Timeline Event
Paladin Took II becomes Thain of the Shire
Event Type: Political
Age: 3rd Age - The Stewards
Year: 3015
Description:
Paladin Took II, son of Adalgrim Took, becomes the 31st Thain of the Shire upon the death without heirs of his 2nd cousin, Ferumbras III, 30th Thain of the Shire:
According to the "Took of Great Smials" family tree, Ferumbras III died in 1415 of the Shire-reckoning, equivalent to Third Age 3015.
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix C, Family Trees
Customs differed in cases where the 'head' died leaving no son. In the Took-family, since the headship was also connected with the title and (originally military) office of Thain, descent was strictly through the male line.
The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien, Edited by Humphrey Carpenter, Letter 214 to A. C. Nunn, 1958-59?
According to the Took family tree, the childless Ferumbras III inherited the Thainship via his grandfather Isumbras IV, Gerontius Took's third son, whereas Paladin II's grandfather was Hildigrim, Gerontius' fourth son.
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix C, Family Trees
Contributors:
Elena Tiriel 10May10