|
When the NY Tolkien Society’s goal of bringing together Tolkien fans from NY and its surrounding areas is fulfilled with events like Ringbearers-Day 2004, it is very satisfying and rewarding. The entire event has inspired the staff of The New York Tolkien Society to continue bringing their love for Tolkien to the NY area, and nearby lands. Well over 125 fans swarmed Marymount Manhattan College, which was transformed into Middle-earth for a day, to partake in an event dedicated to the many facets of admiration for the works of JRR Tolkien, and to celebrate the heroism of our beloved Ringbearers. With thanks to our sponsors Games Workshop, New Line Cinema, Sideshow WETA, Houghton Mifflin, Ancanar, and The Mithril Armoury, Ringbearers-Day 2004 was a day that will be remembered by all.
Having
missed their work at the Gathering of the Fellowship, the presentation
given by The Lonely Mountain Forge’s Master smithies, Joe
Piela and Jenna Brocious, held particular meaning for Jessica
and myself. Personal friends of ours, we wanted very much to bring
their knowledge and craft to our event.
Jessica and I would like to thank everyone who helped us to make this event a rousing success, those who traveled such distances to attend, and our dedicated, brilliant, and inspiring staff who helped make this event the best damned show we at The New York Tolkien Society have ever put on. We thank you all. |
Report on Ringbearers-Day 2004
Each
of the event rooms were renamed for various parts of Middle-earth:
Lothlórien, The Shire, and Helm’s Deep. In Lothlórien
we saw wonderful presentations: “Elven Calligraphy,”
“Horsemanship of the 3rd Age,” “Lord of the
Rings & Philosophy,” and were introduced to the legend
of Ancanar, which beautifully illustrates how Tolkien inspires
us all. The leaders of Lonely Mountain Forge, Joe Piela and Jenna
Brocious, stood the ramparts of Helm’s Deep, demonstrating
their love of arms and armour via their Middle-earth recreations.
They also showcased parts of their designs for arms and armour
which help to bring the Tolkien-inspired film Ancanar to life.
The Shire was just the place for Games Workshop demonstrations,
the painstakingly crafted work of our Elven Calligrapher Lathaine,
and every hobbits true love: food. 
Their presentation, “The Arms and Armour of Middle-earth,”
was standing-room only. On a long table rested Anglachel, an Oliphant
helm and many other fine examples of their work. Joe and Jenna
captivated the audience with explicit details of Tolkien’s
own descriptions, and how they have labored to capture his spirit
and insight. This was not only a highlight, but a great precursor
for what was to come in the Ancanar presentation when they spoke
of their work on the film. Jenna introduced everyone to the beginnings
of the chain mail Coat of Mystery, which belongs to a pivotal
character in the film, hitherto shrouded. Joe discussed the beginnings
of his work on the Ancanar’s mail coat, which we can actually
tell people he was working on in our living room the evening before.
Those of us on staff at The New York Tolkien Society, and those
of us connected with the film Ancanar, have been awed by the response
this program received, and are grateful for the plethora of commentary
we’ve received from attendees. 
The
last program before ending ceremonies was the presentation of
footage from Ancanar. This project is one that is very dear to
us, because the writers/filmmakers, Sam Balcomb and Raiya Corsiglia,
treat themes from Tolkien’s writings, themes that are precious
to us all, with great honor, respect and love in their work. These
ideas of life, death, heroism, enchantment, magic, spirituality,
love for humanity, and respect for the earth, are all carefully
woven together in their unique mythological tapestry. By us showcasing
this work, and bringing it to our audience, we help to further
the essence of Tolkien’s teachings to our world, and it
has been very fulfilling to see and hear the positive response
to it. Each and every attendee sat captivated to the seven-minutes
of footage presented both before and after the discussion. Jessica
and I explained why we are involved in the project as we are,
and Joe and Jenna took the show as they spoke of the history of
the film, how they got involved, and the promising future of the
project. After the audience had a chance to become involved with
questions and commentary of their own, we announced that Joe and
Jenna would autograph posters and postcards. Each and every person
seated there rushed forth, almost trampling our Cochair, to obtain
a memento of the event. It can be said that Ancanar has touched
them in a way equal to how it has touched us all. 