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From the Book: The Sackville-Baggins’

Posted on 27. Oct, 2009 by Goldenstar in From the Books

In “From the Book” Goldenstar discusses the significance of in-game people, places and things that were part of the book.

Today I want to briefly discuss Lobelia, Otho and their son Lotho Sackville-Baggins. They are related to Bilbo and Frodo from Otho’s side of the family (Lobelia is a Bracegirdle) and it seems like their ultimate goal is to own Bag End. Especially for Lobelia who is characterized as a sort of snotty and generally unpleasant sort of Hobbit.

They had tried to claim Bag End when Bilbo had disappeared off to the Lonely Mountain and was assumed dead. They were disappointed when the hobbit ended up returning on the day of the auction for Bag End. They were even more so disappointed when Bilbo lived on and on while not looking any older. This of course was due to his owning the ring but I suspect that the Sackville-Baggins felt he was doing it out of spite.

Otho was Bilbo’s first cousin and would of inherited Bag End had Bilbo not named Frodo his heir. The Sackville-Baggins were extremely frustrated that they learned Bilbo was leaving Bag End and everything in it to Frodo.

Lobelia did finally purchase Bag End from Frodo when he was planning his escape to Rivendell to deliver the Ring. Otho had passed away years before and never owned Bag End himself.

In the end of the stories, Lobelia was discovered to be a tough old bird who opposed Saruman in the Scouring of the Shire and was tossed in prison because of her opposition. This earned her some respect from her fellow Hobbits.

Lobelia’s son, Lotho, did not follow his mother’s stubborn opposition and was one who joined Saruman. He named himself Chief Shirriff and helped in the industrializing of the Shire. He was later killed by Gríma.

When the Shire is released from Saruman’s grip and Lobelia released from prison she gives Bag End back to Frodo. She was obviously upset by her son’s death (even if he was bit of a wiener) and returned to Hardbottle to be with her family.

In-game you can find Lobelia and Lotho standing outside of Bag End north of Hobbiton. This fits with the stories as Frodo has left on his journey and sold Bag End to Lobelia. Obviously Otho is not around to find in game since he died years ago.

There are a couple Shire quests that involve Lobelia including the Volume 1 Prologue. She is also a target in the Fall Festival Troves and Treasures quest in the Shire.

Have a question on why something in-game is the way it is? Have a in-game item that was in the book but not really mentioned in the movies? Send your questions and suggestions to Goldenstar!