We are Warriors of the Shire!? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

skip spence · 10-18-2008, 02:14 PM

I'd hate to turn this into another who'd beat who thread but Hobbits were not capable warriors, even at need. For this, they are simply too small and untrained. Sure they were tougher than they looked and managed to beat and chase away the Men of Saruman, but that was mainly thanks to Pippin and Merry's clever ambush, their superior numbers and, last but not least, their opponents' underestimation of them. A small number of well trained and armed men would've made mincemeat of the Hobbits (disregarding the option of guerilla warfare).

Inziladun · 10-18-2008, 04:09 PM

Peregrin Took, we seem to mostly agree here. Pippin's being called "Prince of the Halflings" likely was in large part due to his apparent friendship with Gandalf and his audience with Denethor. I was simply positing that the atmosphere of anxiety in Minas Tirith contributed to that initial perception of him as a leader of Halflings who would help Gondor with armed force. Had they not been on the brink of war, I wonder if they would have been so quick to make that assumption. As you say, by Pippin's physical appearance alone many would laugh or take Beregond's view. But in their desperate situation they would certainly have taken all the help they could get, and I doubt they would have laughed if they really had been offered five thousand swords, Halflings or not.
Mansun's original post seemed to suggest that it was Pippin's "warrior" status that was the reason for the title Pippin was initially given by some of the people. I was disagreeing with that premise and putting forth other explanations, as you did also.

10-19-2008, 02:10 PM

There is no reason to suggest that, given Frodo and Co. were plucked from the quiet Shire, and gradually transformed into warriors on their fraught with danger quests, that other Hobbits from the Shire could not do likewise. Hobbits, if trained with the appropriate tools and experience, could have played a significant part in the war against Sauron if called upon by Gondor. They may be of no use against trolls and Nazgul, but they could have been employed as spies of the lands, as able archers, and as messengers.

Eönwë · 10-19-2008, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skip spence

Hobbits were not capable warriors, even at need.

On the most part yes, that is true. And nne are great warriors. I'm sure even Bandobras "Bullroarer" Took and his men couldn't kill a troll.

10-18-2008, 02:14 PM	#1
skip spence shadow of a doubt Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Back on the streets Posts: 1,125	I'd hate to turn this into another who'd beat who thread but Hobbits were not capable warriors, even at need. For this, they are simply too small and untrained. Sure they were tougher than they looked and managed to beat and chase away the Men of Saruman, but that was mainly thanks to Pippin and Merry's clever ambush, their superior numbers and, last but not least, their opponents' underestimation of them. A small number of well trained and armed men would've made mincemeat of the Hobbits (disregarding the option of guerilla warfare). __________________ "You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way" ~ Bob Dylan

10-18-2008, 04:09 PM	#2
Inziladun Gruesome Spectre Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Heaven's doorstep Posts: 8,039	Peregrin Took, we seem to mostly agree here. Pippin's being called "Prince of the Halflings" likely was in large part due to his apparent friendship with Gandalf and his audience with Denethor. I was simply positing that the atmosphere of anxiety in Minas Tirith contributed to that initial perception of him as a leader of Halflings who would help Gondor with armed force. Had they not been on the brink of war, I wonder if they would have been so quick to make that assumption. As you say, by Pippin's physical appearance alone many would laugh or take Beregond's view. But in their desperate situation they would certainly have taken all the help they could get, and I doubt they would have laughed if they really had been offered five thousand swords, Halflings or not. Mansun's original post seemed to suggest that it was Pippin's "warrior" status that was the reason for the title Pippin was initially given by some of the people. I was disagreeing with that premise and putting forth other explanations, as you did also. __________________ Music alone proves the existence of God.

10-19-2008, 02:10 PM	#3
Mansun Guest Posts: n/a	There is no reason to suggest that, given Frodo and Co. were plucked from the quiet Shire, and gradually transformed into warriors on their fraught with danger quests, that other Hobbits from the Shire could not do likewise. Hobbits, if trained with the appropriate tools and experience, could have played a significant part in the war against Sauron if called upon by Gondor. They may be of no use against trolls and Nazgul, but they could have been employed as spies of the lands, as able archers, and as messengers.