Great piece Charlie. I just spent Christmas with my fathers side of the family, the Clausnitzer's. They are German and from Mannheim originally, though most of the family that is still in Germany now resides in Munich. I feel very fortunate to have both my Oma and Opa to talk with and gather information about our familiy's past. Your take away from the Hobbit is spot on, I've always been impressed with Tolien's ability to impart the importance of genealogy and familiar history in his books (LotR included).

There is something empowering about knowing your family's history, knowing that you have generations of people behind you that both biologically and socially have aided in your development, even if remotely and often tangentially. I never met my paternal great grandfather's but I bet there are traits I carry, perhaps even mannerisms and beliefs that originated with them and were handed down through the generations. Knocking on that door, meeting your kin is a way to try and expose your own origins.

My wife and I are planning our first ever trip to Germany in May. Because I grew up with my grandparents telling me stories of the beautiful places there, I feel a distinct pull. I'm not sure it's the Heimat that pulls me, but rather a desire to get to know my grandparents and thus myself a little better.