HOBBIT DAY!

 

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”

I remember when I was young i must have watched The Hobbit (Cartoon) a million times. It was one of my favorite movies. The main protagonist of The Hobbit was a man called Bilbo Baggins, who was thrown into an unexpected adventure! I didnt understand what Hobbits were, had no context of the story, but I just loved it.  I just knew that they were little, ran around barefoot and lived in cool houses underground. There was also a dragon involved and a weird monster thing that was obsessed with a ring. 

As I got older and started reading the books I really appreciated Tolkiens world building and character development. Hobbits were a lot more complex than my young mind understood.

HISTORY:

Hobbits were introduced in 1937 in a novel by J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit).  With a first print run of 1500 copies it was an immediate success and has gone on to sell over 100 million copies! 

HOBBITS:

Typically Hobbits were small people, ranging in height between 2 and 4 feet tall. They typically dress in bright colors. They were described as Halflings, relatives to the race of men.  They came from Middle earth and lived in The Shire or in Bree. The average Hobbit life expectancy is 100 years, and are considered "of age" at 33. They have hairy feet with leathery soles, so never wear shoes. They typically are unable to grow beards and have a head full of curly hair.  They are skilled at skipping rocks.

Hobbits for the most part are unadventurous, and love the simple, bucolic life of farming, eating (up to 6 meals a day if they could) and socializing.  Most hobbits spend their whole lives staying in the same place.  Hobbits claim to have invented smoking pipe weed, are extremely clannish and love geneology.

Tolkein once claimed  "I am in fact a Hobbit in all but size. I like gardens, trees, and unmechanized farmlands; I smoke a pipe, and like good plain food (unrefrigerated), but detest French cooking; I like, and even dare to wear in these dull days, ornamental waistcoats. I am fond of mushrooms (out of a field); have a very simple sense of humour (which even my appreciative critics find tiresome); I go to bed late and get up late (when possible). I do not travel much."

SO WHY ARE WE STILL SO OBSESSED WITH HOBBITS? EVEN 80 YEARS LATER?

• Who doesnt love a good action adventure story?  A reluctant hero swept up in a bro trip and getting into all sorts of adventures . Danger, elves, a dragon, a sword...it's all there.

• we all crave that Home connection. Tolkien created a book where their homes were their castle, the families were central. Cozy homes and nooks, comfort creatures we ourselves find important.

• Friendship.  NO sex, no romance, no erotic under currant, no 50 shades of hobbit. Hobbits love companionship, friendship and laughing. We crave companionship and people we can be ourselves around and love. 

• morality. Good life lessons without it being in your face and being stuffed down your throat. Tolkien had a way .

• An unwilling hero who discovers that he is indeed a worthy warrior. Bilbo is able to find what he is made of and we always cheer an underdog!

LETS CELEBRATE HOBBIT DAY!!

Reread, watch the cartoon, watch the movie...enjoy the Hobbits on Hobbit Day!