Hobbits everywhere!

[piplover]

In my Anthropology class today we were discussing bands and tribes and their politcal systems.  Some of the students were having a hard time understanding, and one example that was used for Tribes was...Hobbits!  Yes, apparently the Hobbits would be considered a tribe, becuase they have no definate leadership, such as a chief, and a great deal of autonomy.  The Elves, on the other hand, would be considered a State.
It all comes back to Lord of the Rings.

Comments

[gayalondiel.livejournal.com]

Don't hobbits, having a Mayor a Master and a Thain qualify as a sort of low-level Triumvirate state?

[piplover.livejournal.com]

No really, becuase none of those figureheads can actually order the people to do anything. If the Thain says, "Eat your veggies," the people can chose to ignore him and eat their sweets instead. The same for the Mayer and Master. That's what makes them more Tribal. However, if Elrond says, "Eat your veggies," you know the other elves are going to bend over backword to do so.

[gayalondiel.livejournal.com]

*is sidetracked by mental image of Elrond sweeping around the halld of Rivendell demanding in a commandeering voice that all the elves get five portions of fruit and veg and don't eat their dessert until they've finished the main course*

Thanks, good point :)

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Hehehe! I can just seen Elrond doing that, lol.
*grin*

[dreamflower]

Well, the Thain can't order *all* the hobbits to eat their veg (and why would a hobbit need to be ordered to eat anything, LOL?) but as the Took, he *can* order the Tooks to do so, same with the Master, when it comes to Brandybucks. Bilbo could have ordered around the other Bagginses, though I doubt Otho or Lobelia would have complied. But all Sam can order around is his own little tribe of Gamgees--the Mayor doesn't really have much power at all.

But it reinforces the Tribal aspect, since they basically "govern" themselves as Families and Clans.

[piplover.livejournal.com]

True, very true. Although, another reason they are Tribal is becuase of the very fact that the Thain can only order those members associated with his direct family. Man, I love my anthro class!

[shirebound]

It all comes back to Lord of the Rings.

Indeed. *nods*

[piplover.livejournal.com]

*Grin!*

[lindaleriel8.livejournal.com]

Oh, I pout!!! My Anthro class was so dull... we never had any fun topics like LotR come up in regards to anything. I wish my prof had explained it like that! I might have understood it a bit better.

Lucky you! Anthro was fun, though.
Smiles!
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[piplover.livejournal.com]

Oh, I love my Anthro proff. In fact, he's the only reason I'm taking this particular class, as it's at a whole other college than the one I am attending for my BA. He explains things wonderfully, and we actually had a two day discussion and lecture on gender and sexuality that was really eye opening. Gods, I love Anthro! I can't wait until I get my BA and actually get to do it for real!

[lindaleriel8.livejournal.com]

I do love Anthro... Well, I'd better, since it's a requirement for Archaeology! Sounds like you have an excellent prof. This new school I'm at seems to have a good Anthro prof. I took a class with her earlier this year and this block I have her again... Medical Anthropology! It's sounds like it's going to be a good block!

Good luck on your BA!!!

Smiles!
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[melilot-hill.livejournal.com]

Hobbits are everywhere :-)

[piplover.livejournal.com]

Hehehe, yes, yes they are!