20 February

Events which occurred on 20 February.

On Earth

• 1938 - In response to an article in the Observer of January 16, a letter by J.R.R. Tolkien is published, explaining the name and inception of the intriguing hero, which would, according to the Observer, "save many research students so very much trouble in the generations to come."
• 1974 - Artist and linguist Ryszard Derdzinski is born.

In Arda

• T.A. 3019 - The Fellowship of the Ring travels South over the Anduin. During the night, Gollum attempts to infiltrate their camp, but is scared off by the vigilance of Aragorn and Boromir.