The Hobbit

J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' is a timeless classic of fantasy. Tolkien was a member of the Inklings, though, and so purposefully devoted a lot of time to infusing literary, philosophical, and theological themes into The Hobbit. This lecture examines the background to The Hobbit and Tolkien's ideas in his writing the Lord of the Rings.
For the best books on Tolkien and his background check these out:
Tom Shippey's biography: amzn.to/2dChoJu
Classic biography: amzn.to/2dCh5hY
The Road to Middle Earth: amzn.to/2dCikOb
For the best books on C.S. Lewis and his background:
George Sayer's biography 'Jack': amzn.to/2hHlUJQ
Alan Jacob's book 'The Narnian': amzn.to/2gNeFy8
Michael Ward 'Planet Narnia': amzn.to/2hyhJx1
Ryan M. Reeves (PhD Cambridge) is Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Twitter: / ryanmreeves Instagram: / ryreeves4
Blog: blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/...
This is Lecture 1 in the course 'Lewis and Tolkien'. All material is copyrighted.
For the entire course, see the playlist: • Lewis and Tolkien

[@KTChamberlain]

Eleven years ago, I first read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings when I was 15, after having enjoyed the movie trilogy and learned more about J.R.R. Tolkien himself, when I read both books I experienced a revelation of sorts and that was when I realized that I wanted to be creative writer and a good storyteller. Tolkien's my favorite author because of that and in the process made me a better observer.

[@andrewczuba498]

how did only 319 of 37,506 viewers only give Ryan a thumbs up? Really? come on now people, Ryan is the man. gotta give it up for him !

[@NiklasAdv]

i dont know why but i like to listen to you. what i mean is that some people just have the thing that wants you to take in what they have to say.

[@probro9898]

I think the "whistle of an engine" was a simile aimed at the modern reader; I don't think Tolkien was suggesting any of the characters would have thought in those terms.

[@hariseldon2577]

In the stories there is a sense that the world is 'unsatisfactory' as the Buddhists would express it. The world is 'imperfect' in that there is always change, that nothing lasts and there is a perpetual feeling of loss. Tolkien was also writing during the 1930's, after a cataclysmic war had occurred and the seeds of a new war were starting to sprout. A melancholic time in Europe with change occurring at a faster and faster rate with a consequent loss of older things that he new as a boy in England.

[@athb4hu]

I enjoy your lectures, thanks. I also read the Hobbit at an early age (my aunt and uncle bought it for me for my birthday - I still have that copy more than 40 years later), and Lewis's space triology while still at school. I only came across the Narnia books when in my 30's but I enjoyed them then. I love both these authors, and I am also interested in theology so this channel is a particular treat. Just to note that W. H. Auden was English as I recall, but he did live in America in later life.

[@twogungunnar9456]

I want to see Lewis and Tolkien in a tag-team cage-match with Howard and Lovecraft. With color commentary provided by Lee and Kirby.

[@rev.j.rogerallen9328]

Another wonderful lecture from Dr. Reeves.

[@2Granule]

'Thank you for your lecture: I suggest you watch the 1968 episode from BBC's series "In Their Own Words British Authors". Tolkien is explicit when he discusses why he wrote LOTR after writing the Hobbit. The problem with the source I recommend is that it is dated by strange production values of 1968 Britain.

[@DaneStolthed]

You got yourself a subscriber Dr. Reeves, I thoroughly enjoyed your lecture, big thumbs up!

[@dburgd99]

I have binge watching your channel for the past few days. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@Mr._Anderpson]

Is the hobbit/rabbit connection actually as crazy as Prof. Reeves says? Both have large, hairy feet & live in warm, comfy holes under the hill.

[@frunknuckle]

Thanks for posting these wonderful lectures! I am enjoying them tremendously!

[@billrussell7672]

well done sir, I came watching the Merovingian and Carolingian and descended into your best work

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

I like to think of the ring as a very addictive drug. that's why gollum is so twitsted, because he's abused the ring for so long.

[@ryant2418]

These are informative and enjoyable, both the parts on Tolkien and on faith. Thanks for posting them.

[@laurienichols1209]

love your lectures. learned a lot.

[@Dariuz001]

I enjoy all Your lectures and videos very much:) thank you

[@basknation]

Terrific lecture Dr Reeves.

[@stevegreen7520]

I had heard that Tolkien had named Hobbits after the word habit, but I like your explanation better.