Oxonmoot is pilgrimage for fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and all other of author J. R. R. Tolkien’s works and creations. It is hosted each year by The Tolkien Society in September, close to both Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday. It began in 1974 and has happened every year since, bringing hundreds of Tolkien fans together for a few days of activities and celebrations.
However, things are different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Where before fans could get together to attend trivia, have Shire-style feasts, and visit Tolkien’s grave, the Lord of the Rings themed activities will not happen in person this year. Thankfully, The Tolkien Society have found a way to continue the festivities.
Oxonmoot Online will still have many of the same activities the face-to-face one had, just in a different format. Talks & Papers will feature Tolkien scholars discussing aspects and themes in his works, some serious and some light hearted. There will be an opening night quiz with plenty of Middle Earth trivia. There is a Telerin Circle where fans can read their favorites passages from Lord of the Rings and other Tolkien works. A virtual craft room will teach Oxonmoot attendees how to create some fun projects. There will be entertainment in the form of songs, short sketches, and dance that is all Tolkien related. And there is the ceremony of remembrance, Enyalië. Although you won’t be able to visit Tolkien’s grave for this, there will still be a short reading of his work and a solo rendition of Namarië, Galadriel’s lament from The Lord of the Rings.
In addition to all these events, there will be social spaces for attendees to chat. The Tolkien Society is currently taking suggestions for other special events during this Oxonmoot Online. Particularly in regards to their international fans that can benefit from time zone and language-specific events.
Registration will open in a few weeks here.
