Why Do Hikers Love “The Lord of the Rings” So Much? How Trail Culture Embodies Tolkien’s Values

“Don’t adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story.” Bilbo to Frodo, The Lord of the Rings

It is effortless to equate hiking and long-distance treks with J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy adventures like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It is not as simple to narrow down the central values of hiking and long-distance backpacking culture. The wisdom found in Tolkien’s books highlights what I see as the core values and essence of hiking and long-distance backpacking culture.

ADVENTURE

Adventure is the indisputable grounding value for hiking and long-distance backpacking culture. Hikers and long-distance backpackers willingly engage with the unknown, challenge themselves, and learn from their experiences. Hiking and long-distance backpacking are journeys of discovery; not only about oneself, but about the world. As Gandalf advised Bilbo, “The world is not in your books and maps, it’s out there.” While Bilbo’s quest had specific goals, it was his journey of self-growth and not the destination that ultimately mattered.

AT McAfee Knob, VA via Anna McKinney

ACCEPTANCE, ADAPTABILITY, PERSEVERANCE

Acceptance, Adaptability, and Perseverance are the Big Three of hiking and long-distance backpacking culture. Gandalf again offered sage advice: “It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations if you live near him.” For once you accept the situation, you can adapt; if you can adapt, you will persevere. The adventuring hiker or long-distance backpacker must accept what the trail and nature offer, both the magic and the hardship.

As Treebeard tells us, “Things will go as they will, and there is no need to hurry to meet them.” Hikers and backpackers need to accept what they can and cannot control as simply life on trail. They recognize that the conditions they face are temporary and that they can learn the skills necessary to deal with almost any situation.

AT north of Stony Man, Shenandoah NP, VA

In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo encouraged his friend Samwise Gamgee by quoting Bilbo Baggins: “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

Hikers and long-distance backpackers recognize that they need to adapt to the circumstances facing them on the trail. Hikers and backpackers also accept that going forward is sometimes the only option, even when things are not always going the way they hope or expect. Hikers and backpackers must not be afraid to change in order to move forward.

Acceptance means you recognize that you cannot control everything; Adaptability means you change to mitigate any negative impact the existing circumstances have on your adventure. Looking at what went right and what went wrong both during and after a hike or trek is a worthwhile exercise. Lessons learned are only lessons identified if not adapted into your hiking routines, trailcraft or gear bag.

AT road crossing, south of Pine Grove Furnace, PA

PCT Bridge of the Gods, OR/WA

Every Appalachian Trail thru-hiker knows the refrain, “No rain, no pain, no Maine.” The Tolkienesque version is “No victory without suffering.” Often attributed to Tolkien, we also have the corollary: “It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.” Perseverance is essential to have in your mental kit bag regardless of how long the hike, whether 5, 50, 500, or 2000 plus miles. Circumstances on trail do not always go as hoped, expected, or planned.

Hikers and long-distance backpackers accept, learn, and adapt. But when even those values do not push them forward, they persevere. As Bilbo himself said, “Go back? No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!” Hikers and long-distance backpackers make the necessary sacrifices to achieve their goals regardless of the challenges.

AT Mahoosuc Notch via Anna McKinney

COMMUNITY and COMPASSION

Gandalf declared, “I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.” Individuals may differ, but essentially humans are social creatures and often bond together in communities. We tend to seek out people who share our values, our goals, our experiences.

On trail, hikers and long-distance backpackers already have a shared purpose — to hike the trail. Communities of like-minded hikers and kindred spirits help each other when possible, support each other when needed, or simply share ideas, stories, and information.

Compassion is understanding the struggles of others, helping them overcome when possible, and sharing what you are able to share. Just as Bilbo accepted the Dwarves with their uncouth habits and joined their company in their quest, emotionally intelligent hikers and long-distance backpackers ignore differences and focus on the shared experience of being on trail for a common purpose.  All cultures have their good and their bad, but at its core, in its purest sense, a culture is what those who profess to be a part of that culture make it in their everyday existence.

Not every hiker on the trail may want to be part of the Community. Simply because some people on trail do not consistently live up to certain values does not make those values less a part of the hiking culture. Hikers and backpackers have their own perspectives and biases, but they are not always representative of the deeper culture. The Stranger wisely stated, “Alone, it’s just a journey. Now adventures, they must be shared.”

AT Family on the Trail, Weverton Heights Trailhead, MD

SOLITUDE

Before you can be comfortable with others and the world, you need to be comfortable with yourself. Solitude can be about self-care, self-awareness, or introspection. Hikers and long-distance backpackers may seek times during a hike or backpacking trek to be alone with themselves.

Using Solitude for reflection, meditation, or just appreciation of silence, is essential for self-growth. There is an existing body of research that suggests Solitude and silence in the wilderness is therapeutic. The experience of Solitude and silence in the wilderness allows one to find new and personal ways (sometimes profound) to look inside oneself and at one’s place in the world.

Thorin Oakenshield suggested to us, “There is nothing like looking if you want to find something. You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is not always quite the something you were after.” This is also a frequent outcome of hiking journeys and long-distance backpacking treks when one takes advantage of Solitude on the trail.

PCT Mount Hood, OR

FREEDOM

Basically, on trail, hikers and long-distance backpackers can do whatever they choose, whenever they choose, without being burdened by the expectations of others or even “mainstream society.” As Gandalf said, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

However, this does not take completely into account other aspects of the hiker culture. Community frequently means a trail family; your choices will be influenced and sometimes even driven by this micro-society you have chosen to become a part of as the others will likely have their own expectations. Of course, as Elrond counseled the fellowship, each goes as a “free companion” and each “may tarry, or come back, or turn aside to other paths, as chance allows. No oath or bond is laid on you to go further than you will.” Each can go their own way.

Here is where Hike Your Own Hike enters the cultural discussion. This expression is widely used within the hiking community, especially on long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail. However, HYOH does not mean one can do whatever they want regardless of others on the trail. It is irresponsible to put one’s personal choices above others who may be negatively impacted by those actions.

So, essentially, your freedom of choice is constrained by cultural expectations (for example, Leave No Trace). Freedom ultimately means you should find what works for you on the trail, but don’t try to tell other hikers in the Community how to do it better, faster, cheaper, lighter, or let them define what makes your hike successful.

AT Shenandoah NP, VA

MINIMALISM

At its essence, Minimalism is doing away with anything unnecessary. Of course, what gear is necessary is a debatable condition. Ultralight backpackers certainly have a specific view about what is necessary. Other hikers simply cannot do without their chosen luxuries.

Tolkien wrote of Bilbo in The Hobbit, “Already he was a very different hobbit from the one that had run out without a pocket-handkerchief from Bag-End long ago. He had not had a pocket-handkerchief for ages.” Philosophically, experiences and the journey become more important than what is carried in your pocket or backpack. Tolkien would agree; “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” This Tolkienesque notion is that hikers should even value “smiles over miles.”

Hikers and backpackers appreciate the less complicated, simpler life that being on trail offers. They value the experience of being on trail, but perhaps even more, they value being away from the often hectic life found off trail. The seemingly small things matter and will serve you well on trail.

Gandalf reminded us that “It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.” Spend enough time on trail and we all find we can do more with less, can do without a handkerchief, if we only react intentionally to whatever the trail provides.

Thru-hiker’s Gear via Shannon Gleespen

AT Trail Family Smiles, Mountain Crossings, GA via Stubbs

AWARENESS

Hikers and long-distance backpackers develop a great sense of Awareness of the beauty and wonder of the natural world on trail, of the experiences of others they encounter on trail, and, most importantly, an Awareness of their own feelings and emotions.

Hikers and backpackers are aware of beauty in the simplest things, like a small wildflower, as well as the grandest things, like a sunset or sunrise over a well-known summit. Awareness can be achieved through meditation or simply relaxing and being mindful of nature. Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of immersing oneself in the forest, is one intentional method for appreciating the natural beauty of the forest, water and mountains found on the trail.

Like Bilbo, hikers and long-distance backpackers are aware of their Tookish side: “Then something Tookish woke up inside him, and he wished to go and see the great mountains, and hear the pine-trees and the waterfalls, and explore the caves, and wear a sword instead of a walking-stick.” Tolkien waxed poetic about Awareness and beauty: “I sit beside the fire and think of all that I have seen, of meadow-flowers and butterflies in summers that have been; Of yellow leaves and gossamer in autumns that there were, with morning mist and silver sun and wind upon my hair.”

AT Wildflower, Shenandoah NP, VA

AT Katahdin via Chicken & Dumplin

GRATITUDE and HUMILITY

There is much to be grateful for while hiking and long-distance backpacking, especially the spectacular opportunity the trail provides to immerse oneself in nature, the trail, and the hiking culture. At its core, taking the time to feel Gratitude for all things while on the trail, great and small, allows one to focus on what is truly important in life.

Humility should go hand in hand with Gratitude. Hikers and long-distance backpackers should recognize the privilege and unique circumstances that have allowed them to be on the trail. Be grateful, be humble, and adopt the invitation of Bilbo Baggins as your own: “If ever you are passing my way. Don’t wait to knock! Tea is at four, but any of you are welcome at any time!”

AT Annapolis Rocks, MD

 

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Comments 12

  • Jon Morris : Oct 9th

    Thanks Rick!
    I’m so impressed and touched with your collorary of trail life and Lord Of The Rings.
    As a teen, I often read LOTR while backpacking. Your thoughtful points highlight so much of what I love about nature and the alpine environments of the Sierra Nevada.

    Reply
    • Justin Seale : Oct 9th

      Great article. Thanks. About to head out on my own adventure this next week and a half and I’ve been thinking about Lord of the Rings. What great timing for this read.

      Reply
      • Rick "Quiet Man" : Oct 10th

        Justin, thanks! I recently purchased a pocket set of The Hobbit and the LOTR trilogy to take along on the trail. Stay safe on your adventure!

        Reply
    • Rick "Quiet Man" : Oct 10th

      Jon, thanks for your comment! I read Tolkien’s books many years ago. Recently, as I started to think about the values of hiking and backpacking culture, the wisdom of Tolkien came back from my memory. The most difficult part was narrowing down so many excellent quotes.

      Reply
  • Erik : Oct 9th

    I enjoyed this comparison, it’s very true. Also I would include the Hobbits focus on good food lol

    Reply
    • Rick "Quiet Man" : Oct 10th

      Erik, thank you. Indeed, a Hobbit’s meal schedule certainly equates to hiker hunger! And I am sure protein bars are an unworthy equal to lembas. Perhaps, this is a future writing idea.

      Reply
  • Drew Boswell : Oct 10th

    Well said, sir. I’ve often gotten up a difficult hill or trudged another mile by reminding myself that if hobbits can walk all day so can I, especially if there’s food at the end of the walk.

    Reply
    • Rick "Quiet Man" : Oct 10th

      Perseverance! Although, I wouldn’t mind an Ent carrying me up a hill or two! Thanks for your comment, Drew.

      Reply
  • Russ Hobgood (Russ1663) : Oct 10th

    Rick

    I read your article over breakfast. Thank you for the LOTR analogies, they work well for hiking as well as life. Even hiking the same trail at different times presents new discoveries. The quote about dragons, ever so true.

    So I say trek on Brother, one Veteran to another. Best of trail luck to you

    Reply
    • Rick "Quiet Man" : Oct 10th

      Russ, thank you for your words! Yes, absolutely, continue the trek and the story. Perhaps we’ve both had enough dragons though. Is it time for second breakfast?

      Reply
  • Hiram Larew : Nov 9th

    My strong hunch is that if Mr. Tolkien had read it, he would have celebrated this article by dancing the Hobbit Jig. In fact, the Park Service “might should” offer a handout to all hikers that checklists these core values as echoed in The Rings. And hey, the photographs are well-placed. A really thoughtful, enjoyable read. HGL

    Reply
    • Rick "Quiet Man" : Nov 18th

      Hiram, thank you for the generous comments! Tolkien I am sure would appreciate the connection with hiking as in his early years treks in the Alps likely inspired his images of Middle Earth.

      Reply

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