One week on from the drawing to a close of Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, here at TORn we are enjoying the opportunity to rewatch and reflect on all eight episodes as one story arc. Scenery, design, costumes, music – all are compelling. Perhaps the greatest asset of this show, however, is the extraordinary cast. Brought together by skilled casting directors, they are an enormously talented group who rarely put a foot wrong, delivering even the occasional clunky lines of the script with style and aplomb.
Hazeldine at San Diego Comic Con
Some members of this team are experienced theatrical actors, and their stage craft is evident in their creation of character. One such is Sam Hazeldine, who had the unenviable task of stepping into the role of Adar for Season 2. Joseph Mawle’s rendition of the character was, for many, one of the highlights of Season 1. When I met Hazeldine at San Diego Comic Con, I was curious to know if he felt daunted, taking on the mantle of an already popular performance. He told me that the strength of Mawle’s performance actually made it easier to take on the role; because he enjoyed and admired the choices Mawle had made, he found it easy to run with them, whilst also finding his own way into the mind of the ‘father’ of the orcs (or as Adar would prefer, Uruks).
Actor Sam Hazeldine – and seen as Adar
Weeks later, with the final episode of Season 2 airing, I had the opportunity to chat with Hazeldine again, and see how he felt now that his Adar was out there.
Here’s what he had to say:
greendragon: The last time we met was at San Diego Comic Con. We talked then briefly about stepping in and taking on the mantle of a role that had been played by another actor in Season 1, and you seemed very calm about it. I wonder how you’re feeling now that the season is out, and what reaction you’ve picked up on from viewers?
Sam Hazeldine: It seems to be positive!
GD: Did you have any trepidation at all?
SH: You know, somebody had to take over the role. I was lucky enough it was me! Even if it was a kind of beloved performance [from Joseph Mawle], the fact of the matter is it wasn’t going to be the same actor anymore anyway. So I guess it was just incumbent upon me to try and uphold and continue in the direction that the previous actor was going, and just to do my best. And yeah, I guess I did feel comfortable about that and, as I said before, it made it easier that I really liked Joseph, and the character that he – and the showrunners, obviously – had created. So it was a pleasure, really, that’s all. It’s nice that it seems to have been responded to well.
I think Adar has a new mission in Season 2, anyway; so it is a slight divergence from what went before in those terms. But [I was] trying to keep the conflict that I felt, with Joseph’s performance, was one of the greatest things about it; and understanding why that is. I think that more of that’s been revealed in Season 2 – or it’s been alluded to: what he’s been through, and why he feels this enormous burden of responsibility for his children.
Adar’s care for the Uruks
GD: I wonder – in your interpretation of the character, how ruthless do you think he is? It’s very interesting to me that he’s been, in some ways, a very sympathetic character; surprisingly so, because for most of Season 1, he was the knowable villain that we had, and yet he’s been very sympathetic. But as Season 2 has unfolded, we have seen more ruthlessness from him, and maybe some of the care seems to be falling away, particularly in the last two episodes of the show.
SH: I think it’s a case of … it’s not even cruel to be kind. I mean, he understands the existential threat that the resurgence of Sauron imposes to the Uruk. So it’s just what has to be done, really. You know, he says at any cost, at one point – which worries Glûg immensely. But I don’t think anybody understands; I don’t think anyone else was there, when Sauron was there before. I don’t think they really, truly understand how dangerous he is, and the threat that he poses to the Uruk. It’s Adar’s responsibility to know that, to do something about that, and to try to lead them to victory against Sauron. Even if half of the Uruk are killed, then at least the rest will be free at the end of it. Otherwise it’s curtains for everyone!
And I mean, Adar certainly knows that he himself is done for, but I don’t think he really cares about himself at this point. I think he is doing it just purely to save his children.
GD: There’s that great line where you say something like that you love them so much that you cannot allow them to become slaves.
SH: Sauron’s slaves, yeah, exactly. I believe he’s telling the truth.
GD: He does seem to be a character who tells the truth, which is a contrast [with Sauron].
SH: Yeah… There’s a little bit of cunning and deception, extracting information from Galadriel in episode six. And in the stuff with Charlie [Vickers] – with Halbrand in the jail cell early on [episode one]. Adar is aware that he could be Sauron, and he’s taken the beatings in that jail cell no human could take; but it’s like there’s nothing he can physically do. He needs to know for certain that he is Sauron – and he’s giving nothing away – so we let him go. It was a contentious point at the time; while we were filming it I wanted to understand. I was like well, why would I let him go?
There is a ‘one upman’ thing there, of who can outsmart the other; who’s the smartest? It’s a really bold – slightly foolish! it’s his undoing really – move of Adar’s; but he does try to outsmart Sauron, who is the great deceiver. You know, it’s never going to go well!
Adar leads the Uruks into battle
One of the first Elves?
GD: I wonder if that sense of maybe being able to outsmart Sauron is partly because Adar is one of the most ancient characters in the show. (Forget Tom Bombadil for a minute!) He is presumably one of the Elves from the first awakening of the Elves. How much did you fill in? (I thought we might actually get a name for him when I was watching episode eight!)
SH: I know! We made up a lot of names, some of them very silly – but I won’t go into them!
GD: How much of a backstory did you have in your own mind, about the centuries that this character has been alive?
SH: I thought about it a lot. I loved that there was a line of Joseph’s in his first scene, with Ismael [Cruz Córdova] where he says, ‘I went down that river once. The banks were covered in sage blossoms…’ It had this kind of beauty and nostalgia of a life past, and a life lost, and that sort of sense… I don’t think he [Mawle] necessarily did it with regret, but it felt like there was something of that in there, for me. From then on it made me think that Adar regrets his decision to volunteer [to serve Morgoth] in order to get more power and to have children. He was duped, obviously, but I think that he must have been a very unhappy elf, you know – dissatisfied. He wanted more; I think he must have felt that he wasn’t given the respect he wanted – or felt he should have had, perhaps. And that dissatisfaction led to him wanting more – which is a very relatable thing. All humans want more, really – and that’s where the problems begin!
So I think over these centuries, for thousands of years, he feels he is responsible, in his mind anyway – or in part responsible – for the creation of the uruk as a race who are cannon fodder. He’s created lives that are going to be miserable; and it’s his fault, as far as he is concerned. So his raison d’etre is to take care of these Uruk as best he can, knowing that he is responsible for them. I think that’s all he really cares about.
Morgoth’s crown returns at the end of Season 2
To be returned via Nenya [the ring of power worn by Galadriel], being healed by Nenya [in episode eight]; to have a glimpse, a really stark reminder of his life prior to that deal with Sauron and Morgoth… I think he’s finally got to a place he’s dreamed of millions of times since then – which is that he wishes he’d just been happy with what he had, and remained an Elf, and lived – possibly died – an Elf. But it’s too late now. It’s this incredible moment for him, and I think it stops him in his tracks. And that’s why he doesn’t go on and kill Sauron. He can’t do it; he can’t face him.
You know in Superman 2, when he loses his super powers? I felt like it was like that; it’s like his armour is gone and he’s starkly reminded of his fragility – and his “humanity”, in a way, as well. And so he needs Galadriel to take the mantle and to finish the job for him, because he can’t do it.
GD: It was a breathtaking moment to see him healed whilst wearing the ring; and it felt, to me at least, like an extremely noble gesture that he gave it back. That speaks something of his character. It’s interesting what you’re saying, that he perhaps couldn’t go on and so he had to give it back; but then it shows you something about an inherent depth to his persona, that he doesn’t say, ‘Aha, now I have this ring and it’s given me power!’
SH: And to take the rings from her as well – she’s got nine rings with her! I mean he succeeds, really, ultimately, in gaining the respect of the Elves. Galadriel is a very high Elf; and I think they feel like equals at that point. And that is something that he never had before, and that is the respect that he wanted. You know, it’s like the evil step-sister at the wedding – you’re the same as them, but you just feel like you’ve been cast out. And I think it’s as simple as that, that he finally has the respect of the Elves; or of Galadriel anyway. It’s a kind of homecoming for him, in a way.
GD: Unfortunately, though, he doesn’t have the love of some of his Uruks anymore by then.
SH: Because they don’t understand that he’s doing it all for them. And I think him being in Elven form is the last straw… First of all, he’s trying to make a deal with Elves, and they [the Uruks] don’t like that, and then he is an Elf again.
GD: It’s like ‘He was never really one of us.’
SH: Exactly. Can he be trusted with our fates anymore?
GD: And so you’ve just got your feet under the table, and now (presumably) we’re not going to see Adar anymore! That’s very sad, because he’s been a very popular character. He was created with a lot of regard, I think, for Tolkien’s writing, and cleverly combines various different origin stories that Tolkien had for the orcs: in some of the stories they were made, and in some of them they were corrupted Elves, so the showrunners have kind of combined the two. You’ve got ‘made’ orcs and a corrupted Elf. But it speaks a lot for both, first of all, Joseph Mawle’s performance, and then your performance, that this character has been so loved by the viewers in spite of not being a canon Tolkien character.
SH: Yes. I’m really glad of that. You know, Joseph is the one who started that. It’s a great character.
That kiss in episode 7…
GD: I have to ask you, before we come to the end of our time: there’s been a lot of reaction to the kiss between Galadriel and Elrond.
SH: You know, we talked about that a lot at the time, obviously.
GD: I was just going to ask you how Adar perceives it. He’s the one in the room at the time. From his angle, how does he perceive it?
SH: I was going to say “awks”! [laughs] Really bad pun, sorry! But anyway…
Robert Aramayo as Elrond
I saw a video – I think it was on Instagram – of Rob Aramayo talking about it, and I agreed with him completely. Nobody thinks about things more than Rob does. He is such a massive Tolkien fan and just such a clever and thoughtful guy. And yeah, as humans, we think, ‘Oh, romantic!’ – but it isn’t romantic. It’s a dear, dear friend; they’ve been through so much together – especially within the time of these two seasons. He’s not really sacrificing her, because he’s planning to save her – but there’s a chance [she might die]. But he gives her the thing so (hopefully) she can get away. Which she does! [feigns Adar-ish dismay] Yeah, that’s another story…
I think the kiss is transcendent. It’s a moment of pure beauty, as far as I’m concerned; of tenderness and real love. And it could be… when I say brotherly, sisterly, I’m not suggesting that brothers and sisters should be kissing each other on the mouth here in our world! If my sister reads this… [laughs] But this is different. This is Middle-earth and, you know, they have millennia between them and it’s a beautiful moment.
GD: Hearing you say that makes me think for Adar there’s some pathos there; because maybe that is the respect and love and camaraderie that he would have liked to have had with another Elf.
SH: Absolutely, yes. You’re absolutely right – that’s a really good point.
GD: Now I need to go back and watch it again from that perspective!
SH: I’ve actually watched episode 7 twice, because I loved it so much. Charlotte [Brändström, the director] did such an incredible job; and I love Bear’s music at the end. Bear is just great.
GD: Well, Sam, I’d love to say I’ll see you at the next press event; but unfortunately, perhaps not! – because I think your time in this version of Middle-earth has come to an end.
SH: I know, I know. It’s so sad.
GD: It has been such a pleasure to meet you and to hear a bit of your insight. Thank you for the seriousness with which I know you and all the cast approach your characters – with absolute seriousness. We really appreciate that as viewers, that there’s a professionalism and a depth of approach that is in no way dismissive of the work, or of fantasy as a genre.
SH: Yeah, not at all. It [fantasy] is everything! And thank you as well!
The complete The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is now available on Prime Video. Look for TORn’s interview with Trystan Gravelle (Pharazôn), coming soon!
Available for pre-order from our friends at Weta Workshop is this beautiful statue depicting Radagast the Brown in Rhosgobel. This piece is superbly done, as usual, and perfectly recreates the quirkiness of Radagast and his home. There’s also a very cool easter egg that represents the beautiful place in which the films were made, New Zealand. You can pre-order this amazing piece for $999.
If you have been collecting the classic series, then this second statue of Radagast is for you. This classic series piece is available for $399. Both Radagast statues are due to ship in the first quarter of next year.
For lovers of the monsters of Middle-earth, who need a little eight legged friend in their collection, you could grab the very cool mini-Shelob statue for $179, this statue is also due to ship in the first quarter of next year.
Here at TORn we were delighted recently to make a new friend: Ian Leino from Geek Orthodox. Ian is a glass artist who creates incredible stained glass (and window cling replicas), and who has recently become licensed with Middle-earth Enterprises. So he’s launching a range inspired by Tolkien!
Staffer greendragon recently had a chance to chat with Ian, to find out more about his stunning creations, and his passion for all things Tolkien. Here’s what he had to say:
What was your first encounter with the work of J.R.R. Tolkien?
My parents divorced when I was an infant, but when I was four, my Mom started dating a man who would eventually become my step-father. When he would come to visit, he would always read to be before bedtime – but none of those [little] children’s books; he launched right into The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, and introduced me to the world of fantasy. It took a few years to get through the entire Chronicles of Narnia, and by then they had gotten married and we’d established the routine of a family reading time.
With Narnia behind us, the time was right to graduate to the world of Middle-earth, starting with The Hobbit and progressing through The Lord of the Rings, which captured my imagination in an entirely new way. That bond over Middle-earth is one of the things that bound our new family together, and it’s a common interest that we still share.
Why stained glass – is it a medium which particularly lends itself to images of Middle-earth, do you think?
My interest in stained glass started with my first job, which was sweeping up at a glass studio on the weekends when I was in middle school. And it intensified in college when I studied art history with an emphasis on gothic art and architecture. As a medium, stained glass has always been used to evoke a sense of wonder and grandeur. From the heroes of history to the religious parables in cathedrals – we use stained glass artwork as a way of venerating and celebrating what is important to us.
The world and characters of Middle-earth are such a foundational fandom for so many of us that I feel that they deserve a similar artistic treatment. From the sweeping vistas that call us to adventure, to the coziness of a pub sign where we know our friends are inside sharing tales, these moments and places absolutely shine through the medium of stained glass in a way that they can’t in any other medium.
Are there other Middle-earth artists/interpreters who have influenced you?
I likely have the same major touchstones as many other Tolkien fans my age – starting with the striking animation of the Bakshi films, later finding the stunning work of Alan Lee, and then being absolutely immersed in the world of Middle-earth by the amazing creative teams at WETA.
One of my absolute favorite sets of illustrations ever, though, is the 1976 Russian version of The Hobbit, illustrated by Mikhail Belomlinsky. The illustrations are bold and unique with a touch of whimsy, giving the entire book the feeling of a folk-tale. More than anything, I love the breadth of inspiration that is possible while still being true to the original text, and the huge diversity of artwork based around these stories.
How does it feel to be ‘officially licensed’?
It feels amazing! I feel like I should have a more sophisticated answer, but it’s so overwhelming that all I can think is: “amazing!”. I’ve long enjoyed being part of a worldwide fellowship of artists who create original art that is inspired by these books. So it’s an incredible honor to know that the stewards at Middle-earth Enterprises have selected my artwork to help officially represent that world to fans everywhere. I feel a responsibility to be worthy of that trust – being true to the original text and my own vision – to offer a new way of experiencing the world that Tolkien created.
TheOneRing.net will be at Griffith Park Sunday, September 22nd, starting at 11:30am to celebrate Bilbo and Frodo’s birthdays with a picnic and festivities. Please join us if you are in the area!
This is a Potluck, so please bring a food item to put on the community potluck table–main courses, sides, snacks, fruit, salads, sweets–anything is welcome. We will also need plates, cups, napkins, utensils, etc. but check the Facebook sign-up so we don’t end up with too many. And if you have an ice chest to help keep beverages cool, fill it with ice and bring it along. Please RSVP in the discussion section on Facebook (see below) with what food, beverage or picnic supplies you plan to bring.
CAKE CONTEST: Instead of an official birthday cake, there will be a competition for everyone to show off their baking skills. All cakes and cupcakes designs with a Baggins Birthday or Middle-earth theme will be entered into the contest. Put your creative thinking caps on!
You can find detailed event information and a section to RSVP on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/events/8264139026978984/ Please read the About info, and open it to reveal more because there is a lot of info in there, including driving directions. If you don’t do FB, RSVP to Garfeimao@TheOneRing.net with what food or other supplies you will be bringing.
WHAT TO BRING (Besides food): As you can see from the above image, portable chairs, pop up tents, blankets, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses are all standard. Bring a cloak because it can be surprisingly cool some years.
COSTUMES: Any and all cosplay is welcome and encouraged. You can wear a full set of armor, dress like a Hobbit, or turn to the dark side. If you just want to wear a geeky themed shirt, that’s okay, too. Anything is welcome, but be forewarned, there is usually a costume contest, so be creative.
SKITS: If time allows, there will be a chance to do your rendition of Gollum, act out a scene from the films, read a poem or book passage, or sing a song. So figure out what you want to do and practice ahead of time.
TRIVIA CONTEST: Brush up on your Tolkien Trivia, the competition is usually fierce, but it’s a lot of fun, and everyone is welcome to participate.
Hope to see you all there this year! Don’t forget to check the Facebook page for more info.
Additional note: There is a second Hobbit event planned somewhere in Griffith Park on Sunday. If their signage does not say Baggins Birthday Bash or TheOneRing.net, they are not our Baggins Birthday Bash. This other event will be charging for attendance, and as you know, for the past 23 years, we’ve always been free. As long as you follow the directions to the Mineral Wells location we’ve been at the past decade or more, you will find your TORn Sibs waiting for you.
Also, kids and pets are welcome, we are always a family-friendly event. Dogs must be leashed, and we suggest you bring a water bowl for your pet. It is predicted to be quite hot that day.
It’s just over a week since DragonCon 2024 drew to a close, after a fabulous weekend of panels, special guests, parties and merriment. TheOneRing.net was delighted as always to spend time with fellow fans, and to host An Evening at Bree, a long time tradition at DragonCon (and part of the High Fantasy Track).
As usual, there was incredible cosplay to be seen all around the con, from all kinds of fandoms. We thought we would share here just a few of our favourites (there were so many!) seen at the Evening at Bree costume contest (with big thanks to photographer Jonathan Franklin). Enjoy!
From The Rings of Power: Annatar promises he is just a giver of gifts; but Arondir has his suspicions…Bilbo is quite happy relaxing in his dressing gown; until the arrival of Lobelia sends him off on an adventure. (Anything to get away…!)Elves from PJ’s films: Haldir and ‘dark queen’ Galadriel.Two different Tom Bombadils enjoy the beautiful company of the River-woman’s daughter.Staffer greendragon chats with Gimli; and Denethor’s favourite son gives him the greatest gift of all – a tomato. (Faramir was there too, but obviously didn’t deserve to be in the photo.)
TORn always loves hosting An Evening at Bree, and it was wonderful after so many years to see the dance floor packed, and the fandom celebrating together, as folks jigged to musical acts The Brobdingnagian Bards, Beth Patterson and Landloch’d. It was indeed a night to remember – thanks to all who came along, and to the High Fantasy track for allowing us to host!
Greetings from Atlanta, fellow Bagginses and Boffins, Tooks and Brandybucks, wizards and elves, Rohirrim and Beornings, Men and Women of the West, Nazgúl and Uruks, and other glorious embodiments of the diverse denizens of Middle-earth! And Proudfoots! (‘Proudfeet!’) It’s Labor Day Weekend, which means Smaug is stirring in the form of the singular Con forged by fans for fans (why, just like TheOneRing!): it’s Dragon Con time!
Now in its 37th year, and much like the world of fantasy in general, Dragon Con has always leaned heavily into its Tolkienian roots, with Middle-earth inspired programming, cosplay, partying, and a global Fellowship serving to inspire many of the 70,000 or so fans who converge on downtown Atlanta every year. And the 2024 version will be no different! Here’s a quick rundown all the Tolkien goodness that will be happening this year, indeed when there seems to be an explosion of so much we can celebrate!
Movie Guests: The Hobbits Are Coming to Dragon Con!
It’s a long-expected celebration as we welcome three excellent and admirable hobbits back to our annual party! Billy Boyd and Elijah Wood have been here before, with 2023 serving as a Frodo first for the con. It’s great to have him back, along with an inaugural visit by Dominic Monaghan. We’ll enjoy reminiscences and revelry, past shenanigans and current updates from gentlemen who still bow to no one! Find them at various times across the weekend.
Alas they’re not bringing Orli with them to Atlanta…
Media Project Updates and an Event: So Much Happening!
International South, Hyatt, 7pm Thursday 29th – watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Prime Video was so courteous to schedule the opening of Season Two of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on the same day that Dragon Con kicks off! They were especially gracious to allow us to host a Release Day Watch Party in a large ballroom space in one of the host hotels where we’ll get to all three of the first episodes on a big screen with 400 or so of our closest friends. There will be swag!
L401-403, Marriott, 11.30am Monday 2nd – The Rings of Power panel
TheOneRing.net will also be hosting a panel on Monday offering an opportunity for reactions and speculations from a crackerjack panel, including our good friend Willie Jenkins aka KnewBettaDoBetta.
L601-602, Marriott, 1pm Friday 30th – The War of the Rohirrim panel
Just as exciting is the upcoming December release of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, the anime collaboration between the same team that brought us both the LotR and Hobbit movies, along with director Kenji Kamiyama. We’ll have a dedicated panel to discuss the recently released trailers, and special recorded interview with producer Jason DeMarco as he digs into some details with staffer greendragon. (Also look for swag…!)
Centennial One, Hyatt, 11.30am Saturday 31st – Middle-earth Updates with TORn
We’ll even do some speculating about the recently announced next movie release coming in 2026, the PJ-produced, Serkis-directed The Hunt for Gollum. That will happen as part of a general update from TheOneRing.net staffers at Dragon Con, along with some good friends, covering a vast smorgasbord of things we have to look forward to in the Tolkienverse.
Some Scholarly Conversations: Academics Can Party?
Tolkien fans are noteworthy for also loving to dive deeply into Tolkien lore, characters, themes, and discussions as part of their experience. We’ll be scratching that itch on a number of fronts:
L401-403, Marriott, 1pm Saturday 31st – Here at the end of All Things: Tolkien’s Apocalyptic Visions
Our good friend, professor, and author, Constance Wagner, was asked recently about contributing to an upcoming publication discussing apocalyptic themes in fantasy literature. The inquirer wasn’t sure there really was much in Tolkien’s legendarium that dealt with that kind of thing. After Constance calmed down, she recruited a couple of us to join her in road-testing just how apocalyptic Tolkien can be, and across all the Ages of Middle-earth starting with the Music of the Ainur. And what better place to do that than among Dragon Con friends! We may have to hand out cookies to lighten the mood a bit, though.
L401-403, Marriott, 11.30am Sunday 1st – On Fairy Stories
Tolkien’s On Fairy Stories serves as a fundamental apologetic for the importance, depth, and suitedness of these stories in their application to the human condition. Plus they’re good reads. We’re looking forward to engaging with other fans on these foundational ideas.
L401-403, Marriott, 4pm Sunday 1st – The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien
With the publication of the massive three-volume edition of The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien mere weeks away, we take an hour to focus on what we can expect from this monumental effort from scholars Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond. And we’ll probably do a bit of group confession of how many of us skipped the poems during our first LotR reading or two. We may even listen to Tolkien himself reciting some of his verses.
Parades, Partying, Dancing and Singing: Always Trust an Elf! Or a Hobbit!
Grand Ballroom, Courtland Grand, 8.30pm Friday 30th – An Evening at Bree
Dragon Con (unlike many of those “CC” alternatives around the country), is especially knows for its literal 24-hour partying spirit, both informal and officially sponsored. One of those latter parties, indeed one of the longest standing parties across Dragon Con’s history, is our annual Evening at Bree. Always happening on the first full-day of the Con, this Friday evening festival combines live bands (since back in those the Emerald Rose glory days! – this year we’ll have Landloch’d, Beth Patterson, and the Brobdingnagian Bards playing), dancing that’ll bring joy to the most curmudgeonly hobbit, a costume contest showcasing jaw-dropping cosplay talent, and a mini-concert from Bree’s own Elf Choir who gather to rehearse and present iconic fantasy tunes all on the same day. It’s a great way to kick off the Con in a celebratory mood.
Elf Choir performing at Evening at Bree in a previous year – photo courtesy of Geek Behind the Lens
Grand Ballroom, Courtland Grand, 5.30pm Friday 30th – Sing with the Elf Choir
That Elf Choir, in addition to their larger contingent who perform at Bree, also has a dedicated group of master singers, garbed in elven cloaks and sporting ethereal lanterns, who make their way through the Dragon Con masses on their long and melodic journey into the West. Fortunately, the Grey Havens are proving elusive, and they’ll be back again this year.
Grand East, Hilton, 7pm Sunday 1st – Hobbit Drinking Songs
One of the most riotously reeling renditions of Shire shenanigans happens with the Brobdingnagian Bards’ annual concert (and excuse to dance spontaneously): Hobbit Drinking Songs. They’ve been at it long enough that many in the audience join in, at least on the choruses. And they have CDs!
Grand East, Hilton, 10pm Sunday 1st – High Fantasy Goblin Ball
One of the last parties we’ll be joining this weekend is one where staffer deej will be taking the lead: The High Fantasy Goblin Ball! We always like to pick a theme for these dance parties, usually picking a favorite decade where deej focuses her musical stylings. We’re back to the 80s this year, and using a Goblinesque orientation in whatever forms our attendees might choose. The mashup cosplay has gotten pretty hilarious in years past. The Eye of Sauron in shutter shades, anyone?
Home for this Tolkien-inspired programming, and for many of us Tolkien-addicted people, is one of Dragon Con’s 35 or so dedicated fan groups, or “tracks”: The High Fantasy Track. Home base is right in the center of all the action, on the lobby level of the Marriott Marquis (L401-403). Should you be attending Dragon Con this year, come by and say hi to fellow fans there!
Grab some merch – celebrate 25 years of TORn!
You should also, of course, visit staffers greendragon and deej at TheOneRing.net’s fan table in the Atlanta downtown Hyatt, down on the Exhibit Hall level just across from the Art Show (our usual spot). There you can get some fabulous merch – shirts, buttons, and more! Show your political allegiance by voting Gollum/Smeagol 2024; or show your love for TORn with our 25th anniversary shirt and mug.
We’re looking forward to seeing friends old and new! Now forgive us as we go finish up that last flourish on our cosplay!
