History of Tolkien Reading Day
The Tolkien Society established Tolkien Reading Day in 2003 after Sean Kirst, a newspaper columnist in Syracuse, New York, suggested the holiday. The purpose of the observance is to honor the vast literary work of John Ronald Reuel (J.R.R.) Tolkien, father of the high fantasy genre, and to encourage educators and library groups to advance Tolkien reading in their communities and ensure people have access to his works.
March 25 was chosen as the date to celebrate annually because it marks the date of Sauron’s defeat, a key evil character in “Lord of the Rings.” Kirst has organized Tolkien Reading Day every year since 2008.
Tolkien’s popularity grew to cult status even before his death in 1973. The ‘Tolkienist’ fanatic subculture emerged in the U.S. in the 1960s as the popularity of “Lord of the Rings” catapulted following its publication between 1954 and 1955. The first fan club, known as ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ met for the first time at Worldcon, the World Science Fiction Convention, in 1960.
Tolkien’s work influenced many authors in the high fantasy genre but it also inspired modern-day, pop-cultural elements such as games (board games, video games, card games), music, action figures, jewelry, clothing, and even fonts you can use in your own writing. Why not write that letter or presentation for work in the Elven Common Speak font? Hopefully, these ideas and more below will inspire your own Tolkien Reading Day celebration!
