I’ve started reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien for about the thirtieth time in my life and once again am falling in love with one of the greatest works of fiction ever penned. Many people are surprised when they ask what my favorite book is and I explain how much I love the prequel to The Lord of the Rings. But there is much to admire in this deceptively simple tale of Middle Earth.
The depth of Tolkien’s storytelling, enriched by a fleshed-out world full of perils and wild areas to explore, provides quite the playground for minds young and old. It’s also the gateway into the larger lore of Middle Earth.
Rich in symbology or archetype, The Hobbit speaks to many of our base elements. After all, how many of us have felt as small and weak as Bilbo Baggins when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges? We might have a Gandalf upon whom we depend, only for that help to disappear when we believe we need it most. That’s when our true mettle is tested and we grow, learn, and progress.
Then there’s the lesson of the corrupting nature of riches as the dwarves become selfish and wildly suspicious of others, particularly Thorin Oakenshield. That theme is repeated in many literary works, but one in particular that influenced Tolkien heavily is The Saga of the Volsungs. In that 13th century Icelandic tale, complete with a cursed ring which not only allows the bearer to find hidden gold, it turns Fafnir into a dragon, leading him to guard a hoard of treasure.
We have all known people who behave like that, so the story resonates.
There are other elements Tolkien lifted from The Saga of the Volsungs, among other ancient tales, which lends depth to his work. For example, there’s a sword that’s broken and the reforged in the Icelandic story.
So much more makes The Hobbit an amazing story, so for the next several posts I will be digging into some aspects of the book I want to highlight.
Image credit JRR Tolkien
Steven Symes 