The Lord of the Rings trilogy captivated audiences worldwide, and for the cast, it forged bonds that went beyond the screen. Dominic Monaghan, known for his role as Merry Brandybuck, shared a fascinating story with Inked Magazine about how he and his fellow hobbits, along with other cast members, commemorated their experience with matching tattoos. This wasn’t just any ink; it was a Lord Of The Rings Tattoo, etched in Elvish, a language straight from Tolkien’s world.
For Monaghan, this venture into body art was more than just a whim. As he explained, his time filming in New Zealand deeply influenced his decision. Immersed in a culture where tattoos, or “moko” as they are traditionally known, are commonplace and deeply respected, Monaghan, along with Orlando Bloom, felt drawn to the idea of getting inked. New Zealand’s vibrant tattoo scene sparked an idea, and Monaghan’s naturally “obsessive” personality took over, driving the initiative for a cast tattoo.
The initial brainstorming sessions were filled with iconic imagery from Lord of the Rings. The idea of a ring, or perhaps phrases like “One ring to bind them all” or “fellowship,” were considered. However, the quest for the perfect design led them to explore Tolkien’s intricate languages. While Hobbitish and the Dwarvish language were briefly considered, they weren’t visually appealing as tattoo designs. It was Elvish, with its elegant and flowing script, that ultimately captured their imagination. The beauty of the Elvish language, created by Tolkien, resonated deeply with the cast, making it the ideal choice for their commemorative ink.
On a day off in Wellington, the plan came to fruition. The fellowship, or at least nine of them, descended upon Roger’s Tattooart on Cuba Street. Far from a sterile tattoo parlor experience, it was a convivial gathering. “The whole nine of us went in there with booze and cameras and just documented the whole affair,” Monaghan recounted. This wasn’t just about getting a tattoo; it was about solidifying a shared experience, a permanent reminder of their time in Middle-earth.
For Dominic Monaghan, this Lord of the Rings tattoo, the number nine in Elvish script, became his first foray into the world of tattoos. It was an experience that resonated with him on multiple levels. He described it as “a feeling of connection and a feeling of permanence and something authentic and something real.” The Lord of the Rings tattoo was more than just ink on skin; it was a symbol of camaraderie, a tribute to a transformative experience, and a personal statement rooted in authenticity and connection. This matching tattoo perfectly encapsulates the enduring bond forged during the making of the legendary films and stands as a testament to the power of shared experiences and the magic of Lord of the Rings.
