Hobbit Hole HotelIn the ‘pretty darn cool’ department, an ‘authentic’ Hobbit hole in Orondo Washington, U.S.A., is now available to rent. While we’ve reported on similar things before, the accommodations at this dwelling come compete with rustic furniture, a nice little garden, an absolutely gorgeous mountain view and, yes, shampoo. Whether you use the shampoo on your head, your feet, or both, is up to you.

Continue reading “Hobbit hole for rent in the Pacific Northwest”

Hobbit house UKIt doesn’t have a round door, but don’t let that fool you. This quirky and fascinating home in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, U.K. has all the other makings of a home any Hobbit might love, complete with a finished cave that goes back into the terraced garden hillside behind it.

From the mirror.co.uk site: Transformed by eccentric artist Anthony Dracup, who died in 2002, the unique property has gone on the market for £200,000. If you’re a fan of both Lord of the Rings and Doctor Who, this real-life ‘hobbit house’ might be your dream home – and it even comes with its own cave. Read more…

gollumfaceAre you of Sam’s opinion, that Gollum is just a ‘stinker’, with ‘naught left in him but lies and deceit’? Or are you on Frodo’s side, believing Smeagol has good in him yet? Does he redeem himself at the end, with his sacrifice, or does an accidental tumble into lava not count for redemption?

In a bizarre piece of news, a court in Turkey has called in experts to debate this very issue. A doctor is accused of insulting the Turkish President by comparing him to Gollum; his lawyer is arguing, in his defense, that Gollum is not a bad character – so a team of five (including a ‘movie expert’) has been put together to decide.

What would your decision be, if you were called to sit on such a panel?!

Read more about this news story here and here. Thanks to spies davem, Lanirth and Manitou333 for sending us the news!

BilboChristmasListHave you finished all of your Christmas shopping yet? Or are you yet to start? If you’re like us, you’ll definitely have a few more things on your list and what better way to complete the task than buying some Tolkienesque presents. TORn’s staffers deej, Elessar, Earl, Altaira and Kelvarhin scoured the internet to find the perfect presents to celebrate the holidays  and we were astounded by how many wonderful choices there are. So, without further ado, here are some lovely gift suggestions for your favourite Tolkien fan (even if that happens to be you). All prices are in U.S. dollars.

Continue reading “TORn’s Tolkien Christmas Gift Guide for 2015”

- Ryan Somma, courtesy of Scientific American
– Ryan Somma, courtesy of Scientific American

Evolutionary scientists have been studying the remains of Homo floresiensis, known as the ‘hobbit,’ due to its diminutive size, since its discovery on an Indonesian island in 2003. Early speculation was that it might be a modern human with a growth disorder. However, as reported in this article by the Scientific American, recent results from studying its teeth suggest it was a separate species. Of course, this comes as little surprise to Tolkien fans.  If further research reveals that they had wooley feet, lived in holes in the ground and smoked pipes, we’ll resist the urge to say: “I told you so.” Read More…

 

Peter-Jackson-Doctor-Who

Today, Sir Peter Jackson turned 54 years old! We here at TORN hope he had a most wonderful day and wish him many happy returns. (May the hair on his toes never fall out!)

Thank you, Peter, for all you’ve gifted us with – from the very first online preview for The Lord of the Rings to the Extended Cut of The Battle of the Five Armies. May the coming year, and those after, be most prosperous for you. Continue reading “Happy Birthday Peter Jackson!”