Heathertoes Family: Difference between revisions
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While ''heather'' is an element that appears in English real-life surnames, Heathertoes has no parallel in English. | While ''heather'' is an element that appears in English real-life surnames, Heathertoes has no parallel in English. | ||
Tolkien suggested that the name refers to a joke of the [[Big Folk]] for the [[Little Folk]], who walked bootless and collected heather, twigs and leaves between their toes.<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 759</ref> | Tolkien suggested that the name refers to a joke of the [[Big Folk]] for the [[Little Folk]], who walked bootless and collected heather, twigs and leaves between their toes.<ref name="Nomen">{{HM|N}}, p. 759</ref> The name [["Pickthorn"]] could be explained as a similar joke, meaning that barefoot Hobbits would be constantly picking thorns out of their feet. But "little Tom Pickthorn from over the Hill" is also described in "Homeward Bound" as a Man who was killed fighting ruffians. | ||
==Men or Hobbits?== | ==Men or Hobbits?== | ||
The above etymology implies that "Heathertoes" was a name given to Hobbits by Men. However in the narrative the name is listed among those used by the [[Men]],<ref>{{FR|I9}}</ref> and [[Mat Heathertoes]], who is named as one of the casualties of Bree during fighting there, is listed among Men rather than Hobbits.<ref>{{RK|VI7}}</ref> | |||
However in the narrative the name is listed among those used by the [[Men]],<ref>{{FR|I9}}</ref> and [[Mat Heathertoes]], who is named as one of the casualties of Bree during fighting there, | |||
{{references}} | {{references}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:44, 4 October 2020
Heathertoes was one of the strange botanical names preferred by the people of Bree.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
While heather is an element that appears in English real-life surnames, Heathertoes has no parallel in English.
Tolkien suggested that the name refers to a joke of the Big Folk for the Little Folk, who walked bootless and collected heather, twigs and leaves between their toes.[1] The name "Pickthorn" could be explained as a similar joke, meaning that barefoot Hobbits would be constantly picking thorns out of their feet. But "little Tom Pickthorn from over the Hill" is also described in "Homeward Bound" as a Man who was killed fighting ruffians.
Men or Hobbits?[edit | edit source]
The above etymology implies that "Heathertoes" was a name given to Hobbits by Men. However in the narrative the name is listed among those used by the Men,[2] and Mat Heathertoes, who is named as one of the casualties of Bree during fighting there, is listed among Men rather than Hobbits.[3]
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings" in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 759
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "At the Sign of the Prancing Pony"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Homeward Bound"
