Throughout JRR Tolkien’s life belonging to a group and regularly meeting to socialize, discuss work, get feedback on work in development and to learn from one another was central to his well-being.
Today we continue to meet and gather at conferences and more locally through Smials.
This summer I’m again honored to present at the New York Tolkien Conference at Baruch University on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
The event is available at no charge, but registration is required.
I participated last year and as I understand it, it had been a relaunch of the event that had been an annual occurrence up until covid. The event was a good size in that it was small enough to be able to talk to anyone there and big enough that you couldn’t be left out of a discussion. There were always several happening during breaks and everyone was welcoming.
This year’s event features Donato Giancarlo, Dr. Kristine Larsen, Professor Nicholas Birns and Tom Hillman. Joining them are Professor Constance Wagner, Professor Alex Retakh, and myself.
Giancarlo is a well recognized and accomplished Tolkien and fantasy artist. Dr. Larsen is a professor of Astronomy and has presented and written many articles on Tolkien related topics. Professor Birns is the author of the Literary Role of History in the Fiction of JRR Tolkien. Hillman is the author of Pity, Power, and the One Ring: To Rule the Fate of Many.
Having presented at Oxonmoot five times over the past four years was an honor, but it was via zoom, so to have the opportunity to speak in person with these well established Tolkien scholars and professors is an incredible honor for me.
I spoke last year on the Evolution of Story from Kullervo to The Children of Hurin, and I’d like to think it was well enough received to have me back. This year I’m presenting on Dragons.
I had a great time considering the topic and exploring all aspects of it from within Tolkien’s writings and lecture.
The topic is tied to the Children of Hurin and extracted from my book I am currently trying to have published tentatively titled, “Neithan the Wronged: the Legend of Turin Turambar”.
It is a reader’s guide in the guise of an unauthorised biography delving into the topics of good vs evil, fate, providence, chance and free will, hope and despair, and more of which impact the story, including decision-making, the curse and a chronology of events.
I’m really looking forward to the event and seeing my 2nd Breakfast Smial of Pennsylvania friends there. I’m pretty sure this will be the highlight of my summer!
Resilient Seeker Coaching | Ross Raymond Nunamaker 