Literature Wales’ 2011 Literary Tourism Programme continues with a walk exploring the influence of Wales’ landscape, language and culture on J.R.R. Tolkien’s work
Following a successful three years of bus tours to places such as Llangarron, Abergavenny, Cwmaman and Talgarreg, Literature Wales (formerly Academi) continues its 2011 Literary Tourism Programme with a walking tour within the stunning Black Mountains.
Tolkien’s Wales in the Black Mountains will take place on Thursday 30 June 2011. The tour will be led by Dimitra Fimi, a Lecturer in English at UWIC and a specialist in the uses of folklore and mythology in fantasy literature. Her monograph Tolkien, Race and Cultural History: From Fairies to Hobbits (Palgrave Macmillan, 2008) explores the evolution of J.R.R. Tolkien’s (1892-1973) mythology by examining how it changed as a result of Tolkien’s life story and contemporary cultural and intellectual history.
Tolkien was certainly inspired by Wales: he adapted Welsh grammar and phonology to create the languages of some of his fictional peoples and drew on Welsh toponymy for his fantastical place names. This short walk will explore the Black Mountains, which are often linked to Tolkien’s fictional landscapes, and draws on Fimi’s knowledge of Tolkien’s work and his Welsh connections and inspiration. It offers the opportunity to develop an understanding of the exact nature of Welsh themes within Tolkien’s work.
All are welcome; the tour will cater for those with little or no knowledge of Tolkien, whilst also appealing to those with considerably more experience.
The walk will depart from and return to The Farmer’s Arms, Cwmdu, NP8 1RU (SO 232 188) and is of moderate difficulty level. The group will leave at 2.00 pm and return at approximately 3.30 pm. A donation of £2 per person is suggested. Prior booking is essential.
For more information, a 2011 Literary Tourism brochure or to book your place by
credit/debit card over the phone contact Literature Wales on: 029 2047 2266. Payment can also be made by cheque; contact Literature Wales for details.
This walk is run in partnership with the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.
