What’s a Smial?

Smials — named after the word Tolkien uses for hobbit-holes — are local branches of the Tolkien Society which meet on a regular or occasional basis.

Although affiliated to the Society they are independent organisations and run entirely on a voluntary basis. As such, meetings can take many forms, from going to the pub or having lunch through to dedicated Tolkien reading groups. Many Smials are now meeting online.

You don’t have to be a member of the Society to join a Smial, so get in touch with the contact for your nearest group (or perhaps start your own if there’s not one close to you).

If you have any questions, please contact the Society’s Smials Co-ordinator.

Find your nearest Smial

Have a look at the map below to find your nearest group (zoom-out for Smials outside of the UK):