Because the Internet never met a manufactured holiday they couldn’t have some fun with, I feel it’s my duty to inform you that today is International Hobbit Day. Commemorating the birthdays of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the day is also a chance to reflect upon the timeless works of J.R.R. Tolkien and revisit the wonders of Middle Earth. (In fact, today is just a small part of the American Tolkien Society’s Tolkien Week.)
I can think of no better way to celebrate this occasion than with a rewatch of Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. This film is still as magical today as it was when it premiered 15 years ago, and is the entry point to Peter Jackson‘s cinematic vision of the world Tolkien created all those decades ago.
Also well worth your time is the underrated 1970s versions of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Return of the King. Although they truncate the story somewhat, they are not without their charms.
Finally, no discussion of anything even remotely related would be complete without mentioning Leonard Nimoy’s shithouse bonkers performance of “The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins.” Truly the greatest tribute to the bravest little hobbit of them all.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I do believe it is time for second breakfast.