Tip-toe through the toponymy: Topagony

» Dunadan - Topagony

In his article on Toponymy, Mr. Martinez asked but did not answer two important questions: Where is Oldbottle? And: Were there Newbucks somewhere else? I believe some deep linguistic cogitation may supply adequate answers.

First, it was pointed out that the Brandybucks' original clan name was Oldbucks. Since this intrepid family of Hobbits was obviously important from the beginning of the Shire and had extensive lands, they obviously represented the "Old Money" in the Shire. They were probably referred to as the Oldbucks to distinguish them from the Newbucks, a family that came to the Shire at a later date and made quick profits, becoming the nouveau riche of the land (and thus Newbucks or "New Money"). It's possible that the Oldbucks got tired of the association (even in contrast) with the Newbucks and changed their names to the Brandybucks.

The Newbucks, being nouveau riche, probably would have wasted their money. In short order the other Hobbits would have used a variation on the word "new" and would have started calling this family the "Nobucks." Naturally embarrassed, the Nobucks would have kept to themselves in one small area and stayed out of the limelight. Where? Obviously the place for the Newbucks, now Nobucks, would be at Newbottle, which would then become Nobottle. This town would be chiefly inhabited by a clan of poor Hobbits who could not raise the funds to build even one alehouse, and thus the name Nobottle would stick even more to this depressed village.

Thus the question of where the Newbucks are is answered: The Newbucks, now Nobucks, are suffering in Nobottle. And where is Oldbottle? Well, old bottles get thrown away, or are safely hidden in wine cellars. Besides, given the poverty of Nobottle no Hobbit would want to live in an Oldbottle, which might imply even poorer conditions.

And there you have easy and satisfying answers to Mr. Martinez' questions.

-- posted by Dunadan