Articles written by: Valdis

Valdís is a classic nerd, with many geeky interests, but her life-long love of Tolkien rules them all. She was completely hooked the first time that she read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings at age 8. Since then, she has read the books at least once a year, and delves into Middle-earth at every opportunity with a fervor that would make any dwarf proud. She also deeply loves Peter Jackson’s films, and defends them staunchly when need arises. When reality forces her out of Middle-earth, Valdís is a university professor, a wife, mother of two daughters, and servant to two cats.

Happy Birthday, Andy Serkis!

April 20, 2014 marks a milestone for Andy Serkis, known best to millions of fans as the actor behind Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Andy turns 50 today!  He […]

Happy Birthday, Sean Bean!

One does not simply forget to wish Sean Bean a happy birthday! Sean, well-known for his portrayal of Boromir in The Lord of the Rings films and Lord Eddard Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones, […]

Richard Armitage in ‘The Crucible’ Announced by the Old Vic

Middle-earth News reported last week that actor Richard Armitage was rumored to be in final talks to appear at London’s Old Vic this summer in a new production of Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible. The […]

Richard Armitage in ‘Final Discussions’ to appear at Old Vic Starting June 2014

The Daily Mail is reporting that The Hobbit‘s Richard Armitage is in final discussions to appear in a new production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible at London’s Old Vic Theatre. The show is slated to […]

Richard Armitage Talks with the German Tolkien Society

Earlier today, the German Tolkien Society (Deutsche Tolkien Gesellschaft, or DTG) published their March 31, 2014, phone interview with Richard Armitage. The actor joined DTG Chairman Tobias M. Eckrich and colleagues to discuss a wide […]

Richard Armitage Interview Roundup

Fans were treated last week to a number of interviews given by actor Richard Armitage, who portrays Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit films. Armitage was a nominee and a presenter at the Jameson Empire Awards […]

Martin Freeman Takes On the Bard

The Daily Mail reported today that Martin Freeman will take to the London stage this summer as Richard III, the actor’s first Shakespearean role. Freeman reportedly made a pact with Benedict Cumberbatch about playing Shakespeare. […]

Peter Jackson Reported in Serious Talks to Direct ‘Doctor Who’

Peter Jackson is a self-proclaimed fan of Doctor Who. Jackson has said in the past that he would direct Doctor Who as long as he received a Dalek in payment. KPopStarz.com reported earlier today that, […]

SAM CAUGHT MAKING INSTANT POTATOES!

Hobbiton is reeling today with potentially crushing allegations directed at Mayor Samwise (“Sam”) Gamgee. Ted Sandyman, local miller, told the Arda Daily Times that he personally witnessed Gamgee preparing INSTANT potatoes for a recent dinner […]

Saruman Premium Format Figure by Sideshow Collectibles Coming Soon

Sideshow Collectibles is now accepting pre-orders for the limited-edition Saruman Premium Format Figure, expected to ship in September 2014. Greatest of the Istari, Saruman the Wise led the White Council in its fight against the […]