Events that occurred on 20 February.
On Earth
- 1938 - In response to an article in the Observer, 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."
- 1963 - Author Rainer Nagel is born.
- 1967 - Voice actress Katherine Soucie is born.
- 1968 - J.R.R. Tolkien writes Letter 300.
- 1974 - Artist and linguist Ryszard Derdziński is born.
In Arda
- T.A. 3019:
- The Fellowship of the Ring travels south down the Anduin.
- During the night, Gollum attempts to infiltrate their camp, but is scared off by the vigilance of Aragorn and Boromir.
- Gandalf leaves Lothlórien and heads south carried by Gwaihir.