JRR Tolkien Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about JRR Tolkien Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. JRR Tolkien Day is observed on January 3rd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of JRR Tolkien Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you may want to know about JRR Tolkien Day.

📅 What day is JRR Tolkien Day 2024?

In 2024, JRR Tolkien Day is on Tuesday, January 3rd. It is the 1st Tuesday in January; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about January 3, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

J.R.R. Tolkien Day is a special day celebrated on January 3rd to honor the birthday of the author of “The Lord of the Rings.” On this day, we are all invited to pay tribute to Tolkien and his incredible contributions to literature. In the story, Frodo would always raise a toast to his Uncle Bilbo on his birthday, and now the Tolkien Society encourages us to do the same for Tolkien on his birthday, which falls on January 3rd, 1892. You can show your admiration for Tolkien by creating your own words of praise or simply saying “The Professor!” as the official society phrase suggests. And if you want to make the celebration even more special, you can indulge in some extra meals just like Frodo would have enjoyed!

📜 JRR Tolkien Day History

The clash between different worldviews, brilliantly portrayed by Tolkien, is heightened by the visually stunning Peter Jackson films, which is why the Tolkien Society, established in 1969, remains active today. The author had a connection with the Society in its early days, as his assistant contacted their leaders in 1972 after they sent him a special gift of high-quality tobacco to celebrate his Commander of the Order of the British Empire title. He considered it to be the greatest honor. Interestingly, it was the Tolkien Society that first proposed the idea of officially commemorating Tolkien’s birthday with a toast on January 3rd. So, after enjoying multiple meals and a relaxing smoke, gather a friend and raise a glass to the unparalleled master of fantasy writing – the teacher!

✅ JRR Tolkien Day Facts

🔖 Second fiddle?
After Irish actor Stuart Townsend was unexpectedly replaced, Viggo Mortensen, a seasoned actor known for his roles in films like “Queen of the Damned” and “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” was selected as his replacement. Interestingly, Mortensen agreed to take on the role solely because his son, who is a fan of “The Lord of the Rings” series, pleaded with him to do so.

🔖 Don’t take your eyes off the screen
Similar to how Stan Lee made cameo appearances in Marvel Comics films, writer-director Peter Jackson also appears in all three “Rings” films, along with his children.

🔖 Taking a hike
Sean Bean, the actor who portrays Boromir in the film, has a fear of flying. As a result, he started a routine of walking to his destinations, often setting off early in the morning. What makes this more challenging is that he had to make these journeys in full makeup and costume, as there were no facilities or staff available on-site at his destinations to assist with that.

👍 Why Is JRR Tolkien Day Important

For many reasons, the trips and trials depicted in Tolkien’s tales are unforgettable, but the concept of a group of people working together to achieve a goal is simply inspiring. You may not be doing something as significant as defending the world from evil, but that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from some inspiration in your daily life.

Although Tolkien is most known for “The Lord of the Rings,” he also published scholarly articles and numerous other novels, some of which were novel-length background tales of “Rings” characters. After Tolkien’s death, his son contributed to and published a few more of his father’s works. So, whatever happens, there’s much more to discover.

The underdog triumphing is a typical literary motif. But there aren’t many “littler” characters in literature than hobbits. Even though the hobbits in Tolkien’s writings lack extraordinary strength or unique abilities like the wizards and elves, they manage to be heroic, making difficult decisions and saving the day. Celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien Day by rooting for the underdog.

🙂 How To Observe JRR Tolkien Day

⚡ Work the words “my precious” into every conversation

⚡ Read the books, or watch the movies or both
To honor J.R.R. Tolkien Day, it would be perfect to read one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s remarkable works. If you haven’t delved into “The Lord of the Rings” yet, it’s a fantastic choice to begin with. Keep in mind that it might be challenging to complete all three novels in a single day. If you’re short on time, you can cheat a little by watching one of the movies instead. However, if you have the luxury of a full day to celebrate, why not indulge in watching all three films?

⚡ Eat a few extra meals or snacks
Gollum is one of the creepiest creatures in Middle Earth, if not all of literature, but referring to “the ring” as “my precious” is classic. Spend the day calling everything in sight “my precious,” whether it’s your wedding ring, your spouse, your car, or your desk stapler. Just be cautious around the margins of any volcanic chasms.

📅 When is JRR Tolkien Day?

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