L.O.T.R. - Hobbits

Hobbits like comfort, a simple life, and a warm hearth in the winter. They have become complacent and forgot what it means to struggle for existence. It has been said that Tolkien's depiction of Hobbits is a comment on the way the post-World War I people view themselves. They think the outside world is none of their business. But then Germany invades Poland and suddenly the outside world is right there on their doorstep.

Hobbits are so interesting because they are amazing. They can be all wrapped up in their gossipy little politics but when the pinch is on they show what they are truly made of. Sam is the real hero of The Lord of the Rings because he doesn't falter. He represents all Hobbits everywhere when he staunchly walks beside Frodo up the hillside of Mount Doom. And Hobbits still dream about small things: warm home, good food, good friends.

If a Hobbit had been sitting around the campfire in that movie when the barbarian asked what is good in life, he would have been surprised by the Hobbit's answer: "A good ale, six meals a day, and an invitation to Mr. Bilbo's Party." Hobbits win the war because no one understands them. Everything thinks their preference for food and comfort means they cannot take up the great struggles. But they do as well or better than Elves and Men. Isn't that what makes them great?

J.R.R. Tolkien invented Hobbits to amuse his children but he also wanted to amuse himself. Hobbits poke fun at themselves and at the English people they resemble. Children will see the sillier side of things but adults see the ironic jests. The self-assured Sandyman scores a point against Sam in a ridiculous argument by using false logic. How often do we see people do the same thing?

J.R.R. Tolkien called himself a Hobbit. But the truth is that we are Hobbits and everything we do is what Hobbits would do in similar circumstances. They would have invented railroads if only because they had to move so many people across the Shire at one time. They would have built factories if only because they had to feed so many people. But deep down inside Hobbits differ from us in one small way: they are more likely to do what is right than to do what is wrong. Not because they cannot be evil. Gollum was a Hobbit who turned to evil. It is just that Hobbits don't have any ambition to rule the world. And that is the real reason why the One Ring's doom was sealed when it was picked up by a Hobbit.