“Home is behind, the world ahead / And there are many paths to tread”
— J. R. R. Tolkien

Although Signum University is a completely online school, offering a global-leading MA programme in imaginative literature and Germanic languages, we do like to gather from time to time. I say “we” but I have not yet gathered in the flesh, except in rogue meetings with students and faculty hither and nigh in various lands. There are regional “moots” (gatherings) throughout the US and now in Europe, but there is also the annual conference, Mythmoot, meant to gather lovers of speculative literature and film into a great collective of ideas and connection.

In 2020, of course, all that was disrupted. After waiting a few months to see if the world would end, the “Here Be Dragons!” Mythmoot went online and was, I believe, a pretty brilliant success. It was certainly one of my favourite online events in what has been more than a year now of creative digital connections.

I am pleased to say that Mythmoot VIII will be a hybrid event this year on June 24-27, 2021. There will be a live event at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia (as in years past), while also simulcasting and meeting online (MootHub), like last year’s digi-moot. The theme is “The World Ahead is Coming!”–certainly a theme that invites much in our apocalyptic days. The schedule and slate of guests (for the most part) make it look like a strong weekend.

Although I will miss caballing together in dining rooms and nearby pubs, arguing in hallways and crowding around doorways, I am pleased to be part of Mythmoot VIII and look forward to a great event. Besides a talk on what I call C.S. Lewis‘ “Apocalypse of the Imagination,” I am going to be online for the entire weekend, attending panels and papers and discussions–and hanging out in the digital halls. Registration is reasonable and there are multiple options. I hope to see you there!