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Hobbits:
Hobbits are small humanoids, about the size of a child,
standing at just three-and-a-half feet tall. Hobbits rarely wear shoes,
and have hence developed large feet with thick leathery soles and hair
on the upper side of their feet.
Hobbits, who live predominately in The Shire,
live in comfort and peace, farming their lands, away from the harshness
of the outside world. Hobbits, who fondness lies in food, ale and pipe
weed– which they smoke, have benefited greatly from the protection
of the Rangers.
Most Hobbits never have, and never will know the truth
about Rangers, whom they see are queer dangerous folk. But if the truth
were known, the Rangers help to protect the borders of the Shire, keeping
the inhabitants from the horrors of the world.
Although Hobbits are distrustful of the outside
world, in times of danger, Hobbits can be very surprising, as is proved
in Lord of the Rings.
Bilbo:
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Bilbo is probably one of the most
renowned hobbits to have lived, being the centre of many myths.
Often the story of how Bag End is stuffed full of money and jewels
will be heard in a tavern. Although best known as an adventurer
(which has earned him the name of 'mad-Baggins' to his neighbours
and relatives), he is much more. He is a scholar, poet and songwriter;
fascinated by Elvish history and mythology.
Lord of the Rings
sees Bilbo celebrating his eleventy-first (111) birthday, 60 years
after returning from his adventures described in The
Hobbit. The majority of his possessions are given
to Frodo,
including a small gold ring, which he won in a riddle-contest with
Gollum.
Following the party, he disappears and is never seen again in The
Shire. He retires to Rivendell, to live out the rest of his days
in peace. |
Frodo:
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Son of Drogo Baggins and Primula
Brandybuck, Frodo was orphaned at a very young age. His Uncle, Bilbo
Baggins, adopts him and brings him to live at Bag End with him.
This was not done out of charity, but because of all Bilbo's
numerous relatives, Frodo was the only one who showed any spirit.
As a result, Bilbo
taught him much concerning the Elves and the history of Middle Earth.
Hence, he grew up to be a serious and intelligent hobbit that one
day would be named 'Elvellon', Elf-friend.
When Bilbo
left, Frodo accepted all of his belovings without question, unaware
of the dangers attached to the smallest of Bilbo's treasures ...
When Gandalf finds out the true nature of Bilbo's ring, Frodo takes
it upon himself to flee The Shire, running into even greater danger
in his quest to destroy the ring. |
Gollum
(Sméagol):
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Gollum's tale is a sad story, which is recounted
in both the films and the books. He was an early victim of the ring,
carrying it for nearly 500 years.
He was originally of Hobbit-kin who
lived on the banks of the river Anduin. He found the ring while
on a fishing trip, recovering it from the riverbed where it had
lain undisturbed for 2000 years. He soon learned of its powers,
and put them to misuse. As a result, he became very unpopular, not
least for his habit of making glottal noises in the back of his
throat (hence gaining the name of Gollum.) He wandered north and
came to the Misty Mountains. Here he dwelt for many years, until
by chance, the ring fell from his finger.
Without the ring, Gollum began to feel weary,
and so left on a quest looking for it. He never got to the Shire,
but instead found Mordor. Here he was captured, and eventually released...
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Merry:
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Meriadoc Brandybuck is the son of
the Master of Brandybuck, and as such is from a very well-to-do
family. However, he is often called Merry, a name which suits his
nature - he is a rather mischievous hobbit, very fond of practical
jokes. However, he has been a friend of Frodo's
for many long years.
With his fellow 'conspirators', Merry
realises Frodo's
intentions to leave the Shire, he volunteers to go with his, ignorant
of the dangers. However, even once made aware of them, he still
volunteers to go on, as a member of the Fellowship.
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Pippin:
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Peregrin Took is a hobbit from the
Shire, and a member of the Fellowship. Not realising the true nature
of the quest at first, Pippin has had to grow up fast, receiving
as he did a baptism in fire and war. With the aid of Merry, he enlists
the aid of Treebeard and the Ents, and together they march of Isengard.
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Sam:
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Samwise Gamgee is the loyal gardener,
and friend of Frodo
Baggins. Gandalf chooses him to accompany Frodo on his quest,
and from that point on, he serves Frodo whole-heartedly; following
Frodo loyally into the desolate plains of Mordor. |
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