With the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, I've been immersed in all things Tolkienian for the past three years. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Hobbit and the release of the first of Peter Jackson's films, I organized my library's Tolkien Festival which ran from World Hobbit Day (September 22, of course) until the opening of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.We had hundreds and hundreds of patrons celebrating Professor Tolkien's works from hobbit crafts and hobbit food to book discussions and scholarly lectures from Justin Noetzel, Tom Shippey's assistant and a medieval scholar in his own right. We also had a large display of Tolkien collectibles and memorabilia at one of our larger libraries.
Since then we had the release of the second film: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, which I enjoyed immensely. It was exciting to see more of Wilderland, from Beorn's lodge through Mirkwood into the Woodland Realm and finally the Lonely Mountain. Thranduil was amazing and scary at the same time. I felt great joy at the re-appearance of my LOTR hero, Legolas. I've joked with my friends that a book or film can never have too many Elves in it, so I was delighted with the introduction of a new Elven character, Tauriel. I know some purists dislike her character, but Professor Tolkien created many strong female characters in his stories. And Tauriel brings a powerful feminine energy and humanity into the film. I recently watched the Extended Edition of DOS, which filled in many questions for those not well-versed in Tolkien's legendarium and appendices. Indeed, some things were changed or added, but I think Peter Jackson's storytelling tries to keep to the spirit of The Professor's work. While some only see the spectacle on screen, the heart of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings films remains the importance of friendship, honor, courage and loyalty, and the never-ending battle against the encroaching darkness.
And so we come to the final film in The Hobbit trilogy: The Battle of the Five Armies. I am privileged to be in Wellington the week the film premieres in New Zealand with a large group of amazingly dedicated fans. It is the dream trip of a lifetime: to see Middle-earth in person and to be there with fellow fans who are as heartbroken as I am that this is the final film in Jackson's Middle-earth epics. But we will celebrate in a high-spirited fashion and rock the theater to its very foundation. As Theoden says, "If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance!"
For a quick recap of the series, visit:
Our Middle-earth Journey
Watch this space for more reports from New Zealand, the place that really is 100% Pure Middle-earth.
