Author Elizabeth M Stephen‘s new book focuses on Aragorn the hero-king of The Lord of the Rings, although he is one of the pivotal figures of Tolkien’s mythology, a detailed examination of this popular character has been a notable omission from the spectrum of existing study. The book is published by ADC books.

Hobbit to Hero: The Making of Tolkien’s King, is a uniquely detailed study of the character “Aragorn” unraveling his evolution from hobbit ranger to Numenorean King and exploring how this unexpected transformation enabled Tolkien to fulfill some of the profound functions of his wider mythology.

Thanks to ringerspy Liz for the heads up. For details on the official book launch and for pre-ordering read more here.

 

TheOneRing.net is set to invade Dragon*Con , the world’s largest Sci-Fi/Pop Culture convention, this Labor Day weekend (August 31st – September 3rd) in Atlanta, Georgia.

This years LotR/Hobbit guests include Billy Boyd, John Rhys-Davies, Craig Parker, and Sylvester McCoy.

Meet up with other Tolkien fans at the annual Evening at Bree event on Friday August 31st, hosted by Tolkien’s Middle-earth Track with music by Emerald Rose and a costume contest MC’d by Craig Parker.     The Tolkien Track will also host fan film screenings,  costuming panels,  scholarly discussions, even open mic nights!   Stop by TOR.n’s fan table to pick up a TOR.n t-shirt and try your hand at Tolkien trivia.     And of course TOR.n staffers will be on hand to discuss all the latest information on ‘The Hobbit’ films.

For a complete list of Tolkien Track panels, click here.

 

 

The Tolkien Society has announced its complete line-up of artists for The Return of the Ring.

Exhibitors include Ted Nasmith, Cor Blok, Anke Eissmann, Jay Johnstone, Jenny Dolfen, Ruth Lacon, Tor Fauskanger, Sue Wookey and Maike ‘Lúthien’ Dulk alongside LEGO and an enormous diorama of the Battle of Pelennor Fields. It will be one of the largest-ever Tolkien exhibitions — with world-renowned artists displayed over hundreds of metres of wall-space.

The Return of the Ring takes place at Loughborough University, England on 16th-20th August 2012.

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Weta Digital were among the winners at this years’ Australian Effects & Animation Festival. The AEAF Awards is an international competition and screening, now in its 16th year with entries from around the world. Awards are given for creative and technical excellence in the use of visual effects and animation in the creation of screened work. The winners where announced at the lively AEAF Awards event held at in Sydney at Event Cinemas George St on 24 July.

Weta Digital took home two awards for Feature Films VFX silver medal for The Avengers and best Feature Films – Animation for The Adventures of Tintin.

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Our final look at the booths of Comic-Con 2012 ends with Gentle Giant.

Gentle Giant will be doing busts of many of the characters appearing in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Until Comic-Con we had not had a chance to see just what Gentle Giant would have in store for fans. Their booth did not disappoint.

The four characters making an appearance at Comic-Con were: Thorin (Comic-Con 2012 Exclusive), Gandalf The Grey, Gollum, and Dwalin (2012 PGM member exclusive). All four of these busts looked great and I think their quality means fans will be jumping all over this line. Plus the ballpark figure for this range of collectibles will run $70.

Continue reading “Collecting The Precious: Gentle Giant’s Comic-Con booth”

“A Party of Special Magnificence”

Red Carpet Tours in conjunction with the TheOneRing.net are having a Hobbit Premiere Costume Party in Wellington on November 26.

You provide your own costume and we’ll provide the atmosphere, music, nibbles and specially invited guests. And what an atmosphere, as hundreds of fans celebrate The Hobbit!

All those booked on the Red Carpet Hobbit Premiere Tour, you have your ticket price included in your Tour payment.

Those of you on the shorter TheOneRing.net Tour and those who will be in Wellington for the World Premiere – you can buy your tickets directly through our Secure Booking Form