J.R.R. Tolkien’s world is populated with fascinating creatures, but few are as beloved as the hobbits. These halflings, with their furry feet and love of comfort, are central to both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. But What Is A Hobbit exactly, and how did Tolkien’s conception of them evolve over time?
The Hobbit in The Hobbit
When Tolkien first penned The Hobbit in 1937, the concept of the hobbit was still developing. The book introduces Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming hobbit who is thrust into an adventure with dwarves and a wizard. In this original telling, the hobbits are presented as a peaceful and home-loving folk, fond of good food, gardens, and a quiet life. They are small, but hardy, and possess a surprising resilience.
The initial depiction of Gollum also played a role in the later development of the hobbit concept. In the first edition of The Hobbit, Gollum was portrayed as a less menacing creature. This would later change to create a stronger link between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Retcons and the Evolution of the Hobbit
As Tolkien began writing The Lord of the Rings, he revisited The Hobbit, making revisions to integrate the two stories more seamlessly. These revisions, sometimes referred to as “retcons,” primarily focused on strengthening the role of the One Ring and its corrupting influence. This also impacted how Gollum and, by extension, the hobbits were viewed.
The most significant revision occurred in the chapter “Riddles in the Dark.” In the original version, Gollum was more willing to part with the Ring as a prize. Tolkien rewrote the scene to emphasize Gollum’s obsession with the Ring and its hold over him, making him a more tragic and sinister figure. This change foreshadowed the Ring’s profound impact on Middle-earth and the central conflict of The Lord of the Rings.
Other minor edits were made to ensure consistency in distances, travel times, food descriptions, and even the names of certain groups, like changing “Gnomes” (a term derived from the Greek word for knowledge, gnomis) to “High Elves” to avoid confusion with garden gnomes.
Gollum’s Transformation and the Hobbit Connection
The character of Gollum provides a crucial link in understanding what is a hobbit and their vulnerability to the Ring’s power. While The Hobbit initially presented Gollum as a strange creature, The Lord of the Rings reveals his origins as a Stoor hobbit named Sméagol. The Ring prolonged his life but also twisted him into a wretched being.
Gollum’s fate serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of obsession. His character was not fully planned when writing The Hobbit, but his transformation became a central theme in The Lord of the Rings.
Frodo’s Sympathy and the Shared Fate
Frodo’s empathy for Gollum stems from his understanding of the Ring’s power and its ability to corrupt even the purest hearts. While Frodo’s pity is not necessarily based on a sense of kinship, it comes from a recognition of the shared burden and the destructive potential of the Ring. The hobbits’ inherent goodness and simple desires make them susceptible to the Ring’s allure, but also give them a unique capacity to resist its power.
Conclusion: Defining the Hobbit
So, what is a hobbit? They are more than just small, furry-footed creatures. They are beings capable of great courage, resilience, and compassion. They are also vulnerable to corruption, as demonstrated by Gollum’s tragic fate. Tolkien’s hobbits represent the potential for both good and evil within ordinary beings, making them relatable and enduring characters in the world of fantasy literature. They are a reminder that even the smallest among us can play a significant role in the fight against darkness.
