Hobbits the chosen people

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

"Chosen people" may be an inappropriate term, but I really don't think that Morsul's theory, or at least aspects of it, should simply be dismissed out of hand.

Now there's an unfair--and uncharacteristic of you--bit of characterising those who simply apply a quite legitimate and completely allowable (in terms of debate and discussion) act, to treat the topic critically, to question it, to play devil's--Sauron's?--advocate. All quite allowable, old chap, and really very unfair of you to imply that they haven't fairly considered the topic.

"Chosen people' is a term often used in regard to the Israelites and the belief that they were specially chosen of God to carry on a unique Covenant with Him.

And it is a prevalent aspect of folk culture in England to think of the English as the new chosen people. Did Tolkien ascribe to this belief--or work unconsciously within its parameters--when he set out to create a mythology for England? "Never in the history of mankind ..." Hoot.

Frankly, I think Morsul's whistling is fairly close to my laughing. My hat's off to him really. Or, rather, I'll borrow the hat off Squatter's new avatar and raise it to him.