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Brandywine in Literature, History, and Art. Photo by Teresa Knudsen.
Written by Teresa Knudsen. First published on Suite 101 October 07, 2009.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Brandywine in Literature, History, and Art

The word "brandy" is short for "brandy-wine." The Oxford English Dictionary notes that the term "brandy-wine is derived from the Dutch word brande-wijn, meaning "burnt wine."

Brandywine in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

In J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, the Brandywine River and Bridge are described. In the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring. The Brandywine River, or Baranduin, flows through the eastern section of the Shire. This is the river that Frodo and his friends cross, using the East Road as it crossed the Brandywine Bridge, on the way to Bree and The Prancing Pony tavern.

The Brandywine served as a sort of border for the hobbits. Hobbiton was on the west side of the river, and hobbits looked suspiciously on those living on the east side of the river, "the wrong side of the Brandywine River," as stated by Sam Gamgee's next door neighbor, Daddy Twofoot.

The Lion in Winter and Brandy Wine

James Goldman's play and film The Lion in Winter takes place during Christmas in the year 1183.

Henry II (Peter O'Toole) is king of British lands, including much of France. He and his estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn) argue about which of their three sons will inherit the British throne and accompanying lands in France. Henry wants John (Nigel Terry), Eleanor wants Richard, (Anthony Hopkins) and nobody wants Geoffrey (John Castle).

One of the most famous scenes in the filmed version takes place in the bedchamber of the King of France, Philip II (Timothy Dalton). After John and Geoffrey visit Philip to offer their services and betray their brother, they hide in tapestries when Richard knocks at the door.
Upon entering, Richard is offered some brandy wine for refreshment.
Philip states, "Our alchemists have stumbled on the art of boiling burgandy. It turns to steam, and when it cools, we call it brandywine."

Shortly after an intimate conversation between Philip and Richard, there is another knock at the door, sending Richard to another tapestry, with John and Geoffrey still hidden.

It is Henry II, coming to discuss strategy with Philip.
As they are talking, Henry pours himself a drink and asks, "More brandy wine?"
Philip replies, "You recognize it?"
Henry answers, "They were boiling it in Ireland before the snakes left."

According to the "I Like Wine" website, brandy wine, now known as "brandy" is one of the best ways to enjoy wine. "In its finest form that of a matured fine Champagne of anything from fifty to ninety years surely no liquid under heaven can compare with it!

Battle of the Brandywine, fought on September 11, 1777 at Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania

In the second year of the American Revolution, British General William Howe and his troops were headed north from the Chesapeake Bay area, with the goal of capturing Philadelphia. George Washington decided to defend Philadelphia by placing his troops at Chadds Ford, a popular crossing of the Brandywine Creek, or River, on the pike, or road, between Baltimore and Philadelphia.

However, Howe set up a diversion, sending some of the troops to Chadds Ford, where Washington expected the British, but ordering the bulk of the troops north, where they crossed the Brandywine, and then marched south, in a surprise attack the American troops.

Washington lost many men and the battle on that hot day on the Brandywine. He was unable to prevent the British takeover of Philadelphia on September 26, 1777.

Despite these setbacks, the colonial troops kept their spirit, certain that inaccurate field reports and the overpowering number of British forces were the cause for the loss.

The Brandywine School of Art, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

Howard Pyle (1853-1911) is called the Father of American Illustration. Pyle earned this reputation especially for an art school he founded in the Brandywine Valley in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania.near his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.

Entranced by the beauty of the Brandywine Creek and rolling, wooded hills, Pyle was also captivated by the Revolutionary War history, especially of the Brandywine Battlefield. One of the most famous pieces of art inspired by the Brandywine Battlefield is Pyle's oil painting, The Nation Makers, 1903.

During the years 1898 to 1902, Pyle taught students during sunners near the town of Chadd's Ford. Here is the advice he gave his students: “Live in your picture, become one with it, feel its mood and action in every part of you.”

Pyle and his students excelled in the art of illustration, then so necessary for the growing publishing industry which still depended on drawings more than the new art of photography.

Pyle reportedly spent time by himself at the battle site, becoming so engaged that he imagined seeing a Revolutionary soldier. This experience inspired The Nation Makers, which captured the American colonial troops, dressed in clothes as tattered as the American flag they marched with.

Brandywine Winds Through Obscurity to Fame

Though many people might not be familiar with the Brandywine School of Art, the Brandywine Battlefield, and the term Brandywine for the more well-known brandy,it is Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and the Peter Jackson film Fellowship of the Ring, which has introduced the pretty name of "Brandywine" to modern culture. As time goes on, perhaps more people will learn of the other meanings of the word "Brandy wine."
References

• “Howard Pyle and Twilight Land.”
• "I Like Wine.com
• Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site
• Brandywine River
• Brandywine River Museum
• The Fellowship of the Ring. Film directed by Peter Jackson, 2001.
• Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1974.