WordPress Daily Writing Prompt #2828 for July 20, 2026
When I watched The Fellowship of the Ring—the first film in Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy—I fell in love with New Zealand. I was thrilled that cinematic technology and artistic imagination had found a location that perfectly matched my mental image of Middle-earth. The mountains, plains, rivers, forests, and lush farmland of New Zealand were the ultimate backdrop. I was utterly captivated by this magical place, and I still am.
My love for The Lord of the Rings began in grade school. After reading The Hobbit, I quickly moved on to J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece trilogy. Over the years, I reread the series countless times and explored most of his other works. I even read Humphrey Carpenter’s biography of Tolkien to learn more about the brilliant author. Since 1976, Middle-earth was a beautiful, expansive world that lived in my head. I thought about it constantly, dreamed about it, and decorated my bedroom with themed posters and calendars, wishing it were a real place I could visit.
In 2001, Peter Jackson brought that imaginary world to life, and New Zealand immediately topped my travel bucket list. He turned the varied geography Tolkien masterfully created on paper into a breathtaking reality. While a physical trip across the globe might not be in my future, I still feel incredibly lucky. I can visit New Zealand as Middle-earth anytime I want just by pressing a play button. Plus, the internet allows me to explore endless photos of its stunning landscapes—the 100% Pure New Zealand website is a personal favorite.
Thank you, J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson, for giving me a lifetime of magic, dreams, and imaginary travel.
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What a wonderfully evocative post, Maria. I think Tolkien himself, a man who deeply understood the ache for horizons we can only map in our minds, would be touched by how New Zealand became your physical Rivendell. There’s a kind of magic in seeing a landscape perfectly mirror a literary sanctuary you have harboured in your head for decades. It is almost as if Peter Jackson didn’t just film a country, he somehow photographed your childhood imagination.
Whilst a long-haul flight might not be on the immediate horizon, you’ve beautifully captured the truth that the best kind of travel often happens without a passport. Books and films are the ultimate vessels for transport, after all.
Since you’ve spent so much time wandering the paths of Middle-earth – if you could step through the screen or the page for just a single afternoon, which corner of that world would you choose to sit in, and what book from your own collection would you take along to read there?
Best wishes,
Bob
Hello Bob.
Thank you for visiting my blog, reading my word prompt reply, and leaving such a thoughtful comment. I don’t have many readers, and so few comment on anything. So, for me to see what you have written really meant a lot to me. Even more so when I revisited your blog.Your writing skill far exceeds mine, you’re much more productive, and I’m very impressed. Having a well-practiced writer/blogger leave not only acknowledgement, but also encouragement, well—-I can’t even adequately express just how much that means to me. Thank you.
To answer your interesting question, I will confess that it’s extremely difficult to choose just one place to visit, and sit for a spell, taking it all in. I had to consider my choices for a long while. I finally chose Rivendell, the Last Homely House East of the Sea, of Elven Lord Elrond. It’s proximity to Hobbiton was something I always appreciated. Rivendell was between The Shire and Mirkwood, and The Witch-Kingdom of Angmar and Moria.
I would have liked to visit Lothorian, the realm ruled by Galadrial and Celeborn. Probably the most beautiful place in Middle-earth during the Third Age. I’m sure as a visitor, I would have been treated well and with respect, and I would have been well-hosted. My every need would have been met before I even asked for anything. It all would have been quite extraordinary. But, in that place where time moves differently, among the “royalty” of Elves—-while feeling welcomed, I would have also felt apart from them. I would have always been aware that I don’t belong there.
By contrast, Rivendell would have been a sanctuary where I could stay or go, as I wished at any given moment. If I wanted to, I could have stayed there until the end of my life. It was a place where any traveler could receive respite. Not just physical rest, but also rest for a worried mind, and a sense of security. I believe I would have felt welcomed and safe. I would have felt comfortable in conversation with anyone there, Elvish or not. I would have observed several non-Elvish folk there. Hobbits and men. Both moving freely as part of the community of Rivendell.
Wow, this is getting to be a really long answer. Sorry!
My choice of Rivendell has a lot to do with Lord Elrond. I will spare you another mile or so of writing by skipping the genealogy, and mentioning that Elrond and his brother were the first of their family line to be offered the choice of immortality (Elves) or mortality (Men). Elrond chose immortality. His brother chose mortality. This left only Elrond’s descendants the same choice. Elrond was truly Half-Elven. This is how Arwen had the ability to choose a mortal life to be with Aragorn. The tremendous burden of being able to see the future to some degree would have been a terrible burden for Elrond as a father. This is why he set the condition that she could not marry Aragorn until he took his rightful throne. He knew he would never see his daughter again when he himself sailed to Valinor, Elrond had also “fostered” the descendants of the Numenor and Arnor—-the line of ruling men—-the Dunedain. Aragorn was the last Dunedain of the North receiving Patronage from Lord Elrond. What a terrible conflict—Elrond was responsible for the “Return of the King” of men, and his daughter chose a mortal life to be with that King. I had great respect and empathy for that (as much as one can have for a fictional character).
If I could only choose one place, it’s Rivendell.
Had I been given an option of multiple places (and I have reasons for each one, again I will spare you more word mileage here) I would choose in order: Rivendell, the home of Tom Bombadil in the Old Forest, Lothlorian, Rohan, and Minas Tirith in Gondor.
Thanks for your patience—-if you read this whole meandering thing.
With Gratitude,
Maria