An avid fan of “The Lord of the Rings” movie decided to create a Hobbit-inspired house in his own farm in Bukidnon, showing how much the epic fantasy Hollywood trilogy has appealed to the public.
It has been years since the last LOTR film has appeared in cinemas but it continues to enthrall people with its clever mix of fantasy narrative and relatable themes of friendship.
Benjamin Maputi Jr., creator of the houses typical in The Shire hometown of Hobbits, revealed that it has been his dream to build them ever since he saw the films.
He said in an interview, “Having DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Hobbit-inspired houses in the farm has been a dream since I watched the movie ‘Lord of the Rings’ and much more inspired to construct it by a friend who also likes to have one in her place.”
“Earthly” materials were used to build the Hobbit house at Kitanglad Agro-Eco Farm in Imbayao, Malaybalay City, which charges P50 for the entrance fee, the Department of Tourism reported. Maputi plans to build 10 Hobbit houses in total.
The appeal of LOTR
Maputi being inspired by “The Lord of the Rings” is not a surprise since it is considered one of the most successful film franchises of all time.
It topped hit film serials “The Fast and the Furious,” “X-Men,” “Pirates of the Carribean” and “James Bond,” among others.
“The Lord of the Rings” films — including “The Hobbit” trilogy — are fourth on Business Insider’s list, having earned a total of $5.847 billion in the box office.
In the Philippines, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” raked P55 million from more than 300 cinemas. According to a news outlet, the figure is considered “the biggest opening ever for any film in the canon of ‘The Lord of the Rings.'”
Historian Michael Saler believes that most of the LOTR’s appeal stems from the way J.R.R. Tolkien crafted the whole story:
“His realist narrative of wonder was crafted to combine the appeal of ancient myths with the existentialist dilemmas of modern novels. Ordinary folk strive alongside extraordinary heroes against hopeless odds and terrible setbacks.”
Saler also quoted Tolkien himself, who said, “Fantasy is a rational, not an irrational activity. The keener and the clearer is the reason, the better fantasy will it make.”
The Telegraph also cited LOTR’s appeal as a “fairy tale epic in the form of novel.” It has a “strong dose of quest-romance and more than a dash of Macbeth.”
The film franchise tackles honor, love, friendship and heroism in a way that is faithful to the books which Tolkien have penned.
“Fantasy is a rational, not an irrational activity. The keener and the clearer is the reason, the better fantasy will it make.”
According to The Odyssey Online, LOTR director Peter Jackson has “developed characters for us to fall in love with.”
The director made sure that viewers of the film would be able to connect with each character, as much as readers have associated themselves with their favorite characters in the book’s version.
The website also listed Sam and Frodo’s friendship as one of the most “heartfelt” ones since they have scenes that touch on companionship and loyalty. — Photos from DOT Region 10