Hobbiton - There And Back Again

                                       

Let me open with a question: besides providing the world with approximately 7000 hours of Middle Earth-based entertainment (if you happen to be watching the extended versions), what is the most significant effect Peter Jackson's epic Lord of the Rings trilogy and subsequent Hobbit movies have had on the world?

The correct answer is the impact the films have had on New Zealand tourism. Jackson's decision to film both epics in the country of his birth has transformed it from "a boot shaped place near Australia"(no offence New Zealand - these are not my words) into one of the world's most popular holiday destinations.

   

From Hobbiton to Mordor, thousands of visitors are trekking the New Zealand landscape in search of all things Middle Earth. I decided I would start my quest in the Shire, with a visit to Bag End and the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins (see the green door above.)

         

           Imagine my pleasure to be able to visit on a beautiful day and see it at it's very best?

         

Ever since Peter Jackson made the original Lord of the Rings movie, I have always wanted to visit Hobbiton. The design, the architecture, the colours and the landscape were all so attractive. If I were able, I would have a hobbit home of my own (with a circular front door) in the back garden of wherever I was living. 

                                      

        

             Inside the Green Dragon pub, a life-size public house on location were I enjoyed 

                                                          a mug of Farthings cider.

        

         

I first read The Lord of the Rings trilogy when I was 16 years old. It was epic and exciting and I remember wondering if I were capable of journeying like the characters. One passage, spoken by Bilbo to Frodo, has particular resonance with me now....

                                         

        

Now, how do I know that I am a complete and utter LOTRs anorak? Several things give it away.
#   I listened to the original Lord of the Rings soundtrack on my iPod on the bus journey to Hobbiton.
#   I was able to answer the following questions asked by our guide, Lucy, on the visit:
When Bilbo blows an impressive smoke ring whilst sat contentedly next to Gandalf outside Bag End, what does Gandalf do? - He blows a smoke ship which then passes through Bilbo's smoke ring.
When Frodo and Gandalf first meet in the lane approaching Hobbiton and Frodo states "you're late!" What is Gandalf's reply? - "A wizard is never late Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to!"
#   I took a number of photos and selfies in strategic positions around the landscape (in front of the sign, in various doorways and outside the pub).
#   I took over 200 photos during a two hour visit.

On a positive note, I did resist donning a few Hobbit items of clothing for a photograph in the pub! Now that would have been really sad!

Quiz questions for you all:

1. In what year did Tolkien release the original Lord of the Rings book? (Clue - it was after his 1937 release of the Hobbit.)

2. In what year did Peter Jackson release the original movie "The Fellowship of the Ring'?

3. Which two actors played Bilbo Baggins?

4. Can you name three other Hobbits?

Answers below:

1954

2001

Sir Ian Holm and Martin Freeman
Merry (Meriadoc Brandybuck), Pippin (Peregrin Took), Sam (Samwise Gamgee)