What if J. R. R. Tolkien were alive today and just now began his fantasy novels that would ultimately become his legacy? Would living in the 21st century influence how he came up with his storylines and characters? In The Wobbit: A Parody (Of Tolkien’s The Hobbit), Paul A. Erickson imagines Bilbo Baggins as an underemployed former banker, Gandolf as a project manager, Thorin as an incompetent CEO, and the dwarves as bankers who must all work together to steal back Smaug’s gold to save the economy. 

Erickson’s own experience in finance during the 2008 recession was his inspiration for this parody novel. With names and locations hilariously adapted (many readers will recognize the influences from other pop culture favorites as well), he successfully emulates Tolkien’s writing style to mimic what might have happened if Tolkien wrote The Hobbit today. The result: thirteen dwarf bankers go in search of a dragon who stole their deposits and ate their borrowers, causing a recession in Little Earth.  

One of my favorite aspects of this parody was our main character’s personality (Bulbo Bunkins in this story); throughout the novel he laments that he would rather be drinking a cocktail in his recliner than being hired as a contractor on this ridiculous journey. I can’t say I blame him – especially since he occasionally points out how very little planning and preparation went into this dangerous quest. For example, Bulbo mentions that none of the dwarves have brought any weapons with them to slay the egocentric dragon, Smug. While this may serve as a plot device in the original novel, The Wobbit: A Parody (Of Tolkien’s The Hobbit) brings attention to it as a parody should. 

Readers who wish they could revisit Tolkien’s work or crave more of it will not be disappointed with Erickson’s adaptation. The story is still a light-hearted, fun-filled adventure with more laughs than I expected. If anything, the amusing dialogue is enough to keep readers guessing as to how our favorite characters will deal with their next obstacle. 

Paul A. Erickson agreed to do an interview with me at C2E2 in late February to discuss how he came up with the ideas in his book and his other published parodies. Tolkien fans and other bookworms can listen to our enjoyable conversation on a future episode of The Nerd Cantina Show.