to think the Hobbits of The Shire are just ignorant or oblivious?

[AriBellle]

Ok so I only have the six films to go on.

The Shire is continually threatened throughout LORT, burning burnt to the ground etc.

When Frodo and gang return one of The Hobbits is sweeping his doorway and just gives them this look -->

Do they actually know or give a shit about the world outside of The Shire?

Obviously lighthearted and my firstborn will be called Bilbo.

And they can walk into the dodgiest places on the planet without serious hesitation. Moria, Cirith Ungol, Minas Morgul, Mordor itself, Smaug's lair, off the path in Mirkwood, Isengard.

That is the whole point!!!

He knows he will get his father's approval but he is strong enough to resist temptation from both- his father and the Ring of power. He doesn't even hesitate. He sees the pain Frodo is suffering and helps him as much as can by giving the Hobbits advice and supplies.

In fact in the book Sam is so impressed he compares him to Gandalf.

Did I mention I love Faramir?

Seriously when I first read the book (I was 12) I was so in love with him. I totally squeeed when he married Eowyn.

The Hobbits don't really play on the same stage as the other races though, they are a rural people & find their fulfilment in agriculture & their gardens, they do not seek power. If they make metalwork then its used for decoration or farm implements, they do not make weapons. They don't seek to conqueror like the Men & they don't build great halls to show their wealth like the Dwarves & they don't constantly showcase their wisdom like the Elves. They are content where they are & need nothing more than the Shire & consequently don't need the outside world & it doesn't need them. They are insular. And as such any danger to them or their land will be disbelieved until it actually arrives. I'd imagine that they think about outside the Shire like I would think of Albania - I know its there & I know its inhabited but other than that I don't need to know until it invades :)

But they are a sturdy folk & they have good hearts & they are a representation about all that is good & wholesome & worth fighting for in Middle Earth.

I LOVE Tom Bombadil, I wish he was skipping down the path singing with a handful of lilies for me :)

They are a lot tougher in the books though. Merry has clearly explored the Old Forest once or twice and has been to Bree a few times.
When the Black riders hunt for Frodo he is quite resourceful setting up a false trail and getting his cousin help plan their escape.

The film focused on their childlike/comedic side. It didn't show Pippin fighting with the men of the guard in Minas Tirith either.