Merry and Pippin belong to the fictional people called Hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
Meriadoc Brandybuck, usually called Merry, and Peregrin Took, usually called Pippin, begin the story as inhabitants of the Shire. They join Frodo Baggins’s journey and become members of the Fellowship of the Ring. Their early characterization emphasizes comfort, food, friendship, and curiosity, but both characters undergo major changes during the War of the Ring.
Merry helps defeat the Witch-king of Angmar alongside Éowyn, while Pippin becomes closely involved with the defense of Minas Tirith. Their adventures also lead them to Fangorn Forest, where they encounter Treebeard and the Ents.
Hobbits are distinct from Men, Elves, and Dwarves, although they are related to Men within Tolkien’s fictional history. The word “halfling” is sometimes used for them, but that is a descriptive term rather than the name of their people.