September 22 is a special day for fans of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings.". We have a list of games to bring the fun to your fellowship.
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September 22 is a special day for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, especially “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” It marks the birthdays of two of Middle-earth’s most beloved characters: Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. This date is celebrated as Hobbit Day, a time for fans to come together in honor of the Shire, the simple pleasures of hobbit life, and, of course, adventure.
One way to make the most of this day is by combining it with another activity hobbits would love: board games! In this article, we’ll explore how you can incorporate board games into your Hobbit Day festivities, bringing together elements of Tolkien’s world with tabletop fun.
Hobbit Day Traditions
On Hobbit Day, fans typically embrace the hobbit spirit by enjoying food, sharing stories, and partaking in good company. Since hobbits are known for their love of meals (seven a day, if they can manage it), food is a central part of the celebration. Many people host feasts with dishes like seed cakes, bread, cheeses, and, of course, ale.
Costumes and readings from “The Hobbit” or “The Lord of the Rings” are common, with fans recreating moments from the books or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, as hobbits would. However, a new way to enhance the festivities is to incorporate board games that take up the themes of adventure, camaraderie and fantasy.
How to Host a Hobbit-Themed Board Game Night
If you’re planning to incorporate board games into your Hobbit Day celebration, here are a few tips to make the event extra special:
- Set the Scene
Transform your home or gathering space into the Shire. You can use green tablecloths, rustic decorations, and, of course, hobbit-approved snacks. Dim lighting and folk music (like the soundtracks from the films) can create a warm and cozy atmosphere. - Costumes and Props
Encourage your guests to dress as their favorite hobbit, dwarf, elf, or wizard. Provide simple hobbit cloaks or hats for those who don’t come in costume. Small props like pipes, lanterns, or walking sticks can add to the immersion. - Hobbit Snacks
Prepare a spread of snacks fit for a hobbit! Offer seed cakes, cheeses, cold meats, apples, and plenty of ale or cider. You can even make lembas bread (shortbread cookies wrapped in leaves) for a fun, thematic treat. - Themed Prizes
Offer small, hobbit-themed prizes for the winners of your games, such as mini figurines, copies of Tolkien’s books, or even handcrafted items like bookmarks or keychains with Middle-earth motifs.
The Perfect Board Games for Hobbit Day
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 2,000-Piece Puzzle
Age: 14+ / Players: 1+ / Duration: N/A
The battle for Helm’s Deep is over . . . the battle for puzzle fun is about to begin with “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” 2,000-piece puzzle!
Join the battle of good versus evil where Elves and men align against Uruk-hai, and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli use their wits and wisdom in the pivotal Battle of Helms Deep! Will Gandalf the White arrive in time with reinforcements? With Treebeard’s help, the Hobbits Merry and Pippin disrupt Saruman’s Uruk-hai factory in Isengard. Will Frodo, Sam and Gollum reach Mordor, despite the odds?
The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book Game
Age: 10+ / Players: 1-4 / Duration: 45-60 minutes
In The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book Game, Sauron’s shadow has fallen across Middle-earth, and the One Ring must be destroyed. To complete their daunting quest, players must work together to help cherished Lord of the Rings characters journey from The Shire to the fires of Mordor, all while avoiding the Eye of Sauron.
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth
Age: 14+ / Players: 1-5 / Duration: 90-120 minutes
This cooperative game is perfect for immersing yourself in the rich world of Tolkien. Players take on the roles of Middle-earth heroes, embarking on quests, battling enemies, and making difficult decisions. The game offers a sense of adventure, camaraderie, and strategy, which echoes the journeys of Frodo, Sam, and the Fellowship.
Coming Soon
The Lord of the Rings – Duel for Middle-earth
Age: 10+ / Players: 2 / Duration: 30-45 minutes
A dark rumour rises from Mordor. The Eye turns to Middle-earth. The hour has come. The Fellowship is reunited. The Heroes prepare for battle. In Duel for Middle-earth, you’ll have to choose sides. Play as the Fellowship of the Ring, prevent the Enemy from gaining ground and destroy the One Ring. Or play as Sauron and send your Nazgûls after Sam and Frodo, spreading your hordes over enemy cities. The fate of Middle-earth is in your hands!
Gather Your Fellowship, Prepare Your Second Breakfast, and Let the Games Begin!
Hobbit Day is a celebration of friendship, adventure, and life’s simpler pleasures. Adding board games to the mix can elevate the experience, giving you and your friends a chance to engage with Tolkien’s world in a new and interactive way. Whether you’re embarking on a grand quest across Middle-earth or enjoying a peaceful journey through the Shire, these games will capture the day’s spirit and make your Hobbit Day gathering an event to remember.
Liked these games? Find out where you can find them, here.
