It is plain
indeed that in spite of later estrangement Hobbits are relatives of ours:
far nearer to us than Elves, or even than Dwarves. Of old they spoke the
languages of Men, after their own fashion, and liked and disliked much the
same things as Men did. But what exactly our relationship is can no longer
be discovered. The beginning of Hobbits lies far back in the Elder Days
that are now lost and forgotten.
The Hobbits are,
of course, really meant to be a branch of the specifically *human* race
(not Elves or Dwarves) -- hence the two kinds can dwell together (as at
Bree), and are called just the Big Folk and Little Folk. They are entirely
without non-human powers, but are represented as being more in touch with
'nature' (the soil and other living things, plants and animals), and
abnormally, for humans, free from ambition or greed of wealth.
They look
a fairly like humans, but
with some differences: fattish in the stomach, shortish in the leg.
A round, jovial face; ears only slightly pointed and 'elvish'; hair short
and curling (brown). The feet from the ankles down, covered with brown
hairy fur.
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