Hobbits as soldiers? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

mormegil · 12-15-2005, 01:08 PM

Hobbits seem to be very one dimensional and therefore aren't great soldiers especially in the type of warfare of Middle-earth. They might do well as archers in a protected fort or citadel, however if on an open field they are very limited. The short bow and sling have a range that is far less than a long bow, and you admitted their ineffectiveness against armor. Now Hobbits, would seem, can handle themselves against a band of orcs, probably of the smaller breed. However, throw them against the Easterlings and I think you would see a much different result.

I agree with ManofDale in that they could be good scouts and spies but they are limited in the amount of space they can travel in that they generally cannot ride horses.

12-15-2005, 01:08 PM	#8
mormegil Maundering Mage Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 4,651	Hobbits seem to be very one dimensional and therefore aren't great soldiers especially in the type of warfare of Middle-earth. They might do well as archers in a protected fort or citadel, however if on an open field they are very limited. The short bow and sling have a range that is far less than a long bow, and you admitted their ineffectiveness against armor. Now Hobbits, would seem, can handle themselves against a band of orcs, probably of the smaller breed. However, throw them against the Easterlings and I think you would see a much different result. I agree with ManofDale in that they could be good scouts and spies but they are limited in the amount of space they can travel in that they generally cannot ride horses. __________________ “I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”