I will be the first to admit that I am a latecomer to the party with regard to my love of JRR 
Tolkien’s magical world. My conversion happened with The Lord of the Rings Trilogy films. Sir Peter Jackson hooked me with him weaving the tale of power, intrigue, honor, demons, struggles, and heart, etc. As I may have mentioned elsewhere, up until then I viewed Tolkien as only something my brother read. *Gratiana writes–hanging her head low in shame.* [The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, right, (as portrayed by British actor Martin Freeman) is courtesy of TORN (www.theonering.net).]
Hey! Cut me some slack! Ha! I was a Jane Austen (except Northhanger Abbey), Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mark Twain, and Edith Wharton, etc., kind of reader. I liked stories with strong women and men who had to overcome odds and obstacles to achieve their dreams. And if the women married the men of their dreams in the end–after many barriers in their path to love–all the better. Though, I will say that I was also fond of futuristic science fiction written by Poul Anderson, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, and others. I suppose that these genres–romance, humor, classics, and science fiction–may seem like odd juxtapositions of reading material for a young girl. Are you saying that I was odd? Ha! I like to think that I was merely eclectic.
Anyway, getting back to my point–I’m a relatively recent Tolkien convert in the last 
twelve years or so. And I need help getting up to speed on all things Hobbit–so that I am primed and pumped for the premiere of the first film “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” next December 14, 2012 (343 days from now). The movie poster is courtesy of the film’s official web site www.thehobbit.com The direct link for the movie poster is:
http://www.thehobbit.com/media/downloads/wallpaper/auj1280x1024.jpg
And maybe some of you also need a little help in learning about The Hobbit. So here are a few more resources to help me–and maybe you–become more familiar with The Hobbit. Happily early on, I discovered the TORN (The One Ring Net) web site at www.theonering.net So, I am featuring their web site today as a wonderful “all things Hobbit” resource. Here are some of TORN’s recent articles about The Hobbit filming and The Hobbit book’s creator:
1) The late JRR Tolkien’s Birthday commemoration article on January 3rd :
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/01/03/52414-happy-birthday-j-r-r-tolkie
n-3/
and a picture of Tolkien (right) is courtesy of TORN at
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/06/16/29031-lotr-voted-second-greateset-novel-of-all-time/jrr-tolkien-2/
2) “Quick Overview” of The Hobbit filming by TORN:
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/the-hobbit/
3) Quick! Name all thirteen Dwarfs without looking below. That’s alright. I didn’t know all of their names at first, either. And for those of us who need a score card, here is TORN’s link to The Hobbit characters and its cast:
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/the-hobbit/characters/
That list of Dwarfs is: Ori, Dori, Nori, Balin, Dwalin, Fili, Kili, Bifur, Bombur, Bofur, Oin, Gloin, and Thorin. I used to forget Oin and Gloin–but no more. Though I can’t tell you what all of them look like yet–except for Thorin, Bofur, Bombur, Balin, Dwalin, Kili, and Fili. Actually, that’s not bad character recognition at this point–7 out of 13. Snap! Here is a TORN released picture on RANet picture (below) of all 13 Dwarfs (http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Hobbit/HobbitStills/album/slides/12-Dwarves-MockUp-TORn.html)
4) Besides, here is a picture of my favorite Dwarf, their leader, Thorin Oakenshield–as
brilliantly portrayed by British Actor Richard Armitage, based on my watching the two minutes of movie trailer over and over and over again. The cropped and brightened picture is courtesy of RANet (http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Hobbit/HobbitTrailer/album/slides/HobbitTrailer19.html )
5) Thorin’s character information on TORN may be found at:
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/the-hobbit/characters/thorin/
6) “Why the Hobbit Trailer is a Test of Character” from December 28th:
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/12/28/51999-why-the-hobbit-trailer-is-a-test-of-character/
7) “TORN’s Top 20 Stories of 2011” from 12/31/11:
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/12/31/52090-theonering-net-top-20-stories-of-2011/
8) “The Hobbit Trailer Frame by Frame Analysis” from December 23rd:
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2011/12/23/51649-first-hobbit-trailer-torns-frame-by-frame-analysis/
9) And I can’t let a Thorin Thursday pass without sharing the electrifying Hobbit Movie Trailer Sir Peter Jackson shared with everyone in December and shared via bccmee2:
10) And of course, here also is bccmee’s stirring music video of the Misty Mountain song that I never get tired of listening to and watching the imagery she uses:
P.S. And as one final ignominy by Grati–for anyone who wants a nice summary of the book The Hobbit until they get a chance to read it for themselves–here is the link to the Cliff’s Notes web site about it:
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/The-Hobbit-Book-Summary.id-171.html
Actually, the Cliffs Notes web site is almost as long as the book. So, just go read The Hobbit–or continue reading it. That’s my plan. Ha!
P.S. Thanks to Calexora Befuddled Musings (see blogroll at right) for pointing this bit of news out: If you’ve got extra cash lying around–and don’t rob a bank to get some–check out Mulinbinba’s blog post (her blog is listed with the Hobbit list of sites that write about the book and movie) about the latest charity auction event to visit The Hobbit set at http://mulubinba.typepad.com/an_ra_viewers_perspective/2012/01/bid-for-a-visit-to-the-hobbit-set-meet-sir-peter-jackson-lunch-with-cast-and-crew.html
Something About Love (A) 
Good morning Grati,
I may be wrong, but I think that Tolkien became even known worldwide after The Lord of the Rings movies, before he was more “cult” than exactly “popular”. Well, except in UK.
I never had heard of this wonderful writer until the fuss about the LOTR movies, so only from 2001 I started to read his work. Love it, although it isn’t an easy reading, due to the complexity of the world Tolkien created. To say an example, look at all those characters’s names and places – luckily we have almost a year to identify the dwarfs! And to read the book, if it’s the case, LOL.
Our favorite actor’s lead role only increases my expectation to the most, I would watch the movies anyway, considering the amazing work Peter Jackson made with the trilogy.
The Misty Mountains song still give me goosebumps every time I heard it. What will be to watch the whole movie? Will we survive to this experience? (I made from now a mental note to not forget the Kleenex box, a big one.)
LikeLike
Good Morning Fabi,
You may be right about Tolkien’s loyal following before the LOTR’s movies came out. And happily, Tolkien made the characters names rhyme–so that helps in remembering them.
The movie trailer was spectacular! It exceeded all of my expectations for the look and feel of it–very lush and painterly as I have said before–as well as the characters. And Director Peter Jackson certainly introduced the characters memorably–especially Thorin Oakenshield, portrayed by British actor Richard Armitage. Mr. Armitage took my breath away with his regal fierceness as the deposed King Under the Mountain–and then he sang, too! He and the other actors portraying the Dwarfs sang the Misty Mountain song so movingly, that I still get chills every time I listen to it.
I would definitely be swooning in experiencing the movie when it comes out next December, but for the fact that I want to maintain my dignity (Ha!)–and I don’t want to miss a scintilla of what looks to be an amazing film. I’ll save us some seats and you bring the popcorn.
Cheers! Grati ;->
LikeLike
OK, Grati! As Calexora said recently in her blog, we could watch it twice because the first viewing it’s to “squee and chat and freak out”, only in the second one we would actually pay attention to the movie…
It will be great for those who have a proper company, I mean another RA fan. I probably will go with hubby, that’s nice but hubbies aren’t a good company to squee, LOL.
There are a very complete site about Tolkien’s works, The Encyclopedia of Arda, in their own words an interactive guide to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, link below:
http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/default.asp
LikeLike
Hi Fabi,
Callie is so right! RA Fangurls will definitely have to see The Hobbit in back to back viewings. I don’t usually like to go to movie theatres–you can’t stop the film so you don’t miss something when you have to leave the room. Ha! But, I made a return to theatre viewing to see Richard Armitage as Heinz Kruger in Captain America. And I will certainly see The Hobbit in a movie theatre.
Excellent idea about attending the movie showings with an RA gal pal. Judiang and I don’t live too far apart. Maybe we can make a movie date so we can squee together? Ha!
And then how long will we have to wait until the dvd is released? All the vidders and giffers will be dying to rip it for their creative outlets. I can see Bccmee and Dhana now–poised like beautiful felines, waiting to share their creativity. Goodness! If vidders and such ever racked up the free publicity we generate for the stars and their projects, I’m guessing it would be a staggering number. And all we want in return, is to enjoy the story they are telling us. They’re getting off cheap. Ha!
Oh, next December will be amazing! And the 343 days leading up to it will be riveting!
Cheers! Grati ;->
P.S. Thanks for the Tolkien resource info. I’ll add it to my Hobbit Resources listing. Snap!
LikeLike
Hi Grati
Just realised what an oxymoron this is … it’s going to be the most ‘expected journey’ in the whole history of watching our gorgeous Richard… I’ve just got visions of hundreds of us tottering down the street in our high heels knocking all the male population out of the way…note to cinemas…you may need to have a ‘ladies’ only showing for this movie!!!
My New Year’s resolutions are coming along brilliantly…learn all the dwarves names (I know one so far) to learn all the words to Misty Mountain ready for singalonga Hobbit…I think all dignity may be out of the window by December…So lucky to be sharing this expected journey with you all xxx
LikeLike
Hi Jules,
Giggles! You are so right! The Hobbit will be the most “expected journey” for everyone–actors and moviegoers–since it will have taken two years from the time they started filming to get to the screen with the first film. Ha!
Unfortunately, my high heels days are over–bad ankles. So I give you leave to increase the height of your own heels to compensate for low to the ground dress pumps. And yes, The Hobbit will be one movie premiere that not only will the demographics shift mightily–adding women to the pimply boys mix–but that this shift has the potential to break all box office records because of it.
That’s great about your new years resolutions. I wonder which Dwarf’s name you know? Ha!
And if we were fortunate to have a male Brit respond to us about our collective dignity, might he say in jest (pardon my English)? “Oh bloody ‘ell. Take heart, loves. You twern’t meant to be dignified. Come on over and give us a kiss.” Why do male Brits sound like parrots when they say that line? Ha! Of course, the Brit male we all think of would be more genteel and gentlemanly in his response to us than the previous statement reflects.
Cheers! Grati ;->
P.S. With apologies to my English ancestors for my fractured English slang picked up from movies that I’ve seen.
LikeLike
Hi Jules,
The English minor geekette (for my B.S. degree) in me gently suggests that I think you mean a different phrasal language device than oxymoron (“a figure of speech by which a locution produces an incongruous, seemingly self-contradictory effect, as in “cruel kindness” or “to make haste slowly.” as found at http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/oxymoron). “Bittersweet” is another example of an oxymoron.
But the fact that “Unexpected” is expected–the opposite of what it means–is a type of phrasal language device known as irony (“the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning: the irony of her reply, “How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend.” as found at http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/irony).
Although the “irony” in this case might be construed as unintentional on the filmmakers’ part, the fact that their promotional teams are fanning the flames of our desires to see The Hobbit film one year out from being released would seem to suggest that they are indeed banking on it. Ha!
Cheers! Grati ;->
P.S. My apologies for correcting your term usage. I do it most gently, with a green pen, and with my eyes lowered hoping that you won’t feel that I’ve overstepped my bounds. With all the typos I have now and again, I am the last person to be considered “perfect” in my own writing.
LikeLike
Giggles Grati…Hubby said I didn’t know what the word meant the other day…I think this is definitely the year of the ‘typos’…On a more positive note, your English slang was spot on, as if Milton lass, born and bred, although I couldn’t imagine Mr Thornton saying “give us a kiss” Oh dear I’m imagining it now!!!!
On a more serious note we do need to be thinking of suitable attire for December. What was I thinking of wearing high heels? Some kind of running shoe would be more appropriate, a jacket stuffed with tissues, I know I shall cry the whole way through the movie, then perhaps a slinky cocktail dress underneath just incase we bump into a certain actor…no that wouldn’t go with the running shoes…this is going to be harder than I thought….
take care xxxxx
LikeLike
Jules,
You’re on to something. We need a dress/shoe designer who meets our flexibility needs as we plan to be in the crowd for the NYC Hobbit premiere:
dress–warm for the cold, but can be transformed into evening wear (as you suggest); pockets for said tissues;
shoes–impermeable to snow and ice (and good treads, in case of such); stylish rather than matronly; doesn’t interfere with our need to run to get in line (or chase someone down), perhaps with in-line skates that detach once we’ve arrived;
Hair–Now is the time to grow our hair out ladies. Long hair covers a multitude of sins–at least in my case. My hubby adores my now longer hair. *wink* Think soft romantic curls–and definitely dye it. You know who dyes his hair.
Makeup–This could range from dramatically seductive to elegantly restrained. Basically, I think most women should stop spackling their make up on as if they were filling cracks in dry wall. Less is more–but definitely use some eyeliner, it defines the eyes.
Jewelry–Nothing that could get in the way of a kiss on our neck–like long earrings. Although, if our jewelry became caught on a certain someone’s tux, then that might require us to stand close until we become unhooked. On second thought, complicated jewelry it is.
Cheers! Grati
P.S. Obviously the above is very tongue in cheek. I wouldn’t chase anyone–I don’t have the ankles for it anymore. Ha!
P.S. And thanks for liking my cheeky English slang. Ha!
LikeLike
This is a great roundup and summary for those of us who are not aficionados of The Hobbit.
LikeLike
Hi Bccmee,
Thanks! Basically, I’m just pointing people to sites that I have found helpful. And I hope that they will also share sites with me.
And thanks to you for always providing the latest and best Richard Armitage and Hobbit video and graphic resources for everyone–such as your videos I embedded above. You’re the best!
Cheers! Grati ;->
LikeLike
My friend Kathleen over on FB mentioned that there are some Hobbit readalongs. So I wanted to share what she shared with you:
“There are two blogs that are doing Hobbit read-alongs.
1) One of them is with Mulubinba at http://mulubinba.typepad.com/ra_viewers_perspective_of/2011/03/an-unexpected-party-bilbo-and-thorin.html
2) and the other is catchester at http://cswinchester.blogspot.com/2011/12/hobbit-read-along-chapter-one.html
Both are pretty good and have given me an incentive to read the book.”
Thanks Kathleen! Cheers! Grati ;->
LikeLike