Would the Balrog be Welcomed in the Shire?

It is highly improbable that the hobbits of the Shire would welcome a Balrog. Hobbits, who are fundamentally driven by self-interest and a dislike for adventure, would flee in terror the moment such a terrifying entity appeared. Their history shows that they were mostly concerned with the immediate threats to their small, peaceful communities, such as harsh winters, wolves, and occasional intruders. The appearance of a shadowy, fiery Balrog would be beyond their experience and capabilities to handle.

Defending the Shire

The greatest threat the hobbits historically faced was the Long Winter followed by the Days of Dearth. They also had to deal with ravening wolves during this period, occasional issues with undesirables deterred by the Bounders, and an invasion by Goblins defeated at the Battle of Greenfields by none other than Bandobras 'Bullroarer' Took, who also invented the game of golf. The hobbits lacked experience in dealing with such a formidable foe as a Balrog.

Gandalf's Role

Gandalf the Grey, a wise and powerful wizard, lived near the Shire to protect the hobbits for quite some time. Should a Balrog approach the Shire, it is highly likely that Gandalf, who had experience in fighting Balrogs, would warn the hobbits and either help them to safety or buy them time by fighting the Balrog. However, his chances of survival would be slim, as the real battle with a Balrog required intervention from Eru Ilúvatar.

Seeking Assistance

Should the Balrog emerge, the hobbits would seek refuge and the Rangers of Arnor would likely be the only ones capable of taking action. However, they would prefer to seek aid from Elrond and the Wise, involving the White Council. A logical choice would be to send Glorfindel, a Valian warrior who had previously defeated a Balrog and had been reincarnated by the Valar to aid Middle Earth. While his sacrifice would be necessary, his experience would make him a formidable opponent.

It is important to note that Balrogs were not roaming Middle Earth for a reason. The few survivors of Balrogs would be hiding in terror, possibly through underground exits from Angband. These survivors had no intention of facing justice, and the Balrog's presence in the Shire would only bring more danger to the already vulnerable community.

This imagined scenario highlights the stark contrast between the peaceful, simple lifestyle of the hobbits and the terrifying power of a Balrog. In the face of such an encounter, the hobbits would undoubtedly seek refuge and assistance, preferring to avoid conflict rather than face such a formidable foe.