DADS READ: “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien

JER: “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien was really fun to revisit as an adult, and reconsider the messages as a parent.  I was worried it might be too heavy, or dark for my seven-year-old, Lake, but she loved it, and didn’t absorb any fear of the dark, Trolls, Goblins, Wargs, or Gollum.  My three-year-old, Ejler, had a hard time following it or enjoying it, but wasn’t otherwise affected by it. 

What stood out to me most profoundly this reading was the effects of Greed and Tribalism.  I easily saw the increasingly wealthy 1% personified in the dragon Smaug - hoarding wealth to sleep on it.  The Dwarves, the Wood-Elves, and Lake People were only able to look past their Tribalism when they were faced with a sufficiently large and dangerous threat, being overrun by an overwhelming host of Goblins. 

Bilbo Baggins was willing to give up his 1/14th share of the treasure to broker peace between the parties, but even giving up the Arkenstone might not have been enough.  If not for the Goblins, the Wood-Elves, Lake People, and Dwarves would have most likely slaughtered each other, fueled by Greed, for the Dragon Hoard of gold. 

I wonder if there is an issue or event that could sufficiently unite the United States or the World to make empathetic sacrifices to help other humans not in their respective Tribes.  So far, Environmental Catastrophes (raging wildfires, devastating flooding, freezing temperatures in Texas, etc.), Growing Awareness of Racism, and a Global Pandemic has only appeared to deepen tribal political and social divisions.  But I am still hopeful the small acts of kindness and generosity of individual people might be enough, just like a Hobbit was enough, to save the day.