Courage: How Fantasy Helps Us Develop Bravery and Valor
Signum University and the Mythgard Institute invite you to join us on Saturday, October 5, 2024, for StuttMüt 2024. This hybrid, English-language event will occur at the Rock Business Center in Stuttgart, Germany. For our first journey to Germany, our theme is “Courage: How Fantasy Helps Us Develop Bravery and Valor”.
Register Here for StuttMüt
Price: $50.00 USD for in-person attendance, $25.00 USD for remote attendance
“I’ll get there, if I leave everything but my bones behind,” said Sam. “And I’ll carry Mr. Frodo up myself, if it breaks my back and heart.” – J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King.
In a world where the mundane often overshadows the extraordinary, the realm of fantasy provides a sanctuary for the human spirit. Courage comes from the spirit to confront intimidating or dangerous circumstances. J.R.R. Tolkien understood this well and embodied his heroes, both great and small, with valor of all kinds. From Frodo and Sam in The Lord of the Rings, to Niggle from Leaf by Niggle, and even Farmer Giles (in the end) from Farmer Giles of Ham. fantasy characters can teach us that we can be the heroes of our own stories. Such fantasy allows us to develop strength by seeing characters act bravely, putting ourselves in such positions to make decisions with or as characters while still feeling safe. True courage may not even be recognized inside us until it is required. Through learning from brave actions and acting on them, the valor in our hearts can win out despite our failings.
We invite you to join us in Germany and learn about how courage can be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.
Our Call for Proposals – be they academic papers, creative presentations, workshops, or panel discussions – on the topic of Courage is now open and will close on September 5. 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 fantastic places for anyone to develop their presentation skills.
