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A Long Time Ago, in a Middle-Earth Far, Far Away... - Page 6

© Michael Martinez

Tolkien did imply there might be such stories. In The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, a book of poems Tolkien compiled for his aunt, Jane Neave, he included a couple of stories which were most likely Hobbit fairy-tales. "Princess Mee" is a nonsense-poem about an ancient Elf princess who dances on water and becomes fascinated with her reflection. "Fastitocalon" tels about a giant turtle which pretends to be an island in the sea, enticing unwary sailors to their deaths. "The Hoard" is said to be reminiscent of the story of Turin and Mim, although the connections are weak. Most likely written by someone who had heard the story of Turin, it represents a rare glimmer of interest in ancient history among Hobbits. The Hobbit folklore seems to represent a cultural gift for turning real tales into entertainment. Perhaps Hobbits are responsible for most of the made-for-TV movies which endlessly recast historical people and events in unbelievable terms. The story of Frodo and Sam might have undergone a similar metamorphosis as the Hobbit generations passed. Frodo might have become the rich aristocrat who sold his soul to Sauron, and Sam might be transformed into the Mayor of the Shire who went to Mordor to rescue his friend from great peril. Merry and Pippin might have become two cousins who, lost in the woods, were befriended by the friendly Shepherds of the Trees, who set them on the right path after defeating an evil wizard. And Bilbo...well, Bilbo probably found a place in Hobbit folklore as the eccentric Hobbit who went over the mountain to find great bears, dragons, and Elf land. Folklore is the living imagery which we paint with our own faults and strengths. In many ways, it serves to remind us that we are no better than the next fool who tries to make a deal with the devil, or of no less worth than the prince who settles down to marry the poor farm girl. Folklorists might say that folk tale and fairy-lore serve as the training ground for great story-tellers. Every culture produces a wealth of these tales, and even if they are dark or bear little resemblance to actual history, they all contain a fundamental truth or bit of wisdom about human nature. Few and far between though they may be, Middle-earth's folk tales say something about its inhabitants. Whether it be to show that the sea is a fearful and mysterious place , or to remind them of the folly of seeking treasure, the message is always relevant to the audience. The stories move the next generation to tell their own tales. Ioreth might never be given the recognition of, say, a Daeron or Maglor, but her tall tales may outlive the most tragic of Daeron's laments.

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