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Tolkien Debunks Myth: ‘The Hobbit’ Not Just for Kids

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In contrast to the perception that J.R.R. Tolkien’s grand Middle-earth narrative evokes, his first venture into this intricate world, titled The Hobbit, is commonly misunderstood as a straightforward children’s story. However, despite the inclusion of playful and thrilling aspects, Tolkien himself strongly disagreed with the assertion that his inaugural novel was exclusively designed for young readers – although there exists an engaging graphic novel adaptation that highlights its more fanciful facets.

In a different but engaging way, “The Hobbit” stands out among the series with memorable scenes. Unlike “The Lord of the Rings,” it is narrated by Bilbo Baggins in a cheerful and nostalgic manner, offering a unique tone. Additionally, its early development in the franchise gives it a distinct contrast. Through his correspondence and interviews, J.R.R. Tolkien shared insights into his creative intentions. His statements offer a more complex understanding of his intended audience and the progression 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

Through letters and interviews, J.R.R. Tolkien openly shared many insights about his own creative process. He often expressed frustration with misunderstandings of his work, often correcting misconceptions, particularly those concerning allegory, a concept he disliked. One such misconception is the idea that The Hobbit was written as a children’s story. In fact, Tolkien himself clarified that his debut novel was not primarily intended for a young audience.

All that emotional talk is unnecessary. Of course I didn’t [do whatever the context implies]. If you’re a young adult and want to avoid ridicule, you might say you’re writing for kids. In any case, children are your primary audience, and you weave tales for them, which they appreciate, though not excessively.

– via New York Times)

In a different way of saying it, he admitted that The Hobbit was written in a style he now considers simplistic, as if speaking to children. Interestingly, his own kids didn’t appreciate being talked down to; they preferred being treated like adults instead. However, it is clear that The Hobit shies away from the intense violence and deep themes found in its sequel, The Lord of the Rings. If we see The Hobbit as Tolkien’s playground for creating his vast universe, then The Lord of the Rings delved headlong into the weighty themes and emotional depth that it explored in detail.

Why This Misconception About The Hobbit Persists To This Day

The Tone Of The Two Works Is Starkly Different

When considering the lighter and playful nature of “The Hobbit,” contrasted with the darker themes of “The Lord of the Rings” and the even more serious “The Silmarillion,” it’s reasonable to infer that “The Hobbit” was initially intended for a younger audience. The tale is characterized by a whimsical atmosphere, an abundance of songs and humorous elements, as well as a nurturing narrative tone. On the other hand, “The Lord of the Rings” is generally perceived as being much more mature, as a New York Times article points out, calling it “infinitely more grown up” than “The Hobbit.” This tonal disparity posed challenges when making decisions for the adaptation of “The Hobbit.

Although The Hobbit wasn’t originally written for children, J.R.R. Tolkien admitted that its early stages emerged from him narrating fairy tales to amuse his own kids.

The distinct tone and style found in ‘The Hobbit’ originated because I decided to approach it as a fairy tale, originally intended for children, within the grand narrative that could be considered a ‘cycle’.

– via The Letters of JRR Tolkien, Letter #131

It appears that Tolkien’s writing for the novel underwent changes from its initial concept, but some playful elements characteristic of bedtime stories persisted. In a letter (#163), he acknowledges, “I regret them deeply. So do wise children.” This is likely because he published The Hobbit hastily, without the same meticulous attention he devoted to The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.

Source: New York Times

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2025-04-21 17:30

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