In 1978 Ralph Bakshi’s animated film based on The Lord of the Rings arrived to the masses, and many fans got a chance to see their favorite characters come to life. Not to mention all the folks that would become lifelong Tolkien fans, discovering the story for the first time through the movie. Now nearly 50 years later, the amazing folks at Dark Horse Direct and Middle-earth Enterprises are giving fans of Middle-earth a chance to own collectibles from that film.
Right now fans can order Set One, which features three characters from the film. Set One will include Aragorn, Frodo, and Samwise. The Hobbits will come in at just under 5″ tall and Aragorn will be just over 6″ tall. They are made of PVC. As you can see from these high def photos, they’re very well done and match exactly what so many saw in those films all those years ago. Set One comes in with a price tag of $89.99 with a shipping date in Q4 of 2026.
Stay tuned for news of more Dark Horse collecetibles, coming soon!
You’ll recall that in late March we brought you the news that Burgschneider and Middle-earth Enterprises’ – combining to create Middle-earth Adventures – immersive Shire experience will come to the UK this year. Tickets are on sale now!
Last year’s inaugural event in Kentucky was attended by TORn staffers Madeye Gamgee and Happy Hobbit Kili, who had a fantastic time. The US Brandywine Festival will again take place in October (and tickets for that event are already getting close to selling out). The UK version will be September 9-13, and will be held at Weston Park in Staffordshire.
Temple Wood at Weston Park
Weston Park – an ideal location
Markus Böhm, CEO of Burgschneider, remarked, ‘At Weston Park, we are stepping into a landscape that echoes the very soul of Tolkien’s work.’ A large part of Tolkien’s childhood was spent in the Birmingham area, perhaps most famously in Sarehole (which was then Worcestershire countryside, not yet swallowed up by the expanding city). Telford, near which the 17th century estate of Weston Park is located, is not far away, on the other side of Birmingham – offering scenery which is similar to the bucolic terrain Tolkien loved as a child.
Tiered price ticket sales
The first 400 tickets for the British event will be sold at the lowest price. Each subsequent batch of 400 tickets released will go up in price; so it’s a good idea to secure your ticket as early as possible!
Magic by the campfire in Kentucky
Middle-earth Adventures state that their goal is ‘To create the world’s most meaningful Middle-earth inspired experiences — events that don’t just entertain, but genuinely transform the people who attend them.’
Want to disappear into the English countryside for a while, don the guise of a Hobbit, and revel with like-minded folks? Get your tickets now, before the price increases!
About Burgschneider
Burgschneider is a leading designer and manufacturer of medieval and fantasy costumes, known for its dedication to authenticity, craftsmanship, and storytelling. As the organizer of ConQuest of Mythodea—the world’s largest live action roleplaying (LARP) event—Burgschneider brings extensive expertise in creating and coordinating immersive experiences. From historical reenactments to large-scale LARP events, Burgschneider costumes empower enthusiasts to fully step into their favorite historical and fictional worlds.
About Middle-earth Enterprises
Middle-earth Enterprises owns exclusive worldwide rights to motion picture, merchandise, live stage and services inspired by The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit books, by J.R.R. Tolkien. We have produced and licensed goods based upon these four books, for a half century. Inspired by our deep appreciation for the fictional world created by Professor Tolkien, we are dedicated to working with those developing highest quality creations inspired by the lore, in accordance with state-of-the-art green business and sustainability practices; including fair trade, equality in the workplace, and a deep commitment to protect our Earth, its wondrous beauty, and the viability of every living creature. As Middle-earth’s stewards and custodians, our goal is to consistently deliver a wealth of great content in both new and known formats; to ensure Middle-earth’s rightful place as the world’s leading fantasy IP & brand, forever. Visit us at www.middleearth.com for details.
Following on from their immersive Middle-earth experience created in Kentucky last year, our good friends at Burgschneider have given us the opportunity to break this exciting news: the Brandywine Festival will come to the UK this Autumn!
Burgschneider’s LARP events are known for their incredible attention to detail, allowing attendees to get as close as possible to spending a long weekend living in the Shire. (You can read how much TORn staffer Kili aka Happy Hobbit enjoyed attending, here.) And where better to place the Shire than the very land of Shires, England? Here’s what the official press release tells us:
Concept art for the festival
Bringing The Shire Home: Burgschneider Announces The Brandywine Festival’s UK Debut at Weston Park in 2026
FRANKFURT AM MAIN – Coming to the doorstep of Tolkien’s childhood home, The Brandywine Festival is officially arriving in the United Kingdom. Following a successful U.S. debut, Burgschneider, in collaboration with Middle-earth Enterprises, is excited to bring The Shire to life once more at Staffordshire’s Weston Park in September 2026.
The expansion follows the success of the first annual Brandywine Festival in October 2025. Held in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, the 5-day, 4-night Live Action Roleplaying (LARP) event drew fans from across the country. Now, the festival will be within an hour’s drive of Birmingham, J.R.R. Tolkien’s childhood home and the very landscapes that inspired its setting.
“We are incredibly honored to bring The Brandywine Festival back to the land where the story took flight,” said Markus Böhm, CEO of Burgschneider. “After the success in Kentucky, it felt only right to bring this experience home. At Weston Park, we are stepping into a landscape that echoes the very soul of Tolkien’s work.”
An Historic Setting
Temple Wood at Weston Park
Weston Park is a 17th-century estate featuring 1,000 acres of rolling parkland. Known for hosting world-class events, the Weston Park team has shown great enthusiasm for the project, providing an authentic backdrop for fans to live out their own Hobbit-themed adventures. Guests will be fully immersed in the experience.
Weston Park is a stately home and estate on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border. Owned by the Weston Park Foundation, an independent charitable trust, the estate is dedicated to preserving its 17th-century heritage and world-class art collection for the public. A premier venue for large-scale events, Weston Park balances historic grandeur with a commitment to ethical and sustainable tourism.
If spending time in the English countryside, eating, drinking and being the Hobbit of your choice sounds like a dream come true, then stay tuned – we’ll bring you news of when tickets will be going on sale, very soon.
About Burgschneider
Burgschneider is a leading designer and manufacturer of medieval and fantasy costumes, known for its dedication to authenticity, craftsmanship, and storytelling. As the organizer of ConQuest of Mythodea—the world’s largest live action roleplaying (LARP) event—Burgschneider brings extensive expertise in creating and coordinating immersive experiences. From historical reenactments to large-scale LARP events, Burgschneider costumes empower enthusiasts to fully step into their favorite historical and fictional worlds.
About Middle-earth Enterprises
Middle-earth Enterprises owns exclusive worldwide rights to motion picture, merchandise, live stage and services inspired by The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit books, by J.R.R. Tolkien. We have produced and licensed goods based upon these four books, for a half century. Inspired by our deep appreciation for the fictional world created by Professor Tolkien, we are dedicated to working with those developing highest quality creations inspired by the lore, in accordance with state-of-the-art green business and sustainability practices; including fair trade, equality in the workplace, and a deep commitment to protect our Earth, its wondrous beauty, and the viability of every living creature. As Middle-earth’s stewards and custodians, our goal is to consistently deliver a wealth of great content in both new and known formats; to ensure Middle-earth’s rightful place as the world’s leading fantasy IP & brand, forever. Visit us at www.middleearth.com for details.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
– a final thought from Thorin Oakenshield
For many of us Children of the Kindly West, these early weeks of 2026 have been less than kind. Whether it’s weather that has been especially challenging, or news stories more reminiscent of Mordor than Michel Delving, perhaps your thoughts have begun to turn toward seasons of respite and restoration, ideally ones reminiscent of a “proper 1420” in the Shire filled with food, cheer, and friendship.
And we have some options for you! Consider laying out that hoarded gold for one or more of a myriad of opportunities for Tolkien-themed gatherings and events that are richly decorating the 2026 calendar. What better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that culture-shaping event of the 2001 release of Peter Jackson’s The Fellowship of the Ring than finding a Fellowship of your own?
All you have to decide is what to do with all the options that have been given to you. Here are some 2026 gatherings in the US to get you started.
Following a successful inaugural event in May 2025, our friends at The Tolkien Society are assembling a host of speakers, activities, entertainment, and other Middle-earth goodness for their second annual gathering this spring in Minneapolis. Happening at the Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown, the Moot will feature the Tolkien Society’s classic array of talks, quizzes, lectures, workshops, performances, papers, and discussions. Featured guests already include Signum University’s Sara Brown, an active scholar and podcaster, as well as scientist and writer Kristine Larsen. Making a special appearance will be cartoonist and Edward Gorey fan Tom Racine. Here’s your chance to get an autograph for your copy of his recently published Doomed to Die: An A to Z of Death in Tolkien! Attendees will also have an opportunity to take in a private showing of The Theater in the Round’s new and unique adaptation of The Hobbit. Full conference registration for Tolkien Society members is $350, and $375 for non-members. Virtual participation will also be an option.
This annual gathering of uber-fans hardly needs an introduction. Those Middle-earth mavens fortunate enough to have snagged their badges last fall are now left to speculate: just how much Tolkien content can they expect. Will we see a Rings of Power panel in Hall H should season three be a 2026 possibility? What might we see in the way of unique collectibles, first glimpses and show exclusives during this 25th anniversary of the PJ films? Who knows what untold discoveries are in store for those wandering among artists and exhibitors (like last year’s Middle-earth Enterprises and Weta booths, not to mention our own booth!)? Here’s our recap from last year’s SDCC to whet your appetite.
Our colleagues at The Mythopoeic Society are offering an opportunity to “get your fantasy kicks ” at their 54th more-or-less annual conference, this year held in Weatherford, Oklahoma and taking particular inspiration from the state’s centennial celebration of the famed Route 66. Hosted at the Stafford Air and Space Museum, this year’s Mythcon will feature the Society’s classic combination of scholarship, literary exploration, local color, and cordial common interest in themes fantastic and mythic. As such a classic “Mother Road” might suggest, you can expect discussions revolving around quests and traveling adventures, written and oral traditions, and archived memories worthy of the Great Library of Minas Tirith. Featured guests include author David R. Slayton (White Trash Warlock, which is not about Saruman, and Dark Moon, Shallow Sea); and scholar Dr. Joe R. Christopher, a retired professor of English at Tarleton State University and a prolific essayist with a particular focus on Inklings studies. Mythcon typically attracts 100-200 attendees, and registration is now open, with the full conference set at $110 for Mythopoeic Society members and $125 for non-members. Virtual attendance is also possible.
For any elves, dwarves, hobbits, or humans who happen to reminisce fondly about their summer camping days, this may be exactly the gathering you’re looking for. Brought to us by the same planning team behind the sesquiennial celebration of “A Long-Expected Party” (ALEP), the first ever Camp Eledhrim stays in the Harrodsburg, Kentucky area, but will shift from ALEP’s traditional Shaker Village setting to the new environs of “Camp Horsin’ Around”. This five bunkhouse complex will offer communal (non-private) living arrangements for 140, with dedicated air-conditioned cabins for each of your favorite Tolkien-inspired races (presumably excluding orcs). The classic ALEP offerings of fully catered and Middle-earth-themed meals, immersive decor, lore-driven programming, contests of Third Age skill (including Elvish canoe races), and campfire gatherings will all be available. The new venue will also expand these ALEP traditions to a swimming pool, a rope obstacle course, and – brace for it – Hobbit mini-golf (surely ‘Hobbit-sized-golf’?). A “Bullroarer Memorial Open” seems somehow appropriate. Join and then stay tuned on the ALEP Facebook page for developing details. Having experienced an ALEP event for the first time last September, I can attest that the Fellowship is restorative, the welcome for newcomers as genuine as any Hobbit could wish, the lore conversations deeply satisfying, and the shared merriment infectious. It’s encouraging that our ALEP friends are experimenting with new opportunities to gather more frequently!
Held every Labor Day weekend, Atlanta’s mega-fan gathering is celebrating its 40th year of gathering gamers and geeks, cosplayers and comics enthusiasts, partygoers and patrons of the fantasy arts. And this includes, of course, fans of that great-grandfather of modern fantasy, J.R.R. himself. Dragon Con is a collection of more than 30 mini-conventions, or “tracks” designed to appeal to the full spectrum of interest in fantasy, science fiction, gaming, and fandoms of the fantastic. Across its five downtown host hotels and the Atlanta Merchandise Mart, attendees have the challenge of prioritizing over 1,000 panel offerings, a “Walk of Fame” offering signature opportunities from more than 100 celebrity guests, a four-floor vendors hall and artists market, and themed parties lasting into the wee hours every night. For Tolkien fans, official programming falls under the “High Fantasy” track, and includes everything from a dance party in Bree, to costume contests, to scholarly panels, to creative content like trivia contests and Hobbit drinking songs, to speculation about what we’ll see in upcoming movie and television releases along with other pending Middle-earth fun, all straight from TORn staffers greendragon, deej, and MadeyeGamgee. Beyond the programming, Dragon Con also offers a stunning array of cosplay craftsmanship and photo ops, elven choirs wandering the halls between hotels, and an opportunity to march with fellow Tolkienites in the annual parade down Peachtree Street, an event that attracts many additional thousands. You can purchase passes that cover all five days of the convention, and also individual day passes.
The inaugural Brandywine Festival in October 2025 introduced a completely new North American experience for those wishing to deeply embed themselves in the Hobbit lifestyle through Live Action Role-Playing. Specializing in producing medieval and fantasy-inspired clothing and equipment, the Burgschneider Group is also one of the world’s premier producers of large-scale LARP events. Burgschneider and Middle-earth Enterprises established a licensing arrangement last year that saw a successful Kickstarter campaign mobilizing roughly 1200 Hobbit-hued LARPers, most of whom had never before participated in this kind of event, to assemble for Buckland’s 259th annual Brandywine Festival. It is an astonishing thing to take up residence amongst so many excellent and admirable Hobbits, each with their own backstories, and each fully committed to engage with one another entirely in the spirit and attire of the Shire. A merrier world indeed. Burgschneider’s Chief Creative Officer, Thomas “Beol” Miller, along with the Group President Markus Böhm, describe last year’s Brandywine Festival as a “pilot” event, one offering substantial opportunities for learning and improvement, while also reflecting a spirit and array of fan experiences that was so encouraging that the second annual event this October was automatic. Having been part of that Hobbit throng last year, nearly everyone I spoke with was heartily hoping to be able to return in 2026, from LARP newbies to the few with deep experience at other role-playing events.
The 2026 challenge for Burgschneider will be to apply important lessons learned – improved load-in logistics, a more confined footprint for LARP challenges and game play, some alterations in the camping layout to enhance community interaction, and a better approach to the celebratory banquet toward the end of the event. Simultaneously, they’ll be seeking to preserve those magical elements that so many participants enjoyed – a spontaneously effusive talent show, lore-driven story-lines and non-player characters (we see you, Nerd of the Rings!), and above all the rich array of opportunities to become a part of a thriving Hobbit community, surrounded by feasting and dancing, storytelling and generosity, mathoms and memorable moments. As the on-site lead “Beol” remarked, “Brandywine is providing a Shire sandbox, not an amusement park.” And it’s a wonderful sandbox, indeed. For a firsthand account of the 2025 Brandywine experience, see our very own Happy Hobbit’s (or “Thistle’s”) report here.
For any wondering, the Brandywine Festival 2026 will once again be set in the fall of SR 1418, shortly after one Frodo Baggins has left Bag End, presumably to take up residence in Crickhollow. Every player is invited to develop their own unique character and backstory, and named LotR characters are excluded. While the Shire timeline and venue settings in 2026 repeat last year’s, the LARP story-line and challenges will draw from different elements of Tolkien’s legendarium. We can expect variations on last year’s Ruffians and Spiders and Rangers and Elves (oh my!). Tickets are still available, but being claimed rather rapidly.
Should the San Diego version not be an option, you might consider joining its East Coast cousin for their 20th anniversary this October in the Big Apple! (And yes, that was a subtle second breakfast allusion.) Similar in design to the California convention, NYCC is promising to “pull out all the stops” this year. In addition to all the nerdy goodness you’ll find at the Javits Center in Manhattan, from programming to LotR-focused vendors on the show floor, you’ll also be close to, well, everything else Manhattan has to offer. That includes the classic annual TORn NYC Gathering, which will take place on the Friday evening of the Con. Here’s a reminder of some of the Tolkien fun which was on offer at last year’s event!
Of course, this list is just a sampling of possibilities! There are many other events we could have mentioned, both in the US and internationally: such as WonderCon in Anaheim next month (TORn staffers will be there!); Orlando’s Mega Con in late March, with MANY LotR movie guests; Oxonmoot in Oxford in early September; or the Deutsche Tolkien Gesellschaft’s mid-October Tolkien Seminar 2026 in Augsburg. While Fathom Event’s January theater screenings of the PJ trilogy are now behind us, many other theaters are now following suit as we press deeper into this 25th anniversary year. Or you may wish to take in one or more of the movies accompanied by a live orchestra, with a number of European and North American options already scheduled. And of course in September we’ll host our annual Baggins Birthday Bash on the West Coast – which is always a gathering of special magnificence.
We wish you all the best as you seek your 2026 Fellowship(s)! May they bring you joy and hope! And may the hair on your toes never fall out!
So… Netflix just bought Warner Bros. (Pending regulatory approval…) We all knew WB was up for sale, but Netflix coming out on top was a bit of a plot twist. [Press Release]
Like us, Ringers across the world are asking what this means for Middle-earth on film. Do the rights change? Does this affect ‘Hunt for Gollum?’ Will we be watching the Extended Editions on Netflix next week? We decided to put a little list together to help walk through the big questions fans are already asking and what we actually know.
Does Netflix now own Lord of the Rings?
Nope. That is unless they are buying Embracer… (Which they aren’t)
The core adaptation, merchandising, and related rights are with Embracer’s Middle‑earth Enterprises. WB has been the licensee making the films. Netflix is just buying the parent company that owns the studio which holds that license. Yes, that’s a big deal, but it doesn’t magically move the Tolkien IP to Netflix.
Think of it like Netflix now owns the workshop where Middle-earth movies get built, but not the blueprints.
Does this affect the movies Warner Bros/New Line already made?
Yes – but not in a scary way. The Peter Jackson trilogies, the Hobbit films, and the War of the Rohirrim anime all stay with the studio. Since Netflix is buying the studio, that whole library goes with it. So yes, Netflix now owns those. (Again, once the deal is complete)
Once contracts with other streaming services expire, Netflix will probably want LOTR on their own platform. It’s the Arkenstone, and Netflix likes shiny things.
We’ve heard a rumour – whispers on the wind… And now we’re excited that our good friends at Syzygy Forge have given us the thumbs up to share this news with you: they are making collectibles for Tolkien fans!
Thus far, the folks at Syzygy Forge have been known in Middle-earth fandom for their whiskey – their Green Dragon wheated whiskey comes in a beautiful bottle (seen above). As licensees of Middle-earth Enterprises, however, they’ve just today announced that they have been given the green light to make other high end collectibles.
What these treasures will be remains to be seen; their teaser trailer is giving very little away. Here’s what their press release tells us:
Syzygy Forge Announces Licensing Partnership with Middle-earth EnterprisesTM to Craft High-End Collectible
Knoxville, October 30th, 2025
Syzygy Forge is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Middle-earth Enterprises, the holders of worldwide rights to The HobbitTM and The Lord of the RingsTM literary works by J.R.R. Tolkien. Known for creating high-quality, handcrafted collectibles, Syzygy Forge will bring to life an exclusive line of pieces inspired by Tolkien’s timeless tales.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for fans and collectors, uniting Syzygy Forge’s craftsmanship with the timeless world of Middle-earth. The collection will feature limited-edition statues of iconic characters and faithful reproductions of legendary swords, shields, and armor. Each piece will be crafted with extraordinary attention to detail.
In addition to their core collection, Syzygy will collaborate with acclaimed Tolkien artist John Howe on a dedicated line of collectibles based exclusively on his original illustrations. This series will celebrate Howe’s influential visual legacy, offering collectors an unprecedented opportunity to own sculptural interpretations drawn directly from his vision of Middle-earth.
“Bringing Tolkien’s universe to life in a tangible, meaningful way is both an honor and a responsibility we embrace with great passion,” said Jordan Costner, Founder & Creative Director at Syzygy Forge. “These collectibles will be more than just display pieces, they will be heirlooms forged with the same reverence that Tolkien poured into his work.”
The first wave of releases, slated to be revealed in 2026, will be officially licensed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Collectors can sign up for early access and exclusive reveals at www.syzygyforge.com.
About Syzygy Forge
Syzygy Forge specializes in high-end collectibles inspired by literature, mythology, and fantasy. Known for blending traditional techniques with modern innovation, their work celebrates the stories that shape imaginations around the world.
About Middle-earth Enterprises
Middle-earth Enterprises, a division of the Embracer Group, holds the exclusive worldwide licensing rights to J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary works The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. With a legacy spanning decades, the company has brought Tolkien’s world to life across film, stage, video games, collectibles, and consumer products through partnerships with leading studios and creative teams, including New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Discovery. Today, Middle-earth Enterprises continues to steward and expand these iconic stories for fans around the globe.
