My New Year’s Tradition: A Journey to Middle-Earth

Every New Year’s Eve and Day, I settle in for a marathon like no other: the Lord of the Rings extended editions. Yes, all 11-plus glorious hours of Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, and the gang making their way through Middle-Earth. It’s not just a viewing—it’s an experience.

There’s something magical about revisiting Tolkien’s world at the start of a new year. It’s a reminder that no matter how daunting the road ahead may seem, courage, friendship, and a little humor can see us through. The epic battles, the quiet moments of reflection, and the triumph of light over darkness never fail to move me. Plus, it’s a great way to justify eating second breakfast.

A Sci-Fi Twist on a Fantasy Classic

This year, as I watched the Fellowship set out from Rivendell, a thought struck me: Could The Lord of the Rings be more than just the ultimate fantasy epic? Could it, in fact, be a science fiction story in disguise? Think about it—elves with longevity that rivals cryogenically enhanced humans, Sauron as an advanced A.I., and the One Ring as the ultimate piece of wearable tech.

The idea might seem absurd at first (and it is, delightfully so), but it’s exactly the kind of thought experiment that makes storytelling so much fun. Great works of fiction lend themselves to endless interpretations and fan theories, and Middle-Earth as a post-apocalyptic future Earth is one that tickles the imagination.

In my next article, I’ll delve deeper into this theory with equal parts reverence and tongue-in-cheek humor. Whether you’re a hardcore Tolkien fan or just someone who loves exploring what-ifs, I think you’ll enjoy the ride. After all, Middle-Earth—like all great stories—is vast enough to contain multitudes, including a little sci-fi speculation.

So here’s to 2025: a year of discovery, creativity, and more unforgettable adventures. Thank you for being part of this journey, and as always, I look forward to exploring new worlds with you.

Until next time—whether on the Shire’s rolling hills or in the farthest reaches of space—keep dreaming big, my friends.

Happy New Year!

Leif J. Erickson is a science fiction and fantasy author from a small farming community in west central Minnesota. Using his time wisely when he was a farmer, Leif developed many ideas, characters, and storylines to create over fifty unique first drafts and outlines for stories. From his start in a small town school, to college at North Dakota State University, back to his family farm, then to the bright lights of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and back to his small farming town, Leif has always had a love of writing.

When Leif isn’t writing he can be found with his wife hiking in state parks, canoeing local lakes and rivers, exploring local and regional ghost towns, experiencing museums, or simply reading or hanging out with friends and family. Leif draws on the local nature and ecology to find inspiration for his writing while he also asks what’s possible for technology and the human race, weaving them together for amazing stories that will stay with the reader for years to come. Leif looks forward to having many novel and story releases in the years to come.

You can see all of Leif’s Books here: Leif’s Amazon Author Page