Hobbit Day

Celebrating the Baggins and All Things Shire

Hobbit Day, celebrated every year on September 22nd, marks the shared birthday of two of literature's most beloved characters: Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, straight out of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. While hobbits are famous for their love of simple comforts—think six meals a day, cozy homes built into hills, and plenty of ale—this day gives us an opportunity to revel in all things hobbit-esque, while acknowledging the grand adventures these small, unassuming folk embarked upon. So, grab your pipe-weed and take a stroll with me through the rolling green hills of the Shire, where the only thing more common than a second breakfast is an unexpected adventure.

A Brief History of Hobbit Day

The celebration of Hobbit Day coincides with the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins on the 22nd of September. The day is part of Tolkien Week, which always includes the calendar week in which September 22nd falls. The American Tolkien Society first proclaimed Hobbit Day in 1978, and since then, fans worldwide have joined together in their quest to party like a hobbit, which—let's be honest—isn't hard to do when feasting is involved.

But why all the fuss? Simple: Bilbo and Frodo Baggins are not only heroes who saved Middle-earth (albeit reluctantly), but they also embody the essence of Tolkien’s world: small beings capable of great feats, all while managing to keep their tea schedule on track.

Bilbo - The Reluctant Adventurer

Bilbo Baggins didn’t set out to slay dragons or make history. In fact, his primary goals were to stay comfortable, enjoy his books, and sip tea in his hobbit hole, Bag End. Unfortunately for Bilbo, Gandalf the Grey and thirteen dwarves had other plans. Suddenly, Bilbo found himself out of his depth on a journey involving trolls, spiders, elves, and one particularly nasty dragon named Smaug.

Despite his insistence on being just an ordinary hobbit, Bilbo was far from it. Armed with a good dose of hobbit courage (and a bit of luck), he proved his mettle as a burglar, outwitting Gollum, discovering the One Ring, and showing us all that heroes don’t have to be towering warriors in shining armor—they can be five feet tall and argue about elevenses.

Frodo - The Burden Bearer

While Bilbo’s adventure was somewhat accidental, Frodo Baggins had no such luxury. He knew from the start that he was getting into something much bigger than himself when Gandalf revealed that the innocent trinket his uncle found on an earlier adventure was, in fact, the One Ring—the most dangerous, powerful, and mood-altering piece of jewelry in all of Middle-earth.

With the fate of the world quite literally resting around his neck, Frodo's journey took him from the peaceful green pastures of the Shire to the barren, sulfurous wastelands of Mount Doom. Along the way, he met lifelong friends (Samwise Gamgee, we’re looking at you), encountered terrifying foes, and learned the true meaning of friendship, sacrifice, and resilience.

Sure, Frodo didn’t exactly enjoy his adventure. There weren’t many parties, and the food was scarce (hardly a hobbit’s ideal outing), but he persisted, proving that sometimes, even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

How to Celebrate Hobbit Day Like a True Baggins

Celebrating Hobbit Day isn’t just about sitting around reminiscing about Middle-earth—though that’s a fine activity, too. The real trick is to embrace your inner hobbit and indulge in the simple, hearty pleasures of life.

• Feasting: Hobbits famously eat six meals a day. Start with breakfast, move on to second breakfast, have a mid-morning snack, then lunch, tea time, dinner, and finally, supper. It’s basically a day-long buffet of comfort foods. Stock up on fresh bread, cheese, mushrooms, bacon, and sausages. Of course, ale or a nice mug of tea is essential.
• Going Barefoot: If you really want to channel your inner hobbit, leave the shoes at the door. Hobbits famously go barefoot, and what better way to connect with the earth than by feeling it between your toes? (Maybe skip this part if you’re out in the city streets, though.)
• Staying Home: While Bilbo and Frodo may have been forced to leave the Shire, you don’t have to! Curl up in your favorite armchair with a good book, a warm blanket, and perhaps a small adventure...on Netflix.
• Going on a Hike: Okay, so maybe leaving your hobbit hole for a little adventure could be fun. Take a walk in nature, even if it’s just to your local park. After all, every adventure begins with a single step, as Tolkien taught us.
• Tolkien Movie Marathon: There’s no better way to celebrate Hobbit Day than by binge-watching Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy (extended edition, naturally) or The Hobbit films. Sure, you might have to stretch it over several days (unless you’re truly committed), but the reward is worth it.

Fun Hobbit Facts to Impress Your Friends

• Hobbit Heights: Hobbits stand about 3 to 4 feet tall. This makes them slightly taller than your average garden gnome but significantly shorter than the typical elf, which is a relief to anyone who might have to share a foxhole with them.
• Pipe-Smoking Pros: Hobbits are well-known for their love of pipe-weed, and Bilbo was no exception. A good, long smoke was a must after any meal, adventure, or confrontation with trolls. (Note: Hobbits make it look cool, but maybe stick to candy cigarettes.)
• Middle-earth Real Estate: The luxurious Bag End, Bilbo's home, was actually inspired by Tolkien’s own love of cozy English cottages. Hobbits build their homes into hillsides, and the best of these hobbit holes boast round windows, rustic interiors, and plenty of storage for food. Who wouldn’t want a hobbit hole of their own?

Hobbit Day is more than just a fan-fueled event; it’s a celebration of the values Tolkien imbued into his world. Bilbo and Frodo’s tales are about courage, friendship, and the idea that no matter how small you may feel, you can still have an impact.

So, as you raise a pint of ale or sip on some tea this September 22nd, remember that the spirit of Middle-earth is alive and well, whether you’re embarking on an unexpected journey or just enjoying second breakfast. Now, where’s that mushroom soup?

Happy Hobbit Day!

Please Share our Content