Place 8: Farmer Maggot
Maggot is primarily known as a grumpy farmer. After Merry and Pippin stole vegetables from his fields, he angrily chased them away. However, the film does him a disservice.
In the book, we learn that Maggot was actually good friends with Merry. He also enjoyed talking with Tom Bombadil, one of the most powerful creatures in Middle-earth. Therefore, he was surprisingly well-informed about the events outside the Shire for a Hobbit.
However, he showed a lot of strength during his encounter with a Nazgûl. The dark rider pressured the farmer to find out the whereabouts of Frodo. He even offered him gold. But Farmer Maggot never even considered betraying his friends. He demanded that the intruder immediately leave and even threatened to call his three dogs.
With his adventures, Bilbo inspired many other Hobbits, especially Frodo. Without him, the story of Middle-earth would likely have unfolded very differently.
Do you agree with the ranking? Who do you think is the strongest Hobbit? Let us know in the comments!
Comparing Hobbits with each other is already difficult. Comparing their qualities with those of other races from Middle-earth is even harder. My colleague Christoph Waldboth has attempted this and compared all nine companions in a ranking: The Lord of the Rings: Frodo and his companions in the power ranking – Who is the strongest?
Confronting a Nazgûl in such a self-assured manner certainly requires a lot of courage and loyalty.
