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Originally Posted by Inziladun
To be fair, I think it's important to recall by what means the Shire was allowed to remain so "idyllic" and peaceful. It was constantly watched and guarded by the Rangers, not to mention the special interest and love Gandalf had for it. It's clear from the books that the Hobbits were able to develop such a singular society only through the vigilance and military efforts of many, from the Rangers who kept an eye on Eriador, to the Rohirrim who guarded the Gap, to Gondor which held the frontier of the West against the Orcs and Men loyal to Sauron.
The other, more "realistic" peoples of Middle-earth are themselves beset by dangers and forced to take thought for the own defense. As far as I know, the Shirefolk and their kin in Bree are the only ones who enjoy such daily tranquility.
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Maybe it was their peaceful way of living that caused Gandalf to take a special interest in The Shire? I say they had a peaceful way of living rather than a 'peaceful nature' as there have been some fierce Hobbits!
I wonder exactly
why this area was guarded though? As a possible retreat in case Mordor eventually overcame Gondor/Rohan? Or to protect the road to the west? I think that the presence of the road, and continual movement of people such as Dwarves and Elves may also have had a benefit to the Shire.
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Well, the Rings of Power were not entirely good, as they did seek to impart to the wearer abilities beyond their native means, but at least the Three had good intentions behind their making.
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It wasn't just the Rings, but also the Elessar, which was made as a love gift for Galadriel. I don't think you could argue that there was even the slightest bit of malice intended in the crafting of it.