I know it’s stupid to get upset when someone pokes fun at or insults something that I like (i.e. a series of books, a movie, music, etc). I know that everyone is entitled to their opinion, and someone else’s hatred of what I love shouldn’t interfere with my enjoyment of said medium. With most things I don’t let it bother me.

It’s different with The Lord of the Rings for me. The books and films helped me through a very difficult time in high school. I was feeling so lost and alone, with no real friends, the typical weird, poor kid who was deemed a loser by my peers. I came across the first book in the public library and decided, on a whim, to read it. After all there was a wizard on the cover. As pathetic as it may sound, the world that Tolkien opened up for me saved me from depression, and gave me something to cling to. I was inspired and I had a place to run to when the real world became too much. It helped me deal with the loss of my great-grandmother, to whom I was very close. It gave me fuel to write and make art… it lead me to other fantasy stories and works of literature and film…. it was literally life changing.

The expanse of Tolkien’s world is enormous, and truly a work of art. Although it bothers me when people can’t see that, I can understand if they don’t like it. Now that I’m an adult my obsession for the world of Middle Earth has matured and I can appreciate it even more for all its beautiful complexities. The basic story of friendship, loyalty, and courage is still inspiring.

Despite that I’m an adult, it still angers me when people insult the story. It was such a huge part of growing up for me that I just feel protective of it. I guess I always will.