And if there Middle-earth, that seen in "The Lord of the Rings"Was closer than we thought? If the County of hobbit, were in Italy? Maybe in Abruzzo? If the Land of Mordor and Mount Doom were actually there Campania and Vesuvio? For some this is nonsense, for others it is a dream come true. Nicolas Gentile, inspired by the famous trilogy of J.R.R. Tolkien, has decided to embark on the journey of the "Fellowship of the Ring" from Bucchianico (Chieti) up to top of Vesuvius to throw a ring after a long walk through central Italy. With him others eight travel companions, dressed just like the characters of the company (elf, dwarf, hobbit, sorcerer and humans). The journey, which began last August 27th laid down by the province of Chieti, ended the September 2th (anniversary of the death of JRR Tolkien).
The journey of the Fellowship of the Ring and the utopia of recreating the Shire
However, the goal of the Fellowship of the Ring journey was not to defeat Sauron, but instead of raise funds for creating a true County hobbit in Abruzzo (called Gentile County). The whole adventure was shared by the group on social networks, with direct on Instagram on the page MyHobbitLife. Geologist and pastry chef, but above all a great fan of the Tolkien saga, Nicolas Gentile, bought land in Bucchianico and decided to build a hobbit house, just like the one seen in the Peter Jackson. Every September, together with other fans of Tolkien's opera, he also organizes a great event for the Bilbo Baggins birthday (postponed in 2020 due Covid). This year the party should take place, as always, on September 18th. To participate it will be necessary the reservation, but also present your own Green pass at the entrance (as explained on the official website of the Gentile County).
The dream of Abruzzo county it doesn't seem to be that far anyway. This utopian place in central Italy serves not only to recreate the imaginary life of hobbits. There Italian county, according to Gentile himself "it must be a balm for the spirit and for human relationships, simple and pure ones". The project also includes the construction of a Bed & Breakfast (The Great Hobbit House) where all lovers of the Tolkien saga and cannot stay and live a day or more as a hobbit. At the moment the Shire is not yet completed. It all depends on the result of the through crowdfunding, also advertised during the voyage to destroy "the one ring" in the Vesuvio/Mount Doom. However, according to Nicolas Gentile, the Shire may already be visitable in 2022 and many fans of The Lord of the Rings can't wait to be able to stay there.
Cover photo: © My Hobbit Life (Official Facebook page)
