We are delighted to announce the upcoming hybrid conference “Leadership in Tolkien’s Middle-earth”, hosted at the University of Zurich on Saturday, March 14, 2026 (09:45–18:30, Room RAA-G01, Rämistrasse 59).
Full information and updates: www.tolkien-tagung.ch.
This academic gathering explores Tolkien’s multifaceted vision of leadership — from Gandalf’s refusal of the Ring to the humility of the Hobbits — and examines how his depictions of power, justice, and responsibility engage with broader debates on democracy, ethics, and human nature.
👉 Why it matters beyond fantasy:
Tolkien’s stories reveal timeless truths about leadership under pressure, moral courage, humility, and the temptation of power. By approaching these themes through literature rather than business theory, this conference offers leaders, educators, and researchers an opportunity to reflect on decision-making, integrity, and stewardship from a fresh, human-centered perspective — one that speaks as much to boardrooms and classrooms as to Middle-earth.
Talks and panels will be held in English, and participation is possible in person (limited seats) or online via Zoom.
➡️ Please note: all participants — both on-site and online — must register in advance via our website: www.tolkien-tagung.ch.
We warmly
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We are delighted to announce the upcoming hybrid conference “Leadership in Tolkien’s Middle-earth”, hosted at the University of Zurich on Saturday, March 14, 2026 (09:45–18:30, Room RAA-G01, Rämistrasse 59).
Full information and updates: www.tolkien-tagung.ch.
This academic gathering explores Tolkien’s multifaceted vision of leadership — from Gandalf’s refusal of the Ring to the humility of the Hobbits — and examines how his depictions of power, justice, and responsibility engage with broader debates on democracy, ethics, and human nature.
👉 Why it matters beyond fantasy:
Tolkien’s stories reveal timeless truths about leadership under pressure, moral courage, humility, and the temptation of power. By approaching these themes through literature rather than business theory, this conference offers leaders, educators, and researchers an opportunity to reflect on decision-making, integrity, and stewardship from a fresh, human-centered perspective — one that speaks as much to boardrooms and classrooms as to Middle-earth.
Talks and panels will be held in English, and participation is possible in person (limited seats) or online via Zoom.
➡️ Please note: all participants — both on-site and online — must register in advance via our website: www.tolkien-tagung.ch.
We warmly invite you to share this announcement through your newsletter, website, or social media, and to encourage anyone interested in leadership, ethics, or storytelling to join us.
We are happy to answer any questions or provide additional information for your channels.
Warm regards,
The Organizing Team
Tolkien Conference 2026 – Leadership in Middle-earth
📍 University of Zurich | 🌐 Hybrid (Zoom, registration required)
🔗 www.tolkien-tagung.ch
✉️ Tm.honegger@uni-jena.de, lritzel@gmail.com
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