B2MEM

[dreamflower]

Continuing my series of quotes about Tolkien and Middle-earth from various sources:

Today’s quote is from The Mythology of Middle-earth by Ruth S. Noel, an interesting little book which explores the mythical background of Tolkien‘s world:

“The hobbits hold a unique position among the peoples of The Lord of the Rings. They are Tolkien’s individual idea rather than a people out of mythology, and they live by a set of very human ideals in contrast to the glorified lives of the Wise, the Elves and the Dúnedain.

The hobbits have the universal appeal of little things. They live a simple, satisfying provincial life close to the land. They are self-indulgent, childlike, but self-sufficient. Their power lies in an unexpected ability to withstand evil.

The human nature of the hobbits is far more evident than that of the heroic men in the story. The hobbit view maintains a humble, human, familiar tone in a story that would otherwise be sonorous, serious, and unapproachable.

Hobbits become heroes unexpectedly, and for this reason are all the more appealing. Fate chooses the hobbits rather than choosing the wise and powerful, and the hobbits accept the role, surprised that they do so. On the whole Frodo’s heroism was not in valiant deeds such as his cousin Bilbo’s, even those of Samwise. His heroism lay in the acceptance of an almost impossible task, the endurance to continue in the face of unexpected obstacles, and the ability to resist the power of the Ring.”

Comments

[shirebound]

I love hobbits.

[dreamflower]

*grin*

♥ hobbits!

[addie71.livejournal.com]

I can't help but love hobbits. Especially Frodo and Samwise.

[dreamflower]

Hobbits really are amazing! It's hard to believe that they did not exist before JRRT.

[caerdroea.livejournal.com]

Interesting. Can't say that I agree with characterizing hobbits as selfindulgent and childlike but an interesting take.

I've really been enjoying quotes. Have been a lazy ass about commenting but I've read quite a lot and look forward to them. I love books on Tolkien!

[dreamflower]

I think taken in context, "self-indulgent" and "childlike" are not meant in a disparaging manner here, but more as a description of the Shire's society. Hobbits *were* self-indulgent in a good way: they enjoyed living in the moment, whether it was food or ale or pipeweed or watching fireworks or singing and dancing, they indulged themselves in the pleasures of the moment. And I see "childlike" in the same way--not "child*ISH*" which is definitely an insult, but like children in their general innocence of true wickedness, and in their joy in living their lives to the fullest.

I always learn something new when I read the perspectives of some of these books.

[mumstheword54.livejournal.com]

Ordinary people performing extraordinary tasks -- heroes.

[dreamflower]

Indeed.

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

His heroism lay in the acceptance of an almost impossible task, the endurance to continue in the face of unexpected obstacles, and the ability to resist the power of the Ring

Frodo's heroism is the quiet, almost unnoticed kind that underlies the most admirable qualities of human beings.

[dreamflower]

Frodo's heroism is the quiet, almost unnoticed kind that underlies the most admirable qualities of human beings.

Absolutely.

[lbilover.livejournal.com]

The hobbit view maintains a humble, human, familiar tone in a story that would otherwise be sonorous, serious, and unapproachable.
I think that's why a lot of people find The Silmarillion so much more difficult to get into. It lacks hobbits!

His heroism lay in the acceptance of an almost impossible task, the endurance to continue in the face of unexpected obstacles, and the ability to resist the power of the Ring.
That is such a perfect summary of Frodo.

[dreamflower]

Indeed, I find the lack of hobbits a serious flaw. But doubtless there are many Silm afficianados who would disagree. *grin*

It is. Frodo's simple persistence is amazing. I remember the other day we were atching "Ghandi", and I thought of Frodo, and how just keeping on going in the face of resistance and obstacles--just the dogged putting of one foot in front of the other--is the greatest strength of all. It will win out every time.

[periantari.livejournal.com]

His heroism lay in the acceptance of an almost impossible task, the endurance to continue in the face of unexpected obstacles, and the ability to resist the power of the Ring.”
that is why i love Frodo so darn much!
cheers to hobbitses in general!
I really like Tolkien's theme saying that it's not about physical stature, but about your heart in order to achieve what you set out to do.
Classic.
Love the quotes!

[dreamflower]

Yes, Frodo was truly "Endurance Beyond Hope".

I'm glad you are enjoying the quotes. I'm enjoying finding them.

[lindelea1.livejournal.com]

I *love* this quote!

Thanks.

[dreamflower]

Thank you! It's just a small book, but it has a lot to think over in it.