Mythic Resonances
Signum University invites you to join us on 18 October for New England Moot 2025. This hybrid event will occur at Studio Lab in Derry, New Hampshire. This year, we invite you to listen and respond to Mythic Resonances.
Registration closed at 12:01am Eastern Time on Saturday, 18 October.
This year’s theme, Mythic Resonances, explores the recurring patterns and timeless themes that define Tolkien’s legendarium, illustrating how cycles of history, character archetypes, moral dilemmas, and personal choices reverberate across the ages of Middle-earth. Tolkien’s works are deeply rooted in a sense of historical continuity, where the echoes of past events shape the future. The rise and fall of Sauron, for instance, mirrors the earlier rebellion and defeat of Morgoth, while Aragorn’s quest to reclaim Gondor’s throne reflects the enduring legacy of Elendil, his ancestor. These recurring motifs in the Song of the Ainur emphasize Tolkien’s view of history as cyclical, revealing the perpetual struggle between good and evil, the lasting consequences of choices, and the inexorable passage of time. By examining these mythic echoes, we can better understand how Tolkien’s narrative patterns enhance the emotional depth of his storytelling and connect to universal themes such as fate, free will, and redemption.
We also encourage a comparative exploration of how similar mythic patterns appear in other literary and artistic traditions, situating Tolkien’s work within a wider tapestry of storytelling. For example, in Greek mythology, the story of Orestes avenging Agamemnon’s murder reflects the cyclical nature of familial betrayal and retribution seen in the tales of Atreus and Thyestes. Similarly, in the Star Wars saga, Luke Skywalker’s confrontation with Darth Vader echoes the earlier fall and eventual redemption of Anakin Skywalker, creating a multigenerational narrative of heroism and sacrifice. These parallels demonstrate how mythic resonances transcend individual stories, enriching narratives by providing continuity and emotional resonance. Our Mythic Resonances theme invites you to explore the enduring power of recurring themes to weave together past, present, and future stories into a cohesive and timeless whole.
Schedule of Events – All Times Local to Derry, NH – Eastern Time
9:00 – 9:15am: Greetings and Introductions w/Corey Olsen
9:15 – 9:55am: A Tale of Two Trees w/Steve Melisi
9:55 – 10:35am: “I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness” (But Who Doesn’t Love a Sword With a Really Cool Name?) w/Kate Neville
10:35 – 10:55am: Elevenses – A Short Break
10:55 – 11:35am: Ancestral Echoes: Multiple Modes of Aragorn’s Inheritance w/Jason Troutman
11:35am – 12:15pm: Ranger of the North: A Documentary Screening w/Bradley Bethel
12:15 – 1:35pm: Lunch Break
1:35 – 2:15pm: A Tree of Tales: Biblical Myth in Tolkien & Tolkienian Myth in House of David w/Kevin Keating
2:15 – 2:55pm: A Very Tolkien Creation Story w/Dave Gerlits
2:55 – 3:35pm: Mythic Resonances – The Inexorable Passage of Time w/Mark Schennum
3:35 – 4:05pm: Afternoon Tea and Coffee Break
4:05 – 4:45pm: An End to the Echoes: ‘The Scouring of the Shire’ as a Subversion to Violent Mythic Cycles w/Adam Beaton
4:45 – 5:25pm: “The one who fights with God”: Pagan Survivals in the Latin ‘Life of St Samson’ w/Sam Lewis
5:25 – 5:35pm: Thank Yous and Goodbyes w/Corey Olsen
