With which Human culture of Middle Earth do you have the greatest affinity? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

littlemanpoet · 11-30-2007, 10:54 AM

I am including Hobbits as well as Dúnedain under the broad heading of Human. I am also limiting the cultures to those extant (perhaps in a general sense) in the Second & Third Ages.

Please give a "why" for your answer.

Legate of Amon Lanc · 11-30-2007, 11:20 AM

I could start with saying once again by being picky and saying that you are not very precise. Where are the Drúedain? And I'm not sure you can mix Umbarean and Haradrim together. What about the men from the White Mountains? And what about Enedwaith/Minhiriath folk, do they count among Eriadorean? The Enedwaith folk from the Second Age should be counted as separate, I believe, and someone could identify themselves with them. But no, I believe for the basic it suffices. Well, maybe indeed except for the Drúedain. That may really seem missing to someone.

And what about Beornings? Do you count them amongst Northerners? And Woodmen, also?

(Oh no, please, don't get me wrong, elempi, it's not supposed to be anything bad against you. These threads are great. But I just have to say these things because I consider them important. At least for me. Maybe others are not as picky, but if there are more people like me, the more importantly should I mention it. "Constructive criticism", you may call it.)

Personally, since this thread is not about what do you feel you are but with what do you have the greatest affinity, I'm for the Northerners. If you mean by it the men of Lake-Town and Dale, and also the Woodmen, then definitely. Certainly not the Northerners like Eorlings (and you do well to discern them), but these are very nice folks. I feel very close to both Woodmen and the men of Lake-Town and the men from Dale.

mormegil · 11-30-2007, 02:32 PM

I voted Numenoreans mainly because of their religious aspect. Obviously I refer to the earlier Numenoreans than the latter, but their devotion is something I admire and try to acheive in my own life. I also seem them in a cycle similar to many of us in our own lives of the highs and lows, of course, theirs is an extreme but illustrative nonetheless.

Groin Redbeard · 11-30-2007, 03:12 PM

I think I feel that I always was more of a northener at heart. I love the forests and rivers, and I like simple people who you can relate to. From what I remember from the Hobbit I think that resembles the people of the North-East best.

Meneltarmacil · 11-30-2007, 03:21 PM

Probably the Rangers. I'm the kind of person that has several long-term friends that are not too well acquainted with every aspect of me (there's always something they don't know) and who just likes to travel for no particular reason.

McCaber · 11-30-2007, 03:44 PM

Definitely the Eorlingas. I like their culture, emphasizing the warrior spirit and heroism.

littlemanpoet · 12-03-2007, 06:59 PM

Just a little reminder:

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Please give a "why" for your answer.

MatthewM · 12-05-2007, 10:59 PM

Oh. Well, I would definitely be a Gondorian because I can picture myself living within the walls of Minas Tirith. I love the area. The spirit of the Gondorian race seems most true to me. Warriors with artistic ideals and love for lore and history...right up my alley. I do not know if those attributes are stated anywhere in specific, Tolkien probably wrote something about them in the Letters (I feel like I have read it), and although I'm sure other cultures hold the same ideas, I feel the closest affinity to Gondor. Boromir being my favorite character probably has something to do with it as well.

Farael · 12-05-2007, 11:20 PM

I voted for the Numenorean peoples. While Mrom has a valid point when mentioning their religious aspect, what I admire the most is their artistic/scientific values. They grew beyond the limits and expectations of what lesser men could have achieved and that's something that in a way, is happening today and so I feel Numenor like a great analogy of our modern times

Not to mention the everpresent shadow in the later years of Numenor....

Quempel · 12-06-2007, 09:49 AM

I choose Hobbit. Because Hobbits rule and others drool, or vice versa. Anyway I have more Hobbitty traits, I like food, I like to stay home and hang with my hobbity buds and would rather not go on any dangerous adventures. But if I have too I can complete extraordinary tasks to save those I love.

Ghazi · 12-11-2007, 04:27 PM

The Shire

I can sympathize with both the Dunlendings and Haradrim who have legitimate and long-standing grievances against the Numenoreans/Realms-in-Exile and the Rohirrim. However, I'd feel most comfortable in the Shire.

View Poll Results: With which Human culture of Middle Earth do you have the greatest affinity?
Númenorian (2nd age)	3	17.65%
Gondorian	3	17.65%
Umbarian (southern)	1	5.88%
Easterling (eastern)	0	0%
Eorling	3	17.65%
Dunlending	0	0%
Eriadorian (west of the Misty Mountains, including Bree)	1	5.88%
Northern (east of the Misty Mountains)	3	17.65%
The Shire	2	11.76%
Dúnedain (3rd age)	1	5.88%
Voters: 17. You may not vote on this poll

11-30-2007, 10:54 AM	#1
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	With which Human culture of Middle Earth do you have the greatest affinity? I am including Hobbits as well as Dúnedain under the broad heading of Human. I am also limiting the cultures to those extant (perhaps in a general sense) in the Second & Third Ages. Please give a "why" for your answer. Last edited by littlemanpoet; 11-30-2007 at 11:01 AM.

11-30-2007, 11:20 AM	#2
Legate of Amon Lanc A Voice That Gainsayeth Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: In that far land beyond the Sea Posts: 7,431	I could start with saying once again by being picky and saying that you are not very precise. Where are the Drúedain? And I'm not sure you can mix Umbarean and Haradrim together. What about the men from the White Mountains? And what about Enedwaith/Minhiriath folk, do they count among Eriadorean? The Enedwaith folk from the Second Age should be counted as separate, I believe, and someone could identify themselves with them. But no, I believe for the basic it suffices. Well, maybe indeed except for the Drúedain. That may really seem missing to someone. And what about Beornings? Do you count them amongst Northerners? And Woodmen, also? (Oh no, please, don't get me wrong, elempi, it's not supposed to be anything bad against you. These threads are great. But I just have to say these things because I consider them important. At least for me. Maybe others are not as picky, but if there are more people like me, the more importantly should I mention it. "Constructive criticism", you may call it.) Personally, since this thread is not about what do you feel you are but with what do you have the greatest affinity, I'm for the Northerners. If you mean by it the men of Lake-Town and Dale, and also the Woodmen, then definitely. Certainly not the Northerners like Eorlings (and you do well to discern them), but these are very nice folks. I feel very close to both Woodmen and the men of Lake-Town and the men from Dale. __________________ "Should the story say 'he ate bread,' the dramatic producer can only show 'a piece of bread' according to his taste or fancy, but the hearer of the story will think of bread in general and picture it in some form of his own." -On Fairy-Stories

11-30-2007, 02:32 PM	#3
mormegil Maundering Mage Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 4,651	I voted Numenoreans mainly because of their religious aspect. Obviously I refer to the earlier Numenoreans than the latter, but their devotion is something I admire and try to acheive in my own life. I also seem them in a cycle similar to many of us in our own lives of the highs and lows, of course, theirs is an extreme but illustrative nonetheless. __________________ “I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

11-30-2007, 03:12 PM	#4
Groin Redbeard Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Facing the world's troubles with Christ's hope! Posts: 1,635	I think I feel that I always was more of a northener at heart. I love the forests and rivers, and I like simple people who you can relate to. From what I remember from the Hobbit I think that resembles the people of the North-East best. __________________ I heard the bells on Christmas Day. Their old, familiar carols play. And wild and sweet the words repeatof peace on earth, good-will to men! ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

11-30-2007, 03:21 PM	#5
Meneltarmacil Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The bottom of the ocean, discussing philosophy with a giant squid Posts: 2,254	Probably the Rangers. I'm the kind of person that has several long-term friends that are not too well acquainted with every aspect of me (there's always something they don't know) and who just likes to travel for no particular reason. __________________ I ♣ baby seals.

11-30-2007, 03:44 PM	#6
McCaber Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Skyrim, again. Posts: 820	Definitely the Eorlingas. I like their culture, emphasizing the warrior spirit and heroism.

12-05-2007, 10:59 PM	#8
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Oh. Well, I would definitely be a Gondorian because I can picture myself living within the walls of Minas Tirith. I love the area. The spirit of the Gondorian race seems most true to me. Warriors with artistic ideals and love for lore and history...right up my alley. I do not know if those attributes are stated anywhere in specific, Tolkien probably wrote something about them in the Letters (I feel like I have read it), and although I'm sure other cultures hold the same ideas, I feel the closest affinity to Gondor. Boromir being my favorite character probably has something to do with it as well. __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring

12-05-2007, 11:20 PM	#9
Farael Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: In hospitals, call rooms and (rarely) my apartment. Posts: 1,538	I voted for the Numenorean peoples. While Mrom has a valid point when mentioning their religious aspect, what I admire the most is their artistic/scientific values. They grew beyond the limits and expectations of what lesser men could have achieved and that's something that in a way, is happening today and so I feel Numenor like a great analogy of our modern times Not to mention the everpresent shadow in the later years of Numenor.... __________________ I prepared Explosive Runes this morning.

12-06-2007, 09:49 AM	#10
Quempel Haunting Spirit Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: In a flower Posts: 97	I choose Hobbit. Because Hobbits rule and others drool, or vice versa. Anyway I have more Hobbitty traits, I like food, I like to stay home and hang with my hobbity buds and would rather not go on any dangerous adventures. But if I have too I can complete extraordinary tasks to save those I love. __________________ Lurking behind Uncle Fester

12-11-2007, 04:27 PM	#11
Ghazi Haunting Spirit Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 57	The Shire I can sympathize with both the Dunlendings and Haradrim who have legitimate and long-standing grievances against the Numenoreans/Realms-in-Exile and the Rohirrim. However, I'd feel most comfortable in the Shire.