[Tirned Tinnu]

Frankly I'm flabbergasted at the notion that none of you have mentioned the history of society's attitude towards smoking in Tolkien's work.

In the sixties it was widely believed (by hippies and their detractors) that Tolkien's Hobbits were actually smoking marijuana, or some like substance rather that simple tobacco. As I recall this caused a flurry of anger towards Tolkien's work, some claiming "The Hobbit" and LOTR as books for malcontents, even communists, simply because of the mention of pipe weed, overindulgence, and their effects on society.

I have never believed that Tolkien made mention of what exactly Hobbit-weed was, but it certainly would have not been anything to cloud the mind. it might not have been tobacco, but I think it most certainly was something with a calming effect. There are other things to smoke in this world besides tobacco and marijuana. Take for instance the American Indians' habit of smoking cherry bark and tobacco mixed, sometimes even adding substances like Lobelia and Cohosh. I believe that the hobbit-smoke could have been any of a number of different herbs. In the end, though, I think Tolkien meant it to be tobacco.

If Tolkien wrote of it as a means toward showing the joys of polite society, one would of course take it in the context of his own society. Hearth, fire, one mug of ale before retiring or after a hard days work, and good meal befitting a farmer are the elements of an everyday workman's life. This is what he meant to portray, not Capitalist hoohah and overindulgence.

In this and age we think much too hard on what will keep us from dying rather than how to live well. We are far too preoccupied with extending our years rather than with making the most of what we've got. Who wants to be a miserable person, never being able to enjoy things in life because we're too old to do anything? What of the route there, denying ourselves till we are mere miserable shadows of ourselves?
I would rather be known for living moderately and loving life than for living too well or too meagerly.

Having said all of this, I will admit that I partake of a puff and a mug once in a while, and not overdoing it has brought me to the ripe age of 38 without so much as a grunt from my doctor. I do think it has something to do with genes. My mother still looks about 40 even though she is about to pass 60. Hobbits must have had stout bodies. Gandalf himself commented on their capacity for beating ills of the body. We have seen that Frodo was able to stave off the Nazgul-blade far longer than any man. It is also interesting that Hobbits are not often talked about as being drunk, nor do they appear to suffer hangovers! Lucky little bastards.
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[ October 16, 2002: Message edited by: Tirned Tinnu ]