This week marks the J.R.R. Tolkien Society's official "Tolkien Week" -- a celebration of the author's contributions to literature and pop culture.

As LOTR fanboys, Asylum wouldn't miss this opportunity to toast the man whose writings inspired so many epic films and bitchin' Led Zeppelin songs. What better way to celebrate the week than by presenting folks who embrace the man and his works by dressing up as elves, orcs and living trees?

So fire up some nice Longbottom Leaf pipe-weed, and check out our gallery of costumed Tolkien fans. They're keeping J.R.R.'s world alive, one homemade pointy wizard hat at a time.

Tolkien Costumes

    We don't remember Gandalf ever leading the Fellowship towards some potstickers and Hard Rock nachos. Must've happened in "The Silmarillion."

    ultimate ed, Flickr.com

    This tyke is actually promoting a LOTR costume contest sponsored by Kroger, making him the only Gandalf who can both face the vile Balrog and help you save on frozen pizza.

    jasoneppink, Flickr.com

    Noble Legolas, defending his home office from daily Orc invasions.

    jess17a, Flickr.com

    The annual Dragon Con parade led by Orlando Bloom, I mean, some dude in a waistcoat.

    leshoward, Flickr.com

    Is this a Tolkien character, or the "mawwage" priest from "Princess Bride"?

    phphoto, Flickr.com

    This poor child supposed is either be Gimli the Dwarf, or the offspring of Ain't It Cool News guru Harry Knowles. Either way, this should qualify as child abuse.

    goingonsix, Flickr.com

    Whatever you do, don't score your pipe-weed from these dudes. It's totally skunky, plus they'll want to hang out all afternoon and watch your extended "Two Towers" DVD.

    lanceroggendorff, Flickr.com

    Could be Gandalf, could be Uncle Jesse from "The Dukes of Hazzard." Either way, he's wearing a bathrobe.

    grumpypants, Flickr.com

    Good costume, but it's hard to take any Sauron under eight-feet tall seriously.

    grumpypants, Flickr.com

    This lovely Arwen is taking a shot every time some sweaty nerd hits on her. Sadly, it's not a drinking game.

    alttext, Flickr.com