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Birdland · 05-31-2002, 09:57 PM

I have to sadly agree with all of the statements posted above. Actually, coming to a board like this and hearing from so many younger people, who obviously DO have an interest in history, languages, and mythology has restored my faith somewhat in the this generation. (I hope you are not as rare a breed as you seem to be stating.)

I could go on and on with this topic, but the main theory I'd like to put forward is that the denizens of the Shire have always impressed me as being - well - rather "American" in their attitudes and interests. They are a comfortable, insulated, and well-off country, set in the middle of a dangerous and threatened world. They have little or no interest in the going-ons of anything outside of The Shire, and they have very little idea of their own history beyond the time that their ancestors arrived in Eriador, let alone other cultures. And even that has been reduced down to tracing family trees. They've even forgotten their own language! Bilbo and Frodo were definitely the exception, with their interest in history and other cultures around them.

Now Tolkien explains this away by stating that Hobbits were originally a rather primitive race of hunter-gatherers in their ancient past, and had no written records of their origins, beliefs, or history. This has always struck me as one of the few false notes to Tolkien's mythology. Even so-called primitive cultures always have a rich oral history, which is handed down through the generations.

Is it possible that; as the Halflings settled and prospered in their new home, and gave up their "wandering ways", that they rejected their own history, and let what knowledge they had of themselves "die out"?

Oh, one more point (in a totally different direction). Isn't it interesting that Sam, the lower-class son of working parents, had more of an interest in "education", then the upper class, well-established Tooks and Brandybucks? And it wasn't viewed as a way to ingratiate himself to his "betters" or raise himself up. It was a pure love of knowledge that he regarded as a precious gift, and his one source of pride.

[ May 31, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]

05-31-2002, 09:57 PM	#7
Birdland Ghastly Neekerbreeker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the banks of the mighty Scioto Posts: 1,751	I have to sadly agree with all of the statements posted above. Actually, coming to a board like this and hearing from so many younger people, who obviously DO have an interest in history, languages, and mythology has restored my faith somewhat in the this generation. (I hope you are not as rare a breed as you seem to be stating.) I could go on and on with this topic, but the main theory I'd like to put forward is that the denizens of the Shire have always impressed me as being - well - rather "American" in their attitudes and interests. They are a comfortable, insulated, and well-off country, set in the middle of a dangerous and threatened world. They have little or no interest in the going-ons of anything outside of The Shire, and they have very little idea of their own history beyond the time that their ancestors arrived in Eriador, let alone other cultures. And even that has been reduced down to tracing family trees. They've even forgotten their own language! Bilbo and Frodo were definitely the exception, with their interest in history and other cultures around them. Now Tolkien explains this away by stating that Hobbits were originally a rather primitive race of hunter-gatherers in their ancient past, and had no written records of their origins, beliefs, or history. This has always struck me as one of the few false notes to Tolkien's mythology. Even so-called primitive cultures always have a rich oral history, which is handed down through the generations. Is it possible that; as the Halflings settled and prospered in their new home, and gave up their "wandering ways", that they rejected their own history, and let what knowledge they had of themselves "die out"? Oh, one more point (in a totally different direction). Isn't it interesting that Sam, the lower-class son of working parents, had more of an interest in "education", then the upper class, well-established Tooks and Brandybucks? And it wasn't viewed as a way to ingratiate himself to his "betters" or raise himself up. It was a pure love of knowledge that he regarded as a precious gift, and his one source of pride. [ May 31, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]