Lighting up... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Osse · 02-07-2004, 12:52 AM

I am sorry to say this, and also sorry to drag the topic back a few posts, but I must say I find the idea of the shire being inspired or even similar to kentucky, well absurd... if we live within our own countries, sure we shall find a region that resembles the shire somewhat. For instance I could state that the shire must be inspired by South Australia, because people there (in times of yore) used to smoke pipes, and had odd names... this must be true because there was certainly an australian studying under tolkien at some time in his long career.

Sorry guys, but the shire was inspired by tolkiens english childhood, not by s kentuckian he knew! -Where do you think these kentuckians got these habits, where do you think most american traits come from?

In regards to why the hobbits arent dying of lung cancer; in tolkiens time, any sickness or ill-health was generally not linked to their smoking... it was only recently that people admitted that smoking was anything but good for you. Smoking was a hobby, as was drinking, something for recreation... not something addictive or negative like today.- Thus all the positive aspects were reflected in the hobbits habits.

In reply to the lack of death in the shire... I agree, I just cannot image hobbits at a funeral, perhaps something like the feast they gave bilbo... a celebration of someones life, but certainly not mourning...

Regards to All, especially my Kentuckian comrades,

Osse

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 2:10 AM February 07, 2004: Message edited by: Osse ]

02-07-2004, 12:52 AM	#21
Osse Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Encircling Sea, deciding which ship to ruin next...could be yours. Posts: 274	I am sorry to say this, and also sorry to drag the topic back a few posts, but I must say I find the idea of the shire being inspired or even similar to kentucky, well absurd... if we live within our own countries, sure we shall find a region that resembles the shire somewhat. For instance I could state that the shire must be inspired by South Australia, because people there (in times of yore) used to smoke pipes, and had odd names... this must be true because there was certainly an australian studying under tolkien at some time in his long career. Sorry guys, but the shire was inspired by tolkiens english childhood, not by s kentuckian he knew! -Where do you think these kentuckians got these habits, where do you think most american traits come from? In regards to why the hobbits arent dying of lung cancer; in tolkiens time, any sickness or ill-health was generally not linked to their smoking... it was only recently that people admitted that smoking was anything but good for you. Smoking was a hobby, as was drinking, something for recreation... not something addictive or negative like today.- Thus all the positive aspects were reflected in the hobbits habits. In reply to the lack of death in the shire... I agree, I just cannot image hobbits at a funeral, perhaps something like the feast they gave bilbo... a celebration of someones life, but certainly not mourning... Regards to All, especially my Kentuckian comrades, Osse <font size=1 color=339966>[ 2:10 AM February 07, 2004: Message edited by: Osse ] __________________ 'A thinking tyrant, it seemed to Vetinari, had a much harder job than a ruler raised to power by some idiot system like democracy. At least HE could tell the people he was THEIR fault.'