Merry returns from Rohan with a magic horn, brought from the North by Eorl the Young, founder of Rohan, from the dragon-hoard of Scatha the Worm. The horn, he explains, is "a magic one, though only modestly so": blowing it brings joy to his friends in arms, fear to his enemies, and it awakens the Hobbits to purify the Shire of Saruman's ruffians. Shippey suggests that Tolkien wished to do the same for England, and notes that with his novels he at least succeeded in bringing joy.
Merry returns from Rohan with a magic horn, gifted by Eorl the Young, founder of Rohan, from the dragon hoard of Scatha the Worm. The horn is described as "a magic one, though only modestly so," and its use brings joy to Merry's companions, fear to his enemies, and awakens the Hobbits to cleanse the Shire of Saruman's evil forces. Shippey suggests that Tolkien intended to do the same for England with his novels, which ultimately brought joy to readers.