Evolution Comes to Hobbiton - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Diamond18 · 11-16-2002, 07:32 PM

I just want to mention two things. Well, okay, three. The first being that I'm not going to pretend that I'm not confused (because I am, a little).

Secondly, Kalimac, you stated that perhaps the average life-span of a Hobbit is about 70. Conversly, Tolkien remarks that Frodo's parents died young, at 80.

In one of Tolkien's letters he spends a great deal of time writing about the gift-giving tradition of the Hobbits. It's actually very complicated. I can't quote the letter because I had to return the book to the library (and I didn't see it in the bookstore).

But in it Tolkien addressed the supposed differences between the Smeagol/Deagol culture and the Shire culture. He left me with the impression that there wasn't all that much of a difference; I mean, when you get down to the basics. In other words, they were still Hobbits.

Sorry I can't give the quote to back myself up. I knew I'd want to use that book again...

[ November 16, 2002: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]

11-16-2002, 07:32 PM	#3
Diamond18 Eidolon of a Took Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: my own private fantasy world Posts: 3,460	I just want to mention two things. Well, okay, three. The first being that I'm not going to pretend that I'm not confused (because I am, a little). Secondly, Kalimac, you stated that perhaps the average life-span of a Hobbit is about 70. Conversly, Tolkien remarks that Frodo's parents died young, at 80. In one of Tolkien's letters he spends a great deal of time writing about the gift-giving tradition of the Hobbits. It's actually very complicated. I can't quote the letter because I had to return the book to the library (and I didn't see it in the bookstore). But in it Tolkien addressed the supposed differences between the Smeagol/Deagol culture and the Shire culture. He left me with the impression that there wasn't all that much of a difference; I mean, when you get down to the basics. In other words, they were still Hobbits. Sorry I can't give the quote to back myself up. I knew I'd want to use that book again... [ November 16, 2002: Message edited by: Diamond18 ] __________________ All shall be rather fond of me and suffer from mild depression.