Middle-earth Treasures: Unique Gifts for Tolkien Fans

Anyone who has done even scant research on John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892 – 1973) knows that even though he was a very private man, there is no shortage of biographical information about this famous British writer and medievalist. Hardcover, paperback, digital and audio books, letters, and other materials abound. 

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His son, Christopher Tolkien, was and still is extremely protective of the legacy of his father, and has only ever authorized one official biography. His father is highly respected as a literary hero and a myth maker, and he wants to keep it that way! Understandable, however, that did not stop others from publishing their unauthorized unofficial versions. (Even moi! Tried my hand at publishing an unauthorized biographical sketch.) 

These unapproved life stories (see listing below) are just as appreciated by Tolkien fans as the approved biography written by Humphrey Carpenter. Furthermore, the commercialization of “all things Tolkien” may have started with the success of the “Lord of the Rings” books, but when these works were adapted to film, Tolkien fever infected the masses around the world. A loyal Tolkien-ite can not only build their own personal library, but can purchase puzzles, games, collectibles, and more!!

Tolkien: The Authorized Biography

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Unauthorized Tolkien Biographies ( Name of Author )

• J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century ( Tom Shippey )
• Tolkien: Man and Myth, a Literary Life ( Joseph Pearce )
• J. R. R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend ( Colin Duriez )
• Mythmaker: The Life of J.R.R. Tolkien, Creator of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings ( Anne E. Neimark )
• J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator ( Wayne G. Hammond )

More Gift Ideas for the Tolkien Enthusiast!💟

Asmodee The Lord of The Rings The Fellowship of The Ring Trick-Taking Game - A Cooperative Card Adventure! Strategy Game for Kids & Adults, Ages 10+, 1-4 Players, 20 Minute Playtime

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Take a look at this Lord of the Rings Collector Chess Set.

– The 32 playing pieces made in fine pewter bear an amazing resemblance to the characters in the film. The top of the board is plexi-glass; the rest of the board is made out of cold cast porcelain. Hero pieces have a green ring around the bottom and villain pieces have a purple ring around the bottom. A map of Middle-earth is mounted below the playing surface. Board measures 15 x 15 x 4.5 in.

Who would not want to keep this magnificent chess set in the family and treasure it for generations? Is it not the perfect gift for a collector, and an avid chess player who is also a devoted Tolkien follower?

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Memorable Quote:  "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." — J.R.R. Tolkien

NOTE: Content previously published elsewhere on the web, however, the site shut down. 

Fun Facts About the History of Halloween And Its Superstitions

The History (and My History) of Halloween

I attended Catholic school and can remember that one of my teachers was very adamant about NOT celebrating the Halloween holiday. She insisted that it supported pagan practices and traditions and it was a work of the devil. I did not want to be disrespectful so I did what most well-mannered and well-behaved children did when their teachers said things they did not believe or agree with. I ignored her. Hey! I just wanted a pumpkin full of candy! LOL.

But as an adult, I was a little curious about the history of Halloween. It turns out my teacher was right. It was derived from pagan customs. More specifically, it is a modification of activities associated with an ancient Celtic ritual of Samhain, which was a festival that celebrated the changing of the seasons from summer to winter. Uumm? That doesn’t exactly sound devilish.

Amanda Pagan wrote a post titled “A Brief History of Halloween”, which was published in the official blog for the New York Public Library. Her explanation of the holiday’s history is very colorful. As it is a library blog, she also provided a list of a dozen books as recommended reading if you want to know more. Halloween may have had religious import or application in the beginning but as of today, for most people (including me), the day no religious significance at all. It’s just a day set aside for apple-bobbing, eating tricks and treats, visiting haunted houses that simultaneously frighten you and make you laugh, dressing up in funny costumes, and maybe binge-watching some scary movies. Nothing more.

Halloween Superstitions

Black cats, witches, and pumpkins? Oh my! Where do all of these superstitions come from? Obviously, since the holiday is derived from a Celtic ritual, the superstitions that are prevalent to this day have Celtic roots. I personally don’t believe these superstitions, especially not the one about black cats being bad luck. Some believed black cats were witches in disguise or witches reborn or they were just witch-helpers. If you do the research you will find a lot of information pertaining to all of the folklore about black cats. You’ll find everything except the name of the person who started it!

There are numerous superstitions linked to this holiday. If you are interested in an explanation of the various beliefs about everything from bats and black cats to ghosts and spirits to spiders and trick or treat, check out this “Guide to Halloween Superstitions”.

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Original Source

Fun Links of Interest:

• Halloween History – How Halloween Has Traveled the Globe | SAPIENS

• The History of Halloween: A timeline through the centuries | Make It Grateful

• Samhain Folklore, Superstitions and Legends | Learn Religions

• 12 (Mostly) Spooky Halloween Superstitions | Mental Floss