Hobbit
The Hobbits (Westron: Kuduk, Sindarin: Periannath, meaning "Halflings") are a race of small, human-like people inhabiting [[Middle-earth]], most famously residing in the tranquil region known as the [[Shire]]. Renowned for their love of comfort, food, and simple pleasures, Hobbits played a surprisingly pivotal role in some of the most significant events of the [[Third Age]].
History
Origins and Early Migrations
The precise origins of Hobbits are unknown, even to themselves, but it is believed they first emerged in the [[Anduin Vales]], east of the [[Misty Mountains]], sometime during the early [[First Age]]. They were a secretive and reclusive folk, rarely noticed by the Big Folk (Men, Elves, and Dwarves). In their early history, Hobbits were divided into three main breeds:
- Harfoots: The most numerous and traditional, with browner skins, smaller and shorter, beardless, and preferring uplands and hillsides. They were the most "hobbit-like" in their customs.
- Stoors: Broader, heavier build, with larger feet and hands, and some could grow beards. They preferred flat lands and river-sides and were more comfortable with water and boats.
- Fallohides: Fairer in skin and hair, taller and slimmer than other Hobbits. They were more adventurous and quicker in thought, often providing leadership.
Around the 11th century of the [[Third Age]], driven by the growing shadow in [[Mirkwood]] and the increasing Men of the East, Hobbits began their long westward migration. They crossed the [[Misty Mountains]] in separate groups, eventually settling in [[Eriador]]. The Harfoots were the first to cross, followed by the Fallohides (who often mingled with the Harfoots), and finally the Stoors, some of whom settled near [[Bree]] and along the [[River Brandywine]].
The Founding of the Shire
Many Hobbits eventually settled in the lands between the [[River Baranduin]] (Brandywine) and the [[Far Downs]]. In T.A. 1601, with the permission of [[King Argeleb II]] of [[Arthedain]], two Fallohide brothers, [[Marcho]] and [[Blanco]], led a large number of Hobbits across the Brandywine and founded the Shire. The Hobbits were granted the land on the condition that they acknowledge the King's authority, maintain bridges and roads, and provide messengers when needed. However, the Kings of [[Arthedain]] soon faded, and the Hobbits of the Shire largely became self-governing, appointing a [[Thain]] to hold the King's authority, though this role became largely ceremonial.
Isolation and Later History
For centuries, the Shire remained a peaceful, isolated haven, largely untouched by the great events of Middle-earth. Their most significant internal event was the [[Battle of Greenfields]] in T.A. 2747, where [[Bandobras Took]] (Bullroarer Took) famously defeated a band of Orcs. Their peaceful existence was only significantly disturbed twice: once by the adventures of [[Bilbo Baggins]] which led to the [[Quest of Erebor]], and later by the crucial role played by [[Frodo Baggins]] and his companions in the [[War of the Ring]]. Following the War, the Shire was briefly occupied and ravaged by [[Saruman]] before being liberated by the returning Hobbits, ushering in a new era of prosperity and respect for the Halflings.
Description
Physical Characteristics
Hobbits are generally between two and four feet tall, with an average height of about three feet six inches. They are typically stout in build, with round, cheerful faces and bright eyes. Their hair is usually brown and curly, and they rarely grow beards, with the Stoors being a notable exception. Perhaps their most distinctive feature is their feet: large, often leathery-soled, and covered in thick, curly hair, making shoes an unnecessary (and often disliked) encumbrance.
Culture and Lifestyle
Hobbits are an agrarian people, deeply attached to their land and homes. They value comfort, good food, good drink, and good company above almost all else. Their days are often structured around numerous meals: breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper. They have