TOLKIEN READING DAY
Celebrated around the world on March 25th, Tolkien Reading Day is a favorite among fans of the renowned author.
#TolkienReadingDay
J.R.R. Tolkien (Jan. 3, 1892 – Sept. 2, 1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor. He was best known as the author of the classic works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarrillion as well as Roverandom and Farmer Giles of Ham. However, he has published more than 30 books, several posthumously. The author has sold more than 150 million copies of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and that number continues to grow.
The day encourages readers of all ages to explore the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien and learn more about the author. With over 30 published works, he had a lot to say and not just about hobbits, though many are on medieval order.
Can you doodle like Tolkien? Check out the video below. He was an avid crossword puzzler, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE TOLKIEN READING DAY
- While reading Tolkien’s amazing adventures, learn more about the master.
- Take out your markers and pens. Draw up the creatures or doodle an amazing realm from your imagination. What will you create?
- Create your own map of Middle Earth.
- Download and print this Tolkien word search puzzle. Can you find all the Middle Earth words?
- As you’re reading one of Tolkien’s books, make a list of all the new words you encounter.
- Read some of Tolkien’s works and use #TolkienReadingDay to post on social media.
TOLKIEN READING DAY HISTORY
The Tolkien Society created this observance in 2003 to encourage the readings of J.R.R. Tolkien. They chose the date of March 25th because it matches the fall of Sauron in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien FAQ
Q. What does J.R.R. stand for?
A. Tolkien’s initials, J.R.R., stand for John Ronald Reuel.
Q. Did Tolkien only write fiction?
A. No. Tolkien also wrote a great many essays, contributed to the Oxford English Dictionary, and was especially adept at the analysis of language.
Q. Did Tolkien invent languages?
A. Yes. Tolkien spoke many different languages (as many as 17!) so he also had a deep understanding of how language evolves and develops. While the languages Tolkien created may not be as complete as modern languages, some of them are quite functional and many people even use them from time to time.
