J.R.R. Tolkien is Older Than Bilbo Baggins

The Lord of the Rings famously opens with the one hundred eleventh birthday of Bilbo Baggins, or, his eleventy-first birthday, as hobbits call it. J.R.R. Tolkien has completely surpassed that important milestone in the lives of lucky hobbits, but today is the one hundred and twentieth anniversary of his birth in Bloemfontein, South Africa in 1892.

What are some good ways to celebrate the birthday of the grandfather of fantasy fiction? Well, you could have a twinkie: with their non-perishable nature, high caloric content, questionable flavor, and individual packaging their superficial resemblance to lembas is not insignificant. If not, there are plenty of fan-made recipes for the elven marching biscuit.

You could receive presents: it is customary on hobbit birthdays to give presents to other people instead of getting them yourself.

You could take a hike: no better way to emulate his heroes than walking a very long way.

Probably the best way to commemorate would be to head down to your local pub with a good friend and have some stimulating conversation over the drink of your choice: it was famously one of Tolkien’s own favorite ways to pass the time with colleagues and friends.

Happy birthday, J.R., and thanks for all the fish.

(via Wired.)