Eighth Edition

This week’s newsletter is brimming with hobbitry! From enchanting Hobbit hole models and charming candles to digital projects and a variety of Tolkien-inspired creators, there's a little something for everyone. Whether you're seeking cozy comforts, scholarly insights, or creative inspirations, this edition has something to brighten, or even enrich, your journey through Middle-earth.

Grab your walking stick, pour yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy this delightful collection of Tolkien treasures. 🌿✨

Art & Music (including fan films)

Enchanting Hobbit Holes & Middle-earth Creations You Need to See!

I recently discovered a remarkably talented hobbyist who crafts intricate, charming, and perfectly pastoral Hobbit hole models. Each piece is filled with delightful details—working lights, glimpses of cozy interiors, tiny fruits on the doorstep, charming mailboxes, and of course, hand-painted Hobbit doors.

But that’s not all! He’s also recreated Meduseld in stunning detail and even handcrafts smoking pipes fit for any Shire-dweller. If you love all things Hobbit, this is one artist you won’t want to miss—

Community & Social Media

Discovering More Tolkien Creators Thanks to Rings of Power

One of the things I’ve been most grateful to The Rings of Power for is how it’s expanded my connection to the Tolkien community, introducing me to even more incredible Tolkien content creators, artists, bloggers, and fellow fans from around the world.

One such creator I discovered through Rings of Power is Cesar Machado of TolkienTalk and Dragão Verde from Brazil. His Instagram presence has been a particular favorite of mine, especially his posts showcasing stunning Brazilian editions of books from the Legendarium. Some of these editions are truly exquisite—

Gaming

Cozy, Nerdy, and Full of Shenanigans: A Must-Follow LOTRO Streamer!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include one of my favorite LOTRO streamers in the Gaming section one of these weeks! If you enjoy cozy, shenanigan-filled, and delightfully nerdy streams, I highly recommend following Elgaladwen over on Twitch.

And no, I’m not just biased (okay, maybe a little) because she loves Amarthiel as much as I do—if you know, you know. 😏

Whether she’s diving into deep-cut lore, exploring hidden corners of the game, or simply wandering through this incredible adaptation of Middle-earth in her relaxed, easygoing style, there’s always something to enjoy.

Gatherings & Events

Discover Tolkien Smials: Local & Online Fan Communities!

Did you know there are Tolkien Smials? Named after the hobbit-holes of Middle-earth, these local branches of the Tolkien Society bring fans together—whether for casual meetups, in-depth book discussions, or lively gatherings at a pub.

Though affiliated with the Tolkien Society, Smials are independent, volunteer-run groups that meet in person, online, or a mix of both. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated reading group or just some good company to share your Tolkien love, there’s likely a Smial for you!

Since joining one in 2020, I’ve had the chance to connect with other groups remotely and watch new Smials grow (shoutout to Grey Havens Smial—just friends, no official ties!).

If you’re interested in joining a Smial—or if your group isn’t listed on the Tolkien Society’s site—

Merch

Finding Shire-Inspired Comfort: A Candle Worth Savoring

Without even realizing it, I seem to have given this newsletter edition a hobbity theme—and I don’t mind one bit! Right now, I’m craving the cozy, peaceful charm of the Shire, and I hope it offers a little solace to you as well.

With that in mind, let me share a delightful find from Delirium Noctis in Spain: a charming candle with a hobbit door lid surrounded by soft moss (honestly, I’d buy it just for that lid!). The design features a wood-style label with a wax seal and a sweet little bow made from hemp rope.

As for the scent? A warm, inviting blend of cinnamon and sweet orange, crafted from essential and aromatic oils. 🍊🌿🧇

If you're looking to bring a bit of hobbit-inspired coziness into your space, consider supporting this small business and adding this gem to your collection!

Podcasts & Videos

Discover the Cozy Charm of the Happy Hobbit YouTube Channel

Hot take: not enough people follow the delightfully hobbity Happy Hobbit YouTube channel! Originally known for their heartfelt reactions to The Hobbit films (which is how I first discovered them), sisters Kili and Fili—also known as Kellie and Alex—have been bringing the magic of Middle-earth into everyday life for over a decade.

Their channel offers a cozy glimpse into a Shire-inspired world filled with baking, gardening, hobbitcore vibes, and wholesome Tolkien-inspired crafts, recipes, and discussions. It's like stepping into your own little corner of the Shire.

If you're seeking a peaceful escape or simply want to immerse yourself in slow, joyful living, this is a must-follow gem! (They're now also over on Bluesky, too!)

Writings (blogs, books, etc.)

Two Must-Have Resources for Tolkien Fans and Scholars

This week, I want to spotlight two of my favorite and most frequently used online Tolkien databases: The TCG Guide to Tolkien’s Letters and the Digital Tolkien Project. These invaluable resources are essential for everything from in-depth scholarship to everyday discussions about Tolkien’s works and Middle-earth.

The TCG Guide to Tolkien’s Letters is a meticulously curated index that tracks known letters to, from, and about J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s designed to answer key questions like: Where can the original letter be found? What’s it about? Where has it been quoted or referenced? While the guide respects copyright restrictions by not reproducing the letters themselves, it offers a vital map for navigating Tolkien’s vast correspondence, making it an essential resource for anyone seeking insight into his life and thoughts.

Meanwhile, the Digital Tolkien Project brings a cutting-edge approach to Tolkien studies by blending traditional scholarship with digital humanities and computational analysis. The project explores areas such as text annotation, stylistic analysis, bibliographic organization, and even machine-readable descriptions of Tolkien’s invented languages. Their work fosters collaboration and innovation while earning recognition as a three-time nominee for the Tolkien Society Award for Best Online Content.

Whether you're a Tolkien scholar or simply a curious fan, these tools are indispensable for unlocking deeper layers of understanding and appreciation for Tolkien’s extraordinary legacy.

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Thank you for joining me on this journey through the enchanting world of Tolkien, and I look forward to sharing even more gems and discoveries with you in future editions. Stay cozy, curious, and always ready for a bit of adventure! 🌿✨

Until next time!