There are few recorded deeds of Hobbits until late in the Third Age of Middle-earth, which is just the way Hobbits would prefer it. They are simple, quiet folks, preferring to dwell in hillside holes in and around the area known as The Shire in western Eriador. Called "Halflings" by some due to their size relative to Men, these small folk enjoy the peaceful endeavours of farming, eating, and gift giving, rather than concerning themselves with the dangerous affairs of the rest of Middle-earth (save the legends of Hobbit bowmen in the wars of Fornost). In these dark days, however, it is the unassuming Hobbits, with their often surprising adeptness of both word and action, that will have the greatest impact in the war between the Free Peoples and the lengthening Shadow from the North.