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March 07, 2004
concerning hobbits
i am obsessed with hobbits (case in point – this is a photo from our kitchen). i find myself undeniably attracted to them, whether they take the form of frodo, sam, merry, and pippin or elijah, sean, dom, and billy…. the question that intrigues me is: why?
tolkien’s fictional hobbits are not the most physically attractive creatures. though they may have rosy cheeks and fair skin, i would normally find it difficult to get past the big ears, small height, and big, hairy feet. yet, in reality, I am unequivocally attracted to them. by “attraction”, i do not refer to a some sort of sexual attraction, but rather a compelling magnetism. so what is it that has me so captivated by a 4 ft hobbit with hairy feet? here are some thoughts:
they laugh. they love. while the hobbits are at ease eating, drinking, and laughing around the table, they also show an unfailing love towards each other seen when each makes their own mistake and the others, in turn, show grace and forgiveness.
they have purpose. they have passion. though they are fearful, they never turn back from the purpose of their mission and go forth with heart and courage that surpasses even men.
they persevere. they strive. though they often long for the comforts of home there is never a thought of turning back until the war is over.
though these traits are obviously attractive, why am i so utterly drawn to them in a world of fictional hobbits? my hypothesis is because i have found it lacking in the real world and long to be surrounded by people who love, laugh, persevere, strive, and have purpose and passion.
but the conversation doesn’t stop with fictional hobbits, rather it carries over into the actual relationship between elijah, sean, dom and billy. i concede that i’ve never met these people and know them only through the documentaries of lotr extended version dvd and therefore am limited in the actual details and scope of their relationships. though i acquiesce that my knowledge is limited, i again cannot deny my utter fascination with these four “real life” hobbits. i admit, these hobbits are much more physically attractive than the before mentioned, but the attraction is again much more than that. i never tire of watching the “fellowship of the cast” or “a day in the life of hobbit” and hearing about their crazy adventures, pranks, and shenanigans. i eagerly engulf the articles and interviews i come across.
maybe it’s the infatuation with voyeur tv that makes me love watching these relationships between hobbits unfold. but i think that answer is too predictable. rather it’s the characteristics of these relationships love, laughter, passion, etc that are whole-heartedly captivating.
when i think of my friends i find that one of the things that i am most attracted to about them is their passions, whether it be bread, knowledge, music, or ministry…. so where does this leave us? who do you love? who do you share it with? what is your passion? and what are doing with it?
Posted by Charity at March 7, 2004 08:33 PM
Is it sad that as soon as I saw that photo, I said, "Hey, those pictures are from the December issue of Premiere magazine!" ?
Posted by bethany at March 7, 2004 08:47 PM
I recognize the "Abbey Lane" mock, but what's the b/w photo?
Posted by Jeremy at March 7, 2004 10:14 PM
Looks like Reservoir Dogs to me.
Posted by bethany at March 7, 2004 10:29 PM
I love watching those behind-the-scenes featurettes on the DVDs - almost as much as the movies themselves. Whether it's "A Day In The Life Of A Hobbit" (what I wouldn't give to get some pints w/ Billy and Dom one night) or one of the featurettes on WETA and the other crews (that Richard Taylor has the coolest job in the world), I always find them enlightening, inspiring, and uplifting. But then again, I think that's the case whenever you see a great deal of passion and love - and the LOTR movies had those in spades.
Posted by Jason at March 8, 2004 12:05 AM
that's true... passion & love are contagious.
Posted by charity at March 10, 2004 09:54 AM
I confess, I am shamelessly in love with Frodo Baggins. My feelings must come out now; holding this type of secret in has ripped me apart inside unknowing what to do with this undone feelings. My obsession with the Frodo has taken me to new levels. I find myself whispering "precious" most nights before bed. I find my self-eating breakfast, second breakfast, and many other meals through out the day. What do I do? I need help with this Frodo obsession? I am stuck in middle earth with no where to go. Help!
Posted by Lou Karre-Baggins at March 21, 2004 06:28 PM
well, the first step is admitting it. and you've done that! now just repeat over and over again, "my name is lou karre and i'm a addicted to hobbits." it will eventually start to sound stupid and you'll be cured!
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