The Lord of the Rings/Hobbit - Fanlore

Hobbit is a self-descriptive term used by a race originating in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth -verse. Hobbits first appear on the scene in Tolkien's book of the same name (The Hobbit), which chronicles the journey of reluctant adventurer Bilbo Baggins. In the Lord of the Rings, readers come to know hobbits in more detail, as they follow the paths of four hobbits (Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took) through many of the lands of Middle-earth, on a great and perilous journey.

Hobbits (sometimes referred to as "Halflings" by other races) are quiet and surprisingly tough creatures; although they prefer home, hearth and comfort, they are able to endure great hardships and privations, both mental and physical. In appearance they look much like Men, with a few notable differences. Most obvious of these is height, for an adult hobbit is roughly half the size of an adult male (with a few exceptions). They are also somewhat hairier than Men, having soft, curling hair on the tops of their feet, and they go barefoot at almost all times and through almost all weathers. Their feet, as a result, are tough and strong. They enjoy good food and good music, and although they are by no means as covetous as Dwarves, hobbits do like clever, pretty, useful things. Hobbits are notable farmers and crafters, and cultivate such crops as flourish in their climate (moderate, with cold but rarely brutal winters). Hobbits claim to be the first race to have indulged in smoking pipeweed, and certainly they grow some of the most sought-after versions of this plant.

Hobbits and Fandom

• Many Lord of the Rings fans are primarily fans of hobbits and may have little contact with fans of Men and Elves. Archives, mailing lists, challenges, and communities have been run specifically for hobbitfic.
• Most fan activity focuses on the Travellers, the four hobbit characters who went on the Quest. Frodo/Sam and Merry/Pippin are popular slash pairings but many fans prefer gen, including fic about Frodo's relationship with his adopted "Uncle" Bilbo. Fics may be labeled pre-Quest (tending to be fluffier), Quest (action/adventure), or post-Quest (angsty!). Other fans are interested in hobbit society, including the lives of minor hobbit characters (such as Rosie Cotton, Fatty Bolger, and names on the family trees) during the Troubles, the year the Travellers went away and the Shire was occupied by Saruman and his henchmen.
• Fans often say they identify with hobbits for their good humor and enjoyment of food, drink, pipeweed, and other simple pleasures. They also take inspiration from hobbits' courage in dire situations. Connie Marie contrasted Frodo's strength with that of traditional action heroes in the essay One Step More: The Heroism Of Frodo Baggins.

Notable Hobbit Fanfic

• Pretty Good Year by Mary Borsellino
• Rites of Passage by Willow-Wode

Links

• Thain's Book - A Guide to Middle-earth

TBC.