If he knew.. - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Elendur · 09-04-2002, 07:16 PM

I am wondering about smoking in Tolkiens writing.

Smoking pipes is a common thing on Middle Earth and lots of people do it. People were practically encouraged to smoke. It is a fine thing to do and it makes you feel good. Like Gandalf said, "It clears the mind". But maybe what Gandalf didnt know was that he was satisfying his need for nicotine.

When Tolkien wrote LOTR and The Hobbit people didn't know that nicotine was addictive or that smoking caused so many health problems. Tolkien smoked a pipe himself and that is probably the reason he included it in his writing. He might have been reflecting his own experiences of smoking onto Gandalfs thoughts about leaf and its effect on people. But if he knew that so many bad things came with smoking, would he have included it in his books?

I just always thought it was odd that smoking tobacco was so popular in Middle Earth and you never hear old Bilbo coughing because he has emphysema. Maybe the leaf in Middle Earth has no bad side effects.

Just thought Id share my thoughts..

[ September 04, 2002: Message edited by: Elendur ]

09-04-2002, 07:16 PM	#1
Elendur Wight Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Arnor Posts: 200	If he knew.. I am wondering about smoking in Tolkiens writing. Smoking pipes is a common thing on Middle Earth and lots of people do it. People were practically encouraged to smoke. It is a fine thing to do and it makes you feel good. Like Gandalf said, "It clears the mind". But maybe what Gandalf didnt know was that he was satisfying his need for nicotine. When Tolkien wrote LOTR and The Hobbit people didn't know that nicotine was addictive or that smoking caused so many health problems. Tolkien smoked a pipe himself and that is probably the reason he included it in his writing. He might have been reflecting his own experiences of smoking onto Gandalfs thoughts about leaf and its effect on people. But if he knew that so many bad things came with smoking, would he have included it in his books? I just always thought it was odd that smoking tobacco was so popular in Middle Earth and you never hear old Bilbo coughing because he has emphysema. Maybe the leaf in Middle Earth has no bad side effects. Just thought Id share my thoughts.. [ September 04, 2002: Message edited by: Elendur ] __________________ Son of Isildur.