Oxonmoot 2024

In 1971, Sir Patrick Browne, a friend of Tolkien, wrote to him asking what it was like to be ‘a cult figure in his own lifetime’. Tolkien replied, 'Being a cult figure in one's own lifetime I am afraid is not at all pleasant.'

The word ‘cult’ has multiple connotations, particularly in the context of the era in which the question was asked. Was Tolkien a ‘cult figure’? Is he still a cult figure today, or do we need new words to describe his unique relationship with his vast fan base?

Chris Trwoga deconstructs Tolkien’s written response to Sir Patrick’s comments, and contrasts his fame and fandom then and now. He will further discuss how the letter reveals the contrast between Tolkien’s public personae in later years and the peculiar problems his unique status brought him.

There will be an exhibition of the actual letter, an association set of the Lord of the Rings and related ephemera following the talk.