Who's your favourite hobbit...

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

...and why?

This one is especially for Eomer of the Rohirrim. Let's find out who the greatest hobbit was, and why.

[Bêthberry]

And just where is Rosie Cotton? "They also serve, who only stand and wait." Well, not that she was standing all the time, but certainly she contributed. :p ;)

[Firefoot]

Frodo.

Frodo has always been my favorite hobbit (character!). I immediately latched onto Frodo when I first read LotR, and further readings, thoughts, analyses, discussions, etc. have only served to confirm that. His actions and choices have always intrigued me.

And his name is cool. :D

[davem]

And just where is Rosie Cotton? "They also serve, who only stand and wait." Well, not that she was standing all the time, but certainly she contributed. :p ;)

Or Lobelia????

Sorry, Fordim - another abject failure, poll-wise :p

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Or Lobelia????

Sorry, Fordim - another abject failure, poll-wise :p

At least I'm out there, trying my best to solve these thorny issues by getting some good hard polling data! :p back at you.

[piosenniel]

I'm voting for Fatty Bolger.

:cool:

~*~ Pio

[Estelyn Telcontar]

*Esty raises a hand for poor, forgotten Folco Boffin...

[Mithalwen]

Used to be Merry, but I admire Sam in many ways...

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I'm going to have to think long and hard about this.

Thanks Fordim! :D

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

It's Merry because I took a minute to imagine myself hanging out with each hobbit listed one by one.

Frodo: I will take the Ring to Mordor.
Me: And I was proud of myself for graduating high school... he saved the world. Immediately makes me feel life I've done nothing of import, self-esteem plummets. He's great and all, but his level is unobtainable for me and I'm not sure I'm a big enough person to "like him as a person" despite it.

Pippen: *splashes water all over the floor*
Me: Please tell me you plan on cleaning that up. Though I like him a lot, his energy and immaturity (pre-ending) would annoy me in RL.

Bilbo: I'm not sure... he reminds me too much of my grandfather (in a good way), but that means that I respect him more than I "like" him.

Sam: Too selfless, much like Frodo.

Merry: He just seems so normal. He's very clever (getting Sam to spy, friends with Maggot, etc), very brave (Witch King), very loving (Theoden, Frodo), and has a sense of humor. He's accomplished, smart, but he's just a normal guy, and that's cool.

I'd have preferred the Gaffer, but I'll just blame Fordim for that one. ;)

[mark12_30]

It is rumored that the nine are abroad disguised as wights in black. The great pug, lidless and wreathed in flame, sees all... while nearby, Mount Fordie is wreathed in smoke and ash.

Time is short, yet there is still hope.

[Lalwendë]

Do I really need to answer this one?

Bilbo is the best. He is the Ultimate Hobbit. Vote for Bilbo!

He should be your candidate because he displays all the traits that a good Hobbit ought to. He is an accomplished pipeweed smoker, and he has a fine wine cellar. He lives in one of the most outstanding Smials ever constructed. He has a keenly honed appreciation of cake, and what's more, he even shares it with pesky Dwarves who come to visit uninvited! Yes, he does not really want to share his cake (and who would?), he even has palpitations at the thought that it might all get eaten up! But he shares it nevertheless, and as we know, he pulls out all the stops when it comes to throwing a party!

But Bilbo is no mere socialite. No, he is also a fine poet, and a cartographer. He is an adventurer! But not one of these bores who spends his whole life travelling, no. Bilbo has the decency to come home and show everyone the slides, for years and years, so we all get to see Mountains!

And finally, it was Bilbo's keen wit which saw him escape with the Ring, and had he not done so, then we would all be voting for our favourite Orc...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

And that would be Grishnak. His name is simply the most entertaining to say several times in a row.

[the guy who be short]

He just seems so normal. He's very clever (getting Sam to spy, friends with Maggot, etc), very brave (Witch King), very loving (Theoden, Frodo), and has a sense of humor. He's accomplished, smartThat's normal? :eek: You must live in some sort of Utopia...

As for myself, I have yet to vote. Difficult choice. I'm tempted to say Lobelia, she's so endearing at the end of LotR. But out of the five listed... hmm.

I'd say Bilbo in his youth in the Hobbit. He was witty, he was sociable, he was fun, he was brave. Yes, the other hobbits accomplished import tasks... but where's the wit? Where's the humour? One or two jokes are hardly comparable to Bilbo's account of his tales.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

That's normal? :eek: You must live in some sort of Utopia...You betcha. Merry's still the best. He kind of reminds me of a flight attendant.

Perhaps I should have used "well-rounded" in place of normal. ;)

[Imladris]

Bilbo:

Competent, fun, just...an endearing little guy. And not afraid to do what needs to be done (ie, stealing the Arkenstone). He's a good deal more relatable than the other hobbits on the list (excluding Pippin and Merry, of course). He also went on grand adventures and wrote about them...which is very important to me for some odd reason...

Of course, it could just be because I prefer to The Hobbit to LotR...hmm.

[Elennar Starfire]

Pippin. I love his sense of humour. He's like my friends at two in the morning, but all the time! (for an example of my friends at two in the morning, look at my sigg.)

Pippin has always been my favourite, but since seeing the movies I love him even more. Who can resist that accent? He's just so cute! (I'm saying that in an 'aww, cuddly' sort of way, not fangirlish.)

[Formendacil]

I cannot take this poll at this time. Until such time as it includes each and every hobbit listed in the Lord of the Rings- down to and including each and every member of the Family Trees, it would be discriminatory of me to vote.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I picked Merry because I think he has just the right mix of everything about the others.

I think I myself, character-wise, lean slightly more towards Frodo, and that's why I need Merry to balance me. He would be the perfect friend.

[Bêthberry]

Okay, I knuckled down and limited myself to Fordim's Few as choices. Bilbo it is. Mainly for the humour. Senility is a funny fate, isn't it? Plus he's the writer, although of course there is Herblore of the Shire.

[Lalwendë]

Plus, the other really cool thing about Bilbo is that he has had a song written about him, the refrain declaring that he was "the greatest Hobbit of them all" (or something like that...I must confess I wasn't listening all that closely...). This also gave us all the opportunity to watch Leonard Nimmoy making a fool of himself in a psychedelic fashion! :p

It's been pointed out to me today that there is another rather important Hobbit we are forgetting, and that is Gollum... Maybe he could be a choice for a poll on who's your favourite baddie? Though I should find it hard to decide on that choice.

[mark12_30]

Plus he's the writer, although of course there is Herblore of the Shire.

..... "The Downfall of the Lord of the Rings and the Return of the King" doesn't count as writing...?

[mark12_30]

Fave diplomat: either Bilbo (for the Arkenstone Gambit) or Frodo (at Faramir's council.).
Fave writer: either Bilbo or Frodo. Okay, Frodo.
Fave dreamer: Frodo.
Favorite humorist: Merry or Frodo, although sometimes Sam, and often Bilbo.
Favorite songwriter: Sam.
Favorite mischief-maker: Merry, for spying on Bilbo & reading his book.
Favorite thief: Frodo (& Farmer Maggot's mushrooms. Sorry, Bilbo, but passion rules over pay on this one.)
Favorite cook: Frodo (he must have made some interesting things with all those stolen mushrooms. Sorry, Bilbo, cold chicken and pickles never did it for me. Nor fish and chips, Sam.)
Favorite philosopher: Hmmmmm. Merry is no twit, but he's a hobbit of action and not much on words. Sam's wisdom is earthy and practical; Frodo gets a bit melancholy at times. Bilbo's thoughts are more like Sam's, short and to the point.

I think what I'm learning is that my LEAST favorite hobbit is Pippin.

[Bêthberry]

..... "The Downfall of the Lord of the Rings and the Return of the King" doesn't count as writing...?

'Tis but a translation, Helen. :D ;)

[mark12_30]

'Tis but a translation, Helen. :D ;)

Tsk, Bethberry. Bilbo wrote "There and Back Again", but translated the Sil ("Translations from the Elvish") while Frodo was the original author of the entire 'trilogy" except for Sam's Epilogue.

[Lalaith]

He kind of reminds me of a flight attendant

What are you saying, Feanor? :eek:

Merry for me, too. Cheerful (yet not overly so, master peregrin take note), practical and brave. Lordly, I call it, meaning nothing but good.

[Bêthberry]

Tsk, Bethberry. Bilbo wrote "There and Back Again", but translated the Sil ("Translations from the Elvish") while Frodo was the original author of the entire 'trilogy" except for Sam's Epilogue.

Oh, gosh. And Appendix F, "On Translation"? I wasn't aware that Frodo, who sailed away early in the Fourth Age, knew the seventh age language, English.

I do love the way the elves tease Bilbo about his writing. It is wise to have some distance on the act of writing. See 'Mainly for the humour" in previous post.


:)

[mark12_30]

Oh, gosh. And Appendix F, "On Translation"? I wasn't aware that Frodo, who sailed away early in the Fourth Age, knew the seventh age language, English.

Come on, you KNOW who was credited for the appendices. My leg's getting sore, you can quit yanking on it now before you dislocate my hip.

I do like the elvish humor in The Hobbit better than I like the elvish humor in The Trilogy. Tra-La-La-Lally or bust, I say!

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

What are you saying, Feanor? :eek:
Cheerful, well-disposed, and always willing to help out. :D

[Kitanna]

How can there be such a poll and Fatty and Sam's old Gaffer are not included?

[The Only Real Estel]

The Gaffer has to be one of the best, but given my limited amount of choices I voted for Merry. Wait! I thought the dot next to the name Merry meant that if I clicked on it I'd be voting for Bilbo! Recount! :mad: ;)

[Bêthberry]

Come on, you KNOW who was credited for the appendices. My leg's getting sore, you can quit yanking on it now before you dislocate my hip.

I do like the elvish humor in The Hobbit better than I like the elvish humor in The Trilogy. Tra-La-La-Lally or bust, I say!

Well, not wishing to injure you, I would offer you a cane--so we both could go traipsing merrily along, pip pip and all that, to Rivendell--but I fear you would think I was attempting a caning. :D

I'm feeling the tug of admiration and deep respect for Sam and maybe some guilt for being swayed by humour instead of integrity. That devotion and faithfulness has got to count for something. Besides, we could talk gardening together.

I think my vote was marred by a dangling chad. Is a second ballot possible without all the Supreme Court bother?

[Durelin]

Where be good ol' Lotho, and fair Lobelia?

[mormegil]

Has to be Sam hi unintentional humor gets me everytime. He's oh so devoted to Frodo and the quest. He's simple and loves the simple. I complicate myself too much so he reminds me of the truly important things.

Most importantly he's not a senile old coot *coughbilbocough*

[Lhunardawen]

Merry's the perfect partner in crime. Without him, my avatar would not have existed. Besides, Merry's name is just...Merry. It's fun to say. You can almost smile while saying his name. Try it.

Me-rry.

See?

[Holbytlass]

Pippin: too irresponsible, "I have 5 kids and my husband's the oldest!"
Merry: too worldly, always taking off on "business" trips especially with Eowyn.
Sam: decent enough, but always pining away for Frodo
Bilbo: too old, although if one had a mind for "sugar-daddies"
Frodo: that unattainable tragic-hero

FRODO it is!!

[the guy who be short]

Most importantly [Sam]'s not a senile old coot *coughbilbocough*Grr... :mad:

Bilbo wasn't always a coot you know. He was young for far longer than the average person (or hobbit)! And Sam probably went senile too... yeah... and did he get to the Und(r)ying Lands? No, didn't think so.

Conclusion: Bilbo Adventurer>Samwise Halfwit :p

[Holbytlass]

Grr... :mad:

Bilbo wasn't always a coot you know. He was young for far longer than the average person (or hobbit)! And Sam probably went senile too... yeah... and did he get to the Und(r)ying Lands? No, didn't think so.

Conclusion: Bilbo Adventurer>Samwise Halfwit :p

Actually, Sam did go, after the death of Rosie, it's in the appendices.

[HerenIstarion]

I'm voting for Fatty Bolger.

:cool:

~*~ Pio

My feelings exactly!

Fordim, you are good at polls, but they are always almost perfect! ;) Meaning, where is Fatty (my favourite, as we are so much alike), where is Lobelia? Where are numerous Brockhouses, not to mention Proudfoots/feet?!

Given the current poll, though, I cast my vote on Sam for his loyalty and his hope beyond hope which came true. I wish I could be that steadfast.

[mormegil]

Grr... :mad:

Bilbo wasn't always a coot you know. He was young for far longer than the average person (or hobbit)! And Sam probably went senile too... yeah... and did he get to the Und(r)ying Lands? No, didn't think so.

Conclusion: Bilbo Adventurer>Samwise Halfwit :p

He can't even think of a respectable riddle. I mean what kind of question is "what have I got in my pockets?"? Then he lies to Gandalf. So he's not a good thinker and he's a liar...oh ya a thief too. Withholding the Arkenstone from poor Thorin. Thorin's only desire is to have it and Bilbo holds it back from him. That's almost the greatest tragedy Tolkien wrote you know. :(

[mark12_30]

He can't even think of a respectable riddle. I mean what kind of question is "what have I got in my pockets?"? Then he lies to Gandalf. So he's not a good thinker and he's a liar...oh ya a thief too. Withholding the Arkenstone from poor Thorin. Thorin's only desire is to have it and Bilbo holds it back from him. That's almost the greatest tragedy Tolkien wrote you know. :(

You've almost persuaded me to vote for Bilbo.

[Folwren]

I vote for Samwise!! Why? Goodness, if any of you had any sense you'd figure out why.

Sam has just about all the good qualities that the other hobbits have - he's humorous, brave, honest, selfless, and completely down to earth. He's an excellent poet, and he loved his Gaffer! So, mormegil, I totally agree with your first post concerning Sam. :D (Except, maybe Bilbo wasn't a senile old coot...)

Originally posted by the guy who be short:
Grr...

Bilbo wasn't always a coot you know. He was young for far longer than the average person (or hobbit)! And Sam probably went senile too... yeah... and did he get to the Und(r)ying Lands? No, didn't think so.

Conclusion: Bilbo Adventurer>Samwise Halfwit

...Sam certainly wasn't a Halfwit.

By the bye, he did make it to the Undying Lands, according to the Appendice.

[the guy who be short]

Actually, Sam did go, after the death of Rosie, it's in the appendices.Ah, but you didn't read the question properly! Undrying Lands, said I.

In any case, Bilbo got there first. :p

Sam certainly wasn't a HalfwitThis is in the Appendices too. Sam is apparently Old English for Half, thus Half-wise.

He can't even think of a respectable riddle. I mean what kind of question is "what have I got in my pockets?"?He's inventive and innovative.

Then he lies to Gandalf.Everybody lies to Gandalf, poor sod.

oh ya a thief too.Professional burglar, if you please!

Now that the defence is sorted, the attack may begin.

Samwise is detestable. He symbolises hypocrisy in its strongest form. He rises from a peasant class family to become a member of the nobility. And then what does he do for the peasantly? Nothing! *spits*

And obsessed with cooking like he is... you can't trust hobbits with such bad cuisine. ;)

[mormegil]

Professional burglar, if you please!

Professional burglar indeed! A thief is still a thief no matter the name he gives himself.


Samwise is detestable. He symbolises hypocrisy in its strongest form. He rises from a peasant class family to become a member of the nobility. And then what does he do for the peasantly? Nothing! *spits*

Oh I must have been mistaken in my judgment of character. I thought that giving away all but on grain of his blessed soil so that the shire could grow beautiful again was altruistic. But seemingly it was to further his political career.

Let's not forget that Sam never desired the spot light whereas Bilbo seemed rather obessed with being the center of attention. Writing verse about Elrond's family in front of him and then having the nerve to recite it. Doing that whole party thing so he could be remembered. Seems a bit arrogant to me.

[the guy who be short]

Professional burglar indeed! A thief is still a thief no matter the name he gives himself.So to steal from an evil dragon is... wrong? The Arkenstone cannot be seen as theft, of course, being stolen to avert a needless war.

Oh I must have been mistaken in my judgment of character. I thought that giving away all but on grain of his blessed soil so that the shire could grow beautiful again was altruistic. But seemingly it was to further his political career.How do you think he became Mayor seven times in a row? Bah. It's all about politics.

Let's not forget that Sam never desired the spot light whereas Bilbo seemed rather obessed with being the center of attention. Writing verse about Elrond's family in front of him and then having the nerve to recite it. Doing that whole party thing so he could be remembered. Seems a bit arrogant to me.Bilbo was enigmatic, a wonderful trait. and Sam, not desiring the spotlight? Mr Pay-attention-to-me!-I-have-thirteen-children? Mr Running-off-to-adventure-abandoning-his-gaffer? Mr Mayor-seven-times-in-a-row-so-invite-me-to-your-parties? :eek:

[mormegil]

Soon, TGWBS, I worry that you will start calling little Biblo your precious.

Biblo view's are far too simplistic (ie elves singing tra-la-la-lally). Remember that the account we have of his deeds are from his own pen. Of course he will slant them to make him look favorable. "No I didn't steal the Arkenstone I merely tried to prevent war".

He saw a pitiable creature and what did he do? He took the thing it desired most and deprived that creature of it. I am of course speaking of Throin and the Dragon. Let's not forget what he did to Gollum too. I see a disturbing pattern here.

He kept the accursed ring for himself until he found out how personally dangerous it was and what did he do with it? Gave it to his heir and said here's my problem you deal with it!

And in defense of Sam wanting attention you know you are grasping at straws. He was only mayor because he knew he could help the peasant class.

Edit: intentional misspelling of Biblo's name

[Orominuialwen]

++ Sam

Sorry, I couldn't resist! But seriously, he's loyal, humble, funny, a good cook, a family man, a good poet/songwriter, what more could you want?

Edit: intentional misspelling of Biblo's name Heh, my best friend's last name is Bible, and just the other day she got a piece of junk mail with her name misspelled as Biblo!

[mark12_30]

Biblo view's are far too simplistic (ie elves singing tra-la-la-lally).

Don't mess with my Tra-La-La-Lally here down in the valley Ha Ha.

Best drinking song this side of Edoras.

[Folwren]

It's a jolly good thing this is all under the humor section, or I'd think you guys were serious! As it is, I'm having a hard enough time as it is to keep from getting possitively furious with at least TGWBS.

Originally posted by the guy who be short
Bilbo was enigmatic, a wonderful trait. and Sam, not desiring the spotlight? Mr Pay-attention-to-me!-I-have-thirteen-children? Mr Running-off-to-adventure-abandoning-his-gaffer? Mr Mayor-seven-times-in-a-row-so-invite-me-to-your-parties?

For you to even suppose that Samwise was selfish or hypocritical is horrifyingly unbelievable. Sam didn't want to go off with Frodo, Gandalf made him! Gandalf knew that Sam wouldn't want it - he even called it a punishment to teach him not to eavesdrop and to shut him up properly. He couldn't take his Gaffer with him - it woulda killed him.

And chap doesn't make himself Mayor, either. The people vote for him. Ding-dong!

And as for having thirteen children...that was just as much Rosie's choice as Sam's. A woman doesn't go off and have more than a dozen kids just so that her husband can be in the spotlight.

Samwise is detestable. He symbolises hypocrisy in its strongest form. He rises from a peasant class family to become a member of the nobility. And then what does he do for the peasantly? Nothing!

He certainly did NOT forget the peasants! He spread his gift all over the Shire! He rebuilt the Bag shot Row after the Ruffians had destroyed it and he cleaned up the entire land! He helped with it, mind you, he didn't tell others to do it and sit back to watch.

Sam Gamgee was the humblest, sweetest of all hobbits, and though Bilbo is great in his own way, I don't think he holds a light to Sam's over all character in the books.

[mormegil]

That ninnyheimer wouldn't have made it anywhere without the aid of Gandalf whereas Sam the Beloved was the aid to Frodo, who wouldn't have made it as far as he did without him. :p

[Lalwendë]

Bah! Nobody would have made it anywhere anyway without Bilbo's actions in sneaking the preciousss out from under the Misty Mountains. :p

[the guy who be short]

It appears there is much resentment at the truth about Samwise emerging, but I'm afraid that, as long as it is possible to do so, it is my duty to enlighten you misguided followers of the "nasssty hobbit," as one famous opponent once called him.

Now, almost everything Sam did after his return to the Shire was to score political points.

And as for having thirteen children...that was just as much Rosie's choice as Sam's. A woman doesn't go off and have more than a dozen kids just so that her husband can be in the spotlight.It is a well known fact that, if a man (or hobbit) has children, they are seen as approachable and more likely to be voted for. Now, here's the shocker - Sam planned his children around the political calender to make people more likely to vote for him!

Ludricous? Let us consider the timeline and Master Gamgee's family tree.

1427 - Merry, Sam's son, is born. Conveniently, Sam is elected for the first time soon after on the same year.

1433 - Sam's daughter Primrose born late in the year. Sam re-elected early 1434.

1440 - Sam's daughter Robin born in the ending months. Sam re-elected in the following months next year.

1448 - It is not known, but highly suspected amongst scholars, that Sam forced his daughter Elanor to have a baby in this year, giving him the status of Grandfather. He is re-elected.

1454 - Elanor again forced to have a child, Elfstan. Sam elected following year.

1462 - Sam's son, Frodo, forced to have a child (Holfast) this year. Sam re-elected same year.

1469 - Some other child of Sam's is presumably forced to reproduce this year, resulting in his re-election.


As you can see, each election campaign conveniently had some spawn of Sam's for him to fawn over in front of crowds, pulling in the voters. Carefully choreographed, we can only assume that his offspring rebelled against him during his later years, forcing him across the Sea.

Now, it is late, and further attacks on Mister Samwise and defences of Saint Bilbo can wait for the morrow.

[Folwren]

Originally posted by TGWBS:
It is a well known fact that, if a man (or hobbit) has children, they are seen as approachable and more likely to be voted for. Now, here's the shocker - Sam planned his children around the political calender to make people more likely to vote for him!

What polotics were you ever in to know something like that? Sneak.

But, have to say, on account of the lack of birth control that they had, it's impossible for Sam to have planned his children around the politicial calender.

Ludricous? Let us consider the timeline and Master Gamgee's family tree.

1427 - Merry, Sam's son, is born. Conveniently, Sam is elected for the first time soon after on the same year.

1433 - Sam's daughter Primrose born late in the year. Sam re-elected early 1434.

1440 - Sam's daughter Robin born in the ending months. Sam re-elected in the following months next year.

1448 - It is not known, but highly suspected amongst scholars, that Sam forced his daughter Elanor to have a baby in this year, giving him the status of Grandfather. He is re-elected.

1454 - Elanor again forced to have a child, Elfstan. Sam elected following year.

1462 - Sam's son, Frodo, forced to have a child (Holfast) this year. Sam re-elected same year.

1469 - Some other child of Sam's is presumably forced to reproduce this year, resulting in his re-election.


As you can see, each election campaign conveniently had some spawn of Sam's for him to fawn over in front of crowds, pulling in the voters. Carefully choreographed, we can only assume that his offspring rebelled against him during his later years, forcing him across the Sea.

You moron! You don't 'carefully choreograph' seven births! That is absolutely rediculous! Besides that, I don't even know where you got those birth dates...they're not in MY appendixes...unless I've really missed something.

TGWBS, I have to say that your debating skills are lacking. Either find new evidence against Sam or just give up! These arguments just aren't cutting it.

[Kath]

Ah but Folwren the dates TGWBS has come up with are in fact correct! I just checked the appendices (B and C) and all the dates are in there.

on account of the lack of birth control that they had, it's impossible for Sam to have planned his children around the politicial calender.

Untrue, it would actually make it easier. Just make sure there are no marital relations going on until you want a child to be created and tada! (Well hopefully if everything is working properly :p ). And once Sam and Rosie got a bit older and couldn't do this anymore that's why their children came in handy. Everyone knows smarmy politicians simpering over babies is a major crowd-puller, at least to those members of the crowd that are senile.

And to continue bashing Sam how come he got to go over the sea anyway? He had the Ring for an incredibly short time and yet still he is somehow granted this blessing, when Merry and Pippin just die! So they never held the Ring, Merry helped kill the Witchking!

[the phantom]

the phantom voted for Bilbo. Why are people still debating?

[Kath]

Because the phantom is supposed to be on holiday until July 30th and so until this date has arrived all comments from him will be duly ignored. :p

[the phantom]

Because the phantom is supposed to be on holiday until July 30th and so until this date has arrived all comments from him will be duly ignored.
During the first part of my trip I was in wilderness areas where I was lucky to see a person much less a computer. Now, I'm staying with relatives who have computers (though I rarely have the time to use them), so I just might make a post or two before the 30th- and I expect everyone to center threads around what I say just like they usually do.

If you let the Downs slip into mediocrity every time I leave for a bit it's really going to put a lot of pressure on me to be here all the time. You don't want to put that kind of pressure on your lovable neighborhood phantom, do you?

[mark12_30]

During the first part of my trip I was in wilderness areas where I was lucky to see a person much less a computer. Now, I'm staying with relatives who have computers (though I rarely have the time to use them), so I just might make a post or two before the 30th- and I expect everyone to center threads around what I say just like they usually do.

If you let the Downs slip into mediocrity every time I leave for a bit it's really going to put a lot of pressure on me to be here all the time. You don't want to put that kind of pressure on your lovable neighborhood phantom, do you?

Aye, there it is. It's a heavy burden, but somebody must bear it, and fate has chosen you. Consider yourself pressurized, Phanny.

[mormegil]

the phantom voted for Bilbo. Why are people still debating?

All the more reason to not vote Bilbo! :p

[the guy who be short]

Bilbo was pitiful enough to stay his hand and allow Gollum to live. How noble, and of course, it meant the ring could eventually be destroyed. Even if this were not the case, it was the right thing to do, and he was displaying how merciful he was.

On the other hand, we have Sam the Sadist, who likes tying Gollum up, attacking him, verbally abusing him, etc. etc.

Come on people! How can you vote for Samwise the Cruelheart?!

For my part, I find it surprising that Bilbo has not yet been canonised...

[mormegil]

You call that pity? I think Bilbo lacks any amount of courage. Remember my friend he is the one who wrote the historical narrative we have. No it's not pity it's simply a lack of courage to do the job right. Now look what the little sneak did during the battle of five armies. He slipped the ring on and passed out due to fear. I know that he contrived some far-fetched story but the truth is simple enough for those with the ability to look below the surface.

Samwise the cruelheart? No, calling him this merely shows your ignorance towards the most beloved hobbit. Now if you knew Samwise well enough, you would know that he was a master of psychology. With his knowledge Sam knew that the only way to heal Gollum of his malady was through keeping him still and tough love. You see Sam was merely trying to cure him and it almost worked but that poor wretch was simply too far gone even for master healer Samwise

Edit: For Fordim's sake. I like you TGWBS. Bilbo's okay too, but he still can't hold a candle to Samwise. :)

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Now people, people, let's try to keep this civil -- the heated nature of this debate is beginning to make it look like the wings/no-wings debacle that surrounds balrogs.

So, say nice things to each other or you're all a bunch of Lothos!!

[Folwren]

Bilbo was pitiful enough to stay his hand and allow Gollum to live. How noble, and of course, it meant the ring could eventually be destroyed. Even if this were not the case, it was the right thing to do, and he was displaying how merciful he was.

I don't think that it was pity that stayed Bilbo Baggins's hand! He didn't have a chance to kill Gollum except when he was behind him and made that final leap to freedom, and if he had killed him then, that would have been nothing less than a back stabbing murder. It may have been the right thing to do, but he didn't do it because he had mercy...he did it because he didn't have the guts to go off and kill something like that (like Mormegil said).

On the other hand, we have Sam the Sadist, who likes tying Gollum up, attacking him, verbally abusing him, etc. etc.

You wanna hear some quotes from the books that prove Samwise merciful? Allow me, gentlemen...

From The Two Towers, Book IV, Chapter One, The Taming of Smeagol:
At last Frodo was convinced that [Gollum] really was in pain; but it could not be from the knot. He examined it and found that it was not too tight, indeed hardly tight enough. Sam was gentler than his words.

(So much for your liking to tie Gollum up! Ha.)

Same book, Chapter Eight, The Stairs of Cirith Ungol:
Sam felt a bit remorseful, though not more trustful. 'Sorry,' he said. 'I'm sorry, but you startled me out of my sleep. And I shouldn't have been sleping, and that made me a bit sharp. But Mr. Frodo, he's that tired, I asked him to have a wink; and well, that's how it is. Sorry.'

And mind that that was right before Gollum's most hideous act of treachery!! If you still doubt me...this one will smash any of your hopes of Sam's lack of pity.

The Return of the King, Book VI, Chapter Three, Mount Doom:
Sam's hand wavered. His mind as hot with wrath and the memory of evil. It would be just to slay this treacherous, murderous creature, just and many times deserved; and also it seemd the only safe thing to do. But deep in his heart there was something that restrained him: he could not strike this thing lying in the dust, forlorn, ruinous, utterly wretched. He himsefl, though only for a little while, had borne the Ring, and now dimly he guessed the agony of Gollum's shrivelled mind and body, enslaved to that Ring, unable to find peace or relief ever in life again. But Sam had no words to express what he felt.

If you doubt Sam's pity and even pretend that Bilbo had more, then just think of all the time Sam had a chance to kill Gollum and he didn't. Bilbo had one chance - one chance to turn down. Sam had several. He didn't love Gollum...Bilbo didn't either...he was just more honest to express what he felt in his words than Bilbo ever was!

For my part, I find it surprising that Bilbo has not yet been canonised...

What do you mean?

Was I nice enough, Fordim? And all this is mostly friendly bantering, is it not? I'm just sharpening my debating skills and my knowledge of both Bilbo and Sam!

[Lyta_Underhill]

Hey! Why doesn't anybody seem to like Pippin? He's all but been forgotten in this poll! Sure, he can be annoying, but I think Gandalf is just too easily annoyed! And who wouldn't want to splash some water around after a narrow escape from Black Riders in the dark of one's own homeland? I didn't see anyone else cleaning it up for him! Plus, he guided Frodo and Sam most expertly through parts of the Shire they couldn't possibly have navigated so well if it hadn't been for the nimble feet and mind of Mr. Peregrin Took! And let's not forget his easy social grace with Farmer Maggot, that kept Frodo from becoming dog food! He may be impulsive, but I think in this he is a more human reflection of Gandalf himself--allowing and causing things to be without a clear reason for them and yet this trait opens new ways and moves great events. Pippin is the upright Fool who becomes the Knight who lightly steps in this world (even laughing a little ere the end...) Even Gandalf said that Pippin SAVED him from a great danger and folly with his Palantir hijinks! And he grows up soon enough and well enough during the War of the Ring to emerge as a stouthearted hero in his own right, one who has great support in the Shire and a way with everyone he meets! Plus, he's cheerful! Look how depressed Merry and Frodo and Sam all become near the end of the War, just because Pippin isn't there to cheer them up! ;)

Now why has everyone forgotten my dear Peregrin Took? And even added hobbits not on the list instead of realizing that Pippin is there, overlooked.

I have enjoyed this rant once again, as I seem to cheer myself up by going on about the merits of the youngest Fellowship member...he has, in recent times (let's say the last few years), alternated with Frodo as my favorite. But since no one has spoken up for him, I thought I'd have a go!

Cheers!
Lyta

P.S. I notice he's got votes, but I had not seen anyone explaining why they liked him! Blame my bad eyesight and hasty ways! :D

P.P.S.: I notice the Frodo seems to be losing this poll. Does everyone think he's just a tragic hero? I rather think of him as a dreamer who really appreciates the things he has and loves the Shire and woods that surround him! Real Elvish-like, as Sam might say....a seeker after beauty. In other words, a hobbit after my own heart! A pity that stupid Ring keeps people from liking him as well!

P.P.P.S: Haven't voted yet, but still trying to weigh the nature of my affections--similar but different...it is hard to pick a favorite Hobbit! I love them all! (Maybe I'm Gandalf? Hardly!)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I've been thinking about this poll, and mumbling on to myself about the problematic task of having to pick a favorite out of the lot. But once past all the grumbling I kept coming back to Sam. I won't go on about specific qualities of his, as it would be highly subjective, (I have a weakness for long suffering characters who don't take themselves too seriously), but Sam was the one hobbit whose presence stayed with me long after I had finished reading the story: a sort of heroic personage of the type you actually meet now and again. And if I could be half the hobbit he was, (and I don't mean stature) well then, I would be very content.

[Folwren]

Yay for Hilde Bracegirdle!! :D

Edit: I didn't vote for Peregrin merely for the fact that he's not my favorite. He's a dear hobbit, to be sure, and I'm sure everyone loves him, even though they say otherwise on this thread sometimes.

And it was a hard choice for be to pick either Frodo or Sam. As you have probably noticed, I decided on Sam, but Frodo was almost it. Don't worry - Frodo wasn't forgotten, even though the poll may make it appear so.

[The Saucepan Man]

Personally, I like my Hobbits "Hobbity" and Frodo (while most definately a most admirable Hobbit) is, by the end, rather too "unwordly" to get my vote. Perhaps that's the reason for his relatively poor showing in the poll (I'm sure that he would top many others).

Of the "Fellowship Hobbits", I would have voted for Pippin, for many of the reasons that Lyta so eloquently stated. His innocence, sense of humour and curiosity are appealing and his transition from "young innocent abroad" to Gondorian warrior is a great aspect of the story.

But my first introduction to Tolkien was courtesy of Bilbo, when I first read The Hobbit many many years ago, and I probably identify most with him of all the characters in either the Hobbit or LotR (with the possible exception of Butterbur ;) ). So its Bilbo who gest my vote. :smokin:

[Kath]

I do love Bilbo and he will always have a special place in my affections as he was the first Hobbit I ever discovered and the one that introduced me to the wonders of Tolkien. He was also quite a resourceful little fellow with his plans for getting the Dwarves out of the Elf-kings cellars and for making peace between the Dwarves and the Men. He was completely out of place in their world and still made the best of it, and he remained a Hobbit throughout, always on the look-out for rest and food!

Frodo I found was just not a Hobbit anymore by the end after all that he had been through. He saw the world with a sadness that should just not be inherent in Hobbit's. He was wise and kind and courageous but was always to me the distant hero that you admired but did not connect with.

Sam I found the more down-to-earth and available of the hero's. And he was heroic, he just did it all with Hobbit sense and love for his master. Regardless of TGWBS' views on his later political career he did do the Shire a great service with his gift from Galadriel and he helped to keep the stories alive.

Merry annoyed me at the beginning of the books. It wasn't really until Bree that I began to like him, but by the charge of the Rohirrim he was a beloved character who I wanted to see make it through. His part in the destruction of the Witch King again makes him a hero, and again one of the more accessible ones.

Pippin however I have always had a soft spot for. He is just the perfect Hobbit and sweet and innocent with it. His experience with war and the Palantir changed him in no way for the worse and he still retained his Hobbitness through it all. He was always there to cheer people up and even Gandalf couldn't help but love him by the end. He saved Faramir and Merry and took part in the battle before Mordor even if he did do a Bilbo and passed out before the end.

So I think I'm going to have to go with Pippin.

[WaynetheGoblin]

I like bilbo he is smart and short like me :D

[Turgon Philip Noldor]

I say Frodo. Frodo was always my favorite Hobbit, though Merry comes very closely in second. I think It might be because Frodo has to go through so much sorrow and pain, or because Frodo seems to be isolated from the rest of the real world. He always seems to be in another place, he is alone. For some reason I really like that (not that he goes through pain, mind you). So I will pick Frodo.... :)

[the guy who be short]

I'm afraid I must bring the ultimate punishment down on Samwise Gamgee for daring to challenge Bilbo.

Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 246Sam...Some readers he irritates and even infuriates. I can well understand it... Sam can be very 'trying'. He is a more representative hobbit than any others that we have to see much of; and he has consequently a stronger ingredient of that quality which even some hobbits found at times hard to bear: a vulgarity... a mental myopia which is proud of itself, a smugness... and cocksureness...
Sam was cocksure, and... conceited... his service and loyalty to his master... had an ingredient... of pride and possessiveness.Even Tolkien disliked the scamp.* :p

*Slight omissions may have been carried out to portray Sam in a more negative light.

[Folwren]

*flushes red and tears start to my eyes*

That's hard! Cruel hard!

Originally posted by TGWBS:
Slight omissions may have been carried out to portray Sam in a more negative light.

Yes, I assumed that.

I don't think that Tolkien disliked the scamp...he couldn't have. You can't write a book as long as the LotR and turn one of the characters you dislike into the hero of the story.

Besides that, I'm not talking about what Tolkien thought of Samwise, I'm talking about how good Sam is. I'm not even comparing him to Bilbo Baggins. The two are uncomparable, really. Sam is a lot better than Bilbo, but I'm not going to go on and on about that fact. I'll defend Sam to the death (and I don't see that happening any time soon) because if you brought any real complaints against him, I could thwart them as easily as I...squished that caterpillar the other day. (That as gross.)

But what's a chap like me supposed to say when you come up with fragments of a letter I have no way to get my hands on? Fragments, I say, taking what makes Sam appear the worst? I have no possible way to refute what you just said! Do I?

I don't believe that any one in their right mind could dislike Sam, or be irritated by him. No one in the book ever was...besides when he was obviously bad by trimming the grass around the window sills when he wasn't supposed to be listening. (Many people got mad and irritated at Bilbo, but I'm not going into that because I said I wouldn't earlier.)

Honestly, TGWBS, if you're going to argue and rail against Sam, bring stuff from the books!

[CaptainofDespair]

Bah!

Samwise is a cheat! How can you ask us to bring out quotes from the books? We all know that after Frodo departed, Samwise edited everything to present himself in a better light. He is, in actuality, a bumbling fool. And he is a fat hobbit, as well. How on earth does he stay fat, while Frodo withers away? He ate all the food!

Bilbo is like Willy Wonka. Granted, I love Gene Wilder as Willy, but he's creepy. And so is Bilbo. And the whole butter over bread thing is just code for "I'm tired of this, time to pass on the burden to Frodo". And, he helped kill Smaug, my favorite character from The Hobbit.

Frodo is a tragic hero. That instantly garners disrespect, because he couldn't be wise enough to, oh let's say, give the Ring to Boromir. :D

Merry and Pippin both do horrible things. Merry helped out in the defeat of Wiki (he should have been burned at the stake for such a crime, seriously). Pippin is just...Pippin.

Thus, I will vote for...Pippin. He neither killed Smaug (well, Bilbo helped), nor Wiki, nor Sauron. :D

[Folwren]

Very interesting arguments, Captain.

I've been considering this problem, TGWBS...

Without Bilbo, Sam wouldn't have been what he was because he wouldn't have been told stories about the elves and things, wouldn't have learned his letters, and wouldn't have met with the upper class at all (Frodo, Merry, Pippin...).
Without Sam, Frodo would have perished before he made it to Mordor.
Without Frodo (or with Frodo perishing before making it to Mordor), the entire quest would have failed and everyone would have died or lived under slavery anyway and everything would have been in vain.

How's that for reasoning? It accepts the three most important and argued over hobbits and...I doubt it will be the case, but it could end the fight. :cool:

(I still think Sam's the best!)

[mormegil]

I think we can let the Shire residents themselves answer who the best hobbit was. That would obviously be Sam. How many times was he elected to be mayor? Also in contrast to Bilbo he didn't have to buy friends. Truly the only reason that Frodo acted like he loved Bilbo was to get at his fortune. Speaking of Bilbo buying his friends I find it hilarious that he actually had a small fortune and he gave out much of it and yet wasn't liked one bit by most shire residents. At least, one would think, he could buy some yes men but nobody was even willing to do that.

By the end of his life he was so cynical that he couldn't even give out a gift properly. He had to attack some snide remark to every gift. What kind of person does that I ask you!

[Naz]

I like Pippin. Because... he's Pippin. ._.; He's just kind of weird & "doi doi whutdoaydooo". If you take my meaning. 9_9;

[the guy who be short]

Folwren, you can read the letter in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, which you can buy or borrow from your nearest library.

In any case, I've noticed the startling trend towards Pippin. I'm willing to ceasefire with mormegil and Folwren until an at least semi-respectable Hobbit is honoured with the position of "Favourite."

*Casts dirty look in the direction of Pippin.* Expect some dirt soon...

[Firefoot]

And then there's Frodo, who has been losing this poll the whole way... come on, people, what's wrong with you!?

:p

Seriously, here's why you should vote for Frodo:

1. He saved Middle-earth...
2. He resisted the power of the Ring all the way to Mt. Doom; not only that, he resisted the power of the Morgul Blade 17 whole days.
3. He could actually keep his wits about him in tight situations (think Bilbo in Gollum's cave... let's just give this dangerous creature our name and address, shall we? Think Sam at Heneth Annun - after all Frodo's careful talking: "he wanted the Enemy's Ring!")
4. Gandalf held him in the highest esteem.
5. Several hobbits held him in the highest esteem (Bilbo and Sam, not least! And the Gaffer, of course).
6. He's thoughtful, not wanting to take his friends into danger with him.
7. Frodo is clearly more popular - you never heard of anyone writing "Sam lives" or "Bilbo lives" or "Pippin lives" anywhere, have you?

[mormegil]

Frodo...No no no. Sam my dear. Frodo was Middle-earth's biggest whiner. This whole thing about complaining about the weight of his "burden". I mean really how much can a silly ring weigh anyway? He wouldn't have made it anywhere without the help of others, Sam's in particular.

All-in-all I like Frodo more than Bilbo but not as much as dear old Samwise, Samwise the True, Samwise the faithful, Samwise the valiant etc...

[Durelin]

Well, I've finally decided after many days of meditation.... I vote for Bilbo. And this is why:

Bilbo is like Willy Wonka. Granted, I love Gene Wilder as Willy, but he's creepy. And so is Bilbo.
Thank you for pointing that out to me, my dear Captain. :p

I dig the whole 'creepy old man' thing... And I have this thing for doors, and thus I feel a sense of kinship with scary old Bilbo...

[Folwren]

Durelin!! I feel betrayed! ;) RPing together...you ought to agree with me when I've put so much argument into trying to prove Samwise better than Bilbo...and here you go, voting for Bilbo!

TGWBS, I can't borrow them from our nearest library...our nearest library is possitively tiny. and we haven't got any nicely sized book stores in town, either. If I could get them, I would, I assure you.

I agree with you entirely on the Pippin subject. Definitely need to get some votes going Sam's way...........

-Folwren

[Alcarillo]

I too have voted for Sam. Sam is the brave, loyal, humble servant of Frodo, and never asked for anything in return except a simple bite of lembas. Without Sam, might Frodo have been tempted by the ring? I think so. Sam provided moral support, and without him, we'd all still be reduced to little more than Sauron's thralls, even in this age.

As for his political career, it's sheer proof of the love he created in all near him. His vast number of children? Simply proof of his desire to create a kinder population for Middle-earth.

[Lyta_Underhill]

Still haven't voted....it is indeed hard to pick a favorite, even though I've always said Pippin and Frodo would vie for the honors. But I see lots of negative comments here, especially the war between Sam and Bilbo (while Frodo sits back, content to garner few votes but enjoying the show nonetheless--silly old Hobbits!). Actually, I wonder if it wouldn't be more fruitful to start a poll for our Least Favorite Hobbit? ;)

Cheers!
Lyta

[the guy who be short]

Who in their right mind would vote for the brother of a Murderer! That's right! Or possibly a manslaughterer.

Letters, no. 214:In the spring of SY 1402 [Lalia's] clumsy attendant let the heavy chair run over the threshold and tipped Lalia down the flight of steps into the garden. So ended a reign and life that might well have rivalled that of the Great Took.
It was widely rumoured that the attendant was Pearl (Pippin's sister) though the Tooks tried to keep the matter within the family. At the celebration of Ferumbras' accession the displeasure and regret of the family was formally expressed by the exclusion of Pearl from the ceremony and feast.I'm not overly fond of Sam, but at least his near kin didn't casually go around throwing old women down stairs. The despicable thing is the way the Tooks covered it up - I wouldn't trust any one of them, yet alone vote for one as my favourite!

[CaptainofDespair]

Well, I've finally decided after many days of meditation.... I vote for Bilbo. And this is why:


Thank you for pointing that out to me, my dear Captain. :p

I dig the whole 'creepy old man' thing... And I have this thing for doors, and thus I feel a sense of kinship with scary old Bilbo...

Yes, I am truly awesome. :D

And come now, Guy. Pippin was not involved. The taint lies not with him, but his sister. Sure, go ahead and sprout conspiracy theories (I enjoy them, please do), but Pippin is the least dirtied of the hobbits. Frodo was tainted by the Morgul Blade, and the One Ring. Sam was tainted by the Ring during his short use, and probably other things. Merry was soiled (and probably soiled himself :D) when he stabbed good ole Wiki (bless the Wiki's heart). Bilbo was tainted by the Ring, as well, and for a longer time than Frodo. What did Pippin do? He looked into the Palantir. That's not that bad.

[Lyta_Underhill]

In the spring of SY 1402 [Lalia's] clumsy attendant let the heavy chair run over the threshold and tipped Lalia down the flight of steps into the garden. So ended a reign and life that might well have rivalled that of the Great Took.
It was widely rumoured that the attendant was Pearl (Pippin's sister) though the Tooks tried to keep the matter within the family. At the celebration of Ferumbras' accession the displeasure and regret of the family was formally expressed by the exclusion of Pearl from the ceremony and feast. Now you should know better than to listen to rumours, TGWBS! ;) After all, wasn't it a short time later in that same letter that we are told Pearl appears later, wearing her name-jewels, restored to whatever honor she lost during this "time of rumour-mongering?" Even her family believed her and exonerated her, and no one ever proved anything! :D

Cheers!
Lyta (not quite the Took family historian)

[Folwren]

YAY ALCARRILO! Sam only needs one more vote to tie with people! Come on, folks! You can do it!

Lyta, I think you should vote for Frodo out of the two you mentioned. Frodo's much cooler than Pippin, and Pippin has enough votes...really...vote for Frodo. He's quite worthy of it.
Mormegil...Frodo was only Middle Earth's biggest whiner in the movie. If you press your point of thinking him an extreme whiner, I'll have to give you the essay I wrote a couple years ago in defense of him.
Besides, in voting for Sam, we should be willing for people to vote for Frodo. Sam's greatest characteristic is his utter faithfulness to Frodo and others. We should not dislike the hobbit he was most faithful to. Does that make any sense?

-Folwren

[Glirdan]

Merry all the way. He's the most sensible Hobbit out of the duo (himself and Pip). He's smart, funny, outgoing, a little stubborn (which reminds me of myself :D ), has leadership skills and so many other outstanding qualities. I really admire him, especially for injuring the Witch King. In other words, YOU'RE MY HERO MERRY!!!!!!!!! And lots not forget idol, he's my idol as well.

[The Perky Ent]

Pippin. Comic releif is nice

[Azaelia of Willowbottom]

I voted Sam. He's my favorite, closely followed by Pippin. He was a true friend, and Frodo wouldn't have made it nearly as far as he did if it hadn't been for Samwise the Brave.

[Lolidir]

I have to vote Sam, although Merry came in a close second. Sam, no matter what, was always there for Frodo. He was a true friend, and was willing to risk his life for the sake of Frodo and the cause. While Merry was funny, he got serious and down to business when it came down to it. I admire and respect both hobbits, but in the end friendship till the end won me over.

[Eonwe]

um i think sam. a couple things i like about him.

he likes elves. elves are definitely the coolest thing ever.

he saved the world more than anyone else. without sam to carry him, frodo never would have made it near mount doom. you can fight all you want but you will never overcome sauron by strength of arms. the ring was his only un-doing.

he is hilarious. i love his rustic sense of humor. comic relief? the man has all you want (in the books taht is).

he isn't controled by the ring.

he becomes thain.

yeah, sam is definitely the best hobbit ever.

[mormegil]

Congatulations to Samwise Gamgee and to all who have voted for him. As of right now he is in the lead and deservedly marked as the top Hobbit :D Take that Bilbo and TGWBS, the people have spoken again! :p

[the guy who be short]

I demand a recount!

Surely if Lobelia had been included, Samwise would have lost many of his votes. Thus the blame lies on Fordim, not any deficiency of Bilbo's.

[Formendacil]

He becomes Thain.

Actually, no. That would be Pippin. And if Thainship is the basis on which you base "favouritism", I advise you to move over the Pippin camp.

Sam's title is Mayor of Michel Delving (and therefore, of the rest of the Shire). T'is a role of no less prestige than Thain, really, but a good deal less power. His only real duty is to preside at banquets.

And, I ask you, is someone thought fit only for banquet hosting and toasting worth the pre-eminent place in your hobbit-loving hearts?

[Folwren]

I demand a recount!

Ha-ha!

:p

- Folwren

[Eonwe]

so true, so true. :eek: thanks for the correction Formendacil (although i believe he was thain to fill in. or was that frodo? i am long due for my anual reading of lotr :) ).

why yes i do, at that. i still think that sam saved middle-earth more than anyone. (ok more than any hobbit!) sam is still the man (or hobbit rather) in my opinion! :D

[Captain Grishnahk]

I chose Sam, but personaly my favorite hobbit is Smeagol. My code name for mostly all my other sites that i go too is Smeagol's Voice. Because i can do (I am told) the best Smeagol voice... :eek:

-The Captain

ps. the others are simply captain grishnahk. But this is the best lotr site i have seen yet... Keep up the good work Barrow Wight! :p

[GhastlyInnocence]

Sam's my favorite hobbit. He always seems to amuse me.

[Thinlómien]

Merry has been my favourite hobbit since I was about six or seven years old, so I won't abandon him.