Happy Tolkien Reading Day!
Yes, this is a real celebration. Started back in 2003 by The Tolkien Society, it’s a day when fans all over the world read something written by J.R.R. Tolkien. A few chapters of one of his books maybe, or perhaps a couple of his poems? It’s up to you.
I only learned about this event a few months ago after attending another virtual lecture about fantasy literature, the one held by the Centre for Fantasy and the Fantastic. The reason it was brought up was that they teamed up with The Tolkien Society for the upcoming event. Needless to say, I booked a spot immediately.
The theme this year is ‘Hope and Courage’ which seems very fitting considering the state of the world now. If there was ever a time to read about hope and courage, it’s now. While things are starting to improve, it is still way too easy to lose hope and give in to fear.
I get a lot of hope from one quote in particular.
I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil.
J.R.R. Tolkien
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” Well, if that doesn’t sum up the situation many of us were in during 2020 I don’t know what does. This quote became a bit of a mantra for me last year, I repeated it to myself sometimes when I felt rotten.
As I said, I’m attending an online event today to celebrate. They are holding three events today. By the time this post goes live the morning one will have already happened. There is one this afternoon and I’m going to the evening one, maybe I’ll see you there!
However you join in the festivities, if you chose to do so, I hope you have a wonderful Tolkien Reading Day!
Nerd Rambles 
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