How does a real Hobbit behave? There is a secret etiquette passed down from generation to generation, guarded between a cup of tea, a slice of cake and endless gossip beyond the fence.
If you want to integrate into the life of the Contea Gentile, Here are the ten fundamental rules of perfect Hobbit etiquette. Some may seem strange. Others may seem incredibly familiar. All are absolutely essential.
Skipping the line is a grave offense to the natural order of things.
In Contea, you don't step in line: you contemplate, respect, and wait patiently. If someone invites you to move forward, humbly accept: it's a privilege granted by the ancient spirits of education.
It doesn't matter who is wrong.
If someone steps on your foot, you'll probably be the one to say:
“Oh, I’m so sorry!”
Because a true Hobbit would rather lose an argument than create an awkward moment.
Weather is the social glue of Contea.
Rains?
Is it hot?
Is there any wind?
Aren't the seasons what they used to be?
Perfect. You've just started a conversation worthy of the best afternoon tea.
Behind these words lies a much deeper meaning:
“I would like to socialize… but without overdoing it.”
Do you receive great news?
Just nod calmly.
Enthusiasm is a precious feeling that must be carefully preserved, tightly bottled up inside oneself…
…and then explode without any control during A Long Expected Party . Welcome Back Home, when finally every Hobbit can sing, toast and celebrate properly.
Even when someone claims the unsustainable.
A perfect Hobbit never says:
“What nonsense.”
He will say instead:
“It’s certainly an… interesting point of view.”
Which, translated from the hobbit language, can mean practically anything.
Did the pantry catch fire?
Did the roof collapse?
Did a dragon just pass over the village?
No problem.
Pour yourself a cup of tea.
Take a cookie.
Smile.
Emergencies are much more bearable after a snack.
The art of avoiding arguments is taught from a young age.
If conflict arises, a Hobbit has a vast repertoire of techniques:
The levels achieved are decidedly Olympic.
There's always one last cookie.
And there's always someone who wants it.
For this reason no Hobbit will take it voluntarily.
He will do so only after receiving at least four invitations… or with the explicit authorization of the Mayor of Contea (or his deputy, of course).
Gossiping over the fence is probably the national sport of Contea.
Naturally, everything happens with the utmost confidentiality.
But if you get caught looking a little too closely at your neighbor's garden, remember the official procedure:
feign a sudden and profound passion for pruning roses.
It almost always works.
If a Hobbit is extremely kind to you…
…you probably don't know each other well enough yet.
But when the teasing, jokes, and affectionate banter begins, it means you've been welcomed like one of the family.
Because in Contea sarcasm does not divide.
It unites.
Following these ten simple rules won’t instantly turn you into a Hobbit… but it will definitely make you seem like one of the locals.
And if you break any of them, don't worry.
Someone will point it out to you very politely, with a cup of tea in hand… and a smile that suggests the whole incident will become the next topic of conversation over the fence.
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In Contea there are many Hobbit families and you could be part of one of them, each with its own peculiar characteristic!
Baggins: they are a wealthy family of the shire, not snobbish at all, in fact much loved by the rest of the other hobbit families. They have a reputation for being a bit strange and for this reason they are good-naturedly mocked. They love culture, travel and receiving visitors.
Bellaciocca: in the golden age of Contea, luxury-loving Hobbits wear refined clothes and show off their mathom to stand out and make their neighbours envious. Their motto is "Let's spruce up Contea and everyone in it!" Because class isn't for everyone, but the Bellaciocca have it in spades!
Boffin: why walk half a day when you can use the postal service from the comfort of your Smial? From love letters to contracts, the Boffins deliver it all. But beware: between the edges of the Old Forest and the lurking darkness, courage, skill, and a good sense of direction are required. Are you brave enough to join them?
Bolgeri: the family in question is among the most well-known not only in the shire but also outside of it as great traders. For their work they travel a lot and know much more than many other Hobbits, what lies beyond the borders of the shire. They are clever, bold but also great bargainers: they could sell pipeweed even to an Ent!
Brandibuck: this is also one of the aristocratic families of the shire, even if their domains extend far outside of it, touching the Old Forest. They are considered bizarre by the other families as they are inclined to adventures and discovery and almost like "foreigners" for their ways. They know the rangers well and have learned many things from them. They are very good friends with the Tooks and never miss an opportunity to gather the families to have fun together in their own way!
Gamgee: they are one of the humblest families in the shire. Hard workers, they love contact with nature, they are serious but not solemn and they are strong, determined but very loyal. Very good friends with the Bagginses, the Tooks and the Brandybucks, they are famous for their love of things that grow.
Sackville-Baggins: they are a wealthy family of the shire, VERY SNOB, and very unloved by the other hobbit families. They have a reputation for being stingy and even a bit thieving, for this reason they are avoided or mocked. They love to "take what is theirs", scold or mock others, pose and show off in front of other families they consider "inferior".
Scavari: not among the most well-known or prominent families of the shire, despite their ancient history. They were the first hobbits to stop living as nomads and to settle in the burrows under the hills, starting one of the most important characteristics of Contea: the construction of the SMIAL, the famous Hobbit Houses.
Serracinta: it is a family not of noble origins but very respected as many of its offspring are dedicated to the activity of guards. They are the only hobbits that you might see armed and are usually found at the entrance of villages, bridges, crossroads, in order to ensure protection and control. They love hunting, outdoor activities and are expert slingers, archers and some even fencers.
Soffiatromba: they are a family of artists, even if of ancient peasant origin. They were the first to bring pipe herb to the shire. The discoverer of this floral marvel was none other than Tobaldo Soffiatromba, called by all Vecchio Tobia. From that moment on, the Hornblower family has been the most loved and lovable of the shire: they don't pick fights with anyone, they are always affable and relaxed and have discovered an innate gift for art and music.
Tronfipiedi: the members of this family are scattered throughout the four Decumans, making it one of the most numerous. They are hard workers, although not very curious about what lies beyond the rivers or the woods or the hills. They mind their own business. And their business is many. They have a predilection for cooking and preparing exquisite delicacies, their cuisine is in great demand at birthdays, parties and anniversaries that practically happen every day!
Tuc: They are the richest and most important family in the shire, but they don't seem to notice. They are crazy, funny, stupid and, in some situations, even magical! They sing, get drunk and go mushroom hunting, they like adventures, and they are famous for suddenly disappearing. They are very good friends with the Brandybuck family.
DEED OF CONTRACT
CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT
In the book and in the film, the most famous halfling in the shire finds himself having to sign a burglar's contract drawn up by the Dwarves with a thousand footnotes and paragraphs. You can find the reproduction of this contract, in English, everywhere, but this one you see was hand-written by one of the loyal "citizens" of our project, in Italian and with references to the Journey that the contea Gentile is undertaking: the Construction and the Birth of a place out of the ordinary!
This document can be filled in with the type of trade or service you can offer for the creation of the contea Gentile!
Handmade paper, custom font, pages cut out and sewn by hand with string and sealed with hot wax.
If you're curious, find out more about the Journey to Middle Earth here!
This document is not necessarily widely or legally recognized by states friend or foe, neighboring or distant, real or imagined. It has recognized and guaranteed validity only within the territories of the contea Gentile.
OFFICIAL COIN
OF LA CONTEA GENTILE
Minted in 2022, it depicts the symbol of the shire on one side, the Acorn. While on the other side the face of the nicest mayor there is, Nicolas Gentile. This coin was created by one of the loyal "citizens" of the county project, to support and grow it.
Attention: obviously this currency has no legal value in Italy or other countries (perhaps only in imaginary ones). This is a gadget/souvenir from La contea Gentile. Certainly more emotionally valuable than other currencies in circulation in the world!
OFFICIAL PASSPORT
OF LA CONTEA GENTILE
Always carry the Official Passport of LA CONTEA GENTILE with you! This is the most excellent identification document: every self-respecting resident of La contea Gentile, presumed or current never leaves home without it! This passport was created by one of the loyal "citizens" of the shire project, in support and growth of it.
Fill it out with the information, characteristics and details that distinguish you: gender, species, class, hair, eyes, build, particular brands and much more!
This document is not necessarily widely or legally recognized by friendly or hostile, neighbours or distant, real or imaginary states. It has recognized and guaranteed validity only within the territories of La Contea Gentile. Please consult the official sources of the various kingdoms, citadels and states before visiting. Special visas and/or official stamps may be required.
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