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| Shire: Beginnings by Lindelea | 1 Review(s) |
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| Lyta Padfoot | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 1/27/2004 |
| Thought I'd let you know that Gandalf doesn't consider Hobbits "interesting" and "began to have a warm place for them" in his heart only he visits the Shire during the Days of Dearth SR 1158-60. Its in the unfinished tales (pg 331) and referenced in the prologue to FOTR and the Tale of Years. Also pg 287 of the "Unfinished Tales" refers to Harfoots being known to the rulers of Arnor, then later Stoors and Fallohides. It says they were called halflings because when compared to the tall Numenorians (for halfling was the name the Numenorians gave to them) they were half the size. Their existence within the North-kingdoms was well known but no hobbit until Pippin ever visited Gondor and they were considered fairy-tale like creatures. If you haven't the UT you might want to get it since it details Saruman's involvement in the Shire very well (and it goes back quite a ways!). Author Reply: Ah. Sounds like a good resource. I will have to seek it out. Looks as if "Shire" might have to be labelled "AU" after all. I saw the reference in the Tale of Years that said Gandalf had come to the aid to the hobbits in the Days of Dearth, but that in itself did not imply to me that such was the beginning of his interest in them. I have not found mention of Gandalf in the Prologue, though the Days of Dearth were mentioned there. Of course sometimes I read too quickly. I was fascinated this month to re-read The Hobbit and find that Gandalf was a "good friend" of the Old Took! Food for thought... Author Reply: Oops. Meant to comment on the Harfoots and Arnor. I do have the Harfoots being well-known to the ruler(s) of Cardolan (they came over the mountains a hundred years previous, after all, and settled in that land), and soon the Fallohides and Stoors will be known as well. And later, of course, when they move westward they will become known to the king(s) of Arthedain. For all I know, the "current" king of Arthedain (in 1150-something) has already met Harfoots while on a visit to Cardolan. UT must be referring to the rulers of divided Arnor, for the hobbits did not even appear West of the mountains until centuries after Arnor was divided. In any event, the king of Rhudaur in "Shire" is certainly familiar with them though he refuses to admit they are people. | |