Lux in Tenebris: The Dialectic of Light and Darkness in Tolkien’s Legendarium
Signum University invites you to join us on 7 February for SoCal Moot 2026. This hybrid event will occur at the Carlsbad City Library in Carlsbad, California. This year, we invite you to contemplate the juxtaposition of light and darkness with our theme, “Lux in Tenebris: The Dialectic of Light and Darkness in Tolkien’s Legendarium“.
Register Here for SoCal Moot 2026!
Price: $50 USD for in-person attendance, $25 USD for remote attendance
The interplay of light and darkness in Tolkien’s legendarium operates not merely as a moral binary but as a dynamic dialectic that is fundamental to his sub-creative world. Elements like the Flame Imperishable, the primordial Light of the Two Trees, the Phial of Galadriel, and the Silmarils themselves invite exploration of Light not merely as the absence of Dark, but as a tangible, sacred, and sometimes perilous substance. Conversely, Darkness is explored as both a void of creation and an active, malevolent force that twists and parodies Light, as seen in the withering flames of Morgoth, the Unlight of Ungoliant, the shadow of Mordor, and the balrogs’ intermingling of shadow and flame.
SoCal Moot welcomes analysis of our theme from literary, theological, philosophical, and interdisciplinary perspectives to illuminate (pun intended) how Tolkien’s treatment of light and darkness fundamentally structures his mythology’s understanding of creation, fall, the struggle against evil, and redemption.
Submit Your Presentation Proposal Here!
The SoCal Moot Team is accepting proposals for creative presentations, academic papers, workshops, or discussion panels on our 2026 theme. We invite presentations in person at the event and from remote attendees. Our Call for Proposals closes on 7 January.
Please note that a conference theme helps tie the day together and optimize fun, and we welcome anyone to respond to the Call for Proposals. Our moots are supportive environments for practicing or developing your presentation skills regardless of your experience.
