Bag End Programming

The following list of programs which were conducted by Anthony and Jessica (chair and co-chair of Heren Istarion respectively) and special guests, at The Gathering of the Fellowship in December 2003

Academic Guests of Heren Istarion:

Michael Drout	Amy Sturgis
Mike Foster	Jane Chance

Teaching Tolkien
Panel Discussion, Questions and Answers, hosted by Anthony and Jessica
Scheduled Panelists (to date): Dr. Amy Sturgis, Jane Chance , Michael Drout, Mike Foster

Since the surge of popularity in The Lord of the Rings in the 1960s, the inclusion of J.R.R. Tolkien's novels into college curricula has been growing. In the 1960s, The Lord of the Rings was the most popular book on American college campuses, though it was rarely taught in the classroom.

Beginning in the 1970s, particularly the late 70s, however, the works of Tolkien have made inroads in college English departments. Many colleges now offer courses focusing solely on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, whereas many others include the works of Tolkien in fantasy literature courses, which, of course, were created largely because of the popularity of fantasy literature.

This panel will focus on how professors use and teach Tolkien's works in their classrooms, the difficulties they face in convincing department and curriculum committees to accept courses focusing on Tolkien, the popularity of Tolkien or Tolkien-related courses among students, and the future of Tolkien in the classroom. Teaching Tolkien at earlier levels, from late grade-school to high school, will also be touched upon. The panel will be more of a round-table discussion than formal presentations, and the audience is encouraged to participate.

A look at Tolkien and the Beowulf Poet
Panel Discussion, Questions and Answers, hosted by Anthony S. Burdge
Panelists to Date: Professors Michael Drout, Jane Chance

This discussion will look at the similarities and differences between Tolkien and the Beowulf poet, as well as how they utilized history of the Norse, Germanic-Scandinavian, Frankish peoples and Biblical allusions in their works, how the role of God works, and the literary influences of both (i.e. Finn and Hengest, Norse epics, Siegmund the Dragon Slayer and others). The similarity of their lives, both Tolkien and the Beowulf Poet are from Germanic descent, as well as how the literary and historical influences of both helped shape their works. An example from Beowulf would be the mead hall, or where tribes gathered and celebrated their warrior prowess Heorot, similarly in Old English their is the word for mead hall Meduseld. It has been said that Tolkien produced another Beowulf, this is how.

Tolkien and Beowulf

We welcome Professor Michael Drout who is establishing a new scholarly journal with Douglas Anderson (The Annotated Hobbit ) and Verlyn Flieger , and collecting information on everything Tolkien for the largest electronic bibliography ever created. Professor Drout will speak on the topic of Tolkien and Beowulf as well as the recently released Beowulf and the Critics.

The Women in Middle-earth
Panel Discussion, Questions and Answers, hosted by Jessica Burke
Panelists to Date: Jane Chance, Alyson Baird, Dr. Amy Sturgis,Alyson Baird, Michelle West, Mike Foster

This panel discussion will look at the roles of women in Tolkien's world and how they are portrayed in his books and Peter Jackson's films.

"Harry Potter Is A Hobbit: How J.R.R. Tolkien Put the Adult in Children's Literature"

J.K. Rowling has drawn surprise and even criticism for the darkness, complexity, and sobriety of her Harry Potter series, leading many critics to suggest that the so-called children's stories are more appropriate for adults than youngsters. An examination of J.R.R. Tolkien's "On Fairy-Stories" essay provides a different notion of the purpose, importance, and audience for fantastic literature than the one shared by these critics. Moreover, a look at Tolkien's own fiction -- especially The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and select short stories -- proves that Tolkien based his works on the exact same themes of Death and Bereavement, Prejudice, Change, and Choice that Rowling has revisited so successfully in her novels.

Making Middle-earth Real: Tangibility and Tolkien
Panel Discussion, Questions and Answers, hosted by Anthony Burdge and Jessica Burke
Panelists to Date: Sam Balcomb (Ancanar), Raiya Corsiglia (Ancanar),Ted Nasmith , Joe Piela

Throughout the years, artists around the world have contributed to making Tolkien's Middle-earth real. From the coins of the Shire Post, to the weapons of Joe Piela, to the watercolor of Ted Nasmith and Alan Lee, to the reality of Peter Jackson and WETA workshop, Middle-earth has grown in our collective minds. This panel will discuss the importance of tangibility, of being able to recognize and see Middle-earth for ourselves.

"Tolkien in the 1960's"
Conducted by Mike Foster

The American boom in the popularity of J.R.R. Tolkien's _The Lord of the Rings_ started in 1965 with the publication of paperback editions. By 1966, it was the top-selling paperback, and America's fascination with the hobbits, elves, wizards, and dwarves of Middle-Earth had begun. Prof. Mike Foster, the Tolkien Society's North American representative, discusses this phenomenon and the reasons for it.

A panel discussion that will look at the famed Tolkien trilogy The Lord of the Rings and the Peter Jackson's film treatment of the epic trilogy.

Professor Tolkien created a mythology for our modern day, wishing to provide to England a modern epic. Utilizing ancient narratives, texts, and myths, Tolkien carefully created the entire history of an ancient land. This workshop will look at the influences and inspirations that lead to this creation and why it is considered a mythology.

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