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A Journey Through The Lord of the Rings: 5 Interesting Tolkien Facts

Hobbit holes in hobbiton movie set reflecting in a small lake. Taken in New Zealand.
Photo by depositphotos.com

There’s something timeless about the world J.R.R. Tolkien created—his vision of heroism, perseverance, and the ever-looming shadow of evil continues to resonate today. Modern life may feel worlds apart from the dusty roads of Middle-earth, yet echoes of our own struggles resound in Tolkien’s fictional conflicts. Perhaps this is because Tolkien himself lived through firsthand horrors: he was a soldier in World War I and witnessed the rise of dangerous ideologies. His experiences shaped not only the battles in The Lord of the Rings but also the vulnerability of men, who easily forget past sacrifices and are drawn to promises of power. Below are five lesser-known insights that cast new light on Tolkien’s legendary works.

The Unfinished Sequel, “The New Shadow”
Tolkien did, in fact, begin writing a sequel to The Lord of the Rings, titled The New Shadow. This story reveals how quickly Gondor’s elites turned their backs on the War of the Ring’s lessons. With evil presumed banished, its remnants were overlooked—especially since no elves remained to recall the past. Morgoth, Sauron’s dark mentor, had once spread the seeds of corruption, and in this half-started tale, those seeds resurface as men fall prey to their own lust for power. Gondor’s complacency reflects Tolkien’s broader commentary on humanity’s tendency to forget hard-won truths and underestimate lurking dangers.

War and the Forge of Mordor
J.R.R. Tolkien served as a Lieutenant in World War I, enduring the brutal Battle of the Somme. Trenches overrun with lice and disease shaped his worldview, later seeping into his descriptions of Mordor. He was invalided back to England in November 1916 due to trench fever—a stroke of fortune that saved him when many of his friends perished. It’s little wonder the desolate landscapes and haunting atmosphere of Mordor bear the marks of the Somme’s grim reality.

Hobbit Names, Translated
In Tolkien’s fictional framework, The Lord of the Rings is a translation from Westron into modern English. This means our beloved characters actually have different “original” names:
- Frodo Baggins = Maura Labingi
- Samwise “Sam” Gamgee = Banazîr “Ban” Galpsi
- Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck = Kalimac “Kali” Brandagamba
- Peregrin “Pippin” Took = Razanur “Razar” Tûk
  Tolkien delighted in the linguistic tapestry of Middle-earth. By highlighting these hidden names, he invites readers to appreciate just how alive his world truly is.

Standing Up to Nazism
In 1938, when the Nazis insisted Tolkien prove his “Aryan” heritage before they would publish The Hobbit in Germany, he refused to comply. Instead, Tolkien wrote that he disavowed any “race doctrine,” expressing regret only that he had no Jewish ancestors from such a “gifted people.” His curt response also predicted a grim future if literature were to be policed by such inquiries. This moral stance underscores Tolkien’s deep-rooted aversion to authoritarianism, a sentiment woven into the very fabric of his stories.

Christopher Lee’s Unique Perspective
Among the film cast of The Lord of the Rings, Christopher Lee (Saruman) alone had met Tolkien in person—and he reread the trilogy every year of his life. His vast knowledge of Middle-earth made him an on-set consultant. A World War II veteran, Lee also famously corrected Peter Jackson on how a backstabbing victim should sound: not an anguished scream, but a gasp of air violently expelled from the lungs. It’s a chilling detail that shows the series was guided by individuals who knew first-hand the dark realities of war.

If you found these five snapshots of Tolkien’s epic world intriguing, you might enjoy diving deeper. Head over to our website for another article—“Tolkien Tales: 7 Lesser-Known Stories about the Mastermind of Middle-earth”—to uncover even more hidden gems from the grand lore of Middle-earth. After all, there’s always more magic waiting just beyond the next page.

7 Fun Historical Facts About Travelling and Tourism

Woman hiker in mountains above the city — Photo by depositphotos.com

Winter can feel like a never-ending stretch of gloomy skies and long workdays, leaving most of us daydreaming about the perfect summer escape. Blue seas, white sands, and distant islands call to us, igniting our travel dreams. But while you’re planning your next getaway, why not dive into some fun and unexpected facts about travel? Here’s a collection of stories that highlight just how extraordinary the world of tourism can be.

1. The Nazis: The World’s Largest Tourism Operators
Before the outbreak of World War II, the Nazi regime had established one of the most successful leisure organizations in history. By 1939, Kraft durch Freude (Strength Through Joy) had transformed into the largest tourism operator in the world. In 1938 alone, over 10 million Germans enjoyed vacations subsidized by the program. The organization aimed to provide affordable leisure experiences for working-class citizens while simultaneously promoting state propaganda. This dark chapter in tourism history reminds us how travel can be used for both inspiration and manipulation.

2. Atomic Tourism in 1950s Las Vegas
In the mid-20th century, Las Vegas embraced its proximity to nuclear testing sites in Nevada in the most bizarre way possible: by marketing “atomic tourism.” Hotels and casinos hosted rooftop viewing parties where guests could sip “atomic cocktails” while watching mushroom clouds rise from bomb tests just 65 miles away. Though surreal by today’s standards, this trend reflected the strange intersection of Cold War anxiety and American consumerism.

3. Mark Twain on the Transformative Power of Travel
Mark Twain, a man who traveled extensively during his lifetime, once remarked: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” His insight into the value of exploring new places and meeting diverse people still rings true today. Travel doesn’t just show us the world; it challenges our assumptions, enriches our perspectives, and reminds us how connected we all truly are.

4. The Grand Tour: A Rite of Passage for Europe’s Elite
In the 17th century, young upper-class men from Europe embarked on The Grand Tour, a journey across the continent that served as both an educational and social rite of passage. The Grand Tour exposed travelers to the cultural treasures of antiquity, Renaissance art, and the social etiquette of aristocratic society. These journeys, which could last from several months to years, were typically guided by an expert tutor, or cicerone. While the tradition faded in the 19th century, its influence remains in how we think of travel as both an educational and cultural experience.

5. When Travel Recommendations Turn Dark
Not all travel advice is about packing sunscreen or learning local phrases. The U.S. State Department’s travel suggestions for high-risk destinations like South Sudan and Somalia take a much darker tone. They include recommendations such as “make funeral arrangements,” “draft a will,” and “appoint a family member as the point of contact with hostage-takers.” A sobering reminder that while travel can inspire and delight, it’s also vital to consider safety when venturing into certain parts of the world.

6. Tourism’s Strangest PR Challenges
Sometimes movies can make or break a destination’s reputation. After the release of Borat in 2006, Kazakhstan initially banned the film, but later embraced its catchphrase, “Very Nice!” for a tourism campaign tied to the sequel. Meanwhile, the 2005 horror film Hostel hurt Slovakia’s tourism industry so badly that the government invited the director, Eli Roth, on an all-expenses-paid trip to repair the damage. This odd intersection of pop culture and tourism illustrates just how much perceptions matter in the travel industry.

7. Tourism in Ancient Rome
Even in ancient Rome, tourism was alive and well. Wealthy Romans traveled far and wide, with the pyramids of Giza being among the most popular attractions. Local Egyptian guides, however, took advantage of their visitors by spreading misinformation to draw in more tourists and profit from them. Despite the allure of adventure, travel in ancient times wasn’t easy; shipwrecks, storms, and poor navigation often made the journey as challenging as the destination was rewarding.

From ancient Rome to atomic tourism in Las Vegas, these stories show that travel has always been more than just reaching a destination—it’s about the unique experiences, surprising histories, and cultural shifts that come with it. If these tales piqued your interest, check out our related article, Unbelievable Tales and Facts from the World of Travel and Tourism.

8 Unusual Facts About the NYC Subway

The New York City subway system is like a maze, filled with history and cool stories. Aside from merely moving millions of people around the city, the subway has some secrets that even regular riders might not know about. The story of the subway is as complicated as the city it’s in. Hey, let’s check out some random lesser-known facts about this iconic transit system.

1. A Bright Idea: The Lightbulb Hack
Next time you glance at a subway lightbulb, know this: it’s not your average bulb. NYC subway lightbulbs have left-handed screws. Why the twist? To stop people from pilfering them for home use. It’s a clever, practical solution to an unexpected problem—and a reminder that even the smallest details in NYC’s subway are carefully thought out.

2. The “Token Suckers” Scandal
Before the advent of MetroCards, subway riders used tokens, and with tokens came scammers. These so-called “token suckers” would jam token slots with paper and then use their mouths to extract the tokens. To combat this bizarre theft, subway attendants sprinkled chili powder into the slots, making token-sucking a very spicy mistake.

3. Subway Cars Turned into Ocean Homes
In 2008, New York City Transit made headlines by sinking 2,500 retired subway cars along the eastern seaboard to create artificial reefs. This was a one-time initiative designed to support marine life by providing new habitats for fish and other sea creatures. While the project received praise for its environmental impact, it wasn’t repeated on a large scale, making it a unique chapter in the city’s history of recycling and repurposing old infrastructure.

4. Blown Out of the East River and Back to Work
In 1916, construction worker Marshall Mabey, a “sandhog” digging subway tunnels, was blown out of the East River. Pressurized air, used to prevent tunnel collapses, shot Mabey through the riverbed and into the air, nearly 20 feet above the water. Amazingly, he survived, but two of his coworkers didn’t. Stories suggest Mabey might have returned to work soon after—proof of the grit and determination required in those early days of subway construction.

5. The City’s Secret Vent Buildings
New York City has buildings that aren’t buildings at all. Scattered throughout the city, these structures look like ordinary brownstones or industrial facades but serve as ventilation points for the subway system. These fake buildings are a perfect blend of form and function, hiding vital infrastructure in plain sight.

6. The War on Graffiti: NYC’s Clean Car Program
Graffiti once dominated the NYC subway, with artists competing to have their work seen across the city. But in 1984, the Clean Car Program (CCP) turned the tide. Any tagged subway car was cleaned within two hours or removed from service entirely—even during rush hour. This quick response stripped graffiti artists of their audience and slowly ended a subculture that had thrived for decades. The last graffiti-covered car was removed in 1989, marking the end of an era.

7. A Teen Conductor’s Wild Ride
In 1993, a 16-year-old Brooklyn teen fulfilled a dream most of us wouldn’t dare: he became a subway conductor—for three hours. Pretending to be an MTA employee, the teen managed to drive a train along the A line before being caught. While his stunt didn’t end in disaster, it left many wondering how such a thing was even possible.

8. The Subway Settlement That Defied Logic
In 1977, a man tried to end his life by jumping in front of a subway train. He survived with injuries and, in a twist of fate, received a $650,000 settlement because the subway operator “didn’t stop fast enough.” If that wasn’t bizarre enough, during the settlement negotiations in 1982, he attempted suicide the same way again—but survived uninjured this time. It’s a tragic, ironic tale that underscores the complex intersection of human struggles and legal systems.

The NYC subway isn’t just a way to get around—it’s a microcosm of human ingenuity, resilience, and eccentricity. Have you ever noticed the quirks of this underground world?

6 Facts About Restaurants That Will Entertain You

Table setting for celebration — Photo by depositphotos.com

Have you ever wondered about the unique stories behind restaurants? From quirky business decisions to bizarre dining experiences, they have plenty to offer. You might be surprised by these six random facts about restaurants.

1. Michelin Stars Might Be Bad Luck
Michelin stars are often seen as a sign of success in the restaurant world, but they don’t guarantee longevity. In a study of New York restaurants that opened between 2000 and 2014, Michelin-starred places were more likely to close. The city lost 40% of its Michelin-starred restaurants by the end of 2019. Keeping up with perfection, rising operating costs, and shifting dining trends can sometimes make earning this prestigious award more of a curse than a blessing.

2. The Popeyes Chicken Scandal
A restaurant in Long Beach, California, made headlines when it was caught serving Popeyes chicken as its own. It bought chicken from Popeyes, marked it up, and sold it as “housemade” chicken and waffles. After customers exposed the scam, the owner refused to apologize, saying they were just delivering a great product. The scandal sparked debates about transparency and authenticity in the restaurant industry.

3. Higher Prices for Tourists in Japan
In Japan, some restaurants and attractions have started charging higher prices for foreign tourists than for locals. This practice, while controversial, is an attempt to manage the surge in international visitors while ensuring locals are not overburdened. These “dual pricing” systems highlight the challenges of balancing tourism growth with local hospitality. For visitors, it’s a reminder to check the fine print before ordering or booking.

4. Outback Steakhouse’s Faux-Australian Roots
Outback Steakhouse, the popular chain known for its Aussie-themed menu, owes its origin to a wave of Australian pop culture sparked by the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee. Ironically, the founders—four Americans from Tampa, Florida—had never even been to Australia. They deliberately avoided visiting the country to ensure their concept of “American food with Australian fun” remained accessible to U.S. diners. The result? A restaurant with kangaroo décor and “Bloomin’ Onions” that’s Australian only in spirit, not authenticity.

5. Marijuana-Sedated Lobsters in Maine
In 2018, a Maine restaurant introduced a unique and controversial method of cooking lobsters: sedating them with marijuana smoke. The owner believed this approach provided the lobsters with a more humane death, reducing stress before cooking.

6. The Struggle with “Menu Anxiety”
Have you ever felt stressed or overwhelmed while deciding what to order at a restaurant? If so, you’re not alone. Over 30% of Americans report experiencing “menu anxiety,” defined as distress caused by the pressure to choose the perfect meal. Some people try to combat this by obsessively reviewing menus online before dining out. This anxiety can be particularly strong in high-pressure environments like upscale restaurants or when dining with a group. It’s a reminder that for many, eating out isn’t just about food—it’s also about navigating social and personal expectations.

Dining out is full of surprises, from hidden origins to unexpected emotions. Do you ever struggle with menu anxiety? Do you prefer chain restaurants or local spots when you go out?

6 Interesting Facts About Johnny Depp

“I don’t pretend to be captain weird. I just do what I do.” This quote by Johnny Depp really nails his life and career—a mix of bold moves, quirky vibes, and crazy talent. He’s famous for his unforgettable roles and unique personality, and Depp has had a life filled to the brim with unexpected stories and amazing moments. So, here are six facts about Johnny Depp that give you a better look at the guy behind the characters:

1. Dropping Out to Follow His Dreams
Johnny Depp’s path to stardom started with a bold decision. He dropped out of high school to pursue a career as a rock musician. Just two weeks later, he reconsidered and attempted to return to school. However, his principal had a different vision for him. Encouraging Depp to follow his passion, the principal urged him to chase his dream of becoming a musician—a decision that ultimately led him to the world of acting.

2. A Career Sparked by a Compliment
Depp’s Hollywood career owes its start to Wes Craven’s daughter. While casting for A Nightmare on Elm Street, Craven showed his daughter audition photos, and when she saw Depp, her response was simple: “He’s beautiful!” Her enthusiasm convinced Craven to cast Depp as Glen, a decision that launched him into stardom with his first major role.

3. A Pirate’s Unexpected Visit to a School
While filming Pirates of the Caribbean in London, Depp received a heartfelt letter from a 9-year-old girl asking for his help in a “mutiny” against her teachers. Always one for theatrics, Depp surprised the school by showing up unannounced in full Jack Sparrow attire. Instead of leading a rebellion, he playfully advised the students against mutiny, leaving them with a memory they would never forget.

4. Disney Wasn’t Sold on Jack Sparrow
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean became legendary, but not everyone was a fan at first. Disney executives were baffled by Depp’s performance, questioning if Sparrow was drunk or gay. Disney’s CEO even accused Depp of ruining the film. Depp’s response was confident and unwavering: they could trust his choices or replace him. The gamble paid off, as Jack Sparrow became one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history.

5. The $30k Wine Controversy
In 2018, amid legal battles with his former business managers, Depp made headlines when they claimed he spent $30,000 a month on wine. Depp dismissed this as “insulting,” explaining that the actual amount was far higher. His humorous retort reflected the extravagant and unapologetic nature of his lifestyle, further cementing his reputation as a larger-than-life personality.

6. A Pirate with a Heart of Gold
One of Depp’s most touching moments came during his daughter’s serious health scare. She nearly died from an E. coli infection, requiring an extended hospital stay. To thank the hospital staff for saving her life, Depp returned dressed as Jack Sparrow and spent four hours reading stories to the children. This act of kindness showed his genuine appreciation and compassionate spirit, endearing him to fans worldwide.