The Shire is a peaceful place where hobbits have lived for centuries without being disturbed from the outside world besides sparse guests that stop by now and then for rest from their long journeys.  Hobbits are little people smaller than dwarves, and they are unobtrusive and very ancient people.  They were in existence for quite a long time before humans.  Frodo Baggins, a hobbit, has lived in the Shire ever since his uncle Bilbo Baggins had taken it upon himself to look after Frodo following being expelled from his immediate family.  Sam Gamgee is one of Frodo's friends that he met while living with Bilbo.  Gandalf was an old friend of Bilbo's and stopped by every now and then to see how the Baggins' were doing.  Gandalf was one of the wise wizards of ancient times, who had survived...