“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.”
- January 3, 1892 – September 2, 1973
- Born in the Orange Free State (British)
- Author, linguist
- Wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and built the foundations of modern fantasy literature
Quote
“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.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Tolkien’s view of the Hobbits as a people who are deeply connected to humanity, yet are also distinct in ways that make their exact origins a mystery. The first part of the quote acknowledges the shared heritage between Hobbits and Men, noting that they are “far nearer to us than Elves, or even than Dwarves.” This implies a kinship that transcends the more mythical or alien races of Middle-earth, such as the Elves or Dwarves, whose cultures and languages are far removed from those of the common people. The Hobbits, in contrast, are described as more earthbound and familiar in their habits, language, and preferences, making them much more relatable to humans in the story. They speak the languages of Men, albeit in their own distinctive fashion, and share many of the same basic likes and dislikes.
However, Tolkien hints at the mystery and obscurity of their exact origins. The statement, “But what exactly our relationship is can no longer be discovered,” suggests that over time, Hobbits have become increasingly isolated from the wider world, losing track of their origins and their deep connection to the bigger history of Middle-earth. This reflects Tolkien’s belief in the loss of heritage over time, where even a culture or people deeply connected to the world around them can, through self-imposed isolation or the passage of time, lose the awareness of their own roots. The idea of a once shared ancestry that is now forgotten echoes Tolkien’s themes of loss and memory, as well as his interest in the idea that knowledge and cultural continuity can erode over time.
In a modern context, this quote might serve as a reflection on cultural amnesia or the loss of historical connections in contemporary societies. Just as Hobbits have become estranged from their past, modern societies often lose touch with their own heritage, traditions, and origins, making it difficult to trace where we come from or what our true relationships are with the past. It raises questions about how we view our roots—what we have forgotten, and what we might have lost as we become more isolated or self-focused. The quote could also speak to the universal human experience of trying to reconnect with forgotten parts of ourselves, and the challenge of rediscovering those lost ties to our cultural or ancestral identity.
