Art and Literature News

An Eagle’s View of Middle-earth

HobbitHoleCake

This gorgeous hobbit hole cake was made by the Pink Cake Box bakery in Denville, New Jersey for a very lucky 5 year-old’s Hobbit-themed birthday party. It almost looks too good to eat! (Evie Bowman)

When Goody Cable and Sally Ford bought the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Nye Beach, Oregon, they wanted to create a haven for book lovers. Guests won’t find televisions, phones, or wi-fi in their rooms, but each room is unique and in the style of beloved authors. In the Tolkien room, there is a map of Middle-earth painted on the wall, and Lord of the Rings buffs will recognize the large boots outside the door belonging to Tom Bombadil. (Myla)

Weta Workshop has created “Whose signature is that?” for those who have purchased signed memorabilia, but who have forgotten the artist or are unable to recognize the signature. If you’ve had the opportunity to buy signed items from their shop, this is helpful tool! (Arwen Kester)

HometownTolkienMap

Donna Clement created this Middle-earth map mash-up based on her hometown, and she’ll make one for you, too! Visit her Etsy shop for more details and great art, including her “Accio Nerd” print–a summoning charm for attracting everything nerd. (Lily Milos)

Director Peter Jackson has strong family ties to the ANZAC soldiers who fought at Gallipoli. April 25 is the national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. He told the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, “My dad always told me that the principal reason he chose New Zealand to emigrate to after World War II was the high regard his father had for the Kiwis he encountered at Gallipoli.” In 2011, Jackson wrote a Facebook note about his visit to Gallipoli for the 75th anniversary. He is a member of the WW100 panel, which aims to promote the activities of the centenary of WWI next year. (Evie Bowman)

Stansborough Wool, known for their elven cloaks in The Lord of the Rings films and the licensed weavers for The Hobbit movies, have partnered with Cavalier Woolscourers to use their environmentally responsible wool scouring process. Company director Cheryl Eldridge explained, “Wool is such a beautiful natural product, but often it (and our environment) is contaminated during the scouring or finishing process. People think that they are buying a natural product. Sadly, it’s often far from it.” If you’re an earth-friendly Hobbit fan, you can check out their movie replicas here. (Arwen Kester)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey meets The Hunger Games in The Hobbit Games. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and Catching Fire both come out this year. Coincidence? (Lily Milos)

Every week, our Middle-earth News reporters seek out Tolkien/Hobbit/LOTR goodness and tag their finds with their names. If you have something to contribute, please submit it using the Got News Precious link at the bottom of the page.

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