Because Rivendell has a severe labor shortage. Hobbits, being willing to do all manner of work that Elves consider to be "beneath" them, are quietly encouraged to migrate East in search of the promise of a better life. Though they are no means encouraged to actually live in Rivendell. The hills around the Elven stronghold are dotted with old mobile homes and cinderblock apartment buildings that are letted out to the Hobbits by absentee Elven landlords in Valinor.
Aragorn gets about 500 silver pennies a head - up front - to guide Hobbits through the Wilderness to Rivendell. Though he is considered the best "warg" in those parts for the journey, he is quick to abandon his charges when things get dicy. The Weather Hills hide the scattered remains of many a poor hobbit who were ditched by Aragorn when the going got tough.
But still the Hobbits keep coming, seeking a small part of the "Elven dream".
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Why did Merry decide to help Eowyn slay the Witch King?
[ November 24, 2002: Message edited by: Birdland ]
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