Medieval Fantasy Races

Halfling

While there is no definitive

Halfling

race in World of Legends, there are those that design their characters with a Halfling appearance and lifestyle. On World of Legends, the race of your character is defined by the mother. An elf or human character with a dwarven father, or a dwarf character with an elf or human father, may resemble a Halfling. With many variations of elf within Isilendor, it would not be unheard of to find communities of short elves.

A Halfling is characterised by their humanoid appearance and short stature (typically averaging at 3ft or 0.9m tall). Our very own Master of the Arcane Arts, Helebella Hornridge, presents herself as a Halfling.

 

The word "

Halfling

" extends from Scottish or Northern English to describe a young person that has not fully grown yet. It was used to describe young boys who worked in industrial or agricultural jobs. Halfling is derived from "hauflin", a Scots word that became Halflin and later, Halfling.

 

Lord of the Rings

Halfling

was another term to describe Hobbits, which referred to their small, child-like stature as they grew no taller than 4 feet tall. Hobbits were a creation of J.R.R. Tolkein in his stories of Middle-Earth including Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. They originated near the Vales of Anduin and migrated further north and west. The Shire became synonymous with Hobbits as they settled there, farming the land and building their homes in the ground.

Hobbits were known for their quiet lifestyle, choosing to focus on life skills such as farming, cooking, sewing and woodwork. They are inconspicuous people, keeping to themselves and not troubling themselves with the troubles of the world. It is even believed that the first ever Hobbits were not discovered for several generations.
 

Dungeons & Dragons

In the tabletop game, and video game adaptations,

Halfling

s are a fan favourite.

Halfling

s are based on The Hobbits of Middle-Earth but expanded for the purpose of the game. They are whimsical and charismatic, while also nimble and unassuming. Halfings regularly appear as bards, druids, wizards and rogues. They are known for their high spirits and full of mischief. They regularly value the world around them, making them ideal druids. Halflings are not widely known for grand adventures, but have been known to follow parties to support their companions with magic and songs. Rogue halflings are ideal due to their ability to sneak through small spaces.

While they are not known for their combat, Halflings are dexterous and quick, and have a knack for overcoming charms due to their unmatched courage and joy for life. Though they are great fighters, many Halflings do not find themselves with heavy armour and weapons such as greatswords.
 

Black Desert Online

The race known as "Shai" are a halfling styled race in the video game, Black Desert. Shais are small, elf-like beings that can live for hundreds of years. They mirror the cosy and friendly lifestyle seen in early examples of Halflings. Shais are skilled with foraging, alchemy and possess a special musical talent.
 

 

Do you like Halflings? Would you like to write one?