While J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga of Middle-earth often conjures images of weighty quests, his initial foray into this rich world,The Hobbit, is frequently miscategorized as a simple children’s tale. Despite the presence of more lighthearted and adventurous elements, Tolkien himself firmly refuted the notion that his debut novel was specifically crafted for a young audience - although there is a greatThe Hobbitgraphic novelthat emphasizes its more whimsical elements.
The Hobbitprovides some of the best scenesin the franchise. As well as being tonally different because it is a gleeful and nostalgic retelling of the events byThe Lord of the Rings’Bilbo Baggins, it also contrasts because of its early development. Through his letters and interviews, the esteemed author clarified his intentions. Tolkien’s pronouncements reveal a more nuanced perspective on his intended readership and the evolution of his storytelling.
Tolkien Shot Down The Idea That The Hobbit Was Written Specifically For Children
Tolkien Made The Claim Early In His Creative Career
InTolkien’s true storytold through letters and interviews, he provided a wealth of insights about his own authorial intentions. He could be quite annoyed with people’s misconceptions about his work, and went on the record about certain misconceptions, especially regarding allegory, which he had a distaste for. Another common misconception is thatThe Hobbitis a children’s story. Tolkien said the following about the intended audience for his debut novel:
“That’s all sob stuff. No, of course, I didn’t. If you’re a youngish man and you don’t want to be made fun of, you say you’re writing for children. At any rate, children are your immediate audience and you write or tell them stories, for which they are mildly grateful: long rambling stories at bedtime.”
– viaNew York Times)
IfThe Hobbitwas Tolkien’s initial playground for his sprawling universe,The Lord of the Ringsembraced its thematic and emotional gravitas.
He did concede thatThe Hobbitwas“written in what I should now regard as bad style, as if one were talking to children.”However,his own children disliked being condescended to, preferring to simply be addressed as people. However, it is undeniable thatThe Hobbitskirts most of the violence and weighty themes that its sequel,The Lord of the Ringsexplored in depth. IfThe Hobbitwas Tolkien’s initial playground for his sprawling universe,The Lord of the Ringsembraced its thematic and emotional gravitas.
Why This Misconception About The Hobbit Persists To This Day
The Tone Of The Two Works Is Starkly Different
When comparingThe Hobbitto the contrasting darkness ofThe Lord of the Ringsand the still more somberThe Silmarillion,it is fair to assumeThe Hobbithad a younger intended audience. The story has a more whimsical feel, and there are more songs and comic aspects inThe Hobbit,along with a more paternal narrative voice.The Lord of the Ringsis widely considered, as the archivedNew York Timesarticle acknowledges,“infinitely more grown up”thanThe Hobbit.This tonal difference caused some problems when it came toThe Hobbitadaptation’s decisions.
Despite it not being specifically intended for children, Tolkien himselfacknowledged that the beginning stages ofThe Hobbitcame from entertaining his children with fairy stories:
“The generally different tone and style of The Hobbit is due, in point of genesis, to it being taken by me as a matter from the great cycle susceptible of treatment as a ‘fairy-story’, for children.”
– viaThe Letters of JRR Tolkien, Letter #131
It seems that Tolkien’s work on the novel evolved from its early intention, but some of the bedtime story silliness remained. In letter #163, he admits,“I deeply regret them. So do intelligent children.”This is due to his publishingThe Hobbitin a hurry without the same careful consideration he gave toThe Lord of the RingsandThe Silmarillion.
The Hobbit
The Hobbitfilm series is a fantasy adventure trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novelThe Hobbit. Set 60 years beforeThe Lord of the Rings, the films follow Bilbo Baggins' quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. The series grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide and is known for its elaborate visuals and epic storytelling.
