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The genealogical trees at the end of the Red Book of…

“The genealogical trees at the end of the Red Book of Westmarch are a small book in themselves, and all but Hobbits would find them exceedingly dull. Hobbits delighted in such things, if they were accurate: they liked to have books filled with things that they already knew, set out fair and square…” quote by J.R.R. Tolkien
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““The genealogical trees at the end of the Red Book of Westmarch are a small book in themselves, and all but Hobbits would find them exceedingly dull. Hobbits delighted in such things, if they were accurate: they liked to have books filled with things that they already knew, set out fair and square with no contradictions.””

J.R.R. Tolkien

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Hobbits enjoy genealogical records because they confirm known facts and avoid contradictions, unlike others who find them boring.

In simple terms: Hobbits love books that confirm what they already know.

Key Takeaway

Value consistency and clarity in information.

Themes

tradition knowledge simplicity culture

Mood

nostalgic curious

Type

literary cultural

When to use this quote

  • reading clubs
  • educational curricula
  • heritage preservation
  • storytelling

Key Concepts

literary analysis world‑building cultural studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we prefer familiar facts?
  • How can we appreciate new perspectives?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on consistency can limit curiosity.

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