Mythmoot VII: Defying and Defining Darkness was held virtually on August 6–9, 2020.
Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness. — Anne Frank
In August 2020, Mythmoot went virtual due to self-isolating and the need to stay socially distanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. To support our first fully remote Mythmoot, we introduced MootHub, a new virtual conference experience.
This page preserves some of the details of Mythmoot VII. Please also be sure to check out the Signum Library Digital Collections for proceedings from Mythmoots past.
Mythmoot VII Special Guests
Dr. Verlyn Flieger
Author of Arthurian Voices, Splintered Light, and other works on Tolkien and Medieval studies
Dr. Flieger presented the Friday morning keynote session, “Defying and Defining Darkness?” On Friday afternoon, the Mythmoot Players presented a reading of her play, “The Bargain.” Attendees were able to join a Q&A session during Friday dinner break.
Dr. Amy H. Sturgis
Contributor to StarShipSofa, editor in chief for Hocus Pocus Comics, and faculty at Lenoir-Rhyne University and Signum University
Dr. Sturgis presented the Saturday morning keynote on “Speculative Fiction as ‘Reflecting Shield’: Defying and Defining the Darkness.” MootHub attendees also had the opportunity to join a lunchtime Q&A session with Dr. Sturgis
David DelaGardelle
Professional swordsmith and illustratorDavid led a creative workshop on Saturday afternoon
John Di Bartolo
Speaker, writer, multimedia designer, and wandering minstrelJohn gave the Friday afternoon keynote on “A Song of Challenge: Prophecy & Song in Middle-earth”
Dr. Tom Shippey
Author of J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century, The Road to Middle-earth, Laughing Shall I Die, and others
Dr. Shippey gave the Saturday afternoon keynote “The American Fantasy Tradition”
Mythmoot VI Schedule
Thursday, August 6, 2020
- 5pm: Meet and Greet [MootHub]
- 7pm: Pub Trivia [MootHub]
Friday, August 7, 2020
- 8:30am: Official Welcome with Corey Olsen
- 9am: Dr. Verlyn Flieger, “Defying and Defining Darkness?”
- 10:30am: Academic Presentations
- 1pm: John Di Bartolo, “A Song of Challenge: Prophecy & Song in Middle-earth”
- 2pm: Signum Update with Corey Olsen
- 2:30pm: Thesis Theater Panel
- 4pm: “The Bargain” – A Reader’s Theater
- 6pm: Dinner Q&A with Dr. Flieger
- 7pm: Poetry Workshop with Corey Olsen
- 8pm: Coffeehouse: Works in Progress, with Sørina Higgins
- 8pm: LOTRO, The Wedding of Aragorn and Arwen, with Corey Olsen
Saturday, August 8, 2020
- 9am: Dr. Amy H. Sturgis, “Speculative Fiction as ‘Reflecting Shield’: Defying and Defining Darkness”
- 10:30am: Academic Presentations
- 1pm: Dr. Tom Shippey, “The American Fantasy Tradition”
- 2pm: Academic & Creative Presentations
- 4pm: Signum University Graduation Ceremony
- 6pm: Dinner and Informal Poetry Workshop with Corey Olsen [Moothub]
- 7pm: Costume Contest [Moothub]
- 8pm: Dance Lessons with Sørina Higgins
Sunday, August 9, 2020
- 10:30am: Academic Presentations
- 12pm: Closing Session with Corey Olsen
Looking for more information about Mythmoot? Use our contact form or email [email protected].