Smials

The term the Hobbits themselves used for the hobbit-holes, which were more luxurious versions of the simple diggings of old, and they were inhabited by the well-to-do.

However suitable sites for these large and ramifying tunnels were not everywhere to be found and many lived in wood, brick or stone houses. The poorest, however, went on living in burrows of the most primitive kind with only one window or none.

Etymology

The word smial is an invention of Tolkien based on the Old English word smygel, reflecting the Hobbitish word trân (Westron trahan "burrow")

In real world

"Smial" is a term used by Tolkien fans to refer to divisions of Tolkien Societies.

References

• The Lord of the Rings, Prologue, 1. Concerning Hobbits.

See also

• Smials associated with The Tolkien Society