Stagnation versus Adaptation: Toxic Traditionalism
Signum University and the Mythgard Institute invite you to join us on 5 April for TexMoot 2025. This hybrid event will occur at the Hampton Inn & Suites Houston Heights I-10 in Houston, Texas. For our return to the Lone Star State, we invite you to contemplate the opposing forces of Stagnation versus Adaptation: Toxic Traditionalism.
Register Here for TexMoot
Price: $50.00 USD for in-person attendance, $25.00 USD for remote attendance
Hotel room prices start at just $122/night, with complimentary WiFi, breakfast, and parking!
Tolkien’s legendarium, spanning The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, The History of Middle-earth, and others works, has inspired generations of readers and creators alike, prompting adaptations across a wide range of media—film, television, theater, video games, and beyond. This year’s TexMoot theme, “Stagnation versus Adaptation: Toxic Traditionalism,” explores the tension between honoring Tolkien’s original vision and embracing new interpretations. Peter Jackson’s acclaimed The Lord of the Rings film trilogy demonstrated that faithful, yet adaptive, retellings could resonate deeply with audiences, though his later The Hobbit trilogy received more mixed reactions, reflecting the challenge of balancing creative expansion with reverence for the source material. More recently, Amazon’s The Rings of Power ignited debates within the fandom about what constitutes a “faithful” adaptation, sparking discussions on diversity, creative license, and fidelity to Tolkien’s mythology.
The acceptance of any adaptation often hinges on the criteria of how closely it aligns with the perceived “spirit” of Tolkien’s work—whether it respects the deep mythology, language, and themes of heroism, corruption, and moral struggle. However, this leads to the question: Can some deviations be inherently negative, or can some adaptations be a vital force for keeping Tolkien’s world alive for new audiences? While some view creative changes as necessary evolutions, others dismiss them as dangerous departures, potentially tipping into gatekeeping behavior. TexMoot will critically examine how toxic traditionalism has the potential to arise within all fandoms, Tolkien and beyond, stifling healthy dialogue and exploring where the line between legitimate critique and stagnation is drawn. Is there a point where the love for a creator’s work can become rigid, preventing any creative growth? Or, are some adaptations rightfully challenged for straying too far from the source?
Submit Your Presentation Proposal Here
The TexMoot Team is accepting proposals for creative presentations, academic papers, workshops, or discussion panels on our theme of “Stagnation versus Adaptation: Toxic Traditionalism.” We invite presentations in person at the event and from remote attendees. Our Call for Proposals closes on 5 March.
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.
