Happy birthday to one of Middle-earth News’ finest! Our own Maria Messer celebrates her 28th birthday today! Maria can seemingly do it all–she writes scholarly articles, knows her fair share of New Zealand history, plays and writes about Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO), and happens to be a great artist. Middle-earth News would truly not be the same without her, and we are honored to call her one of our own.
Middle-earth News: How were you introduced to Tolkien? What caused you to be invested in the world of Middle-earth rather than just moving on to another story?
Maria: To be honest, it was through Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. No one in my family or any of my friends back then were into fantasy, so I was oblivious that Tolkien or any of his works existed. Instead, I was a Sci-fi geek through and through. So when I first saw the trailer for The Fellowship of the Rings, I was suspicious. It looked nice, but I wasn’t too sure if it’ll be ‘my type of thing.’ Oh boy was I wrong. I can still vividly remember how FOTR was the first time for me that a movie on the big screen blew me away. I couldn’t believe how realistic everything looked! Afterwards, I didn’t want to wait another year to know how the story will continue so I went to my nearest book store and bought the book and fell in love with Tolkien’s writings. I think the depth and details of the story, history, and characters were what kept me in Middle-earth. Now, with every re-reading of Tolkien’s works, especially in English (the first time I read LOTR was in German), I begin to appreciate his writing style.
ME News: How did you become involved with Middle-earth News?
Maria: I’ve been a fan of the site for a while and loved how up-to-date the news was. Middle-earth News soon became my to-go site for all things Middle-earth. One day, after watching The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, I woke up with the desire to participate more within the Tolkien community as I once used to, I also wanted to explore my newly emerging love for writing so in a moment of ‘frik it, I’ve got nothing to lose,’ I decided to send an application. And here I am now, thankfully!
ME News: If you could hang out with any Middle-earth character (or characters if you can’t choose just one!) for a day, who would it be and why?
Maria: Oh boy, that is a tough one! As a hobbit at heart I’d love to spend some time with Merry, Frodo, or Bilbo, nothing spectacular. Just sitting outside and enjoying a meal. I’d love to go for a walk within the borders of the Shire and just watch the hobbits. Other than that, I think I’d be star struck if I could meet Maedhros even for a short time. He was always, for various reasons, among my favourite characters in The Silmarillion.
ME News: You took on the topic of Tolkien’s women with your article series, “Women and Chauvinism in Middle-earth.” What were you hoping to achieve? Did you learn anything that surprised you?
Maria: Over the years, Tolkien’s representation of female characters was always criticised. Too often, people mixed quantity with quality. Is his representation of female characters perfect? No it is not, but much of the criticism was unjustified. My hope was to analyse LOTR as neutrally as possible to show why I think female characters in Middle-earth are better written than many think. Yes, I’ve learned a lot and so far, I’ve been only positively surprised. Despite the fact that I haven’t posted an article in the series for months, my project is not over. I still want to examine The Silmarillion!
ME News: You are also an avid LOTRO player! How many toons do you have and which one is your favorite?
Maria: Too many, I have too many toons considering that I mostly play just one or two. My favourite is my hobbit hunter Lilloa (currently at level 47). The reason why I rolled aprox 10 various toons is to try various classes and races. So far, the hunter class remains my favourite. However my dwarf champion is becoming one of my three favourite characters to play!
ME News: What are you most looking forward to seeing in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies?
Maria: The battle itself I guess! I really, really, really want to see the majestic war goats! Other than that, I’m just curious what PJ will make of the story and how his version of The Hobbit is going to end. Hopefully, the movie will make me cry, yes I said that. I want all my emotions to go crazy while watching The Battle of the Five Armies!
ME News: When not involved with events related to the realms of Middle-earth, what can we find you doing?
Maria: When I’m not occupied with University or work, I like to read or draw. Sadly, my free-time is too limited, so I don’t read or draw as much as I’d like to. Recently, I’ve been re-exploring my writing passion. Who knows where that’ll lead me to! But for now you can read some of my stuff on my blog mariamesser.wordpress.com.
Maria visited Hobbiton in Matamata in March 2009 before it was rebuilt for The Hobbit.
ME News: Now it’s time for a “favorites” round! Favorite Middle-earth film?
Maria: The Fellowship of the Ring! Always and forever!
ME News: Favorite Tolkien book?
Maria: That’ll be The Hobbit.
ME News: Favorite character from the films versus favorite character from the books?
Maria: Oh, that’s an interesting one. I think my favourite characters from the films would be Boromir. However, Boromir is not my favourite character from the books. Movie!Boromir is a bit more charismatic and less arrogant. My favourite book character is Bilbo (I adore Ian Holm’s Bilbo!).
ME News: Favorite Middle-earth location?
Maria: As a self-proclaimed hobbit, I choose The Shire, of course!
ME News: Favorite Middle-earth race/culture?
Maria: Hobbits all the way! I mean, who doesn’t like second breakfast? Although, I have to admit, Rohan (location and culture) comes very close afterwards.
ME News: Favorite piece of Middle-earth memorabilia (books not included)?
Maria: Oh goodness, how am I expect to answer this one? They’re all my favourite! However, if I had to choose just one from destruction, I’d go for my sideshow collectible of The Golden Hall done by Weta Workshop. I got mine directly at Weta Workshop when I’ve travelled to New Zealand. If I’d be able to pick an additional one it’ll be my Eye of Sauron action figure! It is so hilarious I’d just have to pick that one too!
You can follow Maria on Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Her Blog | Her Online Portfolio
The Middle-earth News staff each had something to say about our beloved contributor in honor of her birthday!
Alice
Maria and I started writing for Middle-earth News pretty much at the same time, so I can say that I know her from the beginning. She’s a very good friend, I’m always impressed by her long interesting essays (and English isn’t her mother tongue!) and I wish I could be incredibly talented like her. Oh and not to mention her artworks…she’s an artist! I’m very happy that our paths crossed, we’re a part of the European team and it’s nice having someone to chat with every morning 😀
I hope all your wishes come true, Happy Birthday Maria!!
Amanda
How on earth can I describe Maria in just one paragraph? Maria is one of the hardest working people I know. When she wants something, she will always go after it with fierce determination! She is also quite creative and her artistic abilities never fail to amaze me. Despite having never met her in-person, I feel as if she is always there when I need her. Middle-earth News would not be the same without Maria. Congratulations on another successful revolution around the sun, my friend!
Arwen
Besides being one of the most intelligent and witty people I know, Maria is one of those rare finds where, even at first meeting, you feel instantly at ease. With all the knowledge she holds on Tolkien and literature, I consider her among the brightest scholars of my acquaintance, which is why I was over the moon excited when she became part of the Middle-earth News family. Maria, thank you for your endless passion and love for Tolkien and the fandom that surrounds his writing. Our site would not be the same without you! Wishing you a wonderful Hobbity birthday!
Evie
Happy Birthday, Maria! Maria is smart and comes up with some great ideas. She’s good at crafts and although she’s very modest about it, she makes some super things. She also has the most demure and enchanting smile. Here’s wishing her a terrific day!
Lily
How do you solve a problem like Maria? Sorry, I’ve been wanting to do that for ages! Maria is exactly the person kind of person that you want to be around; she’s funny, smart, talented, and honest. It will be the best day ever if I can get her to cosplay as an Amazonian queen or warrior, because then my own personal headcanon will be complete. Or maybe we can start a “Not Impressed” meme with a GIF of one of her epic eyerolls. We don’t get to talk as often as I’d like because of pesky amounts of continent and ocean in the way, but whenever we do, Maria is sure to impart a bit of wisdom and wit, while also leaving me gasping for breath from laughter. She’d definitely be a favored storyteller at the Green Dragon!
Myla
I am forever upset over the fact that I live too far away from Maria to be able to hang out with her! One day I will travel to Germany and we will have an epic LOTR marathon, yup, I have decided. Maria is a beautiful person inside and out, a loyal friend, a wonderful person and an AMAZING artist! Seriously, if you have seen anything she’s created you’ll know that’s true. I should also add that she’s a wonderful writer, her posts about women and chauvinism in Middle-earth have opened my eyes and I was able to learn a lot from her. Happy happy haaaappy birthday, Maria!!! -throws hobbits at you-
Oloriel
Maria is yet another member of our team with a fantastic sense of humor. Perhaps I like it because it’s a bit dark, but there’s nothing wrong with that! Maria consistently makes me laugh with her comments about her daily life at university in Germany. I can’t imagine majoring in a foreign language, but like all of our multi-lingual reporters, she astounds me with her writing ability in English. Maria is hilarious, honest, and I’m glad to be a part of her birthday celebration here. Happy birthday, Maria!
Valdis
In my early months with Middle-earth News, I attended the virtual staff meeting along with our European staff members. My first impression of Maria was one of a quiet, thoughtful, bright young woman. That initial impression is, I think, correct – she is all of those things. But as time went on, I learned that there is also a quick wit and a wonderfully nerdy sense of humor there as well. Maria is also right there with helpful information and pointers when needed, and she is a well of amazing ideas for the site. This seems like a great opportunity for saying the following in a public forum: Thanks, Maria, for all the help you’ve given this Middle-earth news noob! It has been worth more to me than you know. And, of course, I wish you a birthday of special magnificence, and many more to come!
