International Tolkien Reading Day

Created by Sean Kirst in 2002
🧝📖🧙
Adopted by The Tolkien Society in 2003

It’s time to dust off your copies of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy! International Tolkien Reading Day is a day to celebrate the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the beloved author of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
But why celebrate it? For starters, if you don’t, the orcs win. And nobody wants that!

The origin of International Tolkien Reading Day:

The origin of International Tolkien Reading Day can be traced back to Sean Kirst, a journalist who in 2002 suggested that there should be a day to celebrate Tolkien’s literary works.
The following year, The Tolkien Society adopted the idea and established March 25 as the day to celebrate.
The purpose of this day is to encourage people to read and appreciate the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, one of the most beloved fantasy authors of all time.

Now, you may be wondering why International Tolkien Reading Day takes place on March 25.
Well, this is the estimated date that Sauron, the fallen maia and main antagonist from the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, was defeated after destroying his Ring of Power.
In the book, this event is referred to as the Fall of Barad-dûr.
How this date was calculated…a wizard probably did it!

Why celebrate?

The purpose of this day is to promote reading and education, as well as to celebrate the imaginative and immersive world that Tolkien created.
Tolkien had a profound impact on fantasy literature and pop culture in general and an important role in modern mythology and culture.
Tolkien’s books are not just stories, they are a part of our collective imagination! His stories of hobbits, wizards, elves, and dwarves have captured the imaginations of people all over the world.
Even those who haven’t read the books are likely familiar with the iconic characters and landscapes from the films.

How to celebrate:

If you’re looking to celebrate International Tolkien Reading Day, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
First and foremost, find a copy of your favorite Tolkien book. You’ll also want to find a comfortable spot to settle in and read, preferably one that’s free of orcs and Nazgul.
Finally, make sure you have plenty of snacks and beverages to keep you fueled up throughout the day.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Host a reading marathon: Gather with friends or family members and take turns reading from your favorite Tolkien books. You can also choose to read the books together as a group.
2. Plan a themed party: Decorate your home with Middle Earth-themed decorations and serve food and drinks inspired by the books. You can even dress up as your favorite character.
3. Participate in online events: Many online communities organize events for International Tolkien Reading Day, such as virtual reading marathons or book club discussions.
4. Watch the movies: The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies are a great way to celebrate the day. You can even make it a movie marathon and watch all the films in one sitting.
5. Visit a bookstore: Spend the day browsing through your local bookstore and discovering new Tolkien books to add to your collection.
6. Create fan art or fan fiction: Get creative and express your love for Tolkien’s works through art or writing. You can share your creations with others online or even host an exhibition or reading.
7. Go on a Middle Earth-inspired adventure: Plan a hike or nature walk and imagine yourself exploring the forests and mountains of Middle Earth.
8. Play games: There are many board and video games inspired by Tolkien’s works, such as Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit, Middle Earth: Shadow of War, and The Lord of the Rings: Adventure Card Game.

Safety tips for International Tolkien Reading Day:

Of course, safety is always a concern, especially if you’re celebrating International Tolkien Reading Day in Middle Earth. Be sure to bring a map, a compass, rope, a sturdy walking stick, camouflage cloaks and enough food for 6 meals per day.
And if you happen to come across any Ringwraiths or giant spiders, just remember to stay calm and don’t sneeze.

To wrap things up:

International Tolkien Reading Day is a great way to honor one of the greatest fantasy writers of all time. So grab your copy of “The Fellowship of the Ring” and a pint of ale, and settle in for a day of adventure, magic, and heroism.
And don’t forget, if you hear a knock on the door, consider if you really want to host a cheeky wizard and a group of noisy dwarfs.