headFrom scientific american.com: What does a narcissistic flying reptile that loves the taste of crispy dwarves have in common with a beetle that shoots hot, caustic liquid from its butt? More than you think.

A few weeks ago, audiences were finally treated to the Cumberbatch-infused reptilian villain from J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic The Hobbit. Smaug (pronounced and interpreted as if you smashed together “smug” and “smog”) is a terrible dragon that long ago forced a population of dwarves from under a mountain. He laid claim to all their treasures. He burned all their homes. The titular character of the book is then tasked with helping a company of these displaced dwarves take back the mountain from the beast. It wouldn’t be easy—the most common descriptor of a dragon is “fire-breathing,” after all. But unlike other aspects of the book and now the film that are wholly magic, Smaug’s burning breath is actually one of the least magical, and can be wrangled into plausibility. Doing so involves looking inside a beetle’s butt, a Boy Scout’s satchel, and a bird’s throat. [Read More]

Happy Hobbity New Year 2013-14Welcome to our collection of TORn’s hottest topics for the past year.  We’ve collected some of 2013’s most popular posts on our 10 Message Boards.  You’ll be surprised at what captured the attention and imagination of our 10,500+ members.  Come and have a look back at what has kept us busy as we impatiently awaited the release of The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug.  We actually did manage to talk about many fascinating things, besides The Hobbit.  So just follow the links to some of our most popular discussions for 2013.  Continue to watch this space as every weekend we spotlight the most popular buzz on TORn’s Message Boards.  Everyone is welcome, so come on in and join the fun!

Continue reading “TORn Message Boards Weekly Roundup – Special New Year’s Edition!!”

25aForum member Dwalin has returned again this year to give us a thorough review of the second wave of figures from The Bridge Direct. These figures are pretty awesome and, I believe, after reading Dwalin’s review you’ll see why fans are so fond of these figures. Thanks to Dwalin for helping us out with this review.

Continue reading “Collecting The Precious – Dwalin Reviews The Bridge Direct’s The Hobbit Wave 2”

Desolation of Smaug Poster Ringer ArchedCory, who writes for our friends at Heirs of Durin, has put together this excellent article dissecting (though not literally) the anatomy of Smaug, drawing parallels with creatures from our real world. The particular shape of the head, what might have inspired it? What of the teeth? The eyes? Or the skin texture? Continue reading “What is the anatomy of Smaug?”

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