Quite. That is the thread that inspired the topic, which I preferred to recast and restart anew. I hope that isn't naught, but I prefer short threads with long replies.
The old one had gotten into a sort of argument about what Tolkien said or did not say.
Clearly, he was very definite about keeping the origins of Hobbits (like the fate of the Entwives) a mystery.
So, I think it is then only proper to cast this issue as an admittedly speculative one based on the thematic and philosophical aspects of the story and what Tolkien is trying to say about good & evil with Hobbits that may explain how they arose, which must certainly be attributed to Iluvatar in someway.
This then leaves one to say that either this creation had a purpose or it was purely a chance thing.
Tolkien may attributed purpose to Iluvatar in a way that he wanted to keep subtle.
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The hoes unrecked in the fields were flung, __ and fallen ladders in the long grass lay __ of the lush orchards; every tree there turned __ its tangled head and eyed them secretly, __ and the ears listened of the nodding grasses; __ though noontide glowed on land and leaf, __ their limbs were chilled.
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