Were Hobbits a sub-group of Humans?
From: The Tolkien FAQ by William D.B. Loos
Yes, beyond question. There were three statements to this effect. The first, from the Prologue, is probably less definite because it was intended to be the editor speaking.
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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 Fellowship of the Ring, 11 (Prologue)]
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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.
[The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, 158 (footnote) (#131)]
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Firstborn, The:
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Title of the Elves. Translate. ('Firstborn', since the Elves appeared in the world before
all other 'speaking peoples', not only Men, but also Dwarves, of independent origin. Hobbits
are of course meant to be a special variety of the human race).
[A Tolkien Compass, entry for "The Firstborn"]
- The Fellowship of the Ring, 11 (Prologue, "On Hobbits")
- The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, 158 (footnote) (#131)
- The Guide to the Names in the Lord of the Rings, entry for "The Firstborn"
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