September 22 • Fandom

Hobbit Day

September 22nd marks the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the heroes of J.R.R. Tolkien's the hobbit and the lord of the rings. Celebrated since 1978, fans around the world have parties, walk barefoot, and eat six meals a day to honour Middle-earth. Today we're debating 'The Hero's Journey'—why are we so obsessed with small people doing big things? We explore the power of fantasy in a cynical world.

Speaking Discussion

Why is J.R.R. Tolkien's work still the gold standard for fantasy literature 70 years later?
Would you prefer to live a quiet, boring life in the Shire or have a dangerous adventure?
How has fantasy helped you understand the real world and its problems?
Why do we love underdog stories where the smallest person wins?
If you could have one magic item from a book, what would it be?

Activity 1: The Adventure Call

You are Gandalf the Wizard. You need to convince a very lazy Hobbit to leave his house and save the world.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Justify your answer in 30 seconds:

"Books are always better than the movies."
"Fantasy is just for children and escapists."
"True courage is not about being big; it's about being brave."

Key Vocabulary

UnderdogA competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest.
EpicA long poem or story, typically derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds of heroic figures.
CynicalBelieving that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity.
FandomThe fans of a particular person, team, fictional series, etc., regarded collectively as a subculture.
FellowshipFriendly association, especially with people who share one's interests.

Fluency Catalyst

When someone is very dedicated to a task, say: "They are on a mission."

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