Farmer Giles of Ham - obviously Catholic?

[Estelyn Telcontar]

A question posted by The Elf-warrior on the 'Minor works' trivia thread got me to thinking about the Catholic influence in that story. Since it is set in the Middle Ages, that is inevitable, I suppose - there was no other Christian church in England at that time. However, the fact that so much makes its way into what is supposed to be a children's story (although it is actually a parody for adults) is rather surprising. In the light of the recent revival of the "consciously Catholic in the revision" discussion, it may be interesting to consider this topic more closely.

For a start, the fact that the names of people and places are given in Latin as well as in the vernacular could be a remnant of Roman settlement on the island, but I think that the use of that language in the Church was the reason.


Saints' days and other holy days are mentioned quite matter-of-factly, as a way of keeping track of time. We have:

The feast of St Michael - the King sends Farmer Giles a magnificent letter after he scared the giant away

Christmas - the customary dish served for the King's feast was Dragon's Tail. The knight who hunted the dragon set out upon:

St Nicholas' Day (December 6)

On Christmas Eve - the Mock Dragon's Tail was carried into the hall, then served on Christmas Day

(a week before Christmas - Chrysophylax came to the Kingdom)

St John's Day - the knights compete in a tournament (This mention puzzles me; any references I have been able to find place St. John's Day in midsummer.)

New Year's Day - the dragon comes too close for ignoring

Twelfthnight - Giles' "armour" is made. That would be January 5.

Epiphany - he sets out to encounter the dragon. That's January 6. According to Wikipedia, it's "a Christian feast intended to celebrate the 'shining forth' or revelation of God to mankind in human form"

"a nice end to Christmas", Farmer Giles says apprehensively as he begins his adventure

St Hilarius and St Felix feast - supposedly eight days later, which is January 14*, though I cannot find a reference to actual Catholic days or saints of that name. Perhaps someone has more information. It seems to be a facetious parody to me. Perhaps a reference to JRRT's brother Hilary? 'Felix' means 'happy', which may be a just-for-fun play on the word.

Candlemas day - Giles meets the dragon the second time and captures him. This is February 2, "a Christian feast commemorating the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple", according to Wikipedia.

St Matthias' Day - Farmer Giles meet the King on the bridge, to the latter's disadvantage. For a time, he paid nominal tribute to the king on that day, which is February 24.



The dragon gives up after being chased - just outside the church.

Chrysophylax specifically mentions killing (and eating) the parson of Oakley.


Another interesting fact: It is the parson (of Ham) who brings enlightenment on the origin and significance of the sword that the King gave to Farmer Giles, as well as suggesting the use of rope, an important help in capturing the dragon. He also translates the king's letter and reads it from the pulpit. Giles later rewards him generously and makes him a bishop.


Now, it seems that those dates are just casually mentioned as an alternative way of keeping track of the calendar. But we can speculate, of course, on whether there is some significance to Tolkien's choice, some symbolism that goes with the events of the story. After all, we do know that he consciously chose Christian dates for some of the events of LotR. What do you think?



*Interestingly, though not actually Catholic, January 14 is New Year's Day in Eastern Orthodoxy and on the Julian calendar.