Quote:
Originally Posted by Marwhini
It would seem that the Shire was less afflicted by the Morgoth-element than was a location like Angmar, or Gundabad (or Mordor, especially).
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Proximity is the point here, rather like disease where the affliction is more virulent at its epicenter then weakens as it spreads. I would say the Shire was no different than anywhere else, save that it was a backwater spot unhindered and unnoticed by greater powers (really, Gandalf was the only one who paid it any attention for centuries). Places like Angmar or Harad had centuries of malign influence, whether by Sauron or a surogate like the WitchKing.
The Shire went to hell quite quickly under the corruptive influence of Sharkey, and plenty of Hobbits went wholeheartedly along with the change in leadership. Had Frodo and Company not returned and scoured the Shire, within a year or two the place would not be recognizable, sort of a Mini-Mordor.
Another thought regarding this is Tolkien's conception of vestigeal wickedness or goodness remaining in an area long abandoned. Legolas recognized this in Eregion, and then there was the inviolate sanctity of Meneltarma, the irremediable corruption of the Dead Marshes and Dol Guldur, the later cleansing of Ithilien, etc.