Are Rings of Power's Harfoots Ruthless Psychopaths or Just Widely Misunderstood?
The Rings of Power's Harfoots have been the centre of much debate between fans since the season ended.
Some feel the show demonstrates a more in-depth depiction of Hobbit folk who have previously only been shown as whimsical, easy-going people. Yet the series delivers a more intense exhibition of their early life in Middle-Earth, and the struggles they go through together.
Opposing this is the view from fans who think the Harfoots potentially go too far in their goal to survive within Middle-earth, going to extreme practices which some think are not only unnecessary but simply cruel or psychopathic. Now one Reddit user has come up with their own theory, which gives a much more profound understanding of who the Harfoots are after all.
Redditor Pho3nix_M00n, in the r/LOTR_on_Prime community published their own opinion on the Harfoots' traditions and behavior. Posted in the 'Your unpopular Season 1 opinions' thread, the theory suggests that the Harfoots are neither whimsical nor psychopaths, but are in fact the most mature and grounded of all the races shown in Middle-Earth. Quite an opinion indeed.
Let's break the theory down with examples.
Many viewers have criticised the Harfoots in the series for appearing overly cruel when leaving the vulnerable behind during their migration. For a close community, they seem quick to sacrifice some of their own. And yet this new theory argues that this is typical behavior of any nomadic people. Where the survival of the group is above all else, and the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. They are simply survivalists, not psychopaths.
The Reddit opinion then discusses further principles of the Harfoot community. Pointing out that these Hobbit people are much more accepting of death than others, understanding that everything (and everyone) must come to an end.
This is a vast contrast to the likes of the elves, whose main focus throughout the series is to continue their everlasting survival in the Middle-Earth. Fixated on their immortality, they go to extreme lengths to attempt to keep themselves alive for longer.
The Harfoots demonstrate a higher level of maturity concerning death and also life. Especially considering they are far younger than any of the elves.
The Harfoots' acceptance of life and death is shown in their daily rituals, spending vast amounts of time eating, as well as time with each other, and having fun. Again this differs from the representation of the dwarves and people of Númenor, who are much more fixated on the accumulation of their own wealth and power.
Where the other races of Middle-Earth battle to alter the land and take from it what they want, the Harfoots live much more with the land. They are tied to the weather's natural cycles. They migrate as they need to, not taking any more than is necessary. These simple but shrewd Hobbits could not be any further in comparison to the likes of everyone else in Middle-Earth.
This Reddit user is clearly a lover of the Harfoots within the series, and maybe presents some level of overly positive bias towards them. However, the astute points that are recognised in the theory cannot be ignored. Many of the other races of Middle-Earth suffer because of their own ego and discrimination.
The Harfoots may be an unsophisticated community, but they have learned to appreciate what is truly important in life. And by accepting death, no longer fear it as others do.
By the end of the first season, it could be argued the Harfoots are the only race to make any kind of redemption for their action. Working together to help the Stranger at their own peril. Whereas for many others more stubborn approach, will almost certainly lead them into further jeopardy of their own making. Maybe they should take a leaf out of the Harfoots' book.