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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Deconstructing Durin’S Day: Science, Scientific Fan Fiction, And The Fan-Scholar, Kristine Larsen
Deconstructing Durin’S Day: Science, Scientific Fan Fiction, And The Fan-Scholar, Kristine Larsen
Journal of Tolkien Research
An analysis of attempts by fans (including scientists) to either ascribe a Real World date or a consistent Secondary World date to the fictional luni-solar holiday "Durin's Day" in The Hobbit demonstrates the value of such "scientific fan fiction." In particular, such endeavors can increase the scientific knowledge of both the fan-author and audience. These examples can also be used in the classroom or outreach to demonstrate both the impressive level of Tolkien's integration of real-world science in his sub-creation of Middle-earth, as well as highlight the limitations of Tolkien's understanding (an educational endeavor in and of itself).
The Hobbit, Media Audiences, And The Question Of Genre, Lars Schmeink
The Hobbit, Media Audiences, And The Question Of Genre, Lars Schmeink
Journal of Tolkien Research
The Hobbit (1937) by J. R. R. Tolkien is one of Britain’s, if not one of the world’s, most beloved children’s books, whereas his The Lord of the Rings (1954-55) is today considered the keystone text of the modern fantasy genre. Similarly Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings has become the defining fantasy film, setting new standards for fantasy to become a mainstream cinematic genre. Based on data collected by the largest audience study to date, the World Hobbit Project, this article argues that the success of Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy is thus linked to its …