The Inequality Prototype: Gender, Inequality, and the Valar in Tolkien’s Silmarillion

Published on 8 July 2018 | Essay

The Valar present an interesting case study of sexism in Tolkien's legendarium because they occupy a prototypical role, representing Iluvatar's intentions on how the universe should operate. My research shows that the female Valar not only appear far less frequently in The Silmarillion than the male Valar but are less involved, less assertive, and speak less.

The Peril (and Potential) of Unleashing Lightning in a Fishbowl

Published on 5 July 2018 | Short Story | Reader's Choice 

Caranthir is a socially awkward public servant and Amarië is a politically radical performance artist when a prestigious battle of the bards entices them to come together in an unexpected friendship that produces an even less-expected new musical genre. Also featuring the printing press, underground nightclubs, an electric guitar, and Caranthir's bitchy resting face. Part of the Republic of Tirion series but you don't have to be familiar with the other stories to understand this one.

This work is part of the collection Republic of Tirion.

Finding Footing in a Forest of Fins: Name Etymology as a Characterization Technique of the Finwëan Noldor

Published on 7 April 2018 | Conference Paper

Tolkien often uses etymology to develop narrative by exploring what Tom Shippey terms an "asterisk-world." This paper, presented at the 2018 Tolkien at UVM Conference, explores the concept of "asterisk characterization," or the use of characters' names to develop their personalities and narratives, with a specific emphasis on Fëanor, Finwë, Curufin, and Maedhros.

"A Greater Still": The Importance of Song in Tolkien's Creation Myth

Published on 3 March 2018 | Essay

Tolkien's creation story the Ainulindalë includes many archetypal elements. This essay explores the deus faber or god-as-maker element and why creation from vocal song is vitally important to legendarium.

Why People Don't Comment: Data and History From the Tolkienfic Community

Published on 24 February 2018 | Essay

Data from the Tolkienfic community shows that a lack of commenting on fanfiction is less about a lack of desire to comment and more about a lack of skill, confidence, and community, all of which empower readers to comment more on what they read.