Of the Origins of Hobbits

[Celuien]

Originally Posted by Thinlómien

Do Hobrogs have wings?

Ah, now that is a most fascinating question which has puzzled the students of Hobrog lore since the discovery of this species was made. The answer, of course, is both yes and no. After all, both of the original scholars on the subject are of Elven origin.

It seems that there is room for considerable debate on the topic of Hobrog wings. The annals of Hobrog lore pertaining to their participation in battle, as well as their journeys across the mountains of Middle-earth make ample reference to their possessing winged speed. It is well known that Hobrrim traveled quickly; indeed, even the Eagles found it difficult to match their pace. However, it is uncertain whether the winged speed mentioned was metaphorical or literal. Eyewitnesses report that the Hobrrim could fly through the air with the greatest of ease (this phrase is taken from a ballad of the Hobrrim which is said to survive in part in the lyrics to "The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze," but the original, sadly, is lost to history), but this may have referred to the frog-form Hobrrim's ability to cover great distances in a single leap.

However, evidence for Hobrog wings exists in the naming of a place known as Nîn-in-Eilph. A large Hobrog settlement, abandoned by the Third Age, existed there. A number of unusual items were found at this settlement, including devices marked "Wing Brush." Furthermore, a scrap of paper referencing something called a Swobrog was found at that location. The meaning of the word was puzzling to us in the field of Hobrog studies, but after some time, we realized its relationship to Nîn-in-Eilph. Indeed, the place name includes a reference to Swans, and so, the word Swobrog may represent a mingling of the Hobrrim words for Swan and Hobrog.

It is not known if Swobrog was meant as a reference to the Hobbrim's residence at Nîn-in-Eilph, a nod to their potential occupation as swan-keepers, or a clue that a winged type of Hobrog once existed. However, Swobrogs are not my main focus of study. There may be other lore keepers who have more information on the topic.