Tooks
For many centuries now the Took family has maintained its position as the most influential family in all four farthings. From the very earliest days of the Shire’s history, the Tooks were pre-eminent in the western regions, whereas the Oldbucks held authority in the east. The departure and abdication of Thain Gorhendad Oldbuck (later Brandybuck) in 740 prompted the Shire-moot to elect Isumbras Took to ascend to that office. Since then, the thainship has been held exclusively by the Took family. Such is the association between the family and the title that the Thain is often referred to simply as ‘the Took’.
With the Oldbucks gone, the Tooks were able to assert their authority across the Shire. Soon enough they became vastly wealthy and immensely revered, almost peerlessly so.The few warriors of the Shire have often been counted among the Tooks, who are regarded as the most skilled bowmen in the land. Bandobras Took, better known as the Bullroarer, is famed for his defence of the Shire during the Battle of the Greenfields in 1147. This courageous streak, however, has prompted countless Tooks to embark on adventures and other mischief, causing many to view the family as odd and troublesome.
The Tookland, named for the family, found in the Westfarthing, has been held by the Tooks for centuries beyond reckoning. Their home and seat is found at the Great Smials of Tuckborough, the largest mansion in the Shire. Bag End and the Brandy Hall do not even come close to matching the enormity of the Great Smials. Tuckborough itself is populated primarily by the Tooks.
