

[@evenstar4076]

This makes me sad, it reminds me of all the warhorses that have been taken into battle and bravely carried their masters upon their backs. Soldiers are remembered, but you don't hear much about their horses. It seems fitting that Tolkien would acknowledge Bill's contribution to the fellowship.

[@SassyCassie89]

NEXT WEEK: "Gandalfs pipe: the silent council"

[@RoastedOpinions]

I know that you meant this as a humorous video, but in all honesty Bill deserves praise. He was a great pony. He earned the right to enter Valanor, where perhaps he would gain speech at last and have a long chat with Master Samwise.

[@MenoftheWest]

I 100% agree. I think Bill deserves praise as he was a great friend to the Hobbits early on, even when he had every right to run away into the wild.

[@KittSpiken]

@@MenoftheWest he ran for Sam's sake as well as his own. He knew there was no place for him in Moria and they must go on without him.

[@LeChoixDuResident]

"The pony swished his tail, saying nothing. What a guy."

[@kaidorade1317]

Time to look at the greatest character in Tolkien’s legendarium! Sam’s heart would break if he knew what dark path his beloved Bill would take if he claimed Sauron’s Ring for himself.

[@amandaliberty08]

Bill the pony: an unexpected epic character history

[@orrointhewise87]

"Mines are no place for a pony. Dont worry he knows the way home." Just goes to show u the smallest person can change the course of the future. Even if that person is a pony 😊 I'd like to think his descendants served the leaders of the Shire for generations, with lots of carrots, and maybe a little pipe weed now and then 😂

[@andrewhodyss9092]

😂

[@nicolashrechko8845]

Bill smoking hay in the barn on occasion

[@tankythemagnorite9855]

And Sam's descendants rode his descendants!

[@charlesdunn6694]

A comfortable barn, a loving family, & lots of apples & carrots… that’s actually a great retirement!

[@connormcmillan6761]

The bloopers really showed me a side of you that made me smile! He’s one of us!

[@MenoftheWest]

I'm a simple Tolkien fan with a microphone :) Glad I could bring you a smile! Lol I had a lot of fun making this video!

[@DamonNomad82]

The last time I was this early, Bill Ferny was still cursing at Sam for hitting him in the nose with an apple!

[@marionbaggins]

Sam said that was a waste of an apple, but he used it wisely...

[@mtlbstrd]

😂 btw, great screen name, one question tho: why not 28DamonNomad82?

[@DamonNomad82]

@@mtlbstrd Thank you! To be honest, I was only thinking in terms of alphabetic palindromes, rather than alphanumeric ones, when I created my screen name. XD

[@mtlbstrd]

@@DamonNomad82 makes sense, but I have to say, kinda looks like a missed opportunity! 😂

[@user-rs7xf5tm9s]

I never thought a pony could be so loveable

[@verylostdoommarauder]

Well do I have the show for you

[@enemy-rogue]

Truely none yet have attempted to appreciate the worth of Bill the Pony in a manner such as this before. The true majesty of the events and deeds surrounding Bill the Pony cannot be put to words or speech, even when accompanied with the rich interpretations in art we can enjoy in this age. Yoystan's description still comes as close as anyone could ever hope to get to the real legend of Bill the Pony. What a guy.

[@mrsponge1401]

you’re right about his history being epic

[@themandoesloreagain6148]

“Don’t worry Sam, he knows the way home.”

[@manny9700]

Bill the Pony is an absolute legend

[@Luneland]

This is the first Epic Character story that made me cry. Thank you. Animals are so kind, I wish my dog had an epic story like that.

It does, and only you can tell it! GReetings fellow animal admirer.

[@ragnarcrockettsson4058]

This might be the most wholesome video on this channel

[@m_d1905]

The heroic pony Bill. The most modest of the Fellowship

[@TheAUTcheker]

Finally. I mean, i knew it would take you quite some time to compress all the information on Bill into one video, and even that doesnt do it justice, but you've really taken your sweet time with this! At last, the people get what they want.

[@MenoftheWest]

Absolutely, thank you for being understanding about how much material there was, it was really a difficult comprisal of lore to craft. LOL

[@squashedeyeball]

Holly hell! The absolute KING of Arda finally gets his video!! "For I am Bill, master of the fates of Arda".

[@MenoftheWest]

LOL I love that title

[@squashedeyeball]

@@MenoftheWest You're the best man!

[@denniscleary7580]

I always wondered if Bill found his way back to the shire and to my delight he did

[@bmsontheimer]

One of the most underappreciated characters in the trilogy

[@knightonart8886]

Bill is the real hero. Change my mind.

[@waynemarvin5661]

Why? Think what you want. Why should we care?

[@knightonart8886]

@@waynemarvin5661 I meant it as a joke Master Marvin

[@di3486]

Haha I smiled the whole way through this video. Eternal glory to Bill the Pony, the greatest hero of Arda!

[@silverloto6773]

I absolutely love Bill the Pony. Ever since I first read the lord of the rings, it was one of my favorite moments 😊

Thank you, he really deserved some recognition! Such a loyal fella.

[@huytruong884]

I love that this was uploaded before April Fool’s Day so that nobody can claim this was a joke - and rightfully so. Hail Bill!

[@sallybradshaw4576]

To be honest, I'd trade the Ring and all three of the Silmarils for Bill the Pony.

[@bradyweed4124]

Truly an epic character

[@chaishasa]

It is very very very important for us men to talk about how much we learn from "good hearted" animals. They are wise and supremely sentient beings. Enriching our lives by just being around us, protecting us, understanding us, and helping us. Thank you for talking about Bill.

[@paulwagner688]

What a lovely Beginning of April story to tell us.

[@Im-Not-a-Dog]

Bill the Pony is Shadowfax's nephew. This is my head canon and the only way I can validate him being such a total unit of a pony.

[@avozdageracaode816]

"You´r full of surprises Mr West!"

[@apdarkness905]

Born a pony but with the soul of a Mearas, Bill was indeed a hero amongst his hoofed brethren. He now dwells among his fathers with honor in the equine halls, his deeds inspire and guide the hearts of all horse to this day. I can't believe I just said that.

[@paulsteinhauser434]

Horses made bonds faster than man on journeys.

[@grokeffer6226]

Without Bill, the quest might very well have gone astray.

[@Badboyben1422]

1. I cannot believe you made a Star Wars reference lol 2. After Rosie Gamgee passed away it was Bill who brought Sam to the Grey Havens and they both went to Valinor much like Gandalf and Shadowfax

[@mojom.9221]

Bill's Journey with the Fellowship is one of the more wholesome and nice Stories in Tolkiens Books. A True Hero , brave and good hearted.

[@stardust949]

AT LAST!!! Lol! I LOVED this video---Bill the Pony is, indeed, among the Wise of Ponykind. And you're right, Bill is the 10th member of the Fellowship of the Ring. Thank you so much. (I've always loved all the pony bits, the travels to the Old Forest and Tom Bombadil includes the fabulous Fatty Lumpkin. Never Forget)

[@williamgordon4503]

I remember reading of Bill's parting in FOTR and even with Gandalf powerful words for him, I felt sad and afraid for the pony. I had almost forgot about him until Sam and Bill were reunited. Thank you J.R.R.

[@oisinofthefianna3246]

Always thought there was a great story in Bill the Pony! Who knows how his wanderings affected the mission of the fellowship. Could be a great kid story.

[@NutritionImpossible]

The bloopers are lovely. I haven't done any scientific testing, but I'm 99% certain your laughter could act as an antidepressant.

[@Groovegandalf]

This is fantastic. Bill is finally getting the credit he so rightfully earned.

[@hilarywhite2953]

This has to be your best one yet. And of immense - one might say cosmic - significance. Thank you for this.

[@itsbenj]

adorbs. I love how he's not even actually ever a horse, he's just always gonna be a pony.

[@gillisleathwood1223]

“It may be argued that, in the case of the nine walkers vs the nine riders he tipped the balance.” Anyone else imagining Bill mule kicking a Nazgul in the head?

[@rollochairbreaker230]

The witch king: No man can kill me, but that thing... *Bill the pony* It scares me.

[@charlessegale6493]

Finally, the greatest character to ever grace the pages of a JRR Tolkien novel! Without Bill, many legs of the journey to destroy the Ring would have proved impossible and the Scouring of the Shire would not have even begun!

[@DavidWesley]

Brilliant. Powers doubled. 🤣

[@stevedenis8292]

Well we have had one story about bill the pony what about a second story of bill the pony. Laughing at the end nice touch . Never forget the little side characters that did their part .

[@srimadhumithra2330]

The most important Character.. Of course there are others.. But Bill... Thanks Yoystan!

[@megteg]

MVP Bill the Pony. This is my fav video youve done so far. What a journey I took with this little character. Seriously this video is fantastic

[@Leonhardt_Nukryst]

Bill was like Shaggy: He only used 0.000000001% of his power.

[@shadowofchaos8932]

Did Bill the pony have any offspring? The tales of Bill the great surviving the wilds.

[@MenoftheWest]

That's a great question, I would certainly hope! Since Sam had many children, perhaps Bill did as well? And like the Mearas with the line of the kings of Rohan, the line of Bill went on with the line of Gardner (Gamgee)!

[@shadowofchaos8932]

@@MenoftheWest and pass on the knowledge of the Horses of Rivendell. That was what I was thinking.

[@briangarrow448]

Of course he did. I have owned a couple of mares that were from his line. Fine beasts, and a might bit smarter than many a man, and a few hobbits I’ve known.

[@davidhenneberg2661]

In the cartoon version it made me sad that bill was taken down by the Watcher in the water oh, poor Bill

[@geviesanta3631]

Wait a minute, I never saw that video coming lol! A surprise topic to be sure, but a satisfying one.

[@kaank5921]

Did you mean: Bill the Pony - Legendary Character History

[@CynthiaWarren]

I commend you for being able to tell Bill's story that way with a straight face long enough to record this. Especially considering the bloopers at the end, where you couldn't help yourself and laughed. Bill is incredibly special. But I think a large part of what made him so special was his ability to come back stronger from Bill Ferny's abuse after the Hobbits bought him. That travelling in the Wild was so beneficial to him speaks to how badly Bill Ferny treated him. And Sam's care was also a big help in teaching him that not everyone would mistreat him.

[@margaretann59]

One of your best videos ever! Bill is certainly EPIC!! Thank you, Yoyston.

[@georgejcox9241]

What A true hero of the T.A. Bill the Pony. And its about time Bill got some love from the Lord Of Rings fans.

[@disht1]

The single most important video you have ever made.

[@bballjulien]

Lol I forgot thats how Bill got his name. But Yosten, "one" of the greatest ponies of the age? Cmon THE greatest pony.

[@tmage7042]

havent listened yet but plan on doing so... who on earth gives this video a thumbs down? A thumbs down for poor old Bill? Shame on you.

[@neildaly2635]

I would say Bill’s epic journey from the gates of Moria to Bree was second only to Frodo and Sam. The time in Rivendell clearly helped him.

[@Steel-101]

Bill the pony. So he’s the Mr. Ed of middle earth? Lol 😆 Edit: it bums me out that not a lot of people will understand this reference lol 😆. And yes I know bill can’t actually talk

[@DamonNomad82]

My grandpa liked to watch reruns of Mr. Ed, so I got the reference. I had a good chuckle!

[@jonnygranville281]

I loooooved Mr Ed. The theme song was the best. 🎵A horse is a horse of course of course and no one can talk to horse of course, unless of course the horse is the FAMOUS MR. ED!!🎵

[@ericwaxman6437]

Who does not know the magnificent Mr Ed; hero of the age of the sixties. Chief horse in the days of Camelot.

[@HexproofAnarchist]

Hello, Wilbur!

[@elizabeths50]

I got it and that was funny! LOL He's a horse of course.....

[@SharonKofoed]

LOVE this!!! Bill the Pony is a great character! And love the bloopers at the end :P

[@johanberggren4692]

I just started watching but I already know this will be this channel’s greatest video.

[@scottcameron174]

I had to check the date to make sure it wasn't April 1st

[@paolocostaimori]

What Sam wrote in the Red Book: "Mines are no place for pony". What Gandalf really said: " come on mate, give Sauron a chance there"

[@codygrimit9676]

EPIC character history is an understatement

[@ericajones6316]

I have never clicked on a video so fast in my life . I would say bill is my favorite character in tolkien's books

[@n00n87]

You released another video on Bill and I immediately thought it was already April Fools Day. I tell you to stop disrespecting my man Bill Ferny (the pony).

[@LEGOMANIAC419]

This sounds like an April fool's joke, but then I remembered it was for Bill the pony, and I laughed.

[@richstex4736]

Well done. Though it's been 40+ yrs. since I read the Trilogy, your insight made me see Bill w/a completely different understanding of his complexity of character & his place in Middle-Earth history.

[@aragorn1079]

He protec He attac But most importantly He carried the fellowship on his back

[@CoramDeogenua]

Bill, the hero.

[@sethmiller2534]

Many literary experts often portray a horse as a majestic strong creature carrying immense burdens and being of a calm and soothing nature. Bill was quite a picture of this, but unraveling these characteristics we clearly just see a strong and wonderful being no matter the creature and body that holds it. You share in these characteristics and attributes, and are the highest shining image of them in this world. Yoystan, great you are!

[@barrylucas8679]

A very sweet chapter addition, thankyou

[@huanhoundofthevailinor2374]

At least this time he didn't get the ring 😂

[@andremccormick2680]

It finally happened! My Boi Bill finally got the spotlight. Legendary pony of the third age!

[@zintosion]

It's awesome that Tolkien reunite Bill with Sam in the end there

[@geviesanta3631]

The last time I was here on time, was when I think of Bill the pony saying to himself, "oh yeah, it's coming together." 😂😂😂

[@catherinewhite2943]

This was just wonderful; thank you!

[@bobschenkel7921]

Probably the being with the most trustworthy of characters, except maybe Samwise himself, in Middle Earth. And one of your best character histories yet, with a little tongue-in-cheek humor to boot. Well done.

[@generalkenobi7148]

Hello There! Happy Sunday!

[@songohan4668]

This is the best video /ever/ about a great yet highly ignored hero. Long live Bill The Great! 🐴

[@briana208]

This sincerely got me choked up and teary eyed. I love bill the pony and his overlooked heroics:)

[@aigenproductions6]

What a beast! Without him everything would have failed! When I’m older I want to be like him! Pure legend.

[@The_Bashar]

😭 you are too cruel. I can't stop crying over your eloquence in hyperbolic telling of such great a character. Thank you. 😭

[@SuicV]

"His powers had doubled since the last time they had met" right after mentioning Chritoph... I mean, Saruman. I see what you did there