Section 7 Abstracts of the Proceedings of the J.R.R. Tolkien Centenary Conference

Tolkien Society: 'a star shines on the hour of our meeting'

Tolkien Centenary Conference Proceedings Abstracts

Good Guys, Bad Guys, Fantasy and Reality.: This paper begins by considering the nature of some of the stylised "evil" and "good" character types employed by J.R.R. Tolkien in his Middle-earth works, and their relationship both with folklore and with related character types appearing in the contemporary world (in Tolkien's time and in our own). The paper then goes on to consider the role of women in Tolkien's fictional world, with particular reference to their status as mothers (particularly as absent mothers), and as heroic figures, and looks at the victimisation of the woman/wife/mother in the Biblical tradition of the Book of Genesis, and its possible relation to Tolkien's own situation. The paper then relates these areas, particularly the latter, to the underlying stress in all the Middle-earth writings between a longing for certainty and permanence, and the recognition that there is no certain path to these desirable states.

The Realm of Faërie.: Middle-earth is not the only glimpse we get of Tolkien's view of Faërie. This paper examines his definition of Faërie and how it applies to Niggle's Parish and to the forest in Smith of Wootton Major. Once we are aware of certain aspects of Faërie (for example the double vision possible), we can appreciate them in Middle-earth.

Point of View in Tolkien.: Many stories are told by more than one teller in Tolkien's works. This paper compares different versions to see what areas of interest or emphasis arise, and what differences might be explained by the specific interests or culture of the teller. The paper also evaluates which kinds of stories are told most often by which tellers.

J.R.R. Tolkien and the Clerihew.: The clerihew, a form of light verse, is part of Tolkien's oeuvre. This study offers (1) a brief history and an elaborate definition of the genre, (2) a discussion of the clerihews that have been written about Tolkien or his works, and (3) an analysis of the clerihews that Tolkien wrote.

Power in Arda: Sources, Uses and Misuses.: Power and renunciation of power has long been recognised as an important theme in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. This paper will examine the issue of power with particular attention to Riane Eisler's dominator/partnership model of power relations and the power within/power over dichotomy. It will consider the sources of various types of power: spiritual, political, physical; and how these are wielded by the various peoples and individuals of Middle-earth.

Tolkien and Englishness.: This paper discusses ways in which Tolkien draws upon various ideas of Englishness in order to construct his epic fictional world. In particular, Tolkien's combinations of different periods and traditions of Englishness - Anglo-Saxon, nineteenth-century - are explored.

A Mythology for England.: As J.R.R. Tolkien developed a mythology for his invented languages to dwell and grow in, he found himself increasingly drawn to satisfy for himself his desire for a true English epic. Tolkien thus encompassed elements of English geography, language, and mythology within his geography, languages, and mythology, as demonstrated through an examination of five figures of Tolkien's mythology, Eärendil, Ermon and Elmir, Ælfwine, and Ingwë.

A Tolkien Chronology.: Premise: A writer's professional and personal life affect his creative writing. A knowledge of what Tolkien was doing, and when, may give insight into his Mythology, or creative writing on Middle-earth. Outlines Tolkien's life, giving dates of important events, professional and personal life, status of writing. Divides creative output into three Periods, Early, Middle, and Late, plus an Ur-Period (youth) before the Mythology was formed. Describes thematic and linguistic characteristics of each Period.

Evil and the Evil One in Tolkien's Theology.: This paper analyses Tolkien's theological theory of evil: first its cosmological aspect (especially the relation between Eru and Melkor), then the place of evil in the structure of the world, the question of salvation, and finally, the question of the End and the second "Doom of Mandos" announcing Morgoth's fall.

Tolkien's Exceptional Visit to Holland: A Reconstruction.: In March 1958 Tolkien was the guest of honour at a "Hobbit Meal" in Rotterdam, Holland. He had never before accepted such an invitation and never did again. By interviewing the organisers and many people who met Tolkien, the visit has been reconstructed, and many, often funny anecdotes have come to light.

A Mythology? For England?: It is well known that J.R.R. Tolkien said that he wanted to make "a mythology for England". Well known, but not true. This paper investigates how Tolkien really used the word mythology, and also looks at the relation with England.

Tolkien's Elvish Craft.: This paper examines "fusion", the basis of artistry, in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Fusion takes place in descriptive passages, in the characters' perception and in the language Tolkien uses. Fusion works toward the purpose of Tolkien's fiction, which is to be found in the Christian views of earth and escapism, especially as expressed by sea-longing.