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Journals from The Gathering...
Here you'll find some more information about The Gathering
as well as a lot of good web resources by Celebriel and
Dernhelm!! (Click here
to return to the report or go
to the Gallery.)
A
Long-Expected Party: The Gathering of the Fellowship, Toronto, December 15-17,
2003
By Celebriel (aka Diane Rooney)
 One Ring to Rule Them All |
They
started planning a gathering of Lord of the Rings fans in Toronto shortly
after The Fellowship of the Ring was released in December 2001. Like Tolkien’s
story itself, Ed Rodrigues’ and Paulina Gibson‘s party grew
in the telling, drawing 1500 fans to wintry Toronto and the Sheraton hotel
less than two weeks before Christmas for three days of presentations, workshops,
games, artwork, website moots, autograph sessions with Rings’ cast
members, vendors, quests, masked balls, tournaments, and yes, films. I had
been looking forward to the event since May, and it did not disappoint. Herewith,
a Tale of the Gathering….
Sunday
Night: Getting Acquainted
I arrived in Toronto from San Francisco with just a few email contacts to seek out. No one I knew in person,
and not exactly sure of what I had gotten myself into. For me, Sunday night was a get-acquainted night.
After checking in, I spent some time at the friendly Council of Elrond moot, chatting with members in a
room decorated with Aragorn, Legolas and other character cutouts. Next door, participants in the opening
ceremonies were sewing, ironing and adding the final touches of paint to their costumes. I was able to
examine the incredible workmanship and fine detail of Aragorn’s handmade armor and clothing created
by Richard Hardesty.
From there, I headed to Traders bar and restaurant and The One Ring.net meeting. There were already about
20 people at the table, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming that I felt at home immediately. During
the course of the evening, the Sheraton’s bar morphed into a Toronto version of The Prancing Pony
(or perhaps the bar scene from Star Wars) as costumed figures came and went. I will always remember that
when I heard the news of Saddam Hussein’s capture I was in a Toronto bar surrounded by costumed
elves and hobbits, and it was the news report that seemed unreal. I ended up staying way too late, drinking
champagne with my new friends.
 Friendly Hobbit |
Monday
Morning: Into the Spirit
Well, I slept too late to get breakfast before plunging into the Gathering’s
activities, so I fortified myself at the lobby coffee bar before heading down
to the conference. As promised by the volunteers, my badge and related information
appeared under my door in the night, but not everyone was so fortunate. Masses
of people, most in costume, formed lines at the registration tables to get
their badges, movie tickets, and transit passes, and Gatherers filled the
main corridor, called The Great River, outside the ballroom. It appeared a
bit chaotic, especially when the opening ceremonies were moved back half an
hour.
Opening Ceremonies
Toby Markham as Sauron
Diana P as Galadriel
with Orcs
The dramatically choreographed Opening Ceremonies set a high tone for the entire
conference. This unique movement piece, directed by Stephan Laurent and Ellen
Denham, was a short, stylized dramatic summary of Lord of the Rings, featuring
smoke and lighting effects and enemy orcs entering the stage through the audience,
as well as many gorgeous handmade costumes. Sauron, played by the incredible
Toby Markham (more later) was defeated and Aragorn (Richard Hardesty) raised
the wounded and healed them. Diana P of Charleston played Galadriel. Impossible
to believe the performance was put on by volunteers with absolutely minimal
time to rehearse.
Ringers:
Lord of the Fans
Cliff Broadway (Quickbeam)
Right after the opening ceremonies, I moved on to Ringers: Lord of the Fans,
where conference Master of Ceremonies Cliff Broadway, better known as Quickbeam
of The One Ring.net, gave an overview of Tolkien fandom and the upcoming film
Ringers, scheduled for release in 2004, which he narrates as well as co-wrote/co-produced.
Cliff gave a recap of Tolkien’s wave of popularity in the 1960s and its
re-emergence with the Trilogy films. Cliff explained that Ringers is a worldwide
affectionate look at Rings fans, capturing tales of their devotion to the story
and films without the heavy irony of “Trekkies.” Quickbeam’s
standard autograph: “Much too hasty!” For more information on Cliff's documentary
see www.theonering.net/ringers/.
Monday Afternoon:
Games Workshop's
Helm's Deep Model
Back at the registration tables, things had improved significantly, and the hard working volunteers were
helping gatherers get their act together. Lines were shorter and were actually moving.
I got my beautiful
movie passes, then wandered into Moria to look at the beautiful Games Workshop tabletop model displays,
scan the costumes Malabar had brought to the conference, and examine the autograph and photo setups.
Celebriel & Captain
Jack Sparrow
In Moria I met one visitor Gatherers will not soon forget, Captain Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the
Carribean. Played by Toby Markham, Capt. Jack was in costume and in character through the entire Gathering,
and like a true Pirate he stole hearts and nearly the show itself. (See more at www.sithcamaro.com)
Toby also played Sauron in the Opening Ceremonies, but Capt. Jack was friendlier and had a much nicer
personality.
Sale Room
Next I visited the sale room.
Surprisingly, given that many people still needed to do holiday shopping, the
sale rooms did not do a great business. There were lots of booths featuring jewelry, swords, props, audio
and video tapes, and CDs, but not too many books. Vendors graciously allowed Gatherers to try the merchandise
before purchase.
Celebriel Tries a
Sword
Costume Hunters
I had not planned on going to Tuesday’s Masquerade and Ball, mostly because 1) I didn’t think
I’d know anyone to talk to, and 2) I figured I’d either go to the movie or use the evening to
read, do email, and, gasp, even work on notes. My many new friends, though, had other ideas and kept encouraging
me to rent a costume and join them. Finally I decided, well, maybe you do only live once, and so I headed
out to Malabar’s main store a few blocks away for a, uh, wider selection (in more ways than one).
I think there is a small part somewhere in each of us that longs for the fun, escape, and release from self-imposed
personality constraints that donning a costume offers, whether for Mardi Gras, Halloween, or Eomer’s
Ball. The people at Malabar were just fantastic, and I met several more Gatherers in the shared experience
of trying on passing imitations of Elvish dresses. I found the perfect dress: yards and yards of purple
satin with an enormous train and ribboned, slashed sleeves. Two good things about this dress were 1) it was
so elaborate people would notice the dress, and not me, and 2) it was really, really big and so the Malabar
folks kindly pinned it up about two sizes, enabling me to tell everyone how the dress had to be altered to
make it small enough for me. One not so good thing was that I could not get into, or out of, it without help,
as it had hooks and eyes instead of a zipper. (Visit Malabar online at www.malabar.net.)
Wigged-Out
My own reddish brown hair is cropped, and I soon realized that I’d need a long wig to balance the
overwhelming effect of all that purple satin. Unfortunately, all the straight haired wigs were gone. All
that was left were long wigs overflowing with nylon locks of un-Elvish curls, more a Renaissance look than
that of the Third Age. The first one I tried on was jet black. It made me look like one of the witches from
Macbeth. The second, in a dark brown, was only slightly better. Portraits of Louis XIV came to mind. Finally,
though, I found one in a reddish brown close to my own color, which meant I could style my bangs and pin the
wig behind them as a fall.
Back at the hotel, I thought I’d try some time testing methods for straightening the wig, to give it
a more Elvish look. I tried ironing it. (Yes, I actually used to do this to my own hair back in the 60s and
it worked fine except for the occasional scalp burn.). Unlike my own hair, the nylon melted and fused to the
iron. Perhaps where fire had not succeeded, water would do the trick. I wet the wig, planning to straighten
it with the hairdryer. Another bad idea, as the water caused the nylon to curl even tighter. Great, a wig
with a permanent bad hair day. About this time, I also realized that, in racing around to various activities
all day, I’d forgotten to eat breakfast and lunch, never a good idea, especially when you are meeting
people for drinks at 5PM.
Tolkien and Beowulf
Abandoning the wig, I fled back to the conference and Prof Michael Drout’s informative lecture on
Tolkien and Beowulf. Professor Drout, of Wheaton College, is a leading scholar of Tolkien and Anglo-Saxon
literature and editor of the new journal Tolkien Studies. In 1996 he discovered Tolkien’s manuscript
Beowulf and the Critics, published in 2002. He was chosen by the Tolkien estate to edit Tolkien’s
translation and commentaries on the poem.
Prof. Drout read from Beowulf and explained how Tolkien, when teaching at Oxford, had his Beowulf lectures
perfectly timed. He would walk into the classroom reading Beowulf as the bells tolled and walk out to the
bells an hour later. The greatest influence of Beowulf on the Trilogy is in the characterization of Rohan
and the Rohirrim, particularly Theoden’s hall Meduseld, their reverence for their ancestors, and
their warrior culture values. (Visit www.michaeldrout.com)
After the lecture, time to grab more coffee to sustain me through cocktails and an early dinner with friends
Marcia, Pam, Marie, and others going to the Monday night quest as Team Firamar. I passed on going to The
Fellowship of the Ring, read for a bit, then returned to the bar to meet more people and chat.
Quest Team Firamar
Tuesday:
Learning from my mistakes, I had a solid breakfast with Lara (Eledhwen) from War of the Ring and headed out to ...
Meditations on Middle Earth
In this Henen Istarion panel with Allison Baird, Michelle West, Dan Timmons, Tom Maringer, Joe Piela, and
Ted Nasmith, hosted by Anthony Budge and Jessica Burke, panelists shared their experiences in reading the
books and their thoughts on Tolkien’s lasting values.
Tom Maringer, creator of The Shire Post, was inspired by the description of Bilbo and his letters to create
commonplace objects like stamps and coins to develop a sense of place. (See more at www.shirepost.com)
Tom Maringer
Author Michelle West first read LOTR at age 12, and has read it through twenty times since then. She is
impressed with the story’s sense of loss, of elegy, and of its ability to capture quiet grief. Author
Allison Baird explained that while initially she read straight through to follow the story, on repeat readings
she focuses on Tolkien’s craftsmanship, especially in verbal descriptions. Artist Ted Nasmith noted
that he doesn’t read the books too often, so they remain fresh and inspiring.
Why do the books remain important? Because they show “an extraordinary humanity in a time of great
cultural change.” Because of their themes of “forgiveness, compassion, love, decency, moral
order, shame, honor, and the importance of living on principle.” Because, as Michelle said, “Staying
in and fighting for what is right is what defines us.” Because, as Tom said, we can take life building
tools from the books. Ted Nasmith summed it up by saying, “I cannot imagine what my life would have
been like without Tolkien.”
A Digression on Lord of the Rings Stars
LOTR cast members Craig Parker (Haldir) Mark Ferguson (Gil-Galad), and Bruce Hopkins (Gamling) attended the
Gathering. All of them were delightful and really seemed to enjoy the fan interaction. They were accessible,
nice, and hard working! In addition to holding daily autograph and photo sessions in Moria (I am sure their
mouths hurt from all the smiling and kissing!) and serving as judges for the costume contest, they appeared
on the program as well.
Craig & Celebriel
Mark & Celebriel
Bruce Hopkins gave a wonderful one hour plus session that was mostly comedy but also part serious. He
didn’t have any projects scheduled when he got the call for LOTR, so he was thrilled, especially as
the part of Gamling expanded. Taking questions from aspiring actors, Bruce stressed the importance of
“practicing your craft,” even if it meant taking low-paying or even no-paying projects. A
general all round talented good guy, and the proud possessor of an Isengard Swim Team t-shirt!
Bruce & Celebriel
Mark & Craig
show
Craig Parker and Mark Ferguson treated Gatherers, especially children in the audience to a dramatic reading
of “Riddles in the Dark” from The Hobbit, which describes an exchange of riddles between Bilbo
and Gollum. They held the audience rapt, and we were all amazed at Craig’s fantastic delivery of
Gollum’s voice. Really precious!
Later in the day Tuesday I attended...
Making Middle Earth Real: Tolkien and Tangibility
This Heren Istarion panel with Sam Balcomb, Raiya Corsiglia, Tom Maringer, Joe
Piela, and Ted Nasmith, hosted by Anthony Budge and Jessica Burke, examined
various ways Middle Earth is made real.
Heren Istarion Panel:
Raiya, Sam, Ted, Joe, Anthony, Jessica
Tom’s stamps and coins bring reality, as do Joe’s weapons and armor. Ted uses the time of day,
light and shadow, and water as ways of conveying realism. Filmmakers Sam and Raiya use landscape, noting
“landscapes are very important in making it real. You can’t do the whole film in front of a
blue screen.” Joe explained that the process of making weapons and armor is magical. He makes hand
forged weapons at a coal burning forge, like Tolkien’s dwarves and elves, and feels a strong connection
to Middle Earth. (More on Joe Piela at www.thelonelymountainforge.com)
Tuesday Night: A Celebration of Middle Earth
After wrestling with my wig and closing as many of the purple satin’s hooks and eyes as I could
without dislocating my arms, I made my way to lobby to join hundreds of costumed revelers. I found some
friends to finish hooking me into my dress, which was great, since I no longer had to stand with my back to
the wall. The main pre-departure ceremony was picture taking.
The Masquerade and Costume Contest
It was a little slow getting into Medieval Times, and impossible to sit with friends if you didn’t
get your seat assignments together, but other than that the event was well organized.
The Masquerade and Costume Contest started the festivities. Cliff Broadway (“Quickbeam”) again
served as MC. There were so many great costumes it was impossible to photograph them all.
Elven Maids
Galadriel & Legolas
Elf Prince &
Arwen 
Sauron's Finger
Varied Costumes
One of the absolute best I saw was a couple dressed as Sam and Gollum, whom I met in the lobby. Gollum was
on all fours on a chain, covering in light grey body paint, and wearing some rags. When I asked Sam why they
weren’t in the contest, Sam pulled on Gollium’s chain and said, “ Because this Stinker
is always late!” Fantastic. Among contest entrants, I especially liked Louise Pattrenden and Lyn
Sigurdsen as The Argonath and was pleased to learn they won Best in Show. Fabulous concept and execution.
My person favorite for simple, direct, and funny was Sauron’s Finger!
The Tournament of the Mark
After the costume contest, everyone proceeded to the jousting arena for medieval style entertainment and
dinner hosted by King Eomer and Lady Eowyn. We saw demonstrations of falconry and special paces and moves by
the horses, followed by the staged knights’ tournament. I have always been wary of this kind of
performance, perhaps because I fear something bad will happen on the night I’m there. People charging
at each other full speed with lances down is scary no matter what century you’re in. Also, the food
tends to not be very good and I don’t like eating with my hands. Fortunately, nothing bad happened
and the somewhat anachronistic meal of roast chicken, ribs, garlic toast and coke was passable.
Eomer’s
Ball
The last part of the evening was music and dancing to Glass
Hammer in Meduseld. I walked around taking more costume pictures and went
back to see the horses and falcons. People could go into the court to have
their picture taken on a throne under the White Tree banner of Gondor.
 Dancing |
 Elves Meet Technology |
 Tournament Knight |
Wednesday:
Day of the Waking Dead
Let’s just say that between the excitement of Eomer’s Ball and
the midnight showing of Return of the King, from which Gatherers returned
at 4:30AM, collective energy built slowly Wednesday morning. The day was packed
with programs for some and an early start for a day-long trilogy for others.
Well fortified again with a hobbit-sized breakfast and plenty of coffee, I
headed out to...
The Legacy of Lord of the Rings
I was determined to see Professor Dan Timmons of Ryerson University and his excellent documentary, The
Legacy of Lord of the Rings, which had to be cancelled on Monday because of a major A/V glitch: No TV and
VCR could be obtained. Professor Timmons wrote, directed, produced, edited and financed his film as a labor
of love, which presents Tolkien’s cultural legacy in literature, art, music. It features footage of
Oxford and Warwickshire, where Tolkien grew up, interviews with a wide range of Tolkien scholars and writers,
and the art of Ted Nasmith.
The film, which runs just over 50 minutes, has four parts: Subcreation, The Masterpiece, Reponse, and Legacy.
Extensive interviews, commentary, and images by Ted Nasmith are use to create a fascinating and in-depth
picture. Tom Shippey notes that for Tolkien, language was about sound. Writer Peter Beagle comments on
Tolkien’s use of the quest theme, in which the journey itself is more important than the end. LOTR is
unique in its treatment of the theme of power. Its heroes do not seek power, rather they seek to destroy an
item of great power as a way of undoing a great evil. And small ordinary people are central to the story,
not just kings and future kings.
The Response section examines the astonishing response to the books among both the literary elite and the
common reader. Tolkien can be credited with inventing, or at least reinventing, the genre of fantasy fiction.
While science fiction existed, true fantasy fiction as a genre did not, other than as children’s books
or retellings of fairy tales. Response among the literary elite turned sour as the Trilogy’s
popularity grew? Why? Because it came to be seen as a threat to the literary establishment’s
modernism. Was modernism really the answer if the ancient was still alive and more widely read?
The Legacy section makes the point that Tolkien, or anyone else for that matter, didn’t foresee how
pervasive and enduring the work would become. Its elegiac mourning for a lost world still resonates. It
remains inspirational and relevant, showing how the disenfranchised can make a difference for all those who
live in a dark world.
The film has been shown on Bravo and Space channels in Canada, but Professor
Timmons would love to have it shown on American and European television as
well. He can be reached at dtimmons@ryerson.ca.
Other interesting Wednesday events were:
Tolkien in the 1960s
To set the stage, Professor Mike Foster of Illinois Central College opened his presentation with a film clip
from the opening of the Beatles’ movie Help (1965), featuring an exotic sacrificial ritual involving
a ring. Tolkien reached a wide audience for the first time in the 1960s with the advent of mass market paperback
publishing. Ace Publishers in the US issued a pirated paperback edition in June 1965 that was followed in
October by the first authorized US edition, issued by Ballantine for $0.95 a copy. Interest soared, and Lord
of the Rings was the top selling paperback in 1966. I still have my three $0.95 volumes, fragile as the old
manuscripts Gandalf consulted in the Minas Tirith library, with their trippy cover art and large print
notices. Talk about feeling as old as Elrond!
Foster suggested that the trilogy’s popularity with the 60’s generation traced to its
resonance with the zeitgeist of the times: the strong environmental theme, the hobbits’ smoking of
pipeweed to relax, and the image of the Shire as an ideal place to live, yet one without a government.
Further, at that time the US was experiencing a love of all things British, from the Beatles and other rock
bands to Ian Fleming’s James Bond.
The Beatles enjoyed the Trilogy so much there was serious discussion of their making a film version. A major
director, such as Stanley Kubrick, David Lean, or Michael Antonioni, was seen as essential to bring such a
project to completion. Kubrick , who later created the mysterious 2001: A Space Odyssey, said the film was
unmakeable, and the Beatles later lost interest. It’s interesting to imagine a Lord of the Rings
created by the maker of Laurence of Arabia or Blow Up. Perhaps Kubrick was right, and we needed to wait
35 years for the film technology that helped give us Lord of the Rings.
Armor Apprentice Workshop
Toby Markham, Julia McGee, and Jose Salcedo led some two dozen people in this hands on workshop. In just two
hours they learned the basic techniques of making templates from dolls and photographs for armor pieces and
were carefully cutting, taping (with heavy duty black or gray tape) and assembling the individual pieces of
armor plate. Members of one group created reasonable beginnings of jointed glove armor, modeled on Toby
Markham’s incredible Sauron costume.
What Is Tolkien’s Mythology?
This interesting Heren Istarion program was a panel discussion among Sam Balcomb
and Raiya Corsiglia of Ancanar, Dr. Jane Chance, Dr. Mike Foster, Tom Maringer,
and armorist Joe Piela examing Tolkien’s mythology.
Panelists discussed how Tolkien drew from a deep pool of archetypes and mythological traditions to create his
English epic. It draws on common tropes including the perilous journey, escape and recovery, death and
deathlessness, which come from a wide range of sources, including Arthurian tales. Indeed, one remarked that
Aragorn was the son King Arthur should have had.
After this, a few hours downtime, an early room service dinner, and then off with Lara to join friends at
the Sheppard Grande theatre for Return of the King. I will never forget the experience of sharing this long-awaited
film with a theatre full of fellow Tolkien fans. Back at the hotel, too emotionally exhausted to sleep, many
of us celebrated with champagne until the bar closed at 2AM. Thursday morning was farewells and promises to
share pictures and stay in touch, followed by the trip to the airport and home.
About the Gathering and the Re-Gathering
I had a chance to speak to Gathering Organizer Ed Rodrigues several days after I returned home. Ed said
registration for the event, about 1500, was less than they had hoped for, but Ed explained that the timing,
less than two weeks before Christmas, made it difficult for many to attend. (I can attest to the truth of
that, as my shopping and other holiday planning got hopelessly behind!).
Wraiths at the Havens
A majority of attendees, about 60%, were female. In terms of age, about 60% were adults under 30, 35% adults
over 30, and 5% children. There were lots of mother/daughter pairs, some mother/son pairs, and some families.
While many Sheraton guests not attending the Gathering looked bemused at the presence of elves, hobbits, and
ringwraiths in the lobby, restaurants, and adjacent shopping arcade, they took it in stride. The Sheraton,
said Ed Rodrigues, was very supportive of the conference and reported it was one of their best.
So will there be another Gathering of the Fellowship? Yes, says Ed Rodrigues,
most likely in the spring or summer of 2005. And indeed as I finish this tale,
there is an announcement of a 2005 Gathering at www.tolkiengathering.com.
The Gathering of the Fellowship 2003
By Dernhelm
Opening Ceremonies
There probably is no way to accurately describe the atmosphere in the room where Elves, Dwarves, Men,
Hobbits and the like were assembled and eagerly waiting for the grand kick-off. No one really knew what a
treat we were in for. We just knew that over 2,000 Tolkien fans from around the world had come together at
this one room in the Sheraton to begin one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Elven Warrior
The air was thick
with excitement and anticipation and it only increased when the Master of Ceremonies, TheOneRing.net's very
own Cliff Broadway, better known as "Quickbeam" stepped out on stage to begin the program.
Dernhelm and Elven
Warrior
The lights where dimmed, the music started and then we all watched in amazement as we were presented with a
musical, theatrical presentation on Middle Earth featuring Hobbits, Elves, men and even Orcs! From the
sound quality to the costuming, to the choreography -everything about the production was first-rate and it
really went along way in demonstrating that the organizers of The Gathering where committed to providing the
very best experience possible. The show ended with the audience wildly applauding and cheering. Thus began
The Gathering.
Autograph Sessions
What's a convention without the chance to meet and greet stars? Though I'm not normally into autograph
hounding, I did take advantage of the opportunity to meet Craig Parker, (Haldir) and Mark Fergusen (King
Gil-Galad). This first autograph signing session was definitely an opportunity for The Gathering organizers
to either smoothly handle a serious glitch, or fall on their swords. I'm happy to report that the organizers
came through with flying colors. What happened is that hundreds of folks lined up and waited patiently to
obtain Craig, Mark and Bruce Hopkin's (Gamling) pics and autographs, but as luck would have it, there was no
way they would be able to get through the crowd and make it to their next event on time. The line was cut
off directly in front of me, but instead of adopting a "too bad so sad" attitude, event organizers
made sure that everyone who had waited in line and wanted one, received a yellow ticket to come back the
next day and be first in line. I was most impressed and most every one was happy about the efforts being
extended. I did indeed return the next day with my copy of my fanfic, "Arrival At Rivendell" in
hand. Both Craig and Mark signed my book and took the time to look at the some of the illustrations.
I must say, Craig Parker does not look at all like his character Haldir, but he was as genteel as any elf
could be!
Craig and Dernhelm
ANCANAR
If there was one seminar that had my absolute attention it would be the one concerning the upcoming,
Tolkien-inspired film entitled, Ancanar.
Writer/Director Sam Balcomb, writer/actress Raiya Corsiglia, actor
Gregory Lee Kenyon and amoursmith Joe Piela were present to discuss all facets of the making of this
independent film. How far they have come since they unveiled their website back in 2000! Fans where
treated to an extensive preview of Ancanar and the overall consensus was that folks were Very excited about
this project. These are serious film makers who are putting their time, talents and resources behind the
production of this original tale based in Middle-Earth. Fans were thrilled to hear the latest news that Sam
and Raiya were on the verge of sealing a deal for some major financing. All of the panel members were very
accessible and gladly answered questions from the audience from film making techniques to questions on budget,
to questions about the Tolkien estate and who exactly ownes what. My conclusion about this film remains the
same as it was when I first heard of it in 2000 - it is worthy of fan support and if people will get behind
this film, movie goers will not be disappointed as Middle-Earth once again comes to life on the big screen. For more information, see their website: http://www.ancanar.com/.
Raiya, Sam and Dernhelm
Arm and Armour of Middle Earth
This session was hosted by Joe Piela, Master Metalsmith and chief armour maker for the weapons used in the
upcoming film, "Ancanar". It was a fascinating historical as well as behind-the-scene look at how
authentic looking weapons are made and utilized in film. Fans were able to get their hands on such things
as helmuts, gloves, and chain mail for an up close look at the intricate detail that goes into making the
weaponry. It was truly amazing to feel just how heavy the helmets are and to think that actors have to
endure wearing them for hours at a time. I was particularly impressed with the beauty and intricate detail
on the Rohan-style helmut. Joe Piela has devoted himself to his craft and on scholarly research on weapons
in Tolkien's Middle Earth. He not only talked about the making of the weapons themselves, but he discussed
their history as gleaned from sources such as Tolkien's Unfinished Tales, and Book of Lost Tales. Fans were
also treated to an impressive live demonstration of battle action as two warriors suited up and fought
ferociously against each other. Don't try this at home folks! Joe Piela stressed the importance of safety
and of making weapons out of the right material. He specifically mentioned the use of rattan covered with
duck tape was commonly used for fashioning swords for sparring. Over all, this was a great opportunity to
photograph up close some pretty awesome looking weapons and to gain an appreciation for the craft of armour
making.
TOLKIEN COSTUMING FOR THE AMATEUR
A session designed to display the amazing sewing talents and creativity of Donna Maloney, Stephanie Strysick, Julia McGee and Leithelen Laslosse. And display amazing talents they did! This was much more than a fashion show even though there were live models on hand to wear some of the outfits made. Other outfits were displayed on mannequins and still other costumes or select pieces of costumes were passed around so that fans could have a hands-on examination of fabrics, detail, and sewing techniques. The costumes ranged from simple Elvish gowns to exact replicas of costumes worn in LOTRs movies. What was most impressive about the costumes is the ingenuity that each artist employed to make each costume. It was an impressive display of "out-of-the-box" thinking to create everything from gowns to swords to intricate headpieces. To the best of my understanding, none of the panel members were professional costume makers. Fans interested in making costumes were given an extensive list of resources for help ranging from online groups to specific books. If you had any interest at all in costume making, this was the session to attend. The extensive resource list alone was worth attending this standing-room only session.
Medieval Times
Other than seeing ROTK, this was definitely the highlight of The Gathering. For one evening Elf Lords and Ladies, Hobbits, dwarves, men and other beings from Middle Earth were called to King Eomer's Hall for food and fellowship. Medieval Times was the perfect locality - the rich, darkly-lit castle set the atmosphere effortlessly and the building and decor provided guests with lots of great photo-ops! What we got was an evening of sheer magic. The folks at Medieval Times went well above and beyond just about anyone's expectation that night. They deviated from their standard Medieval Times script and instead presented Gathering attendees with a magnificent, tailor-made LOTRs based script! It was exciting to see and hear King Eomer and the Lady Eowyn preside over the festivities. It was totally thrilling to then witness the reenactment of scenes straight out of Tolkien's work beginning with one where Gandalf the Grey seeks out Gollum.
Dernhelm and Aragorn
Legolas, Gimli and
Dernhelm
The food was excellent, the entertainment superb as each section cheered for their own Middle-Earth knight. Who can forget the that magnificent show followed by dancing to the music of Glass Hammer? Glass Hammer played superbly and there was just no time for sitting around on the outside. I don't think I can remember seeing people dance with such wild abandon before!
Art Competition
The Gathering played host to the art of some of the most creative, talented
artists around.
Fans were free to view an impressive array of art from sculptures, to posters, drawings,
paintings, and photo manipulations. It was both a privilege and a hard chore
to cast individual votes for all of the varying art contest categories.
Every winning entry truly deserved their respective prize, but the winning entries that
absolutely stood out my memory belonged to our very own resident artist -
Kim Kincaid. Her beautiful portrait of Aragorn won for best portrait. There’s
no question why. Just take a look at those soulful eyes and that exquisite
lighting and you can see for yourself. This particular drawing is the second
one found on Kim's
page in our Art Gallery!
Kim Kincaid
Kim did not just sweep the best portrait category. Her drawing "The One
Ring Serkis" won in the Best Drawing category as well. To see this gorgeous
portrait visit the Gallery
of Imladris on The Gathering website. This is one of the most creative,
well-done, original pieces of art in the entire gallery. We can all be proud
of Kim's accomplishment!
Got a comment on what you've read? Then post a message below, if you have a question or want to discuss in more detail then head over to the WotR Community Forum.
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