Despite the enthusiasm of Merry and Pippin to be buried with Viggo Mortensen, Aragorn star expresses reservations about their unusual request

The Lord of the Rings franchise has enchanted audiences worldwide with its masterful storytelling and breathtaking visuals across three epic adventure films. At the heart of this fantastical journey lies Aragorn, portrayed by the talented Viggo Mortensen, embodying the noble lineage and resolute spirit of the ancient king of Gondor.

Recently, two beloved actors Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd, who portrayed the lovable hobbits Merry and Pippin respectively, have stirred up quite a buzz with their whimsical desire.
Viggo Mortensen as Aragon
They desired to be laid to rest alongside the fictional king they so adored, Aragorn. However, Mortensen did not find himself enticed by the prospect of becoming a real-life burial companion to his former co-stars.
As a result, Monaghan and Boyd’s fanciful notion sparked excitement among fans.

Hobbits’ Sentimental Bond with Viggo Mortensen’s Aragorn Extends Beyond the Screen

Lord of the Rings
In celebration of the momentous 20th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings cinematic trilogy, the quartet of actors portraying the endearing hobbits has gathered on the convention circuit. Amidst the buzz of admiration from devoted fans, they’ve illuminated the close-knit bonds during the filming process and the enduring friendships that have endured long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Among these cherished memories, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd, affectionately known as Merry and Pippin, have revealed a deeply sentimental aspiration. They wished to be interred alongside Viggo Mortensen, the actor who embodied the noble Aragorn.

Their unconventional request draws inspiration from the profound themes woven throughout J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary masterpiece. However, this particular storyline regrettably is left unexplored in the cinematic retelling of the epic tale.
Dominic Monaghan told (via Instagram),

“I don’t know if you guys are aware but in the appendices, Merry and Pippin – after everything calms down, and there’s the scouring of the shire and they go to visit their families – they go off and they go and see Aragorn. And Merry and Pippin are actually buried with Aragorn.”

So, it seems, amidst the multiple conclusions of The Return of the King, there was little room to delve into the intricacies of friendship and loyalty that define the hobbits’ connection to Aragorn. Yet, for Monaghan and Boyd, this unfulfilled aspect of Tolkien’s narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the deeper emotional resonance they nourished with Mortensen.

Their proposal, though unconventional, speaks volumes about the enduring impact of their shared experiences on and off-screen. For Monaghan and Boyd, to be laid to rest beside Mortensen would be a fitting tribute to the enduring bonds forged amidst the trials and triumphs of their cinematic journey.

Viggo Mortensen’s Refused Hobbits’ Unconventional Burial Wish

Viggo Mortensen in The Lord of the Rings
Merry and Pippin aka Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd has openly divulged their desire to be laid to rest beside Viggo Mortensen. However, despite their earnest pleas, Aragorn star Viggo Mortensen’s response remains elusive with his palpable hesitation.

Monaghan said,

“We’ve been pitching to Viggo that in our actual deaths, Billy and I would like to be just… laid down next to him. Now, Billy and I are 100% in. Viggo I would say – probably 12 or 13%?”

Billy Boyd then stated,

‘”Over my dead body,’ he said. And we were like; ‘well, that’s actually how we want it.’ He then said that he’s 100% out, but we’ll keep asking him. Yeah, we’ll get him. He’ll be dead. He’ll die waaaaaay before us. So he’ll have no idea.”

Undeterred by Mortensen’s initial reluctance, Monaghan and Boyd persist in their efforts to sway the esteemed actor to embrace their unconventional vision.

This amusing anecdote, shared amongst the Lord of the Rings cast, adds a delightful touch to the commemoration of the trilogy’s 20th anniversary, further enhancing the nostalgic celebration. It underscores the depth of affection and camaraderie shared among the ensemble, transcending the boundaries of fiction to touch upon the realm of genuine friendship.