A. B. Schwartzkopf

J. R. R. Tolkien, author of the popular classic The Lord of the Rings, introduced two beloved creatures that exemplify a leisurely life: hobbits and Ents. But even hobbits, the merry people of good food and drink, are much too hasty for the Ents. 

So are hobbits really the picture of excellence when it comes to defining a quality life? 

First, one needs to consider what the difference is between the two species. Ralph C. Wood, in his book The Gospel According to Tolkien, defines the Ents as “…fourteen-foot creatures who serve as shepherds of the forest,” and who possess one key element. Patience. They do not rush into anything, whether that’s action or speech. 

The main Ent of The Two Towers, Treebeard, affirms this when he says “It [Old Entish] is a lovely language, but it takes a very long time to say anything in it, because we do not say anything in it unless it is worth taking a long time to say, and to listen to.”

In contrast, Hobbits are quick to say almost anything that comes to their minds. Pippin is a great example of this throughout the series. Lobelia Sackville-Baggins is another example of hobbit haste, particularly when she demanded the keys to Bag End before the official sale took effect.

And even though Tolkien himself admits that he would be a hobbit himself, it’s revealed through Treebeard that hobbits should be warned to “…not be too free all at once.”

But what does that mean?

Tolkien, the great lover of trees and all things that grow slowly, is telling readers that at best we are hobbits, but we should try to be like the Ents. Why? Because the patience of Ents makes them resilient and enables them to appreciate every single moment they live. 

It’s no wonder that Wood argues “In a world maddened by haste and obsessed with speed, Tolkien looked to trees as prime examples of life that has not been made manic with hurry.”

We humans love instantaneous results. We strive for efficiency in productivity. We’ve settled for “good enough” instead of “excellent” because “good enough” came quicker. However, the more we seek instant results, the more we forget to love the things that take time. 

But this argument is more than “slow and steady wins the race”.

There is a biblical message here too. Tolkien was a devout Catholic who wasn’t shy to say that his stories were full of Christian application. The hastiness of the hobbits compared to the slowness of the Ents showcases the fruit of the spirit— you guessed it — patience.

Here are three verses that highlight this concept:

James 1:19-20, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

James 5: 7-8, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.”

Proverbs 14:29, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”

Having patience shows wisdom. 

Having patience transforms the fruits of your labor.

Having patience increases our understanding of the world and of each other— which also saves us an unnecessary argument or two.  

Who do we know to be wise, productive, slow to anger, and understanding? 

The beloved Treebeard of Fangorn Forest. 

So here’s the lesson: We are, at best, hobbits, but if we try to have the patience of an Ent, the overall quality of life can truly increase as we take time learning to understand what we appreciate.

Until next time! Safe soaring!