If you're a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" books, then you're probably familiar with the Shire. This peaceful and idyllic land is the home of the hobbits, and it's where Frodo Baggins started his journey to destroy the One Ring. But where exactly is the Shire located in Middle Earth, and how can you find it on a map?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you're a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" books, then you're probably familiar with the Shire. This peaceful and idyllic land is the home of the hobbits, and it's where Frodo Baggins started his journey to destroy the One Ring. But where exactly is the Shire located in Middle Earth, and how can you find it on a map?
The Location of the Shire
The Shire is located in the northwest part of Middle Earth, in a region called Eriador. Specifically, it's situated between the rivers Baranduin (also known as the Brandywine) and Shirebourn. The closest major city to the Shire is Bree, which is just south of the region.
On a map of Middle Earth, the Shire is usually marked as a small green area with a few roads and settlements. It's surrounded by other regions like the Lone Lands, the Trollshaws, and the Misty Mountains. The Shire is also home to several important locations, such as Hobbiton, Tuckborough, and Michel Delving.
Question: How big is the Shire?
The Shire is a relatively small region compared to other areas in Middle Earth. According to Tolkien's books, it's about 40 leagues (120 miles) from the northern to the southern borders, and about 50 leagues (150 miles) from the eastern to the western borders. This means that you could walk across the Shire in just a few days!
Finding the Shire on a Map
If you're looking for the Shire on a map of Middle Earth, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to find Eriador, which is the large region in the northwest part of the map. Once you've located Eriador, you should be able to see the rivers Baranduin and Shirebourn. The Shire is the small green area between these two rivers.
You might also notice that there are a few other regions in the area, such as the Old Forest and the Buckland. These areas are not technically part of the Shire, but they are still important locations in Tolkien's books.
Question: Are there any other maps that show the Shire in more detail?
Yes, there are several maps that focus specifically on the Shire and its surroundings. One of the most famous of these maps is the "Thror's Map," which was drawn by Tolkien himself and included in "The Hobbit." This map shows the locations of several important places in the Shire, such as Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn.
Conclusion
Now that you know where the Shire is located in Middle Earth, you can start planning your own journey to this magical land. Whether you're a fan of the books or the movies, the Shire is a fascinating place to explore. Just be sure to watch out for any wandering trolls or goblins!
