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Thursday, September 1
 

3:00pm BST

Craft Room Challenge
Join me in the Cottage of Lost Play to take on one of a number of challenges. Whether you're creative or not, there'll be something for you, from Lego to Sculpture and all things in between.

For online delegates, we will be issuing the challenges on the day so you can send us photos or videos of your creations - so look out for an email on 1st September.
Speakers
avatar for Anne Gooding

Anne Gooding

Anne joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 for the Return of the Ring and attended her first Oxonmoot that year. The Cottage of Lost Play (or the Art and Craft Room) started in 2013 as a space for fun. She first picked up LoTR as a teenager. She can’t remember when she first read The... Read More →

Thursday September 1, 2022 3:00pm - 6:00pm BST
2 - The Cottage of Lost Play (Craft)
  In Person Only

3:00pm BST

Registration
Collect your badge which gives you access to all the in person activities from the registration desk in the Ruth Deech Foyer.

Also a chance to meet the organisers and ask any questions about Oxonmoot.
Thursday September 1, 2022 3:00pm - 6:00pm BST
6 - Ruth Deech Building Foyer
  In Person Only

3:30pm BST

In-person Walking Tour of Oxford
Tolkien Society Trustee and Technology Officer Daniel Helen leads a walking tour of some of the chief locations associated with Tolkien in Oxford.

Owing to the Covid situation numbers may be limited, and priority will be given to First Time attendees at Oxonmoot.

N.B. The walk is roughly 3.5 miles in total and will take about 2 hours.
Speakers
avatar for Daniel Helen

Daniel Helen

Trustee, The Tolkien Society
Daniel is the Technology Officer and a Trustee of The Tolkien Society. Elected in 2014, he is mainly responsible for the Society's digital operations.

Thursday September 1, 2022 3:30pm - 5:30pm BST
8 - Meet at Porters' Lodge
  In Person Only

6:00pm BST

Stewards Meeting (for in person Stewards in Oxford)
Speakers
avatar for Elena Davison

Elena Davison

Oxonmoot Co-chair
Elena joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 at The Return of the Ring in Loughborough. They seemed like a good bunch and many a friendship blossomed that week. Over the next few years, she picked up running the art show at Oxonmoot, followed by chairing the event itself in 2015-2017... Read More →

Thursday September 1, 2022 6:00pm - 6:30pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activities)
  In Person Only

6:30pm BST

In-person First Timers' Reception
An opportunity for those new to an in-person Oxonmoot to meet new friends, and find out a bit more about the Oxonmoot community and experience from the organisers and other "old hands".
Speakers
avatar for Mike Percival

Mike Percival

Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities (Head Dragon)
Mike Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1983. A year later at his first Oxonmoot he thought to himself "the ambience of this party would be improved by using some stage lighting for the Ents". And the rest is history. Apart from doing tech at Oxonmoot almost ever since, Mike has... Read More →
avatar for Elena Davison

Elena Davison

Oxonmoot Co-chair
Elena joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 at The Return of the Ring in Loughborough. They seemed like a good bunch and many a friendship blossomed that week. Over the next few years, she picked up running the art show at Oxonmoot, followed by chairing the event itself in 2015-2017... Read More →
LL

Lizzie Lock

First Timers Contact, Tolkien society
Any enquires about Oxonmoot.
avatar for Shaun Gunner

Shaun Gunner

Chair, The Tolkien Society
Shaun Gunner is the Chair of the Tolkien Society. Shaun has served as the chair since 2013, and has worked to reshape the Society to be a more modern, more open and more international organisation. During Shaun’s tenure as chair, the Society’s membership has quintupled and now... Read More →

Thursday September 1, 2022 6:30pm - 7:30pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activities)
  In Person Only

7:30pm BST

Welcome Dinner (Bookable)
Booked via the In Person booking form.

All bookings for meals needed to be received by 8:00 am UK time on Saturday 13th August 2022.
Thursday September 1, 2022 7:30pm - 8:45pm BST
7 - Dining Hall
  Meals

9:00pm BST

Opening Ceremony
Including an overview of the event, welcome from Tolkien Society Chair Shaun Gunner, and essential information to help you get the best out of Oxonmoot.
Speakers
avatar for Elena Davison

Elena Davison

Oxonmoot Co-chair
Elena joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 at The Return of the Ring in Loughborough. They seemed like a good bunch and many a friendship blossomed that week. Over the next few years, she picked up running the art show at Oxonmoot, followed by chairing the event itself in 2015-2017... Read More →
avatar for Shaun Gunner

Shaun Gunner

Chair, The Tolkien Society
Shaun Gunner is the Chair of the Tolkien Society. Shaun has served as the chair since 2013, and has worked to reshape the Society to be a more modern, more open and more international organisation. During Shaun’s tenure as chair, the Society’s membership has quintupled and now... Read More →

Thursday September 1, 2022 9:00pm - 9:15pm BST
0 - Online only (Webinar Strand)
  Online, Online only

9:15pm BST

Pub Quiz
Introduced in 2012 as an opening night icebreaker, Maggie and Mike Percival’s Oxonmoot Pub Quiz has become something of an institution.
To celebrate this 10th anniversary, this year we are trying something different - for the first time, we will combine the in-person and online quizzes into one. If you are in Oxford we'll help you find a group to form a team and meet friends both old and new. If you are joining us online, why not form a team with your smial, family, or friends - or play along by yourself. Full instructions for how to play will be provided on the day.
However you chose to join us, the quiz will test a wide range of Tolkien knowledge, but the emphasis is on fun!
Speakers
avatar for Mike Percival

Mike Percival

Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities (Head Dragon)
Mike Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1983. A year later at his first Oxonmoot he thought to himself "the ambience of this party would be improved by using some stage lighting for the Ents". And the rest is history. Apart from doing tech at Oxonmoot almost ever since, Mike has... Read More →
avatar for Maggie Percival

Maggie Percival

Maggie Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1979, and has been known to say that doing so changed her life. She is best known in Tolkien circles as a costumer, notably for Elwing the White and Aratalindalë, the latter being her second Best in Show set at the World Science Fiction... Read More →

Thursday September 1, 2022 9:15pm - 10:45pm BST
6.1 - Ruth Deech Building Foyer & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid

10:45pm BST

Online First Timers' Gathering
An opportunity for those new to an Online Oxonmoot to meet new friends, and find out a bit more about the Oxonmoot community and experience from the organisers and other "old hands".
Speakers
avatar for Mike Percival

Mike Percival

Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities (Head Dragon)
Mike Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1983. A year later at his first Oxonmoot he thought to himself "the ambience of this party would be improved by using some stage lighting for the Ents". And the rest is history. Apart from doing tech at Oxonmoot almost ever since, Mike has... Read More →
avatar for Elena Davison

Elena Davison

Oxonmoot Co-chair
Elena joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 at The Return of the Ring in Loughborough. They seemed like a good bunch and many a friendship blossomed that week. Over the next few years, she picked up running the art show at Oxonmoot, followed by chairing the event itself in 2015-2017... Read More →
avatar for Asli Johnston

Asli Johnston

Oxonmoot Co-Chair, The Tolkien Society
Asli (she/her) is a Chief Officer aboard the merchant ships.For those familiar with how a cargo ship's command line works ; a Chief Officer is first in command after the Captain, in charge of anything you can imagine including the Captain. For the ones not familiar; she is Riker to... Read More →
avatar for Shaun Gunner

Shaun Gunner

Chair, The Tolkien Society
Shaun Gunner is the Chair of the Tolkien Society. Shaun has served as the chair since 2013, and has worked to reshape the Society to be a more modern, more open and more international organisation. During Shaun’s tenure as chair, the Society’s membership has quintupled and now... Read More →

Thursday September 1, 2022 10:45pm - 11:30pm BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online

10:45pm BST

Hopes & Expectations for "The Rings of Power" (Drop-in)
The countdown is nearly over! Tomorrow Amazon Prime will bring us episode 1 of The Lord of the Rings - The Rings of Power.

Are you excited? Worried? Curious? Expectant?

Come and join this drop-in discussion to share your hopes and expectations and generally be part of the build-up to the show!
Thursday September 1, 2022 10:45pm - Friday September 2, 2022 12:30am BST
0.2 - Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Online only

11:00pm BST

Telerin Circle (Drop In)
The Telerin Circle is one of the longest running recurring events at Oxonmoot. Hosted by Denis Bridoux, it provides an opportunity for members to read aloud their favourite passages from Tolkien’s works – or just to listen to others’ readings, and perhaps to discover something they had never encountered before.
Since the Circle is a reflective event, you will be expected not to comment on people’s choice of reading, as this can be done somewhere else, such as the bar. Advance registration is not necessary. Just bring your favourite passage ready to read. Out of courtesy, please aim for an approximate maximum 5 minutes reading time, in order to allow time for other readers. In the early days of the Circle, someone decided to read The Ride of the Rohirrim, and it left no time for anyone else! As most of Tolkien’s books will be available to read from, courtesy of Denis Bridoux, you may also decide what to read on the spot, or even to change your choice of reading, depending on what has been read before. Just make sure you return your book to the book pool at the end.
As this is a mixed live/online event, readers will alternate between live and online. When it’s your turn to read, begin by giving your name and where you are from before briefly explaining your choice of reading. Each reading will be followed by a short silence to allow for reflection before the next one begins.
Speakers
avatar for Denis Bridoux

Denis Bridoux

Originally from Northern France, Denis Bridoux discovered Tolkien in 1973 by reading The Hobbit in French, which transformed his life and chose to study English at University to read Tolkien in the original language. A member of the Tolkien Society since 1976, he attended his first... Read More →

Thursday September 1, 2022 11:00pm - Friday September 2, 2022 1:00am BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid

11:30pm BST

The Costuming Challenge (1)
This is a challenge with a difference, aiming to appeal to everyone. While it may have costume in the title, no sewing skills are required - just an ability to be, well, creative!

Join us, and have fun!
Speakers
avatar for Asli Johnston

Asli Johnston

Oxonmoot Co-Chair, The Tolkien Society
Asli (she/her) is a Chief Officer aboard the merchant ships.For those familiar with how a cargo ship's command line works ; a Chief Officer is first in command after the Captain, in charge of anything you can imagine including the Captain. For the ones not familiar; she is Riker to... Read More →

Thursday September 1, 2022 11:30pm - Friday September 2, 2022 12:30am BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online
 
Friday, September 2
 

12:30am BST

Needlecrafts Sit'n Stitch (Drop-in)
Come join us for a relaxing break, in fellowship with other Tolkien fans! Select a Tolkien-based pattern, and your favourite needlecraft, and settle in. Got questions? Donna Murphy of Magic Hour Needlecrafts will be glad to answer!
Speakers
avatar for Donna Murphy Del Cueto

Donna Murphy Del Cueto

I have been cross stitching for many decades, and been designing patterns for about five. My daughter and I own and operate a cross stitch and needlepoint supplies website and shop in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. As a life-long fan of The Professor and a member of the Society... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 12:30am - 1:30am BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Online only

2:00am BST

Lord of the Rings Online (Live Stream with Play-along Option): Roleplay Neighborhoods
Adventure in Middle-earth, or just watch other adventurers from the comfort of your couch. Watch, or participate in, a Live Stream of Lord of the Rings Online, focusing on the set-up of in-game roleplay neighborhoods, with commentary from long-time players. In the play-along version, you will want to have a character who is out of the intro and able to travel to the Shire neighborhood; for those who are watching, you get to sit back and enjoy the action. If playing along, please download the game and create your character in advance!

Play will happen on the Landroval server. Neighborhood to be announced at the beginning of the panel. 
Speakers
avatar for Zhie

Zhie

Tears Unnumbered Pub
Zhie (librarian, professor, and writing coach) is the leader of Gondolin, the Milwaukee Wisconsin Smial of the Tolkien Society living in the greater Milwaukee area with husband Mark (aka Smaug), a fellow Tolkien aficionado, plus two cats, a tiny parrot, and a floofy terrier who thinks... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 2:00am - 4:00am BST
0.2 - Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Online only

7:30am BST

Breakfast
Friday September 2, 2022 7:30am - 9:00am BST
7 - Dining Hall
  Meals

9:00am BST

Ruined Castles and Vampiric Villains: The liminal Gothic in Tolkien’s tale of Beren and Lúthien
Gothic stories channel our deepest desires, thoughts and concerns, and bring out what we fear or crave the most through bleak settings and supernatural beings that inhabit those narratives. While the various renditions in existence of the tale of Beren and Lúthien might evoke anything but a sense of the Gothic, the story of the mortal man and the elf maiden is intertwined with the dark and the macabre; with curses, power struggles, the uncanny and the sublime, with spectres and vampires. This paper will examine these most common themes and motifs from Gothic literature, and conduct a careful analysis in light of Tolkien's writing to bring out the elements that make such a tale fit for inclusion among other great Gothic literary works, with the likes of Shelley's 'Frankenstein', Wilde’s 'The Picture of Dorian Grey' and Stoker's 'Dracula'.
Speakers
avatar for James Moffett

James Moffett

With a potent combination of tea, reading, beer, and writing, James Moffett has published a collection of short stories and a stand-alone novel on the character of Sherlock Holmes; together with a long epic poem on the Battle of Hastings and a poetry collection about Time and Space... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:30am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

9:00am BST

Art Show
Friday September 2, 2022 9:00am - 5:00pm BST
5 - Mary Ogilvie Foyer
  In Person Only
  • Interests Art

9:30am BST

Tolkien, Susanna Clarke, the All Father and their Ravens
While the eagles take a starring role amongst bird-kind in Tolkien’s legendarium, the ravens of Erebor as well as Saruman’s crebain also have important roles in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Within more recent fantasy fiction, there has been a revival of raven symbolism in works such as George R. R. Martin’s A Feast for Crows (2005) and Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys (2012), achieving its apogee in Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (2004). This Napoleonic era alt-history novel seems very far from Tolkien’s style, yet it invokes the same powerful associations between ravens, vision, and immortality. Both Clarke and Tolkien are tapping into the mythic association of ravens with the gods, particularly the Norse All Father, Odin, and the Welsh divinities Morrigan and Bran. Comparing these different raven-appearances will not only permit a recognition of the ancestry of the raven in myth and fantasy, but will also illuminate Tolkien's choices.
Speakers
avatar for Steven Gores

Steven Gores

professor, northern kentucky university
Dr. Steven Gores is a professor of English at Northern Kentucky University in metropolitan Cincinnati, where he has for time immemorial taught Ohioans, Kentuckians, and Hoosiers. A refugee from 18th-century studies, he now features classes on fantasy literature and film in his repertoire... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 9:30am - 10:00am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

9:30am BST

Online First Timers' Gathering
An opportunity for those new to an Online Oxonmoot to meet new friends, and find out a bit more about the Oxonmoot community and experience from the organisers and other "old hands".

In person First Timers who weren't able to make the gathering on Thursday evening are also most welcome to join us in the Edoras room.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Percival

Mike Percival

Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities (Head Dragon)
Mike Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1983. A year later at his first Oxonmoot he thought to himself "the ambience of this party would be improved by using some stage lighting for the Ents". And the rest is history. Apart from doing tech at Oxonmoot almost ever since, Mike has... Read More →
avatar for Elena Davison

Elena Davison

Oxonmoot Co-chair
Elena joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 at The Return of the Ring in Loughborough. They seemed like a good bunch and many a friendship blossomed that week. Over the next few years, she picked up running the art show at Oxonmoot, followed by chairing the event itself in 2015-2017... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 9:30am - 10:30am BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

9:30am BST

Craft Room
Drop in to the Craft Room in person or online to join Anne for chat and sharing of activities.

Lots of ideas will be available for you to try, or just enjoy the company.
Speakers
avatar for Anne Gooding

Anne Gooding

Anne joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 for the Return of the Ring and attended her first Oxonmoot that year. The Cottage of Lost Play (or the Art and Craft Room) started in 2013 as a space for fun. She first picked up LoTR as a teenager. She can’t remember when she first read The... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 9:30am - 12:15pm BST
2 - The Cottage of Lost Play (Craft) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

9:30am BST

Dealers Room
Friday September 2, 2022 9:30am - 5:00pm BST
5 - Danson Room (Dealers)
  In Person Only

10:00am BST

Remembering and Forgetting: National identity construction in Tolkien’s Middle-earth
In Tolkien’s Middle-earth, the various peoples, or nations, form and maintain a consciousness of their identity via folktales, songs, archives, and memorials, preserving that identity by constructing shared memory; concurrently, each nation is being remembered by others, often based on a perception of their morality. Crucially, a nation's constructed history may omit significant details, typically through a collective act of ‘forgetting’, to perpetuate a more positive self-image or to enable post-trauma healing. By investigating the ways in which memory plays a part in how the peoples of Middle-earth see themselves and understand their place in the world, this paper explores Tolkien’s fascination with cultural signifiers and recorded histories. Engaging with scholars such as Verlyn Flieger, John D. Rateliff, and Homi Babha, this paper examines how national identity is first fashioned, then sustained, through an understanding that the past must be articulated if it is to become memory.
Speakers
avatar for Sara Brown

Sara Brown

Chair of Faculty for Language and Literature, Signum University
Dr Sara Brown lives in North Wales, UK. She is Chair of the Language and Literature Faculty at Signum University, USA, where she has taught on courses with Corey Olsen, Verlyn Flieger, Dimitra Fimi, Robin Reid, Doug Anderson, Amy Sturgis, and John Garth. Sara currently serves on the... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 10:00am - 10:30am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

10:30am BST

Partners in Making and Delight: Tolkien and Camp, an exploration of sensibility
Tolkien’s works have been appreciated by medievalists and Fantasy enthusiasts, as works of spiritual significance, and as intrinsically informed by the mindset of the interwar period. This paper considers whether we also appreciate Tolkien’s works as Camp art. This approach looks at Tolkien’s works of fiction and his published essays through the lens of Susan Sontag’s seminal essay "Notes on ‘Camp’". It is through this essay that we can examine why Tolkien’s works appeal to a Camp sensibility. This paper will discuss Tolkien’s perspective on aesthetic delight in conversation with delight in the ordinary and mundane. Theatricality in relation to Faërian drama is also a fundamental aspect this reading, as well as the role that the success or otherwise of artistic goals plays in Camp appreciation.
Speakers
avatar for Mercury Natis

Mercury Natis

Mercury Natis (they/them) is currently pursuing their second Masters with Signum University in Imaginative Literature, and hopes to pursue a Tolkien Studies PhD in the future. They earned their first MA in Museum Education, with a background in Art History. Their primary focus is... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 10:30am - 11:00am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

10:30am BST

Alliance of Arda Reading Session
Join the Alliance of Arda in a reading session dedicated to inclusive readings of Tolkien. Participants will have a chance to bring short readings from Tolkien's legendarium that speak to us inclusively along lines of issues including but not limited to race, disability, age, gender and sexuality, and discuss them together from our own experiences of both the legendarium and fandom. We hope that this will be an opportunity to see Middle-earth from some new perspectives with compassion and empathy and find community and representation in some perhaps unexpected corners of Arda! We've created a sign-up form so that we can better plan the session based on what people want to bring to the discussion. Please sign-up here: https://forms.gle/2tFaM2osmhW5UC6e7

Do note that we will cap attendance at 15 people (online and offline) so that everyone has a chance to share.
Speakers
avatar for S.R. Westvik

S.R. Westvik

SR Westvik is finishing an MA in International War Studies from University College Dublin and the University of Potsdam. They're an International Trustee of the Tolkien Society and Co-host of the Tolkien Experience Podcast. A lifelong Tolkien fan, they regularly participate in conferences... Read More →
avatar for Rory Queripel

Rory Queripel

Rory is a plant science undergraduate studying at the Eden Project, having previously studied music and ethnomusicology. Aside from their scientific interests in taxonomy and soil ecology, they are interested in plant histories (which they write about on their blog Historical Plant... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 10:30am - 12:00pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

11:15am BST

Colors, as seen by Tolkien
Blue beards, gray eyes, green suns and red fire - Tolkien's works are full of colors and color terms. Some of them, like the "blue beard" in the Hobbit, seem strange to us. Why would a beard be blue? Did dwarves dye their beards? In this talk I will show which color terms Tolkien used where and why. We will take a look at how different languages label colors, how color perception differs between individuals and why Tolkien considered colors as a significant aspect of fantasy literature.
Speakers
avatar for Maria Zielenbach

Maria Zielenbach

Maria Zielenbach is currently working on her PhD thesis about the history of the North Halmahera languages at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She studied linguistics at the Unviersity of Cologne and is also an active member of the German Tolkien Society, hosting the podcast "Silmaria... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 11:15am - 11:45am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online
  • Interests Art

11:15am BST

The Pointless 100
Are you familiar with the gameshow Pointless? Have you ever wanted to be part of the "100 people" who try to answer the questions?

Put your Tolkien knowledge to the test, and at the same time help us gather the data we need for editions of "Pointless Middle-earth" at future Tolkien Society events! The previous version of this at Oxonmoot 2018 proved to be enjoyable and a little bit competitive - but the great thing is we need people with all levels of knowledge to ensure we separate the well known from the "Pointless".
Speakers
avatar for Mike Percival

Mike Percival

Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities (Head Dragon)
Mike Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1983. A year later at his first Oxonmoot he thought to himself "the ambience of this party would be improved by using some stage lighting for the Ents". And the rest is history. Apart from doing tech at Oxonmoot almost ever since, Mike has... Read More →
avatar for Maggie Percival

Maggie Percival

Maggie Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1979, and has been known to say that doing so changed her life. She is best known in Tolkien circles as a costumer, notably for Elwing the White and Aratalindalë, the latter being her second Best in Show set at the World Science Fiction... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 11:15am - 12:00pm BST
4 - Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre (in person only)
  In Person Only

11:45am BST

The Three Faces of a Wizard: A note on the creation of Gandalf
Arda is the vast, enchanting meadow on which literature and visual beauty can always meet. The first stage of this world’s history begins with Eru’s musical theme. We discover many aesthetic and literary meanings among the competing forces of good and evil in this musical theme. This presentation aims to demonstrate that the creation and development of Gandalf is the key that links the past to the present and concretizes the future in Eru’s theme. The narrative depths tell us that Gandalf has three distinct faces: an immortal (Olórin), a man (Gandalf the Grey), and Gandalf the white. Focusing on Ted Nasmith’s illustrations, the postcard ‘the origin of Gandalf’ and excerpts taken from The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, I will argue that his latter face unites the eternal ideas in Eru’s mind and Ainur’s music with the realm of hobbits, men, elves. Gandalf reintroduces Eru/Ainur’s Music to Middle-earth in a new form through his death and resurrection.
Speakers
avatar for Ali Ghaderi

Ali Ghaderi

Ali Ghaderi’s research interests include high fantasy, continental and analytical philosophy, films/TV, contemporary American and British literature, and popular culture. He is working on his graduate research on fantasy adaptations and media productions through a feminist theoretical... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 11:45am - 12:15pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

12:00pm BST

STACs Coffee Shop Open for Lunch
In addition to drinks, cakes, paninis, toasties, etc. STACs Coffee Shop offers a selection of handmade pizzas using sustainably sourced sourdough bases and a small selection of bottled beers, wines and soft drinks. The ideal way to grab a quick meal without leaving site.
Friday September 2, 2022 12:00pm - 2:00pm BST
7 - STACs Coffee Shop
  Meals

12:15pm BST

“As long as you want to be”: Some remarks about the Shire’s electoral system
From the legal point of view, one of the most remarkable facts about the Shire is the existence of an elected official, the Mayor of Michel Delving. The purpose of this talk is, in a humorous way, to study the possible contemporary and historical institutions that could have influenced Tolkien’s conception of it. The shocking Norman origin of the word "Mayor" itself will be examined in the first place, as a contrast with other "more Saxon" words such as "Shire" and "Thain". The main points that will be proposed to the audience are the septennial length of the office; the size of the constituency; the possibilities about the electoral franchise, including some speculation about the well-known age of majority of 33 among Hobbits; and the influence of Birmingham in all this scenario.
Speakers
avatar for Jose Maria Miranda Boto

Jose Maria Miranda Boto

Professor of Labour Law, University of Santiago de Compostela. Author of El Derecho en Tolkien (Ediciones Cinca, 2017) and Law, Government and Society in J.R.R. Tolkien's Works (Walking Tree, 2022). He has spoken about these topics in Universities in Spain and Germany; at Tolkien... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 12:15pm - 12:45pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

12:15pm BST

Collecting Drop-in
The Collecting Drop-in is a place for anyone interested in collecting anything related to Tolkien to meet and chat. Show off your favourite items, tell your stories of research and the joy of getting an object you were after, or pick up tips from others who have been there before. A must for all Tolkien collectors.
Speakers
avatar for Andrew Ferguson

Andrew Ferguson

Trotter (TolkienGuide.com)
I first joined the Tolkien Society in 2005. UK Tolkien and Hobbit book collecting expert, moderator (Trotter) on TolkienGuide.com, The Tolkien Society Website of the Year 2019. You can see more about my collection at http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/collecting/collectors/Trotter.htm... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 12:15pm - 1:15pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Drop-in

12:15pm BST

The Costuming Challenge (2)
This is a challenge with a difference, aiming to appeal to everyone. While it may have costume in the title, no sewing skills are required - just an ability to be, well, creative!

Join us, and have fun!
Speakers
avatar for Mike Percival

Mike Percival

Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities (Head Dragon)
Mike Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1983. A year later at his first Oxonmoot he thought to himself "the ambience of this party would be improved by using some stage lighting for the Ents". And the rest is history. Apart from doing tech at Oxonmoot almost ever since, Mike has... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 12:15pm - 1:15pm BST
2 - The Cottage of Lost Play (Craft) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

12:45pm BST

Adventures in Tolkien’s Library - exploring the literary works of William Morris
As a young man and academic, Tolkien acquired most of William Morris’s books, including his fantasy novels and translations of the Old Norse Volsunga Saga and  Grettir the Strong. Tolkien’s passion for Morris is apparent at many points – from his spending his Skeat prize money on three volumes of Morris at the age of twenty-two, to the bequest of his Morris collection to his son, Christopher. 

The presentation will explore the topic of Tolkien's collection of William Morris from a book collector's perspective, including the 'sold by the box' dispersal of a significant portion of Tolkien's academic books and the present book market in ex libris from Tolkien's Library.

The talk will include a slide presentation of some relevant book illustrations, together with a brief exploration of other significant books bought by Tolkien whilst studying at  Exeter College. There will be an accompanying exhibition of books at the art show/book sales.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Trwoga

Chris Trwoga

Chris Trwoga is a Tolkien collector and general bibliophile. As well as collecting, he is interested in the role of history and myth in giving meaning to landscapes and those who act in them. He has written a number of books on the theme and is currently working on a project to promote... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 12:45pm - 1:15pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

1:45pm BST

Capturing Tolkien in Illustration - so what's all the fuss about…
On the trail of Mary Fairburn and the legacy of Pauline Baynes.

Why do we see Tolkien's world the way we do and who decided that?
Speakers
avatar for Jay Johnstone

Jay Johnstone

Owner, Jaystolkien
Taking inspiration from Byzantine iconography to the great works of Gustav Klimt, Jay works with traditional methods and techniques exploring the relationship of peoples of Middle-earth, from the motivations of core characters to the defining inspiration of their creation. The results... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 1:45pm - 2:45pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford
  • Interests Art

1:45pm BST

Poetry Drop-in
An opportunity to meet others with an interest in poetry. Discuss your favourite Tolkien poems. Share hints and tips on composing your own Tolkien inspired poetry. Or take the subject more broadly, and consider the poetry of Middle-earth as a whole. The scope is vast!
Friday September 2, 2022 1:45pm - 2:45pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Drop-in

1:45pm BST

Craft Room
Drop in to the Craft Room in person or online to join Anne for chat and sharing of activities.

Lots of ideas will be available for you to try, or just enjoy the company.
Speakers
avatar for Anne Gooding

Anne Gooding

Anne joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 for the Return of the Ring and attended her first Oxonmoot that year. The Cottage of Lost Play (or the Art and Craft Room) started in 2013 as a space for fun. She first picked up LoTR as a teenager. She can’t remember when she first read The... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 1:45pm - 5:00pm BST
2 - The Cottage of Lost Play (Craft) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

2:00pm BST

Hobbit Hike
Ever thought that a bit of fresh air and exercise would be a good thing at Oxonmoot?

Join Maggie on a gentle hike (approximately 2 miles each way) across the University Parks and along the banks of the Cherwell. A short delay may happen at The Victoria Arms, but we need to be back in time for the early evening programme items, so it won't be a long one!

Please wear sensible shoes. Note that in the event of inclement weather this may be cancelled or re-arranged at short notice.
Speakers
avatar for Maggie Percival

Maggie Percival

Maggie Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1979, and has been known to say that doing so changed her life. She is best known in Tolkien circles as a costumer, notably for Elwing the White and Aratalindalë, the latter being her second Best in Show set at the World Science Fiction... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 2:00pm - 4:30pm BST
8 - Meet at Porters' Lodge
  In Person Only

2:45pm BST

Decision-making and Negative Influences: Analyzing Théoden, Denethor, Thorin, and Turin through Social Sciences theories
Throughout Tolkien’s work, many characters make decisions. Some are good decisions while others are do not turn out well. This presentation will examine the decision-making behaviors and outcomes of Theoden, Denethor, Thorin, and Turin as they relate to being under negative influences (i.e. while under spell of Saruman [Théoden], Sauron via the palantir [Denethor], lust for gold [Thorin], and Turin by both curse of Melkor and spell of Glaurung). A part of their bad decisions is related to how their lineage and pride are 'boosted' or taken advantage of by disregarding outside advice. At the same time the decisions are poor because they are perceiving the situation through a distorted lens and not on the actual facts of the situation. There has been much research from the social sciences regarding biases and challenges with decision-making and these cases present some clear examples.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Urick

Mike Urick

Dean, Saint Vincent College
Dr. Michael Urick is a member of the Tolkien Society and is Dean of the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, USA. Much of his research is related to exploring leadership through the characters of Middle-earth. He has... Read More →
avatar for Ross Nunamaker

Ross Nunamaker

Ross Nunamaker is a graduate of the University of Arizona, with a degree in interdisciplinary studies in political science, history, and philosophy. He later received a certification in project management at the University of California, Berkeley.He joined the Tolkien Society on 1... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 2:45pm - 3:15pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

2:45pm BST

Musical Ring
This is an opportunity to perform music or sing in an informal and supportive setting. We'll form a ring (if the room format and numbers allow) and go round* with those who wish to do so performing a song or piece of music - whether that's a song from the movies, your own setting or composition, a filk (parody) song or another piece of music. The session will be hybrid and online performances will also be welcome. Performances should be short however (song length) so we can get round as many as possible. If there is spare time we can try and go round again for additional contributions. There's no minimum (or maximum) musical standard, all performances will be positively received, and if you want to come along and just listen, that is fine too. If you're travelling and can't bring your instrument we may be able to lend you one on the day.
*Edited to add (30/8) - it looks from Sched as if there will be quite a few of us at this session which is great! I'm really looking forward to hearing your contributions. To try and get in as many as possible (ideally at least one song/performance each) we'll ask those arriving who wish to perform to put their names on a sign-up sheet, while we will ask those online who would like to perform to say so probably in the chat. Then we'll take contributions in that order (a few from Oxford, a few online) which should be easier to manage than working round the ring, and hopefully we will get through everyone! I have a guitar that I can lend to anyone who needs that, and I am also planning to bring a keyboard in case there are any pianists or keyboard players who wish to contribute. See you soon Pete
Speakers
avatar for Pete Clark

Pete Clark

Pete has been involved in filking (parody singing) for three decades and was a founder member of the Oxford Tolkien Society filk band, the Taruithorn Singers. He does occasionally write and sing non parody songs!

Friday September 2, 2022 2:45pm - 4:00pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

3:30pm BST

Archery in Middle-earth: a comparative study
Archery in Middle-earth has been as visually overrepresented as scholarly overlooked. Be ready to add one further layer of detail to your Middle-earth canon.

This talk will present a selection of Third Age peoples (Rohan, Easterlings, Esgaroth, Hobbits, Lórien, Erebor, Mordor & Isengard) to be discussed using a rigorous archery framework based on the knowledge of our own Primary World (equipment, technique & type of archery culture). This is one of those talks that provides everlasting food for thought!
August UPDATE! Please fill in this poll so I know your preferences! https://forms.gle/AzgGGY5HrxqRWxy39

For every People we will suggest a Plausible template. We will then contrast it with Tolkien's Canon and Tolkien's extended Canon (HoME). Did Tolkien get it right yet again? Attend the talk and find out!
Expectation management note: This talk is solely based on JRR Tolkien's works, no movie or cinematic adaptation will be used or referenced.
Speakers
avatar for Pablo Ruiz-Múzquiz

Pablo Ruiz-Múzquiz

With an academic background in Physics and Computer Science, he belongs to the open source & hacktivist entrepreneurial world. He found out about Tolkien in 1990 and was fascinated by the Legendarium, the elves, Númenor and invented languages. He founded the Madrid chapter of the... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 3:30pm - 4:00pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

4:00pm BST

Columbus in Middle-earth: the origin story of Westmansweed
Of all the various ‘anachronisms’ in Tolkien’s Middle-earth works, pipeweed (tobacco) presents a particularly interesting example in that its presence in the narrative is given an in-world explanation. Tolkien chooses, in his narrative, to invert the real-world history of tobacco, introducing it in Middle-earth via colonising forces rather than as a stolen/’discovered’ curiosity brought home from colonised land, as in our world. This presentation will explore Tolkien’s choice in light of real-world botanical imperialism and ethnocentrism, using Hoiem’s postcolonial critique of ‘world-creation as colonization’ (2005) to explore the significance and implications of this inverted narrative.
Speakers
avatar for Rory Queripel

Rory Queripel

Rory is a plant science undergraduate studying at the Eden Project, having previously studied music and ethnomusicology. Aside from their scientific interests in taxonomy and soil ecology, they are interested in plant histories (which they write about on their blog Historical Plant... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 4:00pm - 4:30pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

4:00pm BST

Book Talk Social Room
A social room to gather and talk about the books! 
This will be the place for you to share about your love for Tolkien's books 
Speakers
avatar for Maria Zielenbach

Maria Zielenbach

Maria Zielenbach is currently working on her PhD thesis about the history of the North Halmahera languages at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She studied linguistics at the Unviersity of Cologne and is also an active member of the German Tolkien Society, hosting the podcast "Silmaria... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 4:00pm - 5:00pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

4:30pm BST

Moons, Maths, and Middle-earth: Misconceptions about Tolkien’s scientific and mathematical prowess
Reviewers of The Nature of Middle-earth expressed awe at the volume’s mathematical computations, most related to time-keeping/calendars, not only forgetting that Tolkien was a philologist not a physicist but conveniently ignoring the computational errors that editor Carl Hostetter himself points out in his commentary. Similarly, numerous fan-authors have tried to explain away Tolkien’s self-admitted botching of the moon phases in The Hobbit as an ingenious calculus-based calculation of the tidal effects of the moon on the earth’s rotation, allowing for a precise dating of the events in Middle-earth relative to our Primary World. Others have claimed that Tolkien somehow included the gyroscopic wobble of the earth’s axis known as precession into his descriptions of the night sky of Middle-earth, again in an attempt to ascribe a real-world chronology to the legendarium. I argue that we need not ascribe Einstein-like prowess to the author to appreciate the brilliance of the work.
Speakers
avatar for Kristine Larsen

Kristine Larsen

Professor of Astronomy, Central Connecticut State University
Dr. Kristine Larsen has been an astronomy professor at Central Connecticut State University since 1989. In addition to her scholarly work on Tolkien's use of astronomy in crafting Middle-earth (published in Mallorn, Tolkien Studies, Journal of Tolkien Research, Amon Hen, and beyond... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 4:30pm - 5:00pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

5:15pm BST

Riding the Wave: Tolkien, consumerism and The Fall of Númenor
Brian Sibley discusses the history of Tolkien and consumerism from the publication of The Hobbit to the present, and talks about the challenge of editing The Fall of Númenor.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Sibley

Brian Sibley

Writer and broadcaster with a passion for fantasy, science fiction and children's literature. Dramatist of the 1981 BBC Radio serialisation of 'The Lord of the Rings' (also 'Tales from the Perilous Realm'); collaborated with John Howe on 'Tolkien's Maps of Middle-earth'; author of... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 5:15pm - 6:15pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid

6:30pm BST

Fellowship Dinner (Bookable)
Booked via the In Person booking form.

If you didn't book the meal and now feel you would like to join us, please email the Bookings Officer (bookings@oxonmoot.org).

All bookings for meals must be received by 8:00 am UK time on Saturday 13th August 2022.
Friday September 2, 2022 6:30pm - 8:00pm BST
7 - Dining Hall
  Meals

6:30pm BST

Toasts & Breakout Rooms
Fellowship has always been a key theme of Oxonmoot, and a big part of that is our shared meals, especially the Saturday lunch which is the one occasion when we all come together.
So how to recreate that experience for our Online delegates?
We will join the in person delegates at the start of the Fellowship Dinner and, in the manner of Faramir at Henneth Annûn, begin by facing West in our respective locations. We will follow that with the toasts which are traditional at Tolkien Society dinners. And then we will “seat” you at “tables” with your fellow delegates (assign you to Zoom Meeting breakout rooms) to share whatever meal is appropriate to the time of day where you are – or just to meet and chat with other delegates.
So, bring a drink for the toasts, arrange for the food of your choice, and importantly make sure you know which way is West!
Friday September 2, 2022 6:30pm - 8:00pm BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online

8:00pm BST

The Lord of the Rings - The Rings of Power - Series 1 Episode 1
Friday September 2, 2022 8:00pm - 10:30pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre
  In Person Only

8:00pm BST

Not the Watch Party (Drop-in)
Yes - we know not all of you are interested in watching The Lord of the Rings - The Rings of Power.

So here's an opportunity to hang out with other like-minded folk to discuss all things Tolkien - and totally ignore the programme!
Friday September 2, 2022 8:00pm - 10:30pm BST
0.2 - Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Online only

8:00pm BST

The Lord of the Rings - The Rings of Power - Series 1 Episode 1 - Watch Party
Speakers
avatar for Sydney Henry

Sydney Henry

Bookings Officer, Steward, The Tolkien Society
The deadline for meals and accommodation changes has now passed.If you need any other sort of bookings assistance you can reach me at bookings@oxonmoot.org 

Friday September 2, 2022 8:00pm - 10:30pm BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Online only

11:00pm BST

The Lord of the Rings - The Rings of Power - Panel Discussion
Timing to be confirmed.

This discussion will follow on from the viewing of the first episode
Speakers
avatar for Shaun Gunner

Shaun Gunner

Chair, The Tolkien Society
Shaun Gunner is the Chair of the Tolkien Society. Shaun has served as the chair since 2013, and has worked to reshape the Society to be a more modern, more open and more international organisation. During Shaun’s tenure as chair, the Society’s membership has quintupled and now... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 11:00pm - Saturday September 3, 2022 12:00am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

11:30pm BST

Excavating Middle-earth’s Second Age Architecture through Alan Lee’s Illustrations
This paper will explore the different ways in which Alan Lee follows up faithfully on Tolkien’s creation of Middle Earth, in terms of its history. One of the ways in which Tolkien made his world so believable was by recording great historical events in the past, the ruins of which were described in the books. Alan Lee, remains loyal to Tolkien’s vision in this respect too, as he also puts us in the midst of a used world, with its own wear and tear, not to mention beautiful ruins. The latter serve to tell us how grand were the civilizations that preceded the Third Age. For example, the cover of The Fall of Gondolin serves to tell us the heights to which this civilization reached in order to construct such a magnificent city in the first place. Gondolin or the Elvish Troy was modelled on an even greater city in the past, Tirion in Valinor that the Noldor had left in the Blessed Realms. Also covered will be his illustrations from the new books, and possibly the Folio Edition.
Speakers
avatar for Sultana Raza

Sultana Raza

Sultana Raza has an MA in English Literature. An independent scholar, she's presented numerous papers related to Keats and Tolkien in international conferences in the USA, Ireland, the UK, France, Greece, Norway, and CoNZealand. Her creative non-fiction has appeared in Vector & Focus... Read More →

Friday September 2, 2022 11:30pm - Saturday September 3, 2022 12:30am BST
0 - Online only (Webinar Strand)
  Online, Broadcast into Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre
  • Interests Art

11:30pm BST

So what did we make of that? (Drop in)
Want to share your immediate thoughts on Episode 1 of The Lord of the Rings - The Rings of Power?

This drop-in event gives you an opportunity to chat to other delegates for as long or as short a time as you like.
Friday September 2, 2022 11:30pm - Saturday September 3, 2022 1:00am BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Online only
 
Saturday, September 3
 

12:30am BST

Tolkien's Influence in the World of Animation
This paper seeks to explore the influence J.R.R. Tolkien had on animation, from Disney to present day, in honor of War of Rorrihim's 2024 release.
Speakers
avatar for Minna Nizam

Minna Nizam

Minna is a trans fantasy author of South Asian and East African ancestry who graduated from Drew University in 2017 with a degree in Art History and History, minoring in Medieval Studies. They are currently a third year graduate student at Sarah Lawrence College, where they study... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 12:30am - 1:00am BST
0 - Online only (Webinar Strand)
  Online, Broadcast into Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre

12:30am BST

A Community of Art From A to Z, with Ann and Zhie
AnnEllspethRaven and Zhie wish to show images of a wide range of Tolkien art and fanart to illustrate the diversity of themes and styles utilized by assorted artists who have taken the time and effort to bring Tolkien's texts to life. Each work will be discussed and honored for its contributions and its technical achievements by two persons who hold university degrees in the humanities and who have a deep love of art as a subject, understanding also the emotional experience inherent in being content creators.
Speakers
avatar for Zhie

Zhie

Tears Unnumbered Pub
Zhie (librarian, professor, and writing coach) is the leader of Gondolin, the Milwaukee Wisconsin Smial of the Tolkien Society living in the greater Milwaukee area with husband Mark (aka Smaug), a fellow Tolkien aficionado, plus two cats, a tiny parrot, and a floofy terrier who thinks... Read More →
avatar for AnnEllspethRaven

AnnEllspethRaven

Elves and Ainur, Supervisor, At the Edge of Lasg'len
Co-author of the longest Tolkien fanfiction along with friend SonaBeanSidhe (Sown a banshee) At the Edge of Lasg'len. Most of my time disappears into intricate storytelling about deeply traumatized persons (like most Elves that ever walked Tolkien's pages...) but really it's all... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 12:30am - 2:00am BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online
  • Interests Art

1:00am BST

Neithan, the Wronged: An approach to better understanding Turin
Many readers often immediately think that Turin’s decisions are made just as you or I would make them, but the First Age is not the same as the world in which we live today.

In this presentation I'm going to address Turin's decision-making within the framework of the First Age and the Curse.

His decision-making can be understood in four specific phases and are impacted greatly by the curse and the framework, which includes six aspects to consider: Fate and Free-will, Elves and Men, Morgoth, Arda Marred, The Athrabeth and Tale of Adanel, and the Valar and the Eldar.

Bringing these three elements together, one can see how the perception of 'Turin as a maker of bad decisions' truly makes him 'Neithan, the Wronged'.
Speakers
avatar for Ross Nunamaker

Ross Nunamaker

Ross Nunamaker is a graduate of the University of Arizona, with a degree in interdisciplinary studies in political science, history, and philosophy. He later received a certification in project management at the University of California, Berkeley.He joined the Tolkien Society on 1... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 1:00am - 1:30am BST
0 - Online only (Webinar Strand)
  Online, Broadcast into Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre

1:30am BST

An Aspirational Cultus? Reading Tolkien fandom as secondary faith community
A culture war is sweeping across Middle-earth as both fans and scholars hotly debate the social and cultural meaning of Tolkien's works in light of increasing diversity. Seen from my perspective as both a Tolkien scholar and a progressive Christian minister, these interpretive battles mirror, in both broad strokes and in granular detail, ongoing conflict between conservative and progressive Christians over how to read and interpret the Bible on issues such as gender and sexuality. Drawing on hermeneutical work by the queer biblical scholar Mary Ann Tolbert (1998) and Tolkien’s own notions of sub-creation and secondary belief in “On Fairy-Stories” (2015 [1947]), my paper posits that Tolkien fandom can be understood as a kind of "secondary faith community" with the legendarium as its "sub-creative canon," one which neither commands nor requires a specific primary-world religious belief but which nevertheless provides deep personal, communal, and even existential meaning for fans.
Speakers
avatar for Tom Emanuel

Tom Emanuel

PhD Researcher, University of Glasgow
Born and raised in the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota, the Rev. Tom Emanuel (he/him/his) has been visiting Middle-earth for as long as he can remember. He is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Glasgow where... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 1:30am - 2:00am BST
0 - Online only (Webinar Strand)
  Online, Broadcast into Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre

1:30am BST

Crafts Drop-in
The physical Craft Room may be in Oxford, but this drop-in offers the opportunity for those with an interest in any form of craft to meet up online.

Whether it's knitting, needlecraft, papercraft, modelling, or any other type of craft, join the session to discuss hints and tips, or share completed, current or future projects. 
Saturday September 3, 2022 1:30am - 2:30am BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Drop-in

2:30am BST

Food and Drink in Middle-earth Drop In
There's a little bit of Hobbit in all of us - and one thing we all love is the good, simple food of the Shire.

Join this drop-in to meet others with a shared interest in the food and drink of Middle-earth. Discuss the beers of the Green Dragon and the Prancing Pony, share recipes for po-ta-to stew or what might be closest to lembas - or any other matters which come to mind.

If you'd like, come prepared with a dish or drink that brings you home to Middle Earth. I'll be bringing a veggie dish and mug of herbal tea. I'll be harvesting hops for a Shire Ale. Inspect your larder now--are you ready to feed some unexpected guests? 


Speakers
avatar for Maureen Layden

Maureen Layden

Maureen began her love of all things Tolkien as a child, retaining a sense of wonder for nature, language, culture, myth, and the commitment to kindness and goodwill. She employs the professor’s values as physician for the US Veterans Health Administration and as a leader in quality... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 2:30am - 3:30am BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Drop-in

3:30am BST

So You Want To Write Fanfiction: Battling Writer's Block
Just like a Balrog, Writer's Block is the surprise no one wants to encounter. Join this workshop to learn about ways to combat writer's block, including exercises and games that can be helpful to defeat your writing foe.
Speakers
avatar for Zhie

Zhie

Tears Unnumbered Pub
Zhie (librarian, professor, and writing coach) is the leader of Gondolin, the Milwaukee Wisconsin Smial of the Tolkien Society living in the greater Milwaukee area with husband Mark (aka Smaug), a fellow Tolkien aficionado, plus two cats, a tiny parrot, and a floofy terrier who thinks... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 3:30am - 5:00am BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Online only

8:00am BST

Breakfast
Saturday September 3, 2022 8:00am - 9:30am BST
7 - Dining Hall
  Meals

8:30am BST

#OxonRun
Following the success of our inaugural #OxonRun last year, this year we'll be doing it again - only this time we will be joining the official University Parks parkrun for a 5k run in the beautiful surroundings of Oxford University parks, just a few minutes warm-up jog from St Anne's. This has the advantage that runners and walkers can all go at their own pace within the context of the event.

Join Mike (the running elf from the 2020 costume masquerade...), shake out the cobwebs, and set yourself up for the second half of Oxonmoot.

Meet at the Porters Lodge at 8:30am so we can get across to the event in good time - the run itself starts at 9:00am.

Please ensure you have registered with parkrun before the event, and don't forget to bring your parkrun barcode with you. Details of the route can be found here.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Percival

Mike Percival

Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities (Head Dragon)
Mike Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1983. A year later at his first Oxonmoot he thought to himself "the ambience of this party would be improved by using some stage lighting for the Ents". And the rest is history. Apart from doing tech at Oxonmoot almost ever since, Mike has... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 8:30am - 10:00am BST
8 - Meet at Porters' Lodge
  In Person Only

8:45am BST

The religio-mythopoeic tradition in the "Hymn to Elbereth"
Interspersed in the text, a particular sequence of poems exists in The Lord of the Rings, which, in its totality, forms what is called the Hymn of the Elves from Rivendell, or Aerlinn in Edhil o Imladris in Sindarin, an element of which is the Hymn to Elbereth. This collection of poems, to which can be added the Altariello Nainië Lóriendessë or Galadriel’s Lament in Lórien in Quenya, of which Namárië forms the second part, which provides complementary information, constitutes a coherent whole preserving a religious tradition among the High-Elves (the exiled Noldor).

According to Tolkien in The Road Goes Ever On, it would have remained overlooked by his readers, at least during his lifetime. Even the 1977 posthumous publication of the Silmarillion did not clarify it fully, as the tradition is chiefly occulted out from there also. It is only by cross-referencing what we know with earlier versions of the poems in HoMe and other apparently independent texts that we can hope to unveil it. So what is this tradition? What does it consist in? Come and find out.
Speakers
avatar for Denis Bridoux

Denis Bridoux

Originally from Northern France, Denis Bridoux discovered Tolkien in 1973 by reading The Hobbit in French, which transformed his life and chose to study English at University to read Tolkien in the original language. A member of the Tolkien Society since 1976, he attended his first... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 8:45am - 9:30am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

9:00am BST

Hern Ennorath Smial (Australian meet up)
Drop in and say hello at the Hern Ennorath Smial: the Australian smial of the Tolkien Society. Come along to our online social room and meet other Tolkien lovers from across Australia and the World. Learn more about our activities that may be available in your part of Australia.
Speakers
avatar for Lauren Brand

Lauren Brand

Australian Hern Ennorath Smial, Canberra Tolkien Fellowship
If you went to Birmingham Tokien 2019 and Oxonmoot online 2020 you might know me as Drongo Barefoot from the Underdowns, whose father is the famous Garbo!Get in touch with me if you are in Australia and interested in the activities of the Hern Ennorath Australian smial of the Tolkien... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

9:00am BST

Bake-Off Submissions
Bring your cakes and bakes along to the judging table in the Ruth Deech table.

Awards will be announced later in the day.
Saturday September 3, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am BST
6 - Ruth Deech Building Foyer
  In Person Only

9:00am BST

Art Show
Saturday September 3, 2022 9:00am - 5:00pm BST
5 - Mary Ogilvie Foyer
  In Person Only
  • Interests Art

9:30am BST

A Princess illustrates The Lord of the Rings: Ingahild Grathmer, Eric Fraser and the Folio Society
In 1977, The Lord of the Rings was illustrated by Eric Fraser and Ingahild Grathmer, the Princess Margrethe of Denmark. She had corresponded with J.R.R. Tolkien and sent him her own drawings. The author praised her work which became the basis for the 1977 illustrated Lord of the Rings. However, the pictures were not published as such. The Folio Society commissioned Eric Fraser turn the pencil drawings into black-and-white, ink illustrations. Our focus in this paper is the extent of this work, and the definition of the collaboration between the two artists. It is motivated by the exhibition in France, in Summer 2022, of Princess Margrethe’s illustrations, seven of which had been on display at the 2018 Tolkien exhibition in Oxford. The Cahors exhibition should lift a few mysteries regarding this edition of The Lord of the Rings, which in turn inspired Fraser when he illustrated The Hobbit (1979) and the Radio Times adverts for the BBC radio dramatization of The Lord of the Rings (1981).
Speakers
avatar for Marie Bretagnolle

Marie Bretagnolle

Marie Bretagnolle (she / her) is a French doctoral student whose work focuses on the illustrations created for British and American editions of J.R.R. and Christopher Tolkien’s Middle-earth texts. She is preparing her PhD under the joint supervision of Vincent Ferré, a renowned... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 9:30am - 10:30am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford
  • Interests Art

9:30am BST

Craft Room
Drop in to the Craft Room in person or online to join Anne for chat and sharing of activities.

Lots of ideas will be available for you to try, or just enjoy the company.
Speakers
avatar for Anne Gooding

Anne Gooding

Anne joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 for the Return of the Ring and attended her first Oxonmoot that year. The Cottage of Lost Play (or the Art and Craft Room) started in 2013 as a space for fun. She first picked up LoTR as a teenager. She can’t remember when she first read The... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 9:30am - 12:45pm BST
2 - The Cottage of Lost Play (Craft) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

9:30am BST

Dealers Room
Saturday September 3, 2022 9:30am - 5:00pm BST
5 - Danson Room (Dealers)
  In Person Only

10:00am BST

Food and Drink in Middle-earth Drop-in
There's a little bit of Hobbit in all of us - and one thing we all love is the good, simple food of the Shire.

Join this drop-in to meet others with a shared interest in the food and drink of Middle-earth. Discuss the beers of the Green Dragon and the Prancing Pony, share recipes for stewed rabbit, or what might be closest to lembas - or any other matters which come to mind.
Saturday September 3, 2022 10:00am - 11:00am BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Drop-in

10:30am BST

An Environmental Bioethical Approach to Ageing Bodies of Middle-earth
Ageing is a thematic undercurrent throughout Middle-earth’s history due to Tolkien’s preoccupation with death and ageing. Ageing is a key concern in bioethics because of the common medicalisation of the process that takes interventionist tactics to mask its ‘negative’ signs. Tolkien’s treatment of ageing bodies in Middle-earth provides a kaleidoscopic vantage to navigate ethical perspectives on ageing through the multiple ‘species’ exhibiting its consequences through a symbiotic relationship to the environment. The legendarium follows Middle-earth’s inhabitation by multiple long-lived sentient beings, such as Elves and Dwarves, to the gradual degeneration of the environment and their lifespan. These approaches to ageing bodies span from intervention to acceptance; thus, allowing a space to apply a bioethical framework to pursue philosophical queries. Thus, a fundamental question in bioethics and the legendarium is this paper’s central query: what does it mean to age well?
Speakers
avatar for Journee Cotton

Journee Cotton

PhD Candidate
Journee Cotton is a second year PhD student at the University of Exeter studying English. She obtained bachelor degrees from Lubbock Christian University in English and Pre-law and a master’s degree in English Literature specialising in the Victorian and Romantic periods at the... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 10:30am - 11:00am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

11:00am BST

Shire Stroll
Ever thought that a bit of fresh air and exercise would be a good thing at Oxonmoot? But not feeling able to do the full Hobbit Hike?

Join Maggie on a gentle stroll (approximately 2 miles) across the University Parks and along the banks of the Cherwell.

Please wear sensible shoes and bring water. Note that in the event of inclement weather this may be cancelled or re-arranged at short notice.
Speakers
avatar for Maggie Percival

Maggie Percival

Maggie Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1979, and has been known to say that doing so changed her life. She is best known in Tolkien circles as a costumer, notably for Elwing the White and Aratalindalë, the latter being her second Best in Show set at the World Science Fiction... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 11:00am - 12:30pm BST
8 - Meet at Porters' Lodge
  In Person Only

11:15am BST

A possible Welsh source for the name Arwen
In a letter of 28 August, 1967, written in reply to an enquiry from S. E. O. Joukes, Tolkien referred to the personal name ‘Arwen’, noting that in Sindarin it means ‘noble maiden’ and that “it is also a word in Welsh meaning ‘greatly blessed’”. His suggestion that 'arwen' is "a word in Welsh" is intriguing, not least because it is not found in that form in either manuscript or printed sources, nor is it attested in the standard historical dictionaries. While Tolkien's knowledge of Welsh was undoubtedly sufficient for him to have created a word in that language had he wished, there is no indication that in this case he did.

It is clear, however, that Tolkien had at some point seen "a word in Welsh" that suggested the name 'Arwen' to him; this paper will discuss what that source might have been, and consider its significance for our appreciation of the wider background on which he drew for the development of his legendarium.
Speakers
avatar for Paul Bryant-Quinn

Paul Bryant-Quinn

Formerly a Fellow at the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies in Aberystwyth, and until recently at Exeter University, my research has focused mainly on the history and literature of medieval and early modern Wales; currently I am working on a study of Welsh scholars who lived... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 11:15am - 11:45am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

11:15am BST

Turn Left at Remmirath: Celestial Navigation in Middle-earth
Have you ever wondered what Aragorn meant by the stars being "strange" in the south, or how Beren used the stars to escape from Melkor's minions? How accurate is the famous star-rising scene in The Fellowship of the Ring? This beginner's level introduction to celestial navigation in Middle-earth seeks to enhance your enjoyment and knowledge of both astronomy and Tolkien's works, and you will leave with a cardboard star finder labelled with the constellations of both our Primary World and Tolkien's Secondary one, as well as your own Valacirca star clock (Frodo could have benefited from one in Bree!).
Speakers
avatar for Kristine Larsen

Kristine Larsen

Professor of Astronomy, Central Connecticut State University
Dr. Kristine Larsen has been an astronomy professor at Central Connecticut State University since 1989. In addition to her scholarly work on Tolkien's use of astronomy in crafting Middle-earth (published in Mallorn, Tolkien Studies, Journal of Tolkien Research, Amon Hen, and beyond... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 11:15am - 12:15pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activities)
  In Person Only

11:45am BST

Tolkien and Old Norse – for Dummies
A short (20 minute) introduction to the important role Old Norse language and literature played in Tolkien's life and in his legendarium. This is not a presentation for experts, but for ordinary Tolkien readers. You may have heard that the dwarf names in The Hobbit were taken from an ancient Norse book, but did you know that Tolkien held that the poems in this book were "endowed with an almost demonic energy", or that Valinor was originally translated as "Asgard", the abode of the old Norse gods? No? Then this is for you.
Speakers
avatar for Nils Ivar Agøy

Nils Ivar Agøy

NILS IVAR AGØY is Professor of Modern History at the University of South-Eastern Norway. He is a founding member of Arthedain – The Tolkien Society of Norway (1981) and has written and spoken extensively on Tolkienian subjects. He has also translated several of Tolkien's books... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 11:45am - 12:15pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

12:15pm BST

Towards Tolkien research with computational literary analysis
EN

In the last two decades, computers have been increasingly used to study text in a literary way.  This is called "computational literary analysis," which has become especially popular in  Shakespeare studies and Jane Austen studies, yet there is hardly a peep about it being used for Tolkien studies. Here I present the case for such research to be done, drawing examples from other fields of computational literary analysis to explain what techniques could be useful here, and why. I provide an example from 'Leaf by Niggle.' I also identify qualities of Tolkien’s fictional works that are ripe for computational literary analysis, and identify potential sources of error and (cautiously) argue for open-source data, in an attempt to encourage methodological transparency and to foster communication between those who prefer "close reading" and those who prefer "distant reading."

No knowledge of computation or coding is assumed. If this lecture tickles your fancy, consider attending the 2:45 workshop on doing the computations yourself. I'll explain things from the ground up, and you will go home with some new coding skills.

______
FR please correct my French as I am learning!

Au cours des deux dernières décennies, les ordinateurs ont été de plus en plus utilisés pour étudier la littérature. C'est ce qu'on appelle "l'analyse littéraire computationnelle" ("philologie computationnelle") qui est devenue populaire dans les études de Shakespeare et les études de Jane Austen. Mais qu'en est-il de son utilisation dans les études de Tolkien? Je présente ici les arguments en faveur d'une telle recherche, en tirant des exemples d'autres domaines de l'analyse littéraire computationnelle. J'identifie également les qualités des œuvres de fiction de Tolkien qui sont bonnes pour l'analyse littéraire computationnelle, j'identifie les sources potentielles d'erreur et (soigneusement) plaide en faveur de "données open-source", dans le but d'encourager la transparence méthodologique.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Dinh Nguyen

Christina Dinh Nguyen

Cataloguer, University of Toronto Mississauga
Christina is currently a Master of Information student at the University of Toronto. Her research interests includes natural language processing, computational literary analysis, and information architectures of digital humanities resources. Her greatest hope is that her research... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 12:15pm - 12:45pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

12:30pm BST

Lunch (provided)
Saturday lunch is the time when all our in person Oxonmooters can come together to enjoy the fellowship of a shared meal.

Please ensure you have let us know any dietary requirements whether or not you are staying in college or eating any of the other (bookable) meals - if you haven't please email bookings@oxonmoot.org as soon as possible
Saturday September 3, 2022 12:30pm - 2:00pm BST
7 - Dining Hall
  Meals

1:45pm BST

Languages Drop-In
Tolkien's invented languages lie at the heart of his creation of Middle-earth.

Join this drop-in to meet others with a shared interest in languages. Share knowledge, or seek answers to the questions you have always wanted to ask.
Saturday September 3, 2022 1:45pm - 2:45pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid

1:45pm BST

Panel: Reactions to Diversity in the New Amazon Series: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Panelists will be discussing reactions of Tolkien fans from different continents, such as Asia and South America to the introduction of actors from diverse races. Certain fans have had an adverse reaction to the introduction of a diverse cast. What do POC fans think about these adverse reactions? There’s already a discussion going on in the media about diversity in this TV series, as the names of actors are revealed. Also, are the producers of this TV series simply catering to a new market in other continents such as Asia, South America, and Africa, or are they 'woke,' and doing it right? Questions that can be discussed during the Panel are:
  • What is your favourite race and/ or character in Rings of Power so far? Which race and/or character would like to follow in this new TV series?
  • What motivated the producers of the new TV series to include such a diverse cast? 
  • Was it really necessary to include this diverse cast, if that was not the case in the source material? 
  • Is the inclusion of a diverse cast a reflection of the way modern society is changing? 
  • Or is the inclusion of a diverse cast done more for financial reasons, in order to attract more people from countries of ‘emerging economies?’ 
  • How could the producers strike a balance between ‘diversity for the sake of diversity,’ and including a diverse cast only if it’s logical within the context of the source material?
Speakers
avatar for Ali Ghaderi

Ali Ghaderi

Ali Ghaderi’s research interests include high fantasy, continental and analytical philosophy, films/TV, contemporary American and British literature, and popular culture. He is working on his graduate research on fantasy adaptations and media productions through a feminist theoretical... Read More →
avatar for Martha Celis Mendoza

Martha Celis Mendoza

Universidad Iberoamericana
Martha Celis-Mendoza (Mexico, Universidad Iberoamericana) is a lecturer and translator; she holds a PhD. in Hispanic Literatures and an MA in Translation, both from El Colegio de México, and a BA in English from National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) with a dissertation... Read More →
avatar for María Fernanda Chávez Guiñez

María Fernanda Chávez Guiñez

María Fernanda Chávez Guiñez studied English Literature and Linguistics and a minor in Art History in Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. She promotes the love for literature, art and nature in her blog, formerly known as Books from Fangorn, and currently renamed Books from... Read More →
avatar for Sultana Raza

Sultana Raza

Sultana Raza has an MA in English Literature. An independent scholar, she's presented numerous papers related to Keats and Tolkien in international conferences in the USA, Ireland, the UK, France, Greece, Norway, and CoNZealand. Her creative non-fiction has appeared in Vector & Focus... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 1:45pm - 2:45pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

1:45pm BST

The Tolkien Art Show
An Oxonmoot Institution. Former Archivist and editor of Mallorn Len Sanford shares a sample of the 3,000 pieces of Tolkien artwork he has collected over the years – some serious, some less so. Audience participation is essential!
Speakers
avatar for Len Sanford

Len Sanford

Len has been a TS member since 1990, and was the editor of Mallorn for eight years. For some years he was the Society’s archivist, following Christina Scull who had made a collection of over 1,000 slides showing examples of Tolkien related art and illustration. Before she left for... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 1:45pm - 2:45pm BST
4 - Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre (in person only)
  In Person Only
  • Interests Art

1:45pm BST

Craft Room
Drop in to the Craft Room in person or online to join Anne for chat and sharing of activities.

Lots of ideas will be available for you to try, or just enjoy the company.
Speakers
avatar for Anne Gooding

Anne Gooding

Anne joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 for the Return of the Ring and attended her first Oxonmoot that year. The Cottage of Lost Play (or the Art and Craft Room) started in 2013 as a space for fun. She first picked up LoTR as a teenager. She can’t remember when she first read The... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 1:45pm - 3:00pm BST
2 - The Cottage of Lost Play (Craft) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

2:00pm BST

Sound Check for Entertainers
Sound Check for those performing live "Entertainments" during the evening.

Please contact Helen at ents@oxonmoot.org to discuss details
Speakers
avatar for Helen Armstrong

Helen Armstrong

Volunteer, Tolkien Society
Helen Armstrong joined the Tolkien Society around 1974 from UCL London Hobbit Soc and gradually got involved with things like being Secretary, contributing occasionally to Amon Hen and Mallorn (editing one edition in 2014), and, chiefly, Oxonmoot.In the early 1980s at Oxford Town... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 2:00pm - 3:30pm BST
7 - Dining Hall
  In Person Only

2:45pm BST

Fellowships and Motivation: How interpersonal dynamics relate to quest success in Middle-earth
Many characters in Middle-earth do unexpected things. For example, hobbits leave their comfortable lives in the Shire to go on a quest with a band of strangers and dwarves return to their homeland after years in exile to reclaim their kingdom. Yet, both of these groups (the Fellowship from The Lord of the Rings and the company of dwarves from "The Hobbit") are high-performing collectives that fulfill their missions. This presentation will utilize theories of interpersonal dynamics from the social sciences to consider what made both of these groups successful. In doing so, it will consider stages of group formation, various models of motivation, and team member composition to explore the performance of both groups.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Urick

Mike Urick

Dean, Saint Vincent College
Dr. Michael Urick is a member of the Tolkien Society and is Dean of the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, USA. Much of his research is related to exploring leadership through the characters of Middle-earth. He has... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 2:45pm - 3:15pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

2:45pm BST

Computational Literary Analysis of Tolkien texts
This workshop is a gentle introduction to using the language R to perform basic computational tests on Tolkien texts. Attendees will remake Tolkien’s stories into their own by manipulating the text computationally. We will also open the conversation into what the digital humanities can bring to Tolkien studies, beyond what is learned in this workshop. This workshop does not assume prior coding knowledge. 

Please bring along your laptops with both R and RStudio installed via [https://cran.r-project.org/] and [https://www.rstudio.com/products/rstudio/], or feel free just to observe. Installation assistance can be provided during the workshop if you encounter difficulties. (See below for further instructions for on installing these on your own*).

All texts used in this workshop can be found at https://github.com/TorontoYYZ/Workshop.

Learners of all ages (including children) are welcome. If you would like me to make this accessible, please let me know via email (christinadinh.nguyen@mail.utoronto.ca) beforehand and I will be happy to accomodate.

These are the types of tests we will learn to do:
- word count
- sentiment analysis
- word clouds

___________

*Installing R and RStudio

R is the program that "runs" every command you tell the computer. RStudio is a pretty way of writing those commands, and makes it easier on the eyes.

1. Open the pages https://cran.r-project.org/ and https://www.rstudio.com/products/rstudio/.
R is a programming language, and a free software environment to execute the R language. That means we could use the R program's environment to write our programs, but RStudio has a better look and layout for writing code.
2. On the homepage of the cran.r-project.org site, please click the blue underlined text saying "download R" near the top of the page. Then from the list, select the location that is nearest to you. Then click on the download link that is appropriate for your computer's operating system (e.g. Windows is mine). Then click on "base", then click on "Download R [version number]" and install.
3. To install RStudio, we go to the rstudio homepage that we opened in step 1. Click on "download" at the very top of the page. 
Scroll down, and you will see that there are four options for RStudio (desktop free, desktop paid, server, and pro). We will use the desktop free version. Click on that option and download it. Choose the correct operating system and install.

Video of these instructions, courtesy of Nadia Muhe at the University of Toronto: https://play.library.utoronto.ca/watch/04146e604fe5d528824cc56d7fd923a1
Speakers
avatar for Christina Dinh Nguyen

Christina Dinh Nguyen

Cataloguer, University of Toronto Mississauga
Christina is currently a Master of Information student at the University of Toronto. Her research interests includes natural language processing, computational literary analysis, and information architectures of digital humanities resources. Her greatest hope is that her research... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 2:45pm - 3:45pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

3:00pm BST

Experiencing Middle-earth through colours
Art can be a way of expression but also of learning and connection. 

In this workshop we will explore passages from the Silmarillion and the Lord of the Rings through painting. We will be borrowing some methods from art to experience and explore what fascinates us in the world Tolkien created. In a next step we will work in small groups to include our resonance to the works of others into each individual process. The workshop will end with an exchange in the whole group about our experiences.

The process is more important than the final product, so no experience or skill with creating art is required to participate. If you have a sketchbook, notebook or art materials with you, feel free to bring them along though.
Speakers
avatar for Kai D. Janik

Kai D. Janik

visual artist, illustrator, art therapist
Visual artist, illustrator and art therapist

Saturday September 3, 2022 3:00pm - 4:30pm BST
2 - The Cottage of Lost Play (Craft)
  In Person Only
  • Interests Art

3:15pm BST

"No time for that either!": Thoughts and reflections on adventures, adaptations, and turning fifty at Oxonmoot
Ever since his first visit to Oxonmoot in 1994 Marcel Aubron-Bülles has considered the Tolkien community a home as comfortable as a hobbit-hole. 

However, we all know that life has this tendency of landing us all in a pickle and whether we are 18, 33, or 50 we all have to dare the adventure, even if we do not want to. The best we can do is try our best, hold out hope we meet a wizard and a few dwarves in our lives or anyone else friendly enough, really, to join our life's path and value food and cheer and song just as much we do.

A talk about growing up in the face of adversity, hope against all odds, and the realisation that amazing stories will accompany you during the greatest story that is yours alone - your life.
Speakers
avatar for Marcel R. Bülles

Marcel R. Bülles

Middle-earth Traveller, The Tolkienist
Marcel R. Bülles is the author of thetolkienist.com, a specialist blog centering on worldwide Tolkien fandom, geekdom and research as well as the  Roving Ranger bi-weekly newsletter. He works as a freelance translator, journalist and writer and is the founder of the German Tolkien Society as well as a co-founder to RingCon, Euro... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 3:15pm - 3:45pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

3:30pm BST

Masquerade Rehearsal
Technical rehearsal for those taking part in the Masquerade during the evening.

Please contact Mike at masquerade@oxonmoot.org to discuss details
Speakers
avatar for Mike Percival

Mike Percival

Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities (Head Dragon)
Mike Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1983. A year later at his first Oxonmoot he thought to himself "the ambience of this party would be improved by using some stage lighting for the Ents". And the rest is history. Apart from doing tech at Oxonmoot almost ever since, Mike has... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 3:30pm - 4:30pm BST
7 - Dining Hall
  In Person Only

4:00pm BST

"I want to see mountains again, Gandalf - mountains": Romantic mountaineering in Middle-earth
This paper will examine the role that Romantic mountaineering plays in Tolkien's biography and twentieth-century fantasy narrative. As a writer who walked in the footsteps of the Romantics in the Swiss Alps, it will consider how Tolkien's experiences of mountaineering are integrated into his legendarium, reviving Samuel Taylor Coleridge's 'mountaineering' for an audience experiencing a neo-Romantic wave between the 1930-50s. It seeks to consider Tolkien as a writer who reignited part of the Romantic thirst for altitudinous adventure and peril by paralleling his writing with Lord Byron's, William Wordsworth's and a range of other Romantic writers. Time dependent, the paper hopes to lightly touch on the impact of Peter Jackson's Middle-earth trilogies and how they have further triggered an itch for mountain adventure in the twenty-first century.
Speakers
avatar for Will Sherwood

Will Sherwood

PhD in English Literature, University of Glasgow
Will Sherwood is currently writing his PhD ‘"I sit beside the fire and think": J.R.R. Tolkien’s Romanticism and its Cultural Legacies' at the University of Glasgow under the supervision of Professors Dimitra Fimi and Matthew Sangster. He has co-edited 'The Romantic Spirit in the... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 4:00pm - 4:30pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

4:00pm BST

How Tolkien’s works have helped us personally manage in these difficult times.
A Social room to discuss Tolkien's works and how he has helped us during difficult times. We'll start with a brief stretch and meditation to help us clear our minds and hearts. Lets listen, share, and reach out across our worldwide community to help each other replenish our gardens after a long period of unrest. If you'd like, come prepared to tell a story how and when you drew strength from Tolkien's Legendarium. 

Speakers
avatar for Maureen Layden

Maureen Layden

Maureen began her love of all things Tolkien as a child, retaining a sense of wonder for nature, language, culture, myth, and the commitment to kindness and goodwill. She employs the professor’s values as physician for the US Veterans Health Administration and as a leader in quality... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 4:00pm - 5:00pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

4:30pm BST

Oxymore in Númenor: An inspiration unmasked
When Tolkien had a poem published in the winter of 1936–7, he signed it “Oxymore”. The name signposts a shaping influence on the story of the Fall of Númenor, with profound ramifications for The Lord of the Rings and, indeed, the Lord of the Rings. But to sleuth out the truth, we must time-travel to a century not usually associated with Tolkien…
Speakers
avatar for John Garth

John Garth

Writer, editor and researcher John Garth is well known for his ongoing work on Tolkien’s life and creativity, and was awarded the Tolkien Society’s Outstanding Contribution Award in 2017.His first book, Tolkien and the Great War, won the Mythopoeic Scholarship Award. His second... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 4:30pm - 5:00pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

5:00pm BST

Special Guest - Ramsey Avery
We are delighted to be joined by Ramsey Avery, production designer for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Speakers
avatar for Ramsey Avery

Ramsey Avery

Ramsey Avery is the Production Designer for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.Previous credits include 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016), Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 (2017) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013).

Saturday September 3, 2022 5:00pm - 6:00pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

6:00pm BST

STACs Coffee Shop open for Dinner
In addition to drinks, cakes, paninis, toasties, etc. STACs Coffee Shop offers a selection of handmade pizzas using sustainably sourced sourdough bases and a small selection of bottled beers, wines and soft drinks. The ideal way to grab a quick meal without leaving site.
Saturday September 3, 2022 6:00pm - 8:00pm BST
7 - STACs Coffee Shop
  Meals

6:15pm BST

An Evening with Brian Sibley
Brian has made a vast contribution to public awareness of Tolkien over in excess of 40 years. He is perhaps best known for the 1981 BBC radio dramatisation of The Lord of the Rings, while more recently he produced the official Movie Guides for Peter Jackson’s films of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. In collaboration with John Howe he has worked on maps across all the history of Middle-earth. On radio in addition to The Lord of the Rings he wrote Tales from the Perilous Realm and wrote and narrated JRR Tolkien – an audio portrait. And he has editted the forthcoming volume The Fall of Númenor.

Celebrating his receipt of the Outstanding Contribution award in the 2022 Tolkien Society Awards, we are delighted to welcome Brian for an hour of informal discussion and Q&A.
Speakers
avatar for Shaun Gunner

Shaun Gunner

Chair, The Tolkien Society
Shaun Gunner is the Chair of the Tolkien Society. Shaun has served as the chair since 2013, and has worked to reshape the Society to be a more modern, more open and more international organisation. During Shaun’s tenure as chair, the Society’s membership has quintupled and now... Read More →
avatar for Brian Sibley

Brian Sibley

Writer and broadcaster with a passion for fantasy, science fiction and children's literature. Dramatist of the 1981 BBC Radio serialisation of 'The Lord of the Rings' (also 'Tales from the Perilous Realm'); collaborated with John Howe on 'Tolkien's Maps of Middle-earth'; author of... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 6:15pm - 7:15pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid

7:15pm BST

Dinner Time Breakout Rooms
A dinner break - and time to socialise with delegates from around the world - as we create Breakout Rooms and encourage our online delegates to mingle with friends old and new.
Saturday September 3, 2022 7:15pm - 8:30pm BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online

8:30pm BST

Entertainments & Masquerade
Since the earliest days of Oxonmoot, members have provided entertainment for each other in the form of Songs, Dances and Sketches.

Once again in 2022, we will combine physical performances in Oxford with online presentations from performers across the globe, all of them waiting to share their talents with you all!

At some point during the evening we will run our Costume Masquerade, providing an opportunity for the costumers amongst us to showcase their talents.

And the evening will conclude with our traditional "filking", led by Pete Clark - when everyone is encouraged to join in with singing of filk (parody) songs new and old. Words will be provided, just bring your voice!

Sit back and enjoy (unless, of course, you are performing)!
Speakers
avatar for Helen Armstrong

Helen Armstrong

Volunteer, Tolkien Society
Helen Armstrong joined the Tolkien Society around 1974 from UCL London Hobbit Soc and gradually got involved with things like being Secretary, contributing occasionally to Amon Hen and Mallorn (editing one edition in 2014), and, chiefly, Oxonmoot.In the early 1980s at Oxford Town... Read More →
avatar for Pete Clark

Pete Clark

Pete has been involved in filking (parody singing) for three decades and was a founder member of the Oxford Tolkien Society filk band, the Taruithorn Singers. He does occasionally write and sing non parody songs!

Saturday September 3, 2022 8:30pm - 11:30pm BST
7 - Dining Hall & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid

11:15pm BST

Poetry Reading
Back by popular demand following the inaugural poetry reading at Oxonmoot 2020 and first hybrid session in 2021.
Join us to hear works by the poets amongst our delegates, while others will read their favourite poems by Tolkien and his associates. Follow the poems in the Oxonmoot Online Anthology, which will be published the delegates page shortly before Oxonmoot.
Speakers
avatar for María Fernanda Chávez Guiñez

María Fernanda Chávez Guiñez

María Fernanda Chávez Guiñez studied English Literature and Linguistics and a minor in Art History in Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. She promotes the love for literature, art and nature in her blog, formerly known as Books from Fangorn, and currently renamed Books from... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 11:15pm - Sunday September 4, 2022 12:45am BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

11:30pm BST

J.R.R. Tolkien, Culture Warrior: The Alt-Right Religious Crusade's appropriation of "Tolkien"
In this presentation, I will trace some attributes of the alt-right's "private Tolkien" (Flieger, "The Arch and Keystone") which they have made public in online articles and comments during 2021-22. The articles (in periodicals and personal blogs) attacked, variously:

The Tolkien Society 
TS Seminar "Tolkien and Diversity" 
Seminar presenters
Superbowl Amazon Prime trailer 
Amazon marketing pictures 
Academics, including personal attacks against Dimitra Fimi and Mariana Rios Maldonado 

I use a linguistic method that involves creating a corpus (an electronic database) to identify key words and collocations (words associated with key words). Two of the most significant key words are "Tolkien" and "woke.. My goal is to analyze how these writers construct their crusading version of "Tolkien," using it to attempt to repress the existence and interpretations of others, while situating my analysis in the context of contemporary religious-political conflicts.
Speakers
avatar for Robin Anne Reid

Robin Anne Reid

Dr., Retired
Robin Anne Reid, Ph.D. retired in May 2020 to pursue scholarship as an independent scholar. She co-directed two N. E. H Tolkien Institutes for School Teachers on Teaching Tolkien (2004, 2009) with Dr. Judy Ann Ford, History, A&M-Commerce. Her scholarship in Tolkien studies is shaped... Read More →

Saturday September 3, 2022 11:30pm - Sunday September 4, 2022 12:00am BST
0 - Online only (Webinar Strand)
  Online, Broadcast into Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre

11:45pm BST

Adaptations Drop-in
Whether it be "The Rings of Power" on Amazon Prime, the Peter Jackson movies, the BBC Radio Dramatisation, the Lord of the Ring Musical, or many other examples, Tolkien's works have been adapted for stage, screen and radio on many occasions.

Join this drop-in to meet others who love to see Tolkien's stories through the lens of adaptations.
Saturday September 3, 2022 11:45pm - Sunday September 4, 2022 12:45am BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Drop-in
 
Sunday, September 4
 

12:00am BST

From Goth Persephone to Lady of Sorrows: The evolving nature of Nienna
After touching briefly on the role of contemplation in the experience of enchantment, I explore the development of the figure of Nienna from her origin as Fui to Arda’s own Lady of Sorrows. In her evolution she reflects Tolkien’s own journey through grief and loss, and models both a contemplative stance and the power of grieving to heal and transform.
Speakers
avatar for Marilyn R. Pukkila

Marilyn R. Pukkila

Librarian Emerita, Colby College
Marilyn (she/her) is Research Librarian Emerita at Colby College, where she taught courses on Tolkien’s Sources, Women in Myth and Fairy Tale, Religious Responses to Harry Potter, and the Religion of Contemporary Witchcraft. She discovered podcasts a few years ago and is now on... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 12:00am - 12:30am BST
0 - Online only (Webinar Strand)
  Online, Broadcast into Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre

12:30am BST

Unmovable Mountains: The symbolic war between good and evil
Tolkien's Catholic faith influenced his fiction, and while the author himself discouraged readers from viewing his legendarium as an allegory, it is undoubtedly prevalent in his symbolism. Unlike allegorical interpretation, symbolism presents one thing as a representation of another. A common landscape throughout, mountains in Tolkien's writings can be identified as a symbol for one particular Catholic teaching found in Matthew 16:18: "the gates of hell shall not prevail." This promise, made to Peter by Christ, occurs on the Mount of Transfiguration. In both the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings, evil resides within different mountain ranges, but, similar to the preceding Bible passage, good conquers since evil cannot. This paper primarily analyzes the connection between mountains in the Catholic Bible and Tolkien's novels, the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings, in conjunction with the deeper intended meaning regarding the battle between good and evil.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Turello

Elizabeth Turello

The same week as the 50th Oxonmoot, Elizabeth continued her academic journey, beginning graduate school at Seton Hall University; she will be earning her M.A. in English with a concentration in Literature, specifically Tolkien. Through her research, Elizabeth hopes to bring new interpretive... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 12:30am - 1:00am BST
0 - Online only (Webinar Strand)
  Online, Broadcast into Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre

12:45am BST

Languages Drop-in
Tolkien's invented languages lie at the heart of his creation of Middle-earth.

Join this drop-in to meet others with a shared interest in languages. Share knowledge, or seek answers to the questions you have always wanted to ask.
Sunday September 4, 2022 12:45am - 1:45am BST
0.2 - Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Drop-in

12:45am BST

Writing Drop-in
Ever since Tolkien's works were first published, people have been inspired to write their own fiction - both original, and "fan-fiction" set in his worlds.

Join this drop-in to meet others who share a passion for writing. Compare notes, share ideas, exchange hints and tips, or maybe even come up with a plan to collaborate!
Sunday September 4, 2022 12:45am - 1:45am BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Drop-in

1:00am BST

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother": Masculinity within Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings
In this paper, I explore the characters within the Fellowship of the Ring, looking at how they each stray from hegemonic masculinity in order to create their own type. I examine the various scenes where we see these men turn their backs on what the societal standard of being a man at war should mean, and dive into these scenes show how well-rounded and connected these men are with all aspects of their identity. This new type of masculinity is what allows them to win the war, as well as the hearts of readers. I also use this paper as a space within which I can explore my own personal connection to the male characters I grew up loving.
Speakers
avatar for Maria Matsakis

Maria Matsakis

Maria Matsakis has recently graduated with her Master's degree from the University of North Dakota. During her time, she relied heavily on the men within The Lord of the Rings to aid her during times of stress and anxiety, so much so that they played a vital role in her MA thesis... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 1:00am - 1:30am BST
0 - Online only (Webinar Strand)
  Online, Broadcast into Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre

1:45am BST

Art Drop-in
Tolkien's stories have provided inspiration for illustrators and artists for many years.

Join this drop-in to meet other with an interest in Tolkien art. Share your projects, exchange hints and tips, or discuss your favourite artists and illustrations - the choice is yours.
Sunday September 4, 2022 1:45am - 2:45am BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Drop-in
  • Interests Art

1:45am BST

Orc Support Group
Not feeling all shiny and new? More foul than fair? You are welcome here! Whether you be Orc or Wraith or Dragon--embrace the monster in you! We'll discuss the duality in the legendarium that allows all of us to consider the fate of the fallen soul as a personal meditation. Are we not both hero and villain throughout our lives? Recognize and reclaim your path in all its warts and gnarly glory. Come as your favorite baddie and share, if you'd like, why you resonate with this character...Please note this is not a clinical support group. Please talk to your healthcare provider for any medical issues you may be concerned about.
Speakers
avatar for Maureen Layden

Maureen Layden

Maureen began her love of all things Tolkien as a child, retaining a sense of wonder for nature, language, culture, myth, and the commitment to kindness and goodwill. She employs the professor’s values as physician for the US Veterans Health Administration and as a leader in quality... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 1:45am - 2:45am BST
0.2 - Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Online only

2:45am BST

Collecting Drop-in
The Collecting Drop-in is a place for anyone interested in collecting anything related to Tolkien to meet and chat. Show off your favourite items, tell your stories of research and the joy of getting an object you were after, or pick up tips from others who have been there before. A must for all Tolkien collectors.
Speakers
avatar for Jeremy Edmonds

Jeremy Edmonds

TolkienGuide.com
Jeremy Edmonds is a longtime Tolkien Society member from the United States. He started the Tolkien Collector's Guide website in 2006, which won the 2019 Tolkien Society award for best website. Someday he hopes to attend Oxonmoot in person.

Sunday September 4, 2022 2:45am - 3:45am BST
0.2 - Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Drop-in

2:45am BST

So You Want To Write Fanfiction: Writing Choose Your Own Adventure Stories
Why choose one ending when you don't have to choose -- make your readers do that for you! Choose Your Own Adventure (tm) stories follow many different paths. This panel will cover how to choose topics appropriate for CYOA stories, and how to organize the story so you can get to The End, again and again. We'll also attempt to write a simple CYOA story as a group. 

Topics Covered
  • CYOA Basics & Tips
  • Brainstorming
  • Storyboarding
  • Platform Examples
  • Game-Based CYOA
  • Templates


Speakers
avatar for Zhie

Zhie

Tears Unnumbered Pub
Zhie (librarian, professor, and writing coach) is the leader of Gondolin, the Milwaukee Wisconsin Smial of the Tolkien Society living in the greater Milwaukee area with husband Mark (aka Smaug), a fellow Tolkien aficionado, plus two cats, a tiny parrot, and a floofy terrier who thinks... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 2:45am - 3:45am BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online, Online only

8:00am BST

Breakfast
Sunday September 4, 2022 8:00am - 9:30am BST
7 - Dining Hall
  Meals

9:30am BST

Tolkien's Lost Lecture on Hamlet, Reconstructed
According to Hammond and Scull’s Chronology (2006) for the Hilary Term 1937, “Tolkien is also listed as one of a series of lecturers (with Nevill Coghill, H.V.C. Dyson, C.S. Lewis, and C. L. Wrenn) on Hamlet, at 5.00 p.m. in the Examination Schools, beginning 22nd January." At first I thought there was no hope of finding out about the topic Tolkien had chosen, and Ms C. McIlwaine of the Bodleian Library confirmed that the lecture had not turned up among Tolkien’s papers so far. However, my particular researches into Aotrou and Itroun and (for another society) the Ur-Hamlet ,inspired me to follow a series of educated guesses. I had enough material to suggest the themes for Lewis, Coghill and Dyson; so if Wrenn spoke of Hamlet's wordplay and figures of speech, my own research could daringly suggest Tolkien’s chosen topic, and I could then offer a survey of the whole series of complementary lectures. My audience is also invited to guess the topic before I reveal it.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Yates

Jessica Yates

Jessica Yates read English at LMH, Oxford, qualified as a librarian in London, and joined the, Tolkien Society in 1972; she is thus one of its longest-serving members. She has served as Secretary and Amon Hen editor in the 1970s, was a founder member of Oxonmoot, and has published... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 9:30am - 10:00am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

10:00am BST

A Discussion on Generational Trauma within the Tolkien Legendarium and beyond: A study of the House of Finwë and House of Plantagenet - Part 1
Upon concluding Ainulindalë, Eru proclaims Melkor's deviant notes will play instrument in the grand theme; they were given life. Eru shows similar compassion for Aulë & the dwarves, but Melkor’s child, a vibration, echoed throughout the land and heart of Arda since before time itself. The child of the “attempteth,” is the fracture of family; the family of the Valar, the family of the Valar and the Elves, between the brotherhood Feanor and Fingolfin. This particular fracture ran deep, diluting the peace, love and unity within one family that echoed through generations, leaving behind something changed, but something new. On a different "plane of imagination," evidence exists of a similar fracture of family, one that leads to complete societal breakdown for many. This family reflects a darkness with their light that shines with the haunting brilliance of the House of Finwë, the family of Henry FitzEmpress and Eleanor of Aquitaine, the House of Plantagenet.
Speakers
avatar for Dora Mathis

Dora Mathis

Dora Mathis recently walked away from a 17-year career in the insurance industry to follow her dreams. Their passion is to use the knowledge gained in corporate America to study the relationship between generational trauma and human evolution of creativity to determine the effects... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 10:00am - 10:30am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

10:30am BST

The Worming-Dives and Molotov-Ribbentrop Pacts
Some years after the eponymous hero of J.R.R.Tolkien’s Farmer Giles of Ham became a king, with the help of imprisoned dragon Chrysophylax Dives, he released the latter; and ‘They parted with many expressions of mutual esteem, and a pact of non-aggression upon either side’. This pact is an international treaty where two or more states promise not to engage in military aggression against one another.

The talk explores the possibilities of why Tolkien made use of such a treaty. One, to remind the reader, in a particularly modern way, of the subversive nature of the story; and two, to make obvious comparisons and contrasts with the notorious Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of 1939 - made between bitter ideological enemies, with a secret protocol against others, and soon broken - whose effects are still felt, including in the present Russia-Ukraine War.

Speakers
avatar for Murray Smith

Murray Smith

Murray Smith was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. A fan of Tolkien and his works since the age of twelve − when he began reading a copy of The Hobbit, found when moving house with his family − he joined the Tolkien Society in 2002. A member of the Bar of Ireland since 1999... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 10:30am - 11:00am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

10:30am BST

Costume Masquerade Show-and-Tell
Costumers love learning from one another - and just because some of our Masqueraders are online doesn't mean we shouldn't provide an opportunity for people to share at Oxonmoot too. Masquerade participants and anyone interested in costume are invited to come together with the Masquerade team to discuss their experiences in making their costumes, and share the tricks and tips they used.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Percival

Mike Percival

Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities (Head Dragon)
Mike Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1983. A year later at his first Oxonmoot he thought to himself "the ambience of this party would be improved by using some stage lighting for the Ents". And the rest is history. Apart from doing tech at Oxonmoot almost ever since, Mike has... Read More →
avatar for Maggie Percival

Maggie Percival

Maggie Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1979, and has been known to say that doing so changed her life. She is best known in Tolkien circles as a costumer, notably for Elwing the White and Aratalindalë, the latter being her second Best in Show set at the World Science Fiction... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 10:30am - 11:30am BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

11:00am BST

“All’s well that begins better”: Comparing narrative openings of The Lord of the Rings and its adaptations
We are not supposed to judge a book by its cover. We can, however, often learn much about a book, play, movie/TV show or other forms of narrative art from their opening paragraphs, minutes, scenes, or moments. The beginning’s role in setting the tone and preparing the stage for the narrative, themes and characters which are about to unfold is crucial. This paper will compare the opening of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings to those in the adaptations by Peter Jackson and Ralph Bakshi and show how they foreshadow the different tone and focus of the respective works. Given this indicative nature of any work’s opening moments, the paper will end with some thoughts on the first scene(s) of The Rings of Power and what they might tell about the series’ first season.
Speakers
avatar for Christian S. Trenk

Christian S. Trenk

Christian S. Trenk is a Tolkien enthusiast from Germany who was first introduced to Middle-earth by the first Jackson movie and came to love the books immediately afterwards. He has a background in Political Sciences, Philosophy and Theology and is currently working as a Research... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 11:00am - 11:30am BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented in Oxford

11:45am BST

House-Museum Tolkien
This project shows the creation of a museum, a physical space of study and teaching, where can enjoy a visit to the space in general and the exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, the realization of conferences and events, and the dissemination of Tolkien's legacy. The Tolkien House Museum offers a museum in all its functions: the visiting public can enjoy a guided tour, events, conferences and exhibitions. It even has a small store for the sale of souvenirs. Members can enjoy all its facilities in general, from those open to the public to making use of the library or study area and garden.
Speakers
avatar for Ana María Amega

Ana María Amega

Since I was little, creating and reading stories take me to an amazing world for a while. Any decision that I make in my life, i always take count of art. I've been always creating or buildings things as long as I remember, that's why I studied Fine Arts in Salamanca (Spain) and a... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 11:45am - 12:15pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

11:45am BST

Tolkien’s Second Age and Myths from Diverse Countries
The new Amazon TV series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will focus on the Second Age. This Group discussion will be centered around myths. Which myths from European or non-European cultures could have inspired some of the stories of Tolkien’s Second Age such as the creation of the Valar, and the fall of a Valar? Are there any parallels between other myths and the creation of Middle Earth, the corruption of some Elves (e.g. Fëanor) etc.? Also, the kin killing amongst the Elves, and the wars between the forces of good and evil, their strategies of battle, and heroic deeds in war. Participants can give references to myths from their own cultures covering some of the points above, or other points.
Speakers
avatar for Sultana Raza

Sultana Raza

Sultana Raza has an MA in English Literature. An independent scholar, she's presented numerous papers related to Keats and Tolkien in international conferences in the USA, Ireland, the UK, France, Greece, Norway, and CoNZealand. Her creative non-fiction has appeared in Vector & Focus... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 11:45am - 1:15pm BST
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

12:15pm BST

In a hole in the ground there lived a reader: the beginning of The Hobbit and its reading
This talk aims to show how the first five paragraphs of The Hobbit form a whole with a prologue-analogous function. To achieve this goal, firstly, we will try to set the boundaries of this fragment. To do that, we will show its internal coherence and characteristics, in particular, its temporality in relation to the story and the narrative, and its theme focused on the building of the Baggins household. Secondly, we will present from a narratological and semantic point of view the strategies deployed in the different narrative layers: we will see how the narrator transforms the semantic code around the term "hobbit-hole", and introduces the main character through a meaningful use of space. Finally, in a work of synthesis, we will show how these paragraphs exercise a preface function that prepares and encourages us to read the whole work.
Speakers
avatar for José Anido Rodríguez

José Anido Rodríguez

Dr. José Anido has been a tolkiendil since his youth. Member of the Spanish Tolkien Society, he collaborates in its Language and Humanities sections. He is currently studying the narrative of “The Hobbit”. In 2020, he won the 2nd essay prize of the Spanish Tolkien Society with... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 12:15pm - 12:45pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

12:45pm BST

Dreaming of Bag End: The Hobbit and medieval dream-poetry
Following de Lorris’ Roman de la Rose and Dante’s Divine Comedy, dream-poetry was highly popular in 14th-Century England. Typically, these poems would involve a vision in which a guide figure leads the dreamer into new places to educate them. Through these lessons, upon wakening the dreamer is transformed. Although not a dream, The Hobbit follows this same framed structure. Bilbo’s adventures begin in May (the conventional dream setting set by de Lorris) as he falls ‘to sleep with [the dwarves’ song] in his ears’. Gandalf fulfils the role of the traditional guide figure who educates the “dreamer” (Bilbo) and sends him out from his comfort zone to where he will grow in wisdom (comparable to Chaucer’s Dantean eagle in House of Fame). Like any Chaucerian dreamer-narrator, Bilbo is slow to appreciate the guide’s promptings. Once his journey is over, the shire around him (his “waking” world) is much as it was, but the hobbit himself has changed. By adapting this popular medieval structure, Tolkien fundamentally revigorated the immportance of dreams for modern fantasy literature.
Speakers
avatar for Samuel Masters

Samuel Masters

Samuel is a postgraduate student at the University of Nottingham, studying Medieval Languages and Literatures. He is fascinated by all aspects of Tolkien's works, especially his handling of medieval and Christian material.

Sunday September 4, 2022 12:45pm - 1:15pm BST
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid, Presented Online

1:15pm BST

Coaches to Wolvercote
Sunday September 4, 2022 1:15pm - 2:00pm BST
8 - Meet at Porters' Lodge
  In Person Only

2:00pm BST

Enyalië
The traditional end of Oxonmoot, and the one event which has featured every year, Enyalië is our time for reflection on the man who has brought us all together – Professor J.R.R. Tolkien.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Percival

Mike Percival

Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities (Head Dragon)
Mike Percival joined the Tolkien Society in 1983. A year later at his first Oxonmoot he thought to himself "the ambience of this party would be improved by using some stage lighting for the Ents". And the rest is history. Apart from doing tech at Oxonmoot almost ever since, Mike has... Read More →
avatar for Elena Davison

Elena Davison

Oxonmoot Co-chair
Elena joined the Tolkien Society in 2012 at The Return of the Ring in Loughborough. They seemed like a good bunch and many a friendship blossomed that week. Over the next few years, she picked up running the art show at Oxonmoot, followed by chairing the event itself in 2015-2017... Read More →
avatar for Denis Bridoux

Denis Bridoux

Originally from Northern France, Denis Bridoux discovered Tolkien in 1973 by reading The Hobbit in French, which transformed his life and chose to study English at University to read Tolkien in the original language. A member of the Tolkien Society since 1976, he attended his first... Read More →
avatar for Shaun Gunner

Shaun Gunner

Chair, The Tolkien Society
Shaun Gunner is the Chair of the Tolkien Society. Shaun has served as the chair since 2013, and has worked to reshape the Society to be a more modern, more open and more international organisation. During Shaun’s tenure as chair, the Society’s membership has quintupled and now... Read More →

Sunday September 4, 2022 2:00pm - 2:30pm BST
9 - Wolvercote Cemetery & Online (Webinar Strand)
  Hybrid

2:30pm BST

"Dead Orcs" Breakout Rooms
After the formal end of Oxonmoot, "Dead Orcs" refers to the informal gatherings of exhausted mooters who reflect on what they've done, look forward to next year, and wish each other a fond farewell.

For our online delegates, we will re-create this experience using Breakout Rooms which will remain available for as long as anyone wants to use them.
Sunday September 4, 2022 2:30pm - 4:00pm BST
0.1 Online Only (Meeting Strand)
  Online
 
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Thursday, September 1
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1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre
1 - Mary Ogilvie Lecture Theatre & Online (Webinar Strand)
2 - The Cottage of Lost Play (Craft)
2 - The Cottage of Lost Play (Craft) & Online (Meeting Strand)
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activites) & Online (Meeting Strand)
3 - Edoras (Discussions & Activities)
4 - Tsuzuki Lecture Theatre (in person only)
5 - Danson Room (Dealers)
5 - Mary Ogilvie Foyer
6 - Ruth Deech Building Foyer
6.1 - Ruth Deech Building Foyer & Online (Webinar Strand)
7 - Dining Hall
7 - Dining Hall & Online (Webinar Strand)
7 - STACs Coffee Shop
8 - Meet at Porters' Lodge
9 - Wolvercote Cemetery & Online (Webinar Strand)
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