It's also very pre-modern. The mythical societies Tolkien is writing about don't have political correctness yet. Emphasis on bloodline was a fact of life until a few hundred years ago, except in very select cases (Rome, I believe, had a couple of emperors descended from slaves).
But while major characters are either noble or sent by their masters (Gandalf- who was a servant, after all; Sam), minor characters from more ordinary families are pretty important to some parts of the story. Ioreth comes to mind.
__________________
The seasons fall like silver swords, the years rush ever onward; and soon I sail, to leave this world, these lands where I have wander'd. O Elbereth! O Queen who dwells beyond the Western Seas, spare me yet a little time 'ere white ships come for me!
|