2nd June 2025
In the last few days I have been in Sicily, a portion of Middle Earth never seen before!
The reason is that they are filming another one documentary film on the shire, where however there will be some scenes in which I had to, so to speak, "play" the part of myself while crossing fantastic places.
It was a fantastic experience and I'll tell you the general outline of what happened (although I can't reveal some details).
The directors arrived at Fontanarossa airport in Catania, Joseph and Vincenzo, both originally from Catania, picked me up, took me to the city center (a beautiful city, at times gothic, at times decadent but fascinating) to take me to the most important comics event in Sicily, ETNA COMICS. Many people recognized me and for me every time it is always a great pleasure but also a great embarrassment because I never know how thank those people who often shower me with compliments and gifts (but I love gifts, I bow a thousand times, I say "but nooo, there was no need..." but in the end I take them away!
).
I also met some old friends including the Tolkienian expert Oronzo Cilli, curator of the Tolkien exhibition that was hosted by Contea Gentile in 2022.
The next few days were a crazy tour de force as, together with the directors, the sound engineer and two interns, we crossed the whole Etna area: wonderful villages straight out of Verga's tales, unexpected centuries-old woods with immense and majestic trees, endless expanses of solid lava, very high peaks and plateaus with breathtaking views.
I explored small caves and infinite caves, in many places it seemed like I was in theIthilien or in Mordor, in other places I was at Lothlorien, in others in the Gollum's caveI climbed rocks, I ended up on my butt countless times, but at the same time I laughed, cried, sweated, cursed and had fun like few other times, also thanks to the confidence that was created with the members of the crew of this documentary.
Special mention goes to Etna. On Sunday 1st June we were filming a very short distance from the main caldera. TheOne Ring was present. I faced Mount Doom/Etna with fear and defiance and while I looked around admiring the Valle del Bove where all the lava flows, I wondered if I would ever see that volcano erupt.
Etna apparently must have listened to my thoughts because the next morning, EXACTLY at the spot where we were filming the scenes the night before, something that hasn't happened in decades it happened: a gigantic explosion shook half of Sicily, Etna had awakened but with a type of eruption defined as "Strombolian" (every now and then terms and concepts from my geological studies come to mind): a mega explosion with the consequent emission of debris, dust and rocks at a height of kilometers and subsequently several lava flows that risked overwhelming many tourists who were in the same place as us shortly before.
I had never witnessed such a geological phenomenon live and so closely. fear and excitement they were mixed with a hint of wonder at the idea that just when I, an Abruzzese Hobbit, went with a Ring near an active volcano, this then exploded as when Frodo managed to throw the One into Mount Doom!
Coincidence?
I have seen many strange and coincidental things since I began this life, so I am no longer surprised by anything but at the same time I started to believe in magic.
Before leaving I spent some time with the legendary Pippo, the manager of the B&B where I slept during those Sicilian nights, an exquisite person, with a thousand stories to tell whose lemon liqueur It has repeatedly given me the energy to climb that terrible yet beautiful mountain!
I left Catania with the airplane pilot fan of La Contea Gentile who did me the honor of having me sit in the cockpit, which was also a crazy experience!
Middle-earth is everywhere. I've been saying this forever. But every time I manage to be left speechless and amazed at how true this statement is!
I will return to Mordor, which for me no longer has the meaning of Shadow Land, but has the flavour of Pippo's Limoncello, almond granita, laughter with new friends and beauty of a fantastic land!
©2025 - Cultural Association "La Contea Gentile" - Bucchianico (Ch), c.da Porcareccia snc - CF 93067690698
In Contea there are many Hobbit families and you could be part of one of them, each with its own peculiar characteristic!
Baggins: they are a wealthy family of the shire, not snobbish at all, in fact much loved by the rest of the other hobbit families. They have a reputation for being a bit strange and for this reason they are good-naturedly mocked. They love culture, travel and receiving visitors.
Bolgeri: the family in question is among the most well-known not only in the shire but also outside of it as great traders. For their work they travel a lot and know much more than many other Hobbits, what lies beyond the borders of the shire. They are clever, bold but also great bargainers: they could sell pipeweed even to an Ent!
Brandibuck: this is also one of the aristocratic families of the shire, even if their domains extend far outside of it, touching the Old Forest. They are considered bizarre by the other families as they are inclined to adventures and discovery and almost like "foreigners" for their ways. They know the rangers well and have learned many things from them. They are very good friends with the Tooks and never miss an opportunity to gather the families to have fun together in their own way!
Gamgee: they are one of the humblest families in the shire. Hard workers, they love contact with nature, they are serious but not solemn and they are strong, determined but very loyal. Very good friends with the Bagginses, the Tooks and the Brandybucks, they are famous for their love of things that grow.
Sackville-Baggins: they are a wealthy family of the shire, VERY SNOB, and very unloved by the other hobbit families. They have a reputation for being stingy and even a bit thieving, for this reason they are avoided or mocked. They love to "take what is theirs", scold or mock others, pose and show off in front of other families they consider "inferior".
Scavari: not among the most well-known or prominent families of the shire, despite their ancient history. They were the first hobbits to stop living as nomads and to settle in the burrows under the hills, starting one of the most important characteristics of Contea: the construction of the SMIAL, the famous Hobbit Houses.
Serracinta: it is a family not of noble origins but very respected as many of its offspring are dedicated to the activity of guards. They are the only hobbits that you might see armed and are usually found at the entrance of villages, bridges, crossroads, in order to ensure protection and control. They love hunting, outdoor activities and are expert slingers, archers and some even fencers.
Soffiatromba: they are a family of artists, even if of ancient peasant origin. They were the first to bring pipe herb to the shire. The discoverer of this floral marvel was none other than Tobaldo Soffiatromba, called by all Vecchio Tobia. From that moment on, the Hornblower family has been the most loved and lovable of the shire: they don't pick fights with anyone, they are always affable and relaxed and have discovered an innate gift for art and music.
Tronfipiedi: the members of this family are scattered throughout the four Decumans, making it one of the most numerous. They are hard workers, although not very curious about what lies beyond the rivers or the woods or the hills. They mind their own business. And their business is many. They have a predilection for cooking and preparing exquisite delicacies, their cuisine is in great demand at birthdays, parties and anniversaries that practically happen every day!
Tuc: They are the richest and most important family in the shire, but they don't seem to notice. They are crazy, funny, stupid and, in some situations, even magical! They sing, get drunk and go mushroom hunting, they like adventures, and they are famous for suddenly disappearing. They are very good friends with the Brandybuck family.
DEED OF CONTRACT
CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT
In the book and in the film, the most famous halfling in the shire finds himself having to sign a burglar's contract drawn up by the Dwarves with a thousand footnotes and paragraphs. You can find the reproduction of this contract, in English, everywhere, but this one you see was hand-written by one of the loyal "citizens" of our project, in Italian and with references to the Journey that the contea Gentile is undertaking: the Construction and the Birth of a place out of the ordinary!
This document can be filled in with the type of trade or service you can offer for the creation of the contea Gentile!
Handmade paper, custom font, pages cut out and sewn by hand with string and sealed with hot wax.
If you're curious, find out more about the Journey to Middle Earth here!
This document is not necessarily widely or legally recognized by states friend or foe, neighboring or distant, real or imagined. It has recognized and guaranteed validity only within the territories of the contea Gentile.
OFFICIAL COIN
OF LA CONTEA GENTILE
Minted in 2022, it depicts the symbol of the shire on one side, the Acorn. While on the other side the face of the nicest mayor there is, Nicolas Gentile. This coin was created by one of the loyal "citizens" of the county project, to support and grow it.
Attention: obviously this currency has no legal value in Italy or other countries (perhaps only in imaginary ones). This is a gadget/souvenir from La contea Gentile. Certainly more emotionally valuable than other currencies in circulation in the world!
OFFICIAL PASSPORT
OF LA CONTEA GENTILE
Always carry the Official Passport of LA CONTEA GENTILE with you! This is the most excellent identification document: every self-respecting resident of La contea Gentile, presumed or current never leaves home without it! This passport was created by one of the loyal "citizens" of the shire project, in support and growth of it.
Fill it out with the information, characteristics and details that distinguish you: gender, species, class, hair, eyes, build, particular brands and much more!
This document is not necessarily widely or legally recognized by friendly or hostile, neighbours or distant, real or imaginary states. It has recognized and guaranteed validity only within the territories of La Contea Gentile. Please consult the official sources of the various kingdoms, citadels and states before visiting. Special visas and/or official stamps may be required.
