Winter Hobbits - original version



''This article is no longer canon. It is left in for reference and comparison.''

The Winter Hobbits are the ones that deviate most from the hobbit norm. Otwardly they are similar to the other hobbits if sometimes a little skinnier and with pale skin and blonde hair.

It's culturally they are different. The Winter Hobbits eek out hard lives in the harsh and hostile climate of the far north. This makes them considerably tougher than the other hobbits. The short summers and the long winters in the far north also mean they have less time to farm the land and have to rely on hunting and trapping in order to get food. In this they much resemble to human nortlanders who plagued the world during the dark ages. The winter hobbits however are mostly peaceful and do not actively seek conflict. They will defend themselves if attacked, but they do not expand their lands through conquest.

By tradition the winter hobbits have traded mostly in fur an in lumber. Woodcutter and trapper were common occupations in the past. Modern technology means a single hobbit is able to cut more trees or trap more beasts than previously possible. This has lead to a slight oversaturation of the markets for these products and many winter hobbits are seeking other occupation.

As opposed to other hobbits the winter hobbits generally don't live in the traditional hobbit holes. Instead they prefer log cabins, preferably built using logs they cut themselves.

The winter hobbits remain children of the their goddess though. Despite their tougher way of life they are still devout in their appreciation of the simple pleasures. The highest form of worship is to relax by the fireplace and listen to the screams of the winter storm outside. Hearing a wolf howl in the distance is considered a good omen.

In today's world many winter hobbits have migrated towards the relative comfort of and safety of modern cities. Conveniences such as running hot water and access to schools and hospitals outweighs the need to maintain the traditional life-style. Most city-dwelling winter hobbits instead reserve part of their vacation to renting an isolated cabin and spending a week or two there in the middle of winter.