Welsh influences in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien

An academic conference held in conjunction with Festival in the Shire, August 13-15, 2010 at Plas Machynlleth in Wales.

Proposals for papers and presentations are welcome for a three-day celebration of everything Tolkien. This academic conference will be held at the same time and place as the new Festival in the Shire.

It is well known that Tolkien was interested early on in the creation and knowledge of languages. Two specific languages had a profound influence on the development of the Elvish languages in Middle Earth: Finnish and Welsh. The musical and phonological pronunciation of the Welsh language heavily influenced the development of the Elvish Sindarin language. Since this conference will be held in Wales, it seemed only fitting that the theme of the conference focus on Welsh influences in Tolkien's works.

Papers and presentations that focus on Welsh influences in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien are especially encouraged, although all proposals related to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien will be considered. Keynote speakers for the three-day event so far include Tom Shippey, Jane Chance, Douglas Anderson and Alex Lewis.

Please email your proposal (keep under 500 words) and your contact information to eden@festivalintheshire.com before January 1, 2010.