Smith of Wootton Major and Farmer Giles of Ham

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Two bewitching fantasies by J.R.R. Tolkien, beloved author of THE HOBBIT. In SMITH OF WOOTTON MAJOR, Tolkien explores the gift of fantasy, and what it means to the life and character of the man who receives it. And FARMER GILES OF HAM tells a delightfully ribald mock-heroic tale, where a dragon who invades a town refuses to fight, and a farmer is chosen to slay him.

Farmer Giles of Ham first published in 1949. Smith of Wootton Major was first published in November 1965.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Classics, Short Stories, Science Fiction Fantasy, Dragons, Childrens

156 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1949

About the author

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien: writer, artist, scholar, linguist. Known to millions around the world as the author of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien spent most of his life teaching at the University of Oxford where he was a distinguished academic in the fields of Old and Middle English and Old Norse. His creativity, confined to his spare time, found its outlet in fantasy works, stories for children, poetry, illustration and invented languages and alphabets.

Tolkien’s most popular works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are set in Middle-earth, an imagined world with strangely familiar settings inhabited by ancient and extraordinary peoples. Through this secondary world Tolkien writes perceptively of universal human concerns – love and loss, courage and betrayal, humility and pride – giving his books a wide and enduring appeal.

Tolkien was an accomplished amateur artist who painted for pleasure and relaxation. He excelled at landscapes and often drew inspiration from his own stories. He illustrated many scenes from The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, sometimes drawing or painting as he was writing in order to visualize the imagined scene more clearly.

Tolkien was a professor at the Universities of Leeds and Oxford for almost forty years, teaching Old and Middle English, as well as Old Norse and Gothic. His illuminating lectures on works such as the Old English epic poem, Beowulf, illustrate his deep knowledge of ancient languages and at the same time provide new insights into peoples and legends from a remote past.

Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 1892 to English parents. He came to England aged three and was brought up in and around Birmingham. He graduated from the University of Oxford in 1915 and saw active service in France during the First World War before being invalided home. After the war he pursued an academic career teaching Old and Middle English. Alongside his professional work, he invented his own languages and began to create what he called a mythology for England; it was this ‘legendarium’ that he would work on throughout his life. But his literary work did not start and end with Middle-earth, he also wrote poetry, children’s stories and fairy tales for adults. He died in 1973 and is buried in Oxford where he spent most of his adult life.

Reviews

[Wild-Rogue-Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time wrestle-I-mean-reading! something by Tolkien. I will openly admit, I slept-read The Hobbit. *gasp*
I know, I know...how can someone do that? Like I have a clue, I was a freshman in high school - that on a whole is an unsolved mystery in itself.

So, as I helped my Mum put books away, this fell from a stack and hit me.
In the face.
I took it as a sign to get back on the horse and charge headlong back into Tolkien's imaginative writing. My steed was derailed a few pages later. After a few more pages, it took me by the hand and we began to run.

These two short stories were very charming to read, I'm a bit surprised no nerds and geeks talk about them; or seem to have read them!
While reading Smith of Wootton- every time Tolkien would mention the Star, my mind flashed to something along the lines of Paul Stanley.

Farmer Giles- it was just a snortfest for me. From now on, if I were to ever learn Latin or Latin names for things, I'm going to use the phrase, "Or in the vulgar tongue-". That, and I desperately want to commission a Dragon tail cake for my next birthday.

Lightening of Heaven, what are you still reading this for? Go on out, right this minute, and procure yourself a fine copy!

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ended up rereading this on a whim since these stories were included in Tales from the Perilous Realm that I borrowed off KU so I could finally read Roverandom and stop feeling like a bad Tolkien geek. These are great examples of the lighter side of fantasy that we don't really get anymore these days with all the grim dark flooding the market.

"Smith of Wootton Major" is a random little story about a fae star and a cake and a smith. It doesn't really have a point, but it's interesting despite its nonsensicalness and more of a serious tone than I remember. "Farmer Giles of Ham" follows the adventures and misadventures of a farmer named Giles, his cowardly dog Garm and all the stuff they get up to, with unexpected results. There's a witty, whimsical tone to this one, since it is a silly yarn, and full of colorful characters and creatures.

[Cat Carstairs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though slow at times, Smith of Wootton Major and Farmer Giles of Ham is the perfect addition to any Tolkien lover's collection. We follow two different short stories about unlikely heroes and unique odds. Although I enjoyed Farmer Giles of Ham more than Smith of Wootton Major, both stories are set on a fantastical background and are reminiscent of the components of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

[Robin Hobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these two tales, we see Tolkien in two story-telling modes. Farmer Giles of Ham is playful, while Smith of Wooten Major does exactly what fantasy does best: it examines a larger question and wakes a sense of wonder. If you have only seen the movies, or if you've never read Tolkien or seen the movies, I'd recommend Smith of Wooten Major as a wonderful place to sample his story telling. I've read this aloud to children and they loved it.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple of short stories from the beloved author of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, this was a great one day read. The first entry focuses on a boy who swallows a star and has adventures in an alternate universe. The second, and in my opinion, better of the two focuses on a farmer/dragon tamer and the adventures he has with said dragon. Now that I've read this small anthology, I can cross it off my bucket list. But seriously, if you're a Tolkien fan, you have to give this book a chance.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two short stories remain to be favourites of mine!

[SheriC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit I'm biased, but I loved these two short stories as much now as I did when I was a little kid just discovering Tolkien. I feel as though they represent both his love of the heroic and the mysteriously romantic nature seen in LotR, but also his affectionately scathing take on human nature seen in The Hobbit. With SoWM illustrating the first and FGoH the second. I think these would be a good intro to Tolkien for anyone hesitant to make the larger commitment to his novels.

Paperback version, found at my public library's Friends of the Library sale.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful shorter stories by a master.

[Tori Samar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avail yourselves of these short, charming tales. I love that Tolkien could employ such varied writing styles. There’s the elevated, majestic style of The Lord of the Rings but also the light, whimsical style of these stories. Regardless of what he chooses, Tolkien doesn’t disappoint.

(The Literary Life Podcast 2023 Reading Challenge – Work written by a member of a literary group)

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two great novellas by Tolkien which, I'd hazard to say, most readers (and probably most fans of JRRT's) don't know exist, but which are both among his stronger works. Both stories would make great animated adaptations like the Rankin/Bass productions of "The Hobbit" and "The Return of the King."

"Smith of Wootton Major" is my favorite of the two and in it Tolkien gives us a more intimate view of Faery Land than in his other works. Faery remains mysterious, beautiful, and dangerous but we are treated to more interactions with the King and Queen of Fairy than in any other story. It is a story that is both happy and sad, which is fitting for any treatment of Faery Land.

"Farmer Giles of Ham" is a fun, light hearted story. It is similar to a fable, featuring talking animals and legendary creatures. It parodies medieval tales of dragon slaying, knights, and kings and, in my view, comes very close to satirizing them. JRRT shows how luck and using wits can raise one from humble beginnings to fame and fortune. In doing so Farmer Giles becomes better than the king and his knights (who are shown to be useless throughout the tale).

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awwwww, these two stories were so cute and fun! I really wasn't entirely sure what to expect from these two short stories, but they definitely reminded me in some ways of Tolkien's "Letters from Father Christmas," just whimsical and funny and with some nice bits of wisdom gently bestowed here and there.

"Smith of Wootton Major" is all about baking cakes and giving secret gifts, and since I love both those activities, I probably liked it the best of the two. "Farmer Giles of Ham" is about a reluctant, accidental hero who ends up outsmarting a tricksy dragon and becoming very important indeed.

This is totally going to be the next book I read out loud to my kids. It's sweet and clean and will make them giggle. It made ME giggle! Especially those knights in "Farmer Giles" who didn't want to go dragon-hunting at all.

[Noctvrnal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tolkien started from creating stories for his children and this little tome contains two of them. I was delighted to read them as they were easy going and both had happy endings (as children stories tend to do). The writing style of these stories is also lighter and more fast paced than The Lord of the Rings but very much resembling The Hobbit. And in these two stories one can definitely find things that Tolkien loved: lore of times long passed, evil dragons and most of all - simple living, in one way or another.
The tales here are lovely and easy to read, but they still show Tolkien’s genius in creating a story that grabs you and takes you on a journey. A journey of adventure and the road home.

[Sarah Opgenorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two delightful little fantasy stories — one about the fairy realm and one about a dragon. The most compact Tolkien stories out there, I’d venture to say. I read each story in one sitting. Cannot wait to read these aloud to my girls. I loved the originally published illustrations as well, I think that will help keep my kindergarten’s interest.

Smith of Wooten Major was my favorite. Had George MacDonald/Phantases vibes.

Farmer Giles had some ha-has. It was funny. I loved this part, as they villagers were anticipating what would happen with the dragon invading their land:

“People chatted about it pleasantly at their doors. ‘How like old times!’ they said. ‘Just as Christmas is coming too. So seasonable.’” (92).

I loved the “bit of rope” part in Farmer Giles. Samwise vibes were strong.



Thank you, Alex McEwen, for lending me your book!

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two charming tales by Tolkien. One the story of faerie magic in a small village, the other of a humble farmer who becomes brave when it is asked of him. My edition was graced by Pauline Baynes’ illustrations. There were laugh out loud descriptions of chastised dragons and quirky villagers. Tolkien is a master of these kinds of tales.

[elektrospiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

"O dziejach Małego Królestwa niewiele nam wiadomo, przypadkiem jednak zachowała się historia jego powstania; ściślej mówiąc, nie tyle historia, ile legenda, bo jest to opowieść niewątpliwie znacznie później sklecona, pełna dziwów zaczerpniętych nie z suchych kronik, lecz z ludowych pieśni, na które też często się powołuje."

"Rudy Dżil i jego pies"
Nietypowa bajka, bazująca na angielskim i irlandzkim folklorze, wykrzywiająca jednak i w pewien sposób i ośmieszająca bohaterskie czyny, jakie sławiono w pieśniach. Niewątpliwie Anglicy mają też inne piosenki, niż dworskie hymny - równie przaśne, co chłopskie przyśpiewki czeskie, w których królów i panów raczej się wyśmiewa i wykpiwa. (...)

"Kowal z Podlesia Większego"
Druga opowieść, opublikowana po raz pierwszy 20 lat później (1967), atmosferą przypomina raczej folklor irlandzki lub smętne nieco bajki Andersena. Nie ma tu jednak ubóstwa, jak u Duńczyka - Tolkien zachował pozytywne wspomnienia z dzieciństwa w Anglii.

Całość opinii na stronie: https://nakanapie.pl/recenzje/pikarej...

[Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite in this book is Smith of Wooten Major, though Farmer Giles of Ham is a fun romp in its own right. "Smith" is in fact probably my favorite of Tolkien's short works. Leaf by Niggle was also very enjoyable, and if we take the portions of the Silmarillion as individual pieces I might revise my opinon, but there is just something about "Smith" which is not only enjoyable, but which speaks to something in the heart of anyone drawn to something "beyond", to the fantastic, the mythic, to another world, or an idea of another world, or a vision of THE world which may only be seen in the "fiction" of fantasy. Though I would not call it an allegory, the reference to Tolkien's own life seems strongly implicit, with the dual tragedy of both losing that fantasy world, and discovering that one has come late to the beauty of one's own world-- and yet there is the hopeful fact that the more pragmatic, everyday world has been enriched by this contact with the Other world.
Out of all of Tolkien's work, "Smith" seems to me to hold by far the greatest debt to George MacDonald's work. I know that Tolkien, later in life, found much of MacDonald's work distasteful, but I feel the debt here is a positive one. A very different work than Lord of the Rings or his other Middle Earth material, but it is a pleasant change and cannot help but feel more personal, Tolkien's own vision of his life, as Leaf by Niggle was.

[David Mosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in the following years:
2008
2009

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smith of Wootton Major is more delicate and lovely than anyone would expect from a story with such a title.

Farmer Giles of Ham is ridiculous, and hilarious, and full of small true things.

[C.J. Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one holds a special place in my heart as I believe (if I recall correctly) that this was one of the first paperbacks I ever bought by Tolkien that was outside of the legendarium. The true start to a lifelong collection.

Smith of Wootton Major. 4/5*:
This is the fourth tale in Tales from the Perilous Realm, and this is the only other story I had not read prior. I have to say I’m not sure how I feel about it, but like the others, I’m sure I’d like it more a second time.

This was one of Tolkien’s tales trying to explain the meaning of faery, or at least whatever that meant to him. It was apparently supposed to be part of a preface he was writing for George MacDonald’s ‘The Golden Key’, but became its own thing. (I’m no expert, I looked it up)

Other than his usual and original use of the term Faery, this is not linked to his middle-earth legendarium, and in my opinion, has more of the lighthearted silliness of the other novellas in it. A great cook and his apprentice (referred to as ‘prentice) make a great cake filled with 24 trinkets and coins for the children. However, this year they include a 25th item, a star from faery. The smith’s son swallows it, later spitting it out and affixing it to his forehead. This serves almost like a blessing from the faeries, and he is blessed with skills and personality.

This one was not really my favorite, I was a bit confused at points, which isn’t unusual for Tolkien, but it was short, so I thought it’d be easy going. Maybe it’d be an easier read than a listen. Personally a 4/5* for me.

Farmer Giles of Ham 5/5*:
This review is based off of the Harper Collins Pocket Hardcovers sold in a set as the “Tolkien Treasury.” This book includes the published version of the story, the first manuscript version, and the short outline for the sequel. I’m including that info because I don’t know if other versions include the same.

To me this was a great little tale, falling just short of me loving it. I think this is a cute, silly story that could so easily fall into the realm of other fairytale stories/the same popularity, if only it was more readily available. Although, it is again one of those older children’s stories where while I’m reading I’m like, “this was told to kids?!” So with that being said this could easily have been dulled down or “Disney-fied” or made even more adult in a longer version/adaptation.

I feel like pretty much from top to bottom this story is about greed. While Giles is considered to be good to his people, and well liked, he is also still tempted by the gold of the dragon. Albeit, not as grossly as the king and his court.

Of course we also get the dual pleasure of something light and enjoyable as with most of Tolkien’s earlier works (ie. Roverandom or even the full length The Hobbit), mixed with the lush imagination of the king of fantasy Himself.

Personally a 5/5* for me, as I liked it even more the second time around.

[Alex McEwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If "The Silmarillion" highlights Tolkien's mastery of the English language and "The Lord of the Rings" showcases his narrative and world-building skills, then "Smith of Wooton Major" and "Farmer Giles of Ham" reveal his wit and deep affection for philology.

Both tales are whimsical and quintessentially Tolkienesque in style, exploring themes such as the environment, philology, and personal growth. They were both illustrated by Pauline Baynes, with the professor's approval during his lifetime. Both stories are commonly understood as examinations of English literature within a narrative context, delving into deeper aspects of life beyond their surface narratives. I think publisher's decision to pair them in a single edition was incredibly wise.

"Smith of Wooton Major" is probably the best example of a faerie story in Tolkien's entire corpus. While it exists in a different universe than LOTR, it is essential reading for those seeking to understand Tolkien as a writer. I genuinely believe that “Smith” will give the reader a better understanding of LOTR. “Smith” was one of the last things the professor wrote. And, Tolkien himself described it as an "old man's tale.” At first glance the story seems like an illustrated children’s book, but the story itself is incredibly mature. You can almost feel an old man’s hiraeth for a time that no longer exists. The story explores growing up while maintaining a connection to Faerie, and delves into profound themes like grace, social hierarchies, and family responsibilities.

On the other hand, "Farmer Giles of Ham" is a witty piece that showcases Tolkien's play with language, names, and place names. It pays homage to classic English literature while subverting narrative expectations. The kings men are killed, the dragon isn’t slain, and the peasant becomes the king. While "Farmer Giles" may be less self-reflective than "Smith," it shouldn’t be viewed as anti-intellectual. The work pokes fun at the academy and invites the reader to ask “where do stories come from, and how are they passed down through language?

Overall, I enjoyed both stories. "Smith" is exceptionally well-written and "Farmer Giles" was a incredibly fun reading experience. I look forward to revisiting both stories in the near future.

[Timothy Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was five miles, if it was a step and stiff going; and Giles trudged along puffing and blowing but never taking his eye off the worm. At last on the West Side of the Mountain they came to the mouth of the cave. It was large and black and forbidding and it's Brazen doors swung on great pillars of iron. Plainly it had been that a place of strength and pride and days long-forgotten. For dragons do not build such Works nor delve such mines but dwell rather when they may in the tombs and treasuries of Mighty Men and Giants of old."

[K.J. Haakenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the “Smith of Wootton Major” - it was very whimsical and beautiful. I expect to return to this one in the future.

“Farmer Giles of Ham” was funny and quirky but a tad long winded. I did feel very bad for Garm the dog xD

[Grace]

Delightful. Read farmer Giles for the second time, this round was out loud to beatrix

[Lily Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lover of Tolkien’s (overlooked) short stories and humor

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have owned a copy of this book since before I was on Goodreads, and it's been on my "TBR" even longer than that. (I no longer remember how I used to keep track of books I wanted to read before Goodreads.) It was also one of the first books I pulled out of my TBR Jar for 2022, and really, it was about time. And it was fun! A little weird, a little nonsensical (and whimsical), but fun.

There are two short stories in this slim little book, although really I think "Farmer Giles of Ham," the second of the two, is more novella-length. Both are what Tolkien himself would have called "fairy-stories", and both are very obviously written for children. People call The Hobbit a children's book, in that Tolkien created it as a bedtime story for his son Christopher, but The Hobbit has precise worldbuilding and consistently follows the in-universe rules Tolkien created for himself. It is situated in a very firm date and place. These two stories are not. If you think about either of them for too long, the worldbuilding in both makes less and less sense. Little kids don't care about that kind of thing.

"Smith of Wootton Major" is the story of a boy who swallows a faery star as a child, and what happens to him after. This was cute, but makes the least sense, because you have to buy in to the premise that the King of Faery would a) Disguise himself as a teenaged boy, b) Willingly become an apprentice, and then put up with having a dolt of a master for seven years, and c) Spend fifty years living as a human with no companionship just so he can cook for some humans for a while. Tolkien's storytelling is playful, but it probably won't stick with me.

"Farmer Giles of Ham" is a much more fleshed-out, and better constructed story, even if it is set in the past in our world in some unspecified time where firearms were a thing but somehow it was also still the middle ages, and dogs could talk and there are dragons and giants and things. Makes no sense. Farmer Giles (whose real name is Ægidius Ahenobarbus Julius Agricola de Hammo, translated as Giles Redbeard Julius, Farmer of Ham, even though this book is supposed to be set before Britain was conquered by Rome, they still speak Latin, whatever at this point) is talked into helping to slay a dragon after a series of circumstances leads the village and surroundings to believe him a hero. He mostly falls into everything and isn't very cunning, so the story is less fun than it could have been. Also, his dog can talk, but he and his wife are mean to it, kicking it and throwing things and beating it, so fuck that. I was confused if I was supposed to be rooting for him or what. Tolkien liked dogs as far as I know. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Anyway, glad I finally read this, but I have already traded in my copy to my local used bookstore.

[Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is a pretty fun little volume. Not related to Middle-Earth at all, but the fairies of the first tale have a kinship to Tolkien's elves and the dragon of the second is dragony like Smaug.

Anyway, I'm keeping this one brief; they were entertaining charming tales. There was a bit of a moralistic tinge to them like traditional folktales but also that whimsical charm we all love. I can see the more general influence he inherited from the tradition of fantasy (folktales) and his influence on future authors like Le Guin or Gaiman. Illustrations were golden.

The second was definitely my favorite. The dragon is literally named Gold-guarder the Rich which is pretty great. It features exactly the sort of dragon riddling I love. I'd recommend this to the Tolkien fans out there who also enjoy some more folktale-inspired light fantasy and want a lighter read. It's super short so it's not a huge time commitment either. I wouldn't just throw it out though, it's worth a look. Plus, this edition has these wonderful drawings. I love the cover! Chrysophylax and Giles are right in the middle of riddling! Giles seems to say, "I ENT HAVIN NONE O THAT SHENANIGANS FIREWURMLING." And Cyrsophylax seems to reply, "Oh simpering human let I, mighty fire drake that I am, consider your words (WHILE I WAIT FOR A LAPSE IN YOUR JUDGMENT AND SLAY YOU WHERE YOU STAND MWAHAHA)." "For dragons always have such evil thoughts in their hearts."

Warning: This book was written by a fairy or a fairy-sympathizer and an anti-dragon boor!

Cheers.

[Kanika Sisodia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no other fantasy writer as fine as Tolkien. I wonder why I didn’t read these tales as a child. All I grew up on were those ghastly fairy tales.

Smith of Wootton Major is a simple yet marvellous tale of a child who gains access to an enchanted land when he swallows a magic star eating his slice of cake. The story is of his adventure and travels and how he chooses to part with his magic powers when the time comes to choose an heir. The writing is at its best. Witty and enchanting.

The second story, Farmer Giles of Ham follows the farmer’s tale as he battles giants and dragons and brings wealth to his people while disobeying the king. The narrative takes a jibe at knights and their demeanour. Also, at the monarchy and the dispensation of the king and his methods towards common people.

Absolutely loved the book and highly recommend it to anyone who has a penchant for fantasy and fine writing.

[Ben Goodridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was never quite sure where "Smith of Wootton Major" was going, so I'll stick to "Farmer Giles of Ham." I've seen the story of the brave knight vs. the evil dragon subverted more often than I've seen it played straight, but there's something very modern about the uneasy alliance between Giles and Chrysophylax that shows that there's always room for a new wrinkle. Maybe they could make a movie of this one. Just don't let Peter Jackson anywhere near it; it'll be nine hours long.

My father is a certified Tolkien lunatic who read me "Lord of the Rings" in its entirety when I was six, while all my friends were getting Dr. Seuss. I'd rather he'd have read me this one, which has the advantage of not being eight hundred pages featuring over six hundred characters. Maybe I wouldn't have been so fidgety.

[Bob H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two lesser-known but lovable works from the master, J.R.R. Tolkien. Farmer Giles of Ham is a hilarous romp through ancient Britain, in which a humble peasant must master a giant, a dragon and then a foolish king. This would be a wonderful film (note to Peter Jackson: one film only, please). Smith of Wootton Major is a deeper story, with Tolkien's darker views of fantasy in a gentle telling: "the elves have left us, and we have not mourned their passing," a critic tells us (no spoiler) and this is what we see. Highest recommendation.

(Note: these are not really Middle Earth stories, but still fine examples of Prof. Tolkien's craft).

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two wonderful little stories. The first wistful and a little melancholy, the second very comical. And Pauline Baynes' illustrations are wonderfully evocative of medieval decorations.

After my second read through, I think I enjoyed Smith of Wootton Major even more than I had before. Both my girls were more attentive to these stories than to most others we've read.