This was the story a 19-year-old Terry Pratchett wrote a fan letter to Tolkien about. Tolkien wrote back saying it was the first fan letter he’d received about this story. Pratchett kept it and it’s apparently why he too was very responsive to fan letters.

Start watching video. Pause to make hot chocolate. And a thimble of elderberry schnapps. Restart video.

I read this story years and years ago. I loved it! It's no Farmer Giles but it's good. Which brings me to my next question: Have you considered becoming an audio book narrator? I think you'd be great at it!

This is my favorite non-Middle-earth story! It inspired my wedding cake, which was a spice cake with vanilla buttercream and a chocolate filling --- back in 1981 I was told beforehand that spice cake wouldn't go with chocolate! But no one complained. It was decorated with pastel sugar violets, daisies and buttercups. No Fairy Queen, but a pair of glass swans sat on the top. But they fell off and were broken while the cake was being served, which turned out to be a sad portent of the marriage that was to come. No visit to Faery ensued.

Very sweet story; it’s nice to sit and be read to…a very child like guilty pleasure

My grandmother had this story along with Farmer Giles of Ham in one volume. I remember being a little kid and looking at the dragon on the cover. Although I wore out her copy of the Hobbit I never read Smith of Wooton Major. It was very nice listening to you read it and talk about it. I admit I got a little misty eyed at parts. It was a very nice tale, thanks for sharing.

Naming the apprentice "Alf" (Old Saxon for "elf") but immediately substituting it with "Prentice" so you all but forget that he's named "Elf" --- genius move by Tolkien. I very much admire your Shire-like back yard.

I’d imagine it’s a quick “woo”, like wood. Wooden major. But with a T

Triple chocolate cake, hands down. A Mt. Chocolate dessert is pretty good too. Put a chocolate chip cookie or fudge brownie in a bowl, bury with chocolate chunk ice cream, top with chocolate whip creme and white whip creme on top of that. Then sprinkle chocolate chips. If that doesn't leave you in a blissful chocolate coma, nothing will.

I read this many years ago. It's nice to be reminded. One thought: Bilbo is an example of a sometimes distracted and frustrated writer, much like Tolkien himself. Anyway, good job. Thanks.

I read this while backpacking in the Ansel Adams Wilderness during a snowstorm on July 5th, 1972 at 10,500 feet, the tree line where it starts to become alpine tundra. I loaned a couple my LOTR trilogy (Yes I carried it in my pack) and they loaned me Smith of Wootton Major with Farmer Giles of Ham and Leaf By Niggle. Then a small hard bound copy of The Adventures Of Tom Bombadil and some really delicious homemade licorice. I like licorice. I hadn't read Smith since, but in a tent at the base of Mt. Ritter that I had climbed before, but because of the snow delay I would never climb it again, you brought it back to me Jess, thank you. To be up there on a saddle of land between Garnet and Thousand Island Lakes still covered with snow from Winter I had a journey into Faery. Thank you again.

The repeated use of smithing is probably drawing on Tolkien's love of folklore. It's common in European folklore for blacksmiths in particular to be seen as having access to powerful magic. Some scholars even think "pulling the sword from the he stone" in Arthurian legend was originally talking about the one who smelted the iron from ore and forged the sword rather than literally a sword embedded in a stone.

Smith of Wootton Major and Farmer Giles of Ham came as a pair of short stories back when I read them. It's been a long, long time. 🎂🌟🧚‍♀ Your interpretations of Tolkien's works are very insightful. I think you understand him very well. 🐦🌳

I'm still lamenting the name change from Part Time Hobbit 😂 it was perfect, but I'll get over it...great vid so far!

My Great Cake (Jess pronounced it with capitals, so I assume that's how it's spelled) would be vanilla. Too simple, you say? Ha! On the contrary: in the simplicity of vanilla lies its brilliance, for a vanilla cake goes with everything; and thus, by cunningly frosting and garnishing the Great Cake differently in various parts, you possess a single cake capable of satisfying virtually any palate! As long as none of the children are allergic to vanilla.

I love that what the king of faery decided to do with his life is quietly make cakes for this little village and help the people who were open understand faery in hidden ways. It reminds me of the quiet and humble ways God often works in our lives to remind us that we were made for more than this world. Thank you for the cozy story time, I needed that this week 💜

The excitement in your face is delightful as you finished the story. You can find it in "Tales From the Perilous Relm," along with Rover random, Leaf by Niggle, Adventures of Tom Bombidill and Farmer Giles. Most people I talk to about Tolkien have never heard of his extended universe outside of the Jackson films. Keep it up! ;')

Yeah, Smith of Wootton Major was one of my favourite stories. I really liked Prentice.

So glad you've got to this story. I read this at about 14, by which point I'd already read LOTR, and had the Hobbit read to me. But it was this one that really turned me on to Tolkein. I think it's some element of ambiguity that is stronger here than in his other works I'd encountered up to that point.

Illustrations in the book are from Pauline Baynes. She illustrated C.S.Lewis's work.

The thing to remember about 'Prentice is that his name is Alf. Or Aelf.... or Elf.

I first read the story when it was first published, and treasured that little paperback for years. This is just the way I could imagine hearing the story. Sitting on a rainy afternoon while mom reads the story aloud to us while we sit wrapped in warm afghans, sipping hot chocolate, and watching out the window while the little birds fly up to the suet block, grab a quick peck, then fly off. Dogs may bark, sirens scream down the street, raindrops splatter into the bird fountain, but we are so involved in the tale that we never care. This little video is a gem. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars for a great performance.

The bird alighting on the feeder at 53:10

I've read it before, both silently and to my children at bedtime, but I've never had it read to me, so thank you very much for such a delightful interlude. ❤

That's an interesting observation about the apparent lack of emphasis on the great writers of Middle-Earth. Even the Red Book could be thought of more as a personal journal than a piece of literature. It might be that Tolkien is reflecting the "real-world" era in which his world is broadly set, where bards were largely responsible for recording and passing on the stories of their cultures, and most ordinary people were not able to read. Even Gandalf's time studying the old tomes in Minas Tirith brings to mind the idea of a European scholar visiting the Library of Alexandria, or some other ancient repository of Classical writing. The widespread use of poems and songs also points to a culture that relies on oral tradition rather then formal writing. In any case, you always give me something interesting to ponder.

Thank you for this, it's raining here and your storytelling is adding a lot to the atmosphere. Happy Friday :)

Your book readings are great

The story was wonderful, but I couldn't stop looking for the gleam of a star on your forehead. Listening to the sound of your voice and watching your mouth shape the words is an enchantment too. :)

I wonder if Tolkien started this with the idea of writing a fairytale in the style of a George MacDonald and the story took on a life of its own. The star is very much like the golden key that Mossy finds in fairy land at the end of the still standing rainbow. There is also the adventure that takes the heroes in and out of fairy land from a place that is already fairylike compared to our world. (I have tea and cake and am listening to this one more time. Thank you for the recommendation.)

I just finished watching this. I have never read this story before. I had plans to leave in about 25 minutes and I thought I might get this in on time. Till I saw that is was over an hour so I thought, I can just watch part of it. I was wrong! Thank you!!! It is a wonderful story -- the story itself AND your reading of it! I am usually pretty even tempered and not particularly emotional, but I can be sentimental at times. This was one of those times. Again, thank you. Like you I thought Alf was the King, but I kept faith even when it seemed it couldn't be him. Yes, you were right! Loved it!

Thank you so much for this! I read this story very long ago, but the intervening decades (over four of them) and your delightful story-reading voice have given me completely new perspective on it. In fact I cried several times as the video went along - maybe we old folks are just too emotional, I don't know! Anyway, you are partly right that Tolkien was aware that faery was not meant to be just some nutrient-free sugar to entertain childish sensibilities. But I think what Tolkien was saying was more along the lines that: the substance of faery is a gift meant only for humans, though unfortunately most humans give up their humanity in exchange for the ability to Get Along in the "real world," and thereby forget what life is really all about, and die never having actually Got It. Have you ever read Women Who Run With the Wolves? It's a pretty weighty volume, but just a few chapters will give you the idea: "fairy tales" were not, originally, written to keep children naive and sweet and innocent. They were written to teach children how to remain human even when they have to grow up. I think the professor would have agreed!

This is the first time I encountered this short story. I like the setup of this video, it is very ASMR-y. Definitely going to rewatch the whole video again some day. Thank you very much for making and sharing this wonderful video.

I'm a 40+ year old man, I love being read to by you, or maybe just in general, 20 or 30 I never would have imagined that being read to would be something that I enjoy as much as I do. I loved the ambiance set my the rain etc. Thank you

Red Velvet cake, of course, but sans the traditional coconut in the icing. Also, I read this every Autumn, it being one if my favorite quick reads, and it never fails to give me that ethereal, liminal high. Thanks for giving it such full treatment.

Thank you, Jess. I always enjoy your programs, 💙💙

I read that back in the 1970s. It's very nice. I was disappointed that it wasn't LotR, but it was still good.

Hi Jess, if you're ever looking for more content, there's a short-lived LOTR parody named the Adventures of Edward the Less. It's only thirteen short (3-5 mins.) episodes and I would love to see what you think of them. They're all available right here on KZfaq for added convenience.😊

I'd never read it, so thanks for reading it to me.

Smith of Wooten Major! A true classic if ever there was one, and written so near to us in time.

Lovely reading and intelligent commentary on my favorite Tolkien story. I also loved the nice touch of birds flying and feeding behind you as you read. I'm just going to assume you arranged that on purpose. 🙂

I started full on crying when he has to give up his star and give it to someone else. This story really connected with me, thank you for making this video❤. would love to see more like this!

You read this so beautifully, Jess. ✨ Please more storytelling from you. 🙏🏻 Just magical. 🧚🏼 You could read me down to sleep when I’m feeling the insomnia. 🫶🏻

it's been 48 years or so since I first read this still brings me to tears

Thank you for including Tolkien's letter to Clyde Kilby in your introduction. Professor Kilby's "Modern Myth" class at Wheaton College introduced me to Tolkien, Lewis, and the rest of the Inklings 50 years ago, a gift for which I am still appreciative. And I concur with the commenter who hopes to hear you read more stories!

My first time hearing this story. It is wonderful and very insightful as to its origin. I loved watching the blue jay at your feeder in the background. I have a similar feeder and scrub jays come to it. Scrub jays are just as noisy but less colorful cousins of Eastern jays but they are masters of my feeders. I look forward to seeing you on Fridays and have only delved a little bit into your past posts. Keep up the great work :-) Oh, chocolate cake with raspberry filling.

One of the best things about your videos are the changing backgrounds and environments. I really enjoy how you setup the backdrops.

As a fellow enthusiast, I could not ignore it. Clamavi de Profundis does a number of Tolkien-themed songs. The Song of Durin and the song of Beren and Luthien are done particularly well. Give them a listen

This video and your Letters from Father Christmas will be a new Christmas Eve tradition in my home. As night comes on, Hot Chocolate will be made and the family will settle down to listen to your beautiful reading. Thank You so much.

Thanks, Jess! I’ve always meant to read that story and now I’ve had it read to me while I do my own kind of smithing on an old truck. Truly a nice way to spend an afternoon

Pauline Banes also illustrated Narnia!

I think that I read this many years ago. But some tales grab you (like The Hobbit) and some float back out on an evening breeze. I don't know why. But thank you for the gift of reminder.

I really enjoyed your chefs kiss after the story about the chef. I write stories as well. When I am halfway through and I could think, it'd be cool if there was a connection between the characters. I think that's what Tolkien did. Writing from his imagination and filling that out as he wrote it.

I would make a chocolate cake with creamcheese frosting and raspberries for my great cake

I love this story. I found it at a local used book store about 10 years ago. The book contains The Smith of Wooten Major and Farmer Giles of Ham. My cake would be a 4 layer peanut butter cake. My dad would make it every once in a while. It was delicious. Enjoyed your reading very much.

My daughter and I watched/listened to this tonight and very much enjoyed it, thank you.

To whoever reads this and sees my channel. Know that this is not a plug but a thank you. Your assessment is a privilege to hear. I had forgot what made me love Tolkien…indeed I haven’t read any of his works in a long time and had no idea how I got the gift that is to tell a creative tale. Not that my life, or anyones can always be perfect and we all forget. But reminders can come at the right time completely by surprise and must have us in complete awe. I wasn’t able to keep a dead channel going…nor was I truly alive, as I feel now, as now I have been graciously allowed to see my life seemingly as an outsider(have to thank YT as well) but as of now I was never in control of said life. It was not for me but for the readers…not to keep anyone from reading still…I can’t wait to show you all my library!!!Just saying tho…some people write for fun and they live in their books as much as they can. But with video it can be 24/7…

I have to tell you, Jess, I chose to start my day off by watching this video. I am so glad I did. What a cozy, comfy video! I had never read Smith of Wooton Major, and this was such a lovely way to be introduced to it. Thank you!

Love it! One of my big regrets was not purchasing an old copy of Tolkien’s Christmas book featuring “Polar Bear”. Perhaps you could read that one day, or possibly his version of “Gawain…”

I agree with Jess and would definitely favor a chocolate mousse cake. Chocolate mousse by itself has long been one of my favorite desserts.

Delightful, thank you. It was new to me

I think you are inspiring me to take the time to read or listen to more stories once I calm down my nerves. It was my first time hearing the story and hearing of the story. I am not sure about the value of the story, but I am glad that I finally had the patience to listen to it.

I've read Smith at least twice before. 1st as a child, than as an adult. But I got the most out of this reading. Loved your insights

My great cake is chocolate with cherry preserves

First time with this one. Fun cozy autumnal vibes. Certain stories feel right at certain times of year and this was perfect for the transition into fall. Reminds me that it's time for my yearly Over the Garden Wall rewatch.

Cake? If I had my preferences, I would choose a pie, any type of fruit pie.

Love Smith of Wootton Major. I'm glad you put the illustrations in the video too.

Thank you so much for this reading and your thoughts on the story. One thought for you in return ... I didn't notice the sirens or the plane or the neighbours until after you mentioned them, so engrossed was I, and so you don't need to worry much about such noises.

Somewhere along the way, as you read about the Star, the following came to my mind and stayed for many minutes. Elen síla lúmenn’ omentielmo

I absolutely loved this video... the rain added the perfect ambiance, and I honestly dont remember how long it's been since my last "story time" I didn't realize how much I miss them, but I still very much appreciate the interjections of commentary

My mother read this to me when I was much, much younger! I know this because the eventual skinny fate of Old Nokes always stuck in my mind 😁

Its a rainy day here

As for repeated themes, let’s not miss Earendil with a star on his brow (the Silmaril) that gets him into Faerie (Aman)

The common-sense observations on e.g. what to (not) put in cakes really fit a part-time hobbit. ;)

This story is wonderful, and isn't really about making a cake.

And have you heard Andy Serkis’ reading of the complete LOTR? Unparalleled!!!

This was a great story. Thanks for the video!

I have been wanting to read this story for a while, but couldn't find it on sale where I live, and here you are reading it! A very cosy reading and a very soothing atmosphere - exactly what was needed today, thank you, Jess! I love your idea with reading less well-known of Tolkien's writings. I think you would do well at reading his lays and poems too - you have the talent for setting the right atmosphere and tone for the piece.

I read SoWM again this year, and kept it on my desk since, meaning to transcribe the bit about 'wondering what Alf had been up to in his spare time' (57:55). It's about as close as Tolkien ever got to writing about sex. (One could also mention the conversation with Imrahil in LotR about what happened to Nimrodel's folk).

Jess, we haven't heard from you for over a week -- I hope you're doing okay! Sending positive vibes your way.

1:33 It's not an uncommon reaction to re-read a childhood favorite as an adult and find that it's been visited by the Suck Fairy.

I do like Smith.. first time I read it I was maybe 16. It was a scorching and breezy summer, and I'd sat in the local churchyard, which is atop a high hill not unlike Weathertop in how it dominates the landscape on my side of the Penines. I think I might've got a bit too much sun, because that deserted early August graveyard became an uncanny place as I finished the book. It was a strange mood that overtook me. Stuck with me ever since, even 20 years later.

This was also my first time. How wonderful! I grabbed a coffee and got back into bed for your beautiful reading. ( Try not to spill in my Gimli sized beard 🤣). As you said, Tolkien's writing is so densely packed packed with Aligory and Metaphor, you could spend an afternoon just unraveling a paragraph. That's why he's been my absolute favorite author period for 30+ years ( I'm getting old 😭 🤣). I've been meaning to read this story for years, but just never got around to it. I adore your channel more than most other Tolkien fan sites. You make it personal and relatable. Sorry for rambling on...I guess I've got a bit of Ent in me 😂. Thanks so much! Can't wait for your next video. I've subscribed and rang the bell 👍. 🖖😁🤘🇨🇦❤️

The rain ambience is nice

This was the first time id heard of this story. Its now one of my favorites. Thank you so much for sharing. :)

Thank you for that! I painted while I listened. You read aloud very well indeed!

I never bake a cake for myself. I prefer brownies, and so my favorite cake is brownie

Perfect. Thank you.

German chocolate cake w/ chocolate chips in it is my personal fav.

The video was perfect, the story was perfect, the birds outside the window were beautiful! Thank you for telling us this story 😻 sending love from Argentina

This was great!

I am now in my seventies and read Smtih, together with Leaf and Farmer Giles for the first time in a Dutch translation about fifty years ago. There after I reread it many times in English. During a lifetime and less space I couldn’t take all books with me. So I am glad that there are digital versions nowadays and I think that I now have almost all Tolkien books on my iPad. A few months ago I added Tales from the Perilous Realm to my collection and read Smith again. As you, I think, that with this story Tolkien is handing over his writer’s “cloak” to a new generation of writers of feary stories. Anyone an idea who he would have in mind to wear his “star”?

Thank you for reading to us, Jess! Listening to you was a great way to wake up this morning.

I've read it before but you had some brilliant insights I hadn't noticed before, so thank you so much for this! It was delightful listening to your rendition.

The rain is perfect. Also great read and thank you for taking the time to do this. Such an amazing person.

Thanks for this beautiful story and your informed comments & asides. Hope you didn't catch cold sat out by the rain so long.

I had never read that story. I enjoyed it. Thank you for reading it to us!

It's funny, you got some of the same manners and intonations as Matt, from RP Archive. (Specially in the medieval food vid, that I just watch.)

I love the rain ❤

Second post: I am sure I read Smith of Wootton Major many years ago and didn't find it at all impressive, but Jess's insight and commentary has made the little book much more meaningful to me.

I love listening to you.