The Mythgard Institute, founded in 2011 was designed to create a rigorous, intensive and educational experience for students all over the world in Tolkien studies, fantasy, science fiction and mythical literature by utilizing the technology of the twenty-first century. Online courses are offered for these subjects and these classes are taught and led by world class teachers and scholars. The Mythgard Institute has established a Master’s Degree program in imaginative literature and language. However, now the institute is expanding its educational program and they are using an Indiegogo campaign to acquire funds for this expansion. One of the advantages to this way of receiving a quality education is that it is affordable and you can also interact online, through video casts and podcasts with faculty and other students. You do not have to choose between a great education and financial independence when choosing to study at the Mythgard Institute. To learn more about their academics program go here.

This summer The Mythgard institute is expanding by launching Mythgard Academy and they have created a campaign on Indiegogo to help fund the academy. Their goal has been reached but the campaign is not finished. More funds are always welcomed and needed to expand beyond their original goals. If you are a reader and lover of imaginative literature and you want to support what they are doing please go to their campaign page and become a supporter. What will the Mythgard Academy accomplish? Well, let Professor Cory Olson explain in the video below.

Intensive study with scholars and professors of dynamic, brilliant imaginative literature, serious discussion of such works.  The only limit is the imagination. Such projects need and deserve support to keep the literature of fantasy, science fiction and myth alive, relevant and important in today’s culture. These are a part of the cultural heritage of everyone.  There are no people who do not have mythic and imaginative stories to tell and these stories last because within one finds meaning and truth.

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victorialadybug (V. A. Jeffrey) is a fantasy and science fiction author. She also loves music, art, history, cooking, baking, fermenting stuff, comic book movies and nearly anything Tolkien related. Her biggest writing inspirations are Shakespeare, Frank Herbert and, of course, J.R.R. Tolkien. You can find her at: mymiddleearth.com.

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Olsen and Beagle and Tolkien, Oh My!

Mythgard Institute’s First Annual Mythmoot will be all Hobbit, all the time…

It was a real problem. After listening to The Tolkien Professor for years, including this year’s Riddles in the Dark ‘cast conjecturing about Peter Jackson’s new film, I knew too much.

There was no way I was going to be able to sit in a theater with a bunch of strangers and watch The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey without risking being escorted out by Security. Based on the information made available by Jackson and the press, it looked like there were going to be scenes that would make me shudder, cry, and finally stand up and start yelling.

What was I going to do? Wait for the DVD to come out before I watched the movie?

No surprise, then, that it was a huge relief to find out about Mythmoot 2012: A Long Anticipated Journey being held by the Mythgard Institute, The Tolkien Professor’s institute of higher learning. Taking place in Baltimore, Maryland the weekend of December 15 and 16, the event will start off with a private showing of The Hobbit in 3D, 48 frames per second. Mythmoot will then continue at a nearby hotel conference center to discuss the film, the book, and spaces in between. Between Q&A panels, discussion breakout groups, a banquet Saturday night, and presentations given on Sunday, this was going to be more than watching the film in a safe environment: It was an opportunity to talk Tolkien with a group of enthusiastic people, led by Corey Olsen.

I registered, I made my travel arrangements and then WHAM! Another surprise!

Peter S. Beagle, he of The Last Unicorn and the Bakshi animated Lord of the Rings, will be in attendance. The fun index went up a power of ten for me. Corey Olsen and Peter Beagle in the same room! This is going to be great…

If you are wondering how to safely watch The Hobbit and can make it to Baltimore the weekend of its U.S. release, come join the fun! You’ll recognize me; I’ll be the one in the Mythmoot shirt and the big smile on her face!

Get more information about Mythgard Institute’s Mythmoot 2012: A Long Anticipated Journey

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