In the discussion about what makes something natural or unnatural, I was particularly interested in the creatures or things that fell into the in-between category. In class, we had the "both" category where we could not agree on which side something should fall, and it included goblins, wargs, eagles, Gandalf's magic, and a few others that I cannot remember. In my opinion, these things are seen as natural or unnatural depending on your perspective. As a reader from planet Earth, the concept of hobbits and dragons and orcs are unnatural to us, but if one puts themselves in the place of a Middle-Earth dweller, they become quite natural. And there are some things, such as goblins, that are seen as natural to someone who has fought them before, but seen as unnatural or creatures of myth by someone like Bilbo.
A large facet of the story is all the wonders of the world seen through Bilbo's eyes once he leaves his hobbit-hole, and so it is obvious that Tolkien intended for many things in Middle-Earth to seem unnatural. I think that the goblins and wargs fall into the category of natural things in the world, but their wild unfamiliarity to Bilbo makes them seem more unnatural. Tolkien masterfully created a fantasy world where many things that are unnatural to our world are easily believable.
This discussion forum is hosted by the UNM Hobbit Society at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM, USA. The purpose of our group is to meet and associate with others interested in Tolkien, and to learn more about the author, his written works, and his sources through discussion, guest lectures and academically oriented activities. This blog is intended to expand discussion among UNM Hobbit Society members beyond what meeting times allow.
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