The Earliest Mention of Humanity in J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium: An Insight into The Hobbit

When discussing J.R.R. Tolkien's vast legendarium, one passage often catches the attention of keen scholars and enthusiasts: the earliest mention of humanity within Tolkien's intricate narrative framework. This early appearance in The Hobbit marks a significant milestone in the development of Middle-earth's timeline and cultural setting. Here, we delve into the context and significance of this initial reference.

The Role of Human Characters in The Hobbit

In Tolkien's masterwork, the Chronology of the Silmarillion, The Hobbit stands as the beginning of his Middle-earth series. The plot begins with the renowned introduction of Bilbo Baggins, the titular hobbit, on the first page. However, on the second page, the first mention of humanity occurs. Here, Tolkien introduces the Easterling people, who serve as an antagonistic faction against the main characters of the story.

The Easterlings, descended from the Men of Rh?n (Eastern regions), are depicted as fierce and warlike in nature, representing an early opposition to the protagonists. This introduction is crucial as it signifies the multifaceted nature of the human characters in Tolkien's Legendarium. Tolkien used various human races to add depth and complexity to his world, each with distinct characteristics and stories.

Setting the Stage: The Early Mention of Humanity

Taken from the opening lines of The Hobbit, the earliest mention of humanity in Tolkien's Legendarium reads:

" Thorin, son of Thrain, son of Thror, descended from the ancient kings under the mountain, was a tall man with a stern countenance; and he rode between his two cousins, Fili and Kili, tall lads but in no way inferior in size or courage to their kinsman Thorin, though Kili was younger. They had five younger brethren, Glóin and Fundin, and the three sons of Gloin, Bombur, Bifur, and Bofur. Beyond Fili and Kili, at a wide gap in the company, rode four horsemen in weather-stained green, two tall, and smaller men, and two great trolls in the shape of old men. These were the Easterlings, saying that they were vassals to the Great Enemy, and that they had ridden far and fast to come as allies to the king of the dragon. "

This passage introduces the Easterlings as the first human antagonists, setting a powerful motif that carries throughout the rest of the narrative. Their role as adversaries serves to highlight the elemental conflict between good and evil in Tolkien's expansive universe.

The Importance of Early References

The inclusion of humanity, even as antagonists, in the early parts of The Hobbit lays the groundwork for the broader Middle-earth narrative. By introducing elements such as the Easterlings, Tolkien establishes the complex tapestry of human characters and their diverse interactions. It also underscores the historical and cultural contexts that evolve into more intricate storytelling lines in subsequent works such as The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings.

Conclusion: The Richness of J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium

In revisiting the earliest mention of humanity in Tolkien's Legendarium, we find a powerful and evocative introduction to Middle-earth. The Easterlings' appearance in The Hobbit not only marks the beginning of this epic narrative but also introduces the rich and complex world that Tolkien was known for. Through the subtle interplay of human characters, Tolkien crafts a universe that resonates with readers, inviting them to explore and discover the vast depths of Middle-earth's history and mythology. The early mentions of humanity set the stage for ongoing stories of heroes, villains, and everything in between.