20 supremely cozy books and movies for hibernation season

20. The Hobbit

For all that The Hobbit is full of adventuring dwarves, angry dragons, and mystical, glowing swords, it may resonate with others on a different level. After all, Bilbo Baggins practically has to be dragged out of his comfy armchair in order to go on an epic quest. He then spends much of the book dreaming of the contents of his pantry at home. Who can’t identify with that?

Indeed, Bilbo Baggins is extraordinarily domesticated. He is a hobbit, one of those small, hairy folk who would like to just stay in their Shire, thank you very much. As a people, they’re all pretty reserved and most would like nothing more than to settle into some comfy surface and smoke a pipe.

If only Bilbo didn’t have that streak of adventurousness, he wouldn’t have made friends with Gandalf the Grey. This ancient wizard tricks Bilbo into hosting a large group of dwarves for a party. Even worse, Gandalf has somewhat convinced everyone that the somewhat gormless Bilbo is an expert thief.

The dwarves, one of whom is deposed heir Thorin Oakenshield, don’t buy it. They’re on a serious journey to reclaim their kingdom from a gold-hoarding dragon.

Yet, that darned adventurousness rears its head, and Bilbo decides to join the quest. Even when he’s out of his element in the larger world, readers are bound to get a sense of deep familiarity with the work. Sure, a fair amount of that has to do with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings films from Peter Jackson and company.

However, the fantasy world of author J.R.R. Tolkien has been around for far longer than the movies. It’s become so established in the world of fantasy fiction and beyond that its familiar nature is beyond comforting for many.