2012 Hobbitinn (Jóhann Sigurðarson)

The Hobbit

Release Date: 2012.12.06
Reader: Jóhann Sigurðarson
Language: Finnish
Translator: Þorsteinn Thorarensen
Organization: Skynjun / Storytel Iceland
ISBN: 9789935180520
Duration: 12 hours 13 minutes
Unabridged: Yes
Country: Finland
Licenced: Yes
Formats: CD, MP3-CD, Digital

Jóhann Sigurðarson (born 1955) is one of Iceland’s most prestigious and versatile actors. Known for his powerful, resonant bass-baritone voice, he is a mainstay of the National Theatre of Iceland (Þjóðleikhúsið). Jóhann brings a “saga-teller” quality to the book. In the Icelandic tradition, epic stories are often read with a certain rhythmic gravity, and Jóhann excels at this while maintaining the warmth necessary for Bilbo’s character. He is particularly noted for his portrayal of the Dwarves and Gandalf.

The recording uses the iconic translation by Þorsteinn Thorarensen (originally published in 1978). Þorsteinn was the first to translate Tolkien into Icelandic. His work is celebrated for how it seamlessly integrates Tolkien’s world into the linguistic structure of the Icelandic sagas. Icelandic is uniquely suited for Tolkien because its grammar and vocabulary are the closest living links to the Old Norse that inspired him. You will hear names like: Bilbó Baggi, Gandalfur, Sinfjötli.