Wise Words On Wednesday: Making a merrier World
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
J.R.R. Tolkien
Tag: Hobbits
Do you pray like a Hobbit?
I have no idea whether or not Tolkien intended it to be this way (although I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he did), but have you ever noticed that all the mealtimes mentioned by the Hobbits in “Lord of the Rings” correspond with points in the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours?
Hobbit Meal #1: Breakfast (7am)
The office of “Vigils” is prayed just before sunrise.
Hobbit Meal #2: Second Breakfast (9am)
“Lauds” takes place sometime between sunrise and 8:30am.
Hobbit Meal #3: Elevenses (11am)
“Tierce” is prayed between 8:45am and 10am.
Hobbit Meal #4: Luncheon (1pm)
This corresponds to “Sexte”, which is prayed between 11:30am and 1:30pm.
Hobbit Meal #4: Afternoon Tea (4pm)
The office of “None” is between 2pm and 4pm
Hobbit Meal #5: Dinner (6pm)
Evening pray of “Vespers” is any time between 4:30pm and 8pm.
Hobbit Meal #6: Supper (8pm)
Finally, “Compline” is prayed before bed.
Does anyone know for certain if Tolkien did this on purpose?