Every Lord of the Rings Setting Mentioned in Tales of the Shire

Wow, Middle-earth. Just hearing that takes me back. Tolkien’s world is like this massive web of places—some bizarre, some cozy. Kinda like your eccentric uncle’s attic, where every corner’s got a story, you know? Of course, the big names like Mordor and the Lonely Mountain usually steal the show. But guess what? "Tales of the Shire” rolls with a different vibe. It’s like a warm cup of tea in a storm—just chills in its own little corner of the Shire.

Right, so this game? It’s a life-sim. I know, not everyone’s cup of ale, but hear me out. It’s all about life before things went south with the whole War of the Ring drama. Just picture it, nestled in the quiet of the Shire—hobbits living the simple life, blissfully oblivious to the chaos brewing beyond their fields.

Bywater. It’s not much yet, not even a village, but give it time. Funny, knowing it’ll someday host the Shire’s epic showdown thanks to some dude named Saruman. Why do villains always have to mess things up? There’s also the Green Dragon Inn. Ever been? Me neither, just stories. It’s the hobbit hangout—like their cheers bar. Imagine Bilbo meeting with dwarves over a pint, or Frodo and the gang gathering for a lively evening. Even has its own song! I swear, hobbits know how to party.

Then there’s Brandywine River—kinda like the Shire’s unofficial border. For hobbits, anything across it spells trouble. Buckland, just beyond it, is considered risky business. Gasp!

Ah, Hobbiton. The Baggins hub. Though the game doesn’t let you visit, the locals in Bywater won’t let you forget it’s around. Speaking of, the character you play? They’re not originally from Bywater. Nope, they hail from Bree. Made their way past Prancing Pony—yeah, that place!—and across the Brandywine. Quite the journey.

Mirkwood vibes? Touch a tall tree and bam! You’re reminded of those giant spiders. No thanks! Though, it’s kind of an Easter egg nod to The Hobbit and those spidery relatives of Shelob.

Fangorn Forest also pops up like a whisper about trees reaching for the sky. Makes you think of Ents, doesn’t it? Tall, creaky giants watching over their woodland realm.

And Khazad-dum, of course. Even in the Shire, tales of this Dwarven city echo. Thanks to a local dwarf, Nefi, who runs the forge. Every now and then, they’ll drop tales of their fallen home, overtaken by a Balrog. Dark, but history is history, right?

Anyway—wait, where was I? Yeah, this game. It’s like diving into a patch of Middle-earth that’s often overshadowed. Perfect for those moments when the world’s just a bit much and all you need is the cozy chaos of hobbit life.