THE RINGS OF POWER’s New Hobbit Tribe the Stoors and Their Harfoot Connection, Explained

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As a fan with a deep-rooted passion for Middle-earth and its little folk, I must confess that the Stoors have become my favorite among all tribes depicted in The Rings of Power. Their unique traits, such as their affinity for rivers and flatlands, their distinct dialect, and their mysterious origin, add layers of intrigue to their story.

The Harfoot characters in “The Rings of Power” are no longer the only representatives of small-folk. In the fourth episode of season two, Poppy and Nori encounter the Stoor tribe, one of the three groups that will eventually be known as Hobbits in Middle-earth. Who are these halflings? What can we expect from their future? And what new insights did the show offer about their relationship with the Harfoots? Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Stoors in “The Rings of Power”

During the Third Age of Middle-earth, the Stoors, along with the Harfoots and Fallohides, were among the three tribes of Hobbits. Compared to their halfling counterparts, they were taller and sturdier, resembling men more closely than any other Hobbit breed. What sets the Stoors apart is that they are the only tribe capable of growing beards

Regardless of their village being situated within The Rings of Power, the Stoor hobbits are distinguished by their preference for residing in plains or near rivers, where they navigate and fish. Unlike other Hobbits, Stoors do not harbor a fear of water; this aspect is significant to their narrative

During the Third Age, the Stoors were the final among the three small-folk tribes to arrive at the Shire. Yet, not all of them chose to reside there; some remained in the Anduin Vale or lived secluded from the Shire. This unique journey, arriving later and taking a different path than their Hobbit kin, led them to develop a distinct dialect. Furthermore, it fostered among them a closer bond with men compared to other Hobbits

Few details are available regarding the origins of Hobbits, who were the final remnant of the five free races in Middle-earth. It’s believed that they had been around for an unspecified number of generations before being discovered. Any links between Hobbits and men have since faded into oblivion due to the passing of time

In the context of Hobbit lore, it transpired that Nori and Poppy met a character known as Merimac within the deserts of Rhûn. These hobbits referred to him as a Harfoot, but he was unaware of this term. Instead, he identified himself as a Stoor

Unlike the nomadic Harfoots, who roam around seeking temporary abodes, the Stoors inhabit a hidden underground village where they cultivate crops and educate their young ones. Their leader, whom you should not refer to as such, is known as The Gund. They manage to obtain water by stealing it, which could account for their future strong affinity towards it. However, this water-loving trait will eventually lead to the discovery of the One Ring by the most famous Stoor ever – while he was fishing with a companion. It is this love of water that ultimately causes Smeagol to transform into Gollum

Initially, the Harfoots were Stoors, which Nori discovered. Together with their leader, Gundabale Earthhauler, they recognized an ancient, dormant connection. The Harfoots follow a trail-finer who navigates their treacherous travels. In the series’ premiere, Sadoc Burrows was introduced as Nori and Poppy’s guide. The name ‘Burrows’ sparked Gundabale’s curiosity, eventually prompting her to shield Nori and Poppy from exile in the desert instead

In simpler terms, old tales mention a unique character named Rorimas Burrows, a Stoor from bygone eras, who stood apart from others. His heart yearned for an enchanting land adorned with endless cold water streams and gentle rolling hills so soft that a family could burrow a home within a few weeks. This idyllic place, which we now recognize as The Shire, was what he called Sûzat. Accompanied by his followers, Rorimas set out on a journey to discover this paradise

He didn’t locate it or go back to Stoors he abandoned. Instead, they continued walking and transformed into Harfoots, as each group of little people forgot about the others. The only link between them that persisted was the name Burrows and Poppy’s ballad, which recalls the dream of Rorimas

In due course, both factions, including the unmet Fallohides from “The Rings of Power”, will discover the Sûzat. Will Nori and Poppy guide them to The Shire? Could The Stranger do so? Or someone else? Before we learn their paths, halflings in Middle-earth will have to navigate through the looming darkness that approaches during the Second Age

Mike Walsh serves as a staff writer at TopMob, passionately endorsing Second Breakfast. You can find him on Twitter and Bluesky under the handle @burgermike. He’s also active in discussions about the rankings of the Targaryen kings

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2024-09-05 23:33