ALICE
The Shire is my favourite place in LOTRO. I’m currently exploring the Mines of Moria, where the architecture is amazing, but nothing is like the Shire, home. I started playing LOTRO with an Elf Hunter and I purchased my first house in the Shire Homesteads, but I felt very uncomfortable being so tall in my house and among the Hobbits during my first quests, so I ended up creating a Hobbit, that let me to explore all the corners of the Shire. I love Bag End and the Party Field, but I have a soft spot for Bywater, where I love spending my time fishing, and the Green Dragon. Another beautiful place that I like to visit sometimes is the Mathom-house in Michel Delving. Everything is beautiful in the Shire, the landscapes, the sunsets, the music, the Hobbit holes and so on. My favourite festival is the Farmer’s Faire because it’s set in Bywater and there are tons of happy Hobbits here and there! I really hope to see the Southfarthing in LOTRO one day.
AMANDA
Being a dwarf, the Shire was not one of the first places I was able to visit. After exhausting my options in Ered Luin and becoming kindred with the Men of Bree, I finally decided to venture out into the rolling hills of the Shire. It almost seems cliché now to talk about how beautiful this place is, but it truly is quite spectacular. Between the vibrant green landscapes that seem to go on forever and the perfect music to accompany them, you can’t help but feel right at home.
The Shire is also a fantastic place to make new friends in-game. Just this past week, my female Dwarf Hunter, Rumki, met Fargeau and Cookborn whilst trying to complete the seemingly never-ending “Baggins’ Birthday” quest. After successfully completing all the tasks we took a screenshot together in front of the Party Tree. This is one of my favorite places in the Shire and arguably one of THE places to be during a festival. There are plenty of dancers, fireworks, representatives from the Ale Association and the Inn League, and much more!
Finally, Bag End is a must see for anyone who visits the Shire. You will immediately be greeted by Lobelia and Lotho arguing outside before you step through the famous green front door. There is a lot of interesting artwork to be seen hanging on the walls and a ton of books lying around. It is also fun to visit the dining room and imagine thirteen dwarves crammed in there!
BRITTA
I have a habit of overlooking the Shire every time I roll a new character. The only times I go out of my way to visit are for the Farmer’s Faire and the Fall Festival. While I echo the other Warriors’ statements that the Shire is a beautiful place (in many ways it reminds me of my own home), I have never enjoyed questing there. Perhaps it’s because I have a hard time getting into hobbit characters, and by the time my Men, Elves, and Dwarves are finished with their starter zones, they are already on to other locations beyond the Shire.
One spot I do like in the Shire, however, is the Bindbole Wood. It reminds me of my home state of New Hampshire. And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t note LOTRO’s amazing portrayal of famous sites like the Party Tree and Bag End. In fact, I cannot wait to visit Bilbo’s Haunted Burrow for the Fall Festival later this month!
MARIA
I’m a self-proclaimed hobbit and never stop dreaming about the Shire. Naturally, I couldn’t wait to quest in the Shire when I first began playing LOTRO (I knew that my first toon has to be a hobbit!). I can still remember how the introduction quest eventually send me to Archet and how dissapointed I was. I was eager explore the Shire, yet there I was miles and miles away.
When it comes to questing, the Shire is only enjoyable if you’re just out of your intro. For higher levels it can be difficult to level up. Being the impatient hobbit that I am, I began questing in every region without a plan, so my hobbit hunter was somwhere in her 30’s when I decided to become kindred with the Mathom society. To be honestwith you, it almost felt like a chore doing those quests when you’re not at a lower level. Although, I do have to admit that I like the whimsical quests the hobbits give you. My favourite quest is the ‘Spectre of the Black Rider’. I’ve never seen a more adorable black rider!
Similar to Bree-land and Ered Luin, the music is chosen wisely to enhance the atmosphere. I can’t explain why, but I love the Shire at night or when it rains, more than at daylight or during sunshine.
MYLA
The Shire is easily one of the most beautiful places in Middle-earth, and I think LOTRO does a fantastic job of bringing this region to life. I’m pretty sure that when I first entered the Shire I cried, not full on sobbing but a few happy tears. It’s such a happy place to be, especially after questing in areas such as Moria and Angmar. I love the music, the hobbits walking around, the scenery, all of it!
When I first started playing I didn’t know you could actually go into Bag End, so when I found out I headed straight for it only to be greeted by Lobelia. Okay, not so much a greeting, it was more an insult. I shouldn’t have been so surprised haha.
I feel so at home when I’m in the Shire, you could say I’m living through my hobbit character sometimes.
What are some of your favourite things about the Shire? Leave us a comment below!
