Yes, it’s Lord of the Rings time again, a joy that has no closing dates. Writers can often make a mint just by co-opting the themes and ideas of the original stories. And sometimes we get wind of new installations, mostly re-worked ideas, but also sometimes tweaked (not twerked) to appeal to new, often young, audiences. Having watched pretty much everything that has been produced, it’s always a thrill to hear something is on the horizon, but it’s also shadowed with the chance that it will be second rate.
Being adults, we know that LOTR is fiction. That doesn’t alter our devotion. We even often pine, and then fly to locations where the films were, if not actually made, were at the least conceived. Which leads us to the question about where – and how far – can we go for our Fix of The Rings. Well, as ever, the fantastic BBC have thrown another teaser into the “ring” that beckons you to whip out your credit card and actually travel to the sacred locations. As BBC says in this post, you can traverse the planet, but Tolkien’s childhood experiences in England and his love for nature and mythology played a significant role in shaping his world-building. His experiences in World War I also influenced the themes of war, loss, and the struggle for good against evil.
While Tolkien’s stories take place in the fictional realm of Middle-earth, the awe-inspiring landscapes of the books, films and TV shows are closer than you might imagine. Follow the trail, starting here.
Tolkien was deeply interested in Anglo-Saxon mythology and language. Many elements of Middle-earth, such as the concept of a “Ring of Power” and the characters of elves and dwarves, are based on these ancient myths. You can sense something as you visit this part of the country. It’s beautiful, to be sure.
Continue your quest! Stay at the The Shireburn Arms is situated in the peaceful village of Hurst Green, with great views over the Ribble Valley, this award-winning country inn boasts offers luxurious rooms free Wi-Fi and free parking. To book, Click here.
Walking is fun, but so is a car like the new Renault 5. To book yours, click here.
