National Hobbit Day

Happy hobbits having a second breakfast picnic in a lush green meadow, wearing colorful waistcoats, with a cozy hobbit hole in the background.. — National hobbit day illustration

Welcome to the wacky world of National Hobbit Day! It's a day filled with celebration, adventure, and maybe even a second breakfast. Get ready to journey along with us as we delve into the origins of this peculiar day filled with halflings, hairy feet, and unexpected tales.

When is Hobbit Day?

It's national hobbit day on the 22nd September.

The Birth of National Hobbit Day

So, you might be wondering, where did National Hobbit Day spring from? Well, it all goes back to the beloved works of J.R.R. Tolkien. This renowned author, famous for his incredible fantasy novels, gave birth to the magical and whimsical world of hobbits in his masterpiece 'The Hobbit' and the epic 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.

As fans of Tolkien's extraordinary tales, some dedicated enthusiasts decided that the inhabitants of the Shire deserved their own special day of recognition. And thus, National Hobbit Day was born!

A Celebration Fit for a Hobbit

Now that we know the foundation of this glorious day, let's dive into the celebrations that take place on National Hobbit Day. The most common way to honor this occasion is by hosting a Hobbit Feast, modeled after the extravagant meal preferred by the hobbits themselves. Think bountiful assortments of food, including sumptuous desserts like seed cakes and piping hot tea to wash it all down.

Hobbits embrace all things cozy, so wearing your finest hobbit attire, complete with a tweed vest and a pocket watch, is highly encouraged. You can even try your hand at hobbit-inspired activities such as gardening, writing poetry, or simply enjoying the outdoors in true hobbit style.

Fun Fact: Did You Know?

On National Hobbit Day, it's customary to send letters to your loved ones, replete with cheerful messages and well-wishes. Just imagine the surprise and delight when your friends and family receive a handwritten letter adorned with hobbit-themed stamps!

History behind the term 'Hobbit'

1929

The Birth of the Hobbit

In 1929, J.R.R. Tolkien, an English writer and scholar, first introduced the term 'hobbit' to the world in his book called 'The Hobbit.' This story follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is unexpectedly swept into a quest to reclaim a treasure from a fearsome dragon. Tolkien created the term 'hobbit' to describe a small, humanoid creature with an affinity for peace, simplicity, and the comforts of home.

1937

The Birth of a Beloved Creature

In 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien introduced the world to the fictional creature known as a 'hobbit' in his famous novel 'The Hobbit.' The term captivated readers with its whimsical charm and elusive nature. Hobbits were portrayed as diminutive beings with hairy feet and a love for cozy homes and simple pleasures. Tolkien's vivid imagination brought these endearing characters to life, and they quickly became a beloved part of popular culture.

1954

The Quest for a Trilogy

The term 'hobbit' gained even more prominence in 1954 when J.R.R. Tolkien published the first volume of his epic fantasy trilogy, 'The Lord of the Rings.' The series continued to explore the world of hobbits, depicting their pivotal role in the grandiose adventures that unfolded. This trilogy further solidified the term 'hobbit' as a central concept and ignited a frenzy of fan appreciation for these extraordinary creatures.

1937

The Hobbit Published

In 1937, 'The Hobbit' was published, marking the first appearance of the term 'hobbit' in literature. The book was an immediate success, captivating readers with its imaginative world and endearing characters. The term 'hobbit' quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with Tolkien's enchanting fictional beings.

1954

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

In 1954, J.R.R. Tolkien published the first volume of his grand epic, 'The Lord of the Rings.' This extensive work expanded the lore surrounding hobbits, presenting them as central characters in a monumental battle between good and evil. The trilogy further cemented the term 'hobbit' in popular culture, introducing the world to beloved characters such as Frodo and Samwise Gamgee.

1966

A Linguistic Discovery

In 1966, linguist George H. Scheetz Jr. made an intriguing linguistic connection to the term 'hobbit.' He noticed that the word bore a striking resemblance to an obsolete dialectal word 'holbytla,' meaning 'hole-builder' in Old English. This connection demonstrated Tolkien's profound knowledge and love for ancient languages, adding an extra layer of depth to the term's origin and cultural impact.

2001

The Hobbit on the Big Screen

In 2001, director Peter Jackson brought the world of hobbits to life with his film adaptation of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.' This highly successful film trilogy brought renewed interest in hobbits, captivating audiences with its stunning visuals and captivating storytelling. The term 'hobbit' became even more widely recognized and celebrated as a result of these films.

1977

An Animated Journey

1977 marked the release of the animated adaptation of 'The Hobbit.' This film brought the world of hobbits to a wider audience, expanding the term's reach beyond the realms of literature. The animated depiction of hobbits further entrenched their popularity and fueled the fascination surrounding their unique characteristics.

2001

A Cinematic Phenomenon

The term 'hobbit' attained unprecedented mainstream popularity in 2001 when Peter Jackson's film adaptation of 'The Lord of the Rings' hit the big screen. The trilogy's cinematic success introduced hobbits to a whole new generation, captivating audiences worldwide with their captivating adventures. The films showcased the term 'hobbit' to a vast and diverse audience, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.

2012

Return to Middle-earth

In 2012, Peter Jackson returned to Middle-earth with a new trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit.' Once again, the term 'hobbit' took center stage, inviting fans to revisit the enchanting world that had captured their hearts years before. The films reignited the fascination with hobbits, rekindling the affection and curiosity surrounding the term.

Did you know?

Did you know that some dedicated fans of Hobbit Day go the extra mile by recreating scenes from Tolkien's books? From reenactments of Bilbo's famous birthday party to full-scale Shire replicas in their own backyards, these enthusiasts truly immerse themselves in the magical world of hobbits!