Lord of the rings observation...

[Aberzanzorax]

So this isn't necessarily roleplaying but its an audience that might appreciate my observation if correct:

(Spoilers if you haven't read or seen LotR....sorta)







I notice that Smeagol strangles/murders deagol for the ring when found because it's "his birthday".


I also notice that the tradition for hobbits has later changed....at Bilbo's birthday party the tradition is for the person having the birthday to give gifts rather than receive them.



And I wondered if there was any lore or link between the two?

 

[M.L. Martin]

So this isn't necessarily roleplaying but its an audience that might appreciate my observation if correct:

(Spoilers if you haven't read or seen LotR....sorta)







I notice that Smeagol strangles/murders deagol for the ring when found because it's "his birthday".


I also notice that the tradition for hobbits has later changed....at Bilbo's birthday party the tradition is for the person having the birthday to give gifts rather than receive them.

The Professor addresses this in his Letters. My copy is in storage halfway across the United States but as I recall, hobbits give gifts to all who intend their parties, and receive gifts from their closest relatives and neighbors.

 

[Henry]

The Professor addresses this in his Letters. My copy is in storage halfway across the United States but as I recall, hobbits give gifts to all who intend their parties, and receive gifts from their closest relatives and neighbors.

I've seen similar traditions in modern birthdays, too - I have seen some birthdays where every guest receives a small gift of some sort, usually trinket-level, but it's a token of appreciation for coming to celebrate.

Even kids get party favors at other kids' birthday parties.

 

[Dandu]

I also notice that the tradition for hobbits has later changed....at Bilbo's birthday party the tradition is for the person having the birthday to give gifts rather than receive them.

There could be numerous other explanations.

• Smeagol belonged to "proto-hobbits', something which Gandalf mentions I believe. Hobbit culture has changed a great deal since then. Perhaps the tradition just changed when people became plentiful enough to afford to give gifts to their guests.
• Perhaps they picked the custom up from foreign sources somewhere.
• It may be a regional thing.

 

[Piratecat]

Could you please restart this thread in the off topic forum?

Thanks!

Thread closed.