The Epic History of The Lord of the Rings: Middle Earth & Beyond

The history of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is a long and winding journey with many roads that take readers down the most unexpected of paths. From abandoned plot lines to dramatic changes in the narrative, this talk will explore how Tolkien slowly pieced the book together and how it influenced his understanding of Middle-earth. Although he originally thought of Middle-earth as a place of myth, he came to root it in a history "true or feigned". In doing so, Tolkien made Middle-earth into a world that felt like our own, but with one or two key differences. How did Tolkien create The Lord of the Rings and Middle-earth? Why did he turn from myth to history? How does his work resonate with us today? Join Will on his journey into Middle-earth to discover the history of The Lord of the Rings.

Doors open at 6.30pm

Last entry is 7pm

Talk starts at 7.30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

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Will Sherwood is a PhD candidate researching J.R.R Tolkien and British Romanticism. The Education Secretary for The Tolkien Society, Will runs the Society's academic events and has edited several books including Adapting Tolkien (2021), Tolkien and Diversity (2023), and Tolkien and the Gothic (2024). Most recently he co-edited The Romantic Spirit in the Works of J.R.R. Tolkien (2024) with Dr. Julian Eilmann. You can find out more about Will and his work at http://will-sherwood.com and on X at @MrWillSherwood.

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This talk is 16+. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, and all under 25s may require government issued photo ID to gain entry.

For accessibility requirements, please contact the venue with any accessibility requirements before booking. Spaces may be limited and will be sold on a first come first served basis.You can call: 0121 693 2248 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm & Sat/Sun 12-6pm) or email info@glee.co.uk with your access requirements and the show you wish to see in order to make a booking. Disabled Access is available by lift.