Hobbits are from KY!!!!

[Cinead]

That's right!

Betcha won't make fun of us "barefoot hillbillies" again!

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scriptoriu ... -kentucky/

True or not....I really don't care, because it is still glorious!

[Straelbora]

As far as anything I've ever read, Tolkien said that he based the barefoot Hobbits in part on the barefoot 'hillbillies' of Kentucky, as recounted to him by an American friend (roommate?).

[robinhoodsghost]

I live in Kentucky....go to Walmart around midnight and see hobbits, trolls, orcs and all sorts of strange creatures. Thats why I'm in bed by ten.

[Straelbora]

I live in Kentucky....go to Walmart around midnight and see hobbits, trolls, orcs and all sorts of strange creatures. Thats why I'm in bed by ten.

I used to live in Detroit, up until about five years ago. Every once in a while, I would head to the 24 hour Wal-Mart closest to the city (Detroit itself has almost no chain stores other than fast food and gas stations; everything else like grocery stores, etc. are in the suburbs). The best was in the middle of the summer at about 2 am, after leaving the bar. Probably 60% of the people in the store were under the age of 7.

[Ringulf]

I live in Kentucky....go to Walmart around midnight and see hobbits, trolls, orcs and all sorts of strange creatures. Thats why I'm in bed by ten.

Yeah don't need to feel exclusive, we all have them...they are called "Walmartians" and it seems they have their own shopping hours. I just have to ask myself..."If I am here to see them...what does that make me?"

[Jon]

Were hobbits not based on quaint little Englishmen?

[Straelbora]

Were hobbits not based on quaint little Englishmen?

Generally, yes, but I believe that the barefoot aspect, and maybe some of the skill at throwing stones, creeping through the woods silently, etc. , came from the stories of Kentucky hill people that Tolkien had heard.