Michel Delving
Michel Delving was the chief town of the Shire. It was located in the White Downs that lay within the Westfarthing on the East Road, perhaps south to its smaller counterpart, the Little Delving.[1]
This large town was unofficially considered to be more or less the Hobbits' "capital". The Mayor of Michel Delving (or of the Shire) was the only real official in the Shire, under whom were attached the offices of Postmaster and First Shirriff for the entire region.[2]
The Town Hole[3], the museum known as the Mathom-house[4], as well as the storage tunnels later known as Lockholes[5], could be found in Michel Delving.
Etymology
Its name means simply "Large Excavation", being derived from a possible Old Hobbitish Micel Delfing.[6].
Michel and mickle- (cf. Mickleburg) are derived from the Old English micel, words meaning "much" or "large".
Portrayal in adaptations
2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:
- Hobbits are able to quick travel to Michel Delving if they have earned the trait, have it equipped and have one travel ration.
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Part of the Shire" map
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Prologue", "Of the Ordering of the Shire"
- ↑ 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, "Prologue", "Concerning Hobbits"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Scouring of the Shire"
- ↑ David Salo, "Hobbitish Place-names" dated 23 November 1998, Elfling (accessed 20 April 2024)
