Luke Shelton, PhD
@lukebshelton.bsky.social
Tolkien scholar. Creator/Co-host of Tolkien Experience. Editor of Mallorn: The Journal of the Tolkien Society. He/Him https://linktr.ee/LukeShelton
Pinned
‘Small Hands Do Them Because They Must’: examining the reception of The Lord of the Rings among young readers - Enlighten Theses
theses.gla.ac.uk
Hello new followers! A short thread with info about who you followed:
I have a PhD in English Literature. My dissertation focused on the way that young readers interpret #Tolkien’s #LOTR. It was supervised by @dimitrafimi.bsky.social, and is free online: theses.gla.ac.uk/81312/ 1/6
I have a PhD in English Literature. My dissertation focused on the way that young readers interpret #Tolkien’s #LOTR. It was supervised by @dimitrafimi.bsky.social, and is free online: theses.gla.ac.uk/81312/ 1/6
With ICE and other extremist groups trying to claim #Tolkien, this old post still holds up:
“Tolkien does not simply give us hope for a better future or strength to endure hardship. Instead, the text [is] a call to action, a challenge...”
luke-shelton.com/2021/01/08/r...
“Tolkien does not simply give us hope for a better future or strength to endure hardship. Instead, the text [is] a call to action, a challenge...”
luke-shelton.com/2021/01/08/r...
Reading Tolkien during the Insurrection
I happened to be reading the final three chapters of The Lord of the Rings this week as supporters of an incompetent president attempted an insurrection in America. I am going through the book with…
luke-shelton.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:04 PM
With ICE and other extremist groups trying to claim #Tolkien, this old post still holds up:
“Tolkien does not simply give us hope for a better future or strength to endure hardship. Instead, the text [is] a call to action, a challenge...”
luke-shelton.com/2021/01/08/r...
“Tolkien does not simply give us hope for a better future or strength to endure hardship. Instead, the text [is] a call to action, a challenge...”
luke-shelton.com/2021/01/08/r...
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
Wondering why no one likes your posts anymore, even among your friends? It's because @jay.bsky.team and team have decided to hide a huge amount of content from all of our feeds by default.
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
November 6, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Wondering why no one likes your posts anymore, even among your friends? It's because @jay.bsky.team and team have decided to hide a huge amount of content from all of our feeds by default.
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
Here's how to turn it off.
First go to the hamburger menu in the upper left corner
10 Years since I made this meme, which is a perfect cross-section of Star Trek fandom and frustration with psychoanalytical literary theory.
So…you know…here it is, if you are into both of those things…
So…you know…here it is, if you are into both of those things…
November 2, 2025 at 1:26 PM
10 Years since I made this meme, which is a perfect cross-section of Star Trek fandom and frustration with psychoanalytical literary theory.
So…you know…here it is, if you are into both of those things…
So…you know…here it is, if you are into both of those things…
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
The 3rd and final part of my piece on constructing childhood in Tolkien’s legendarium is now out, this time focusing on hobbit childhoods and hobbits *as* children.
@uofgfantasy.bsky.social @tolkiensociety.org
#TolkienTuesday
dimitrafimi.substack.com/p/constructi...
@uofgfantasy.bsky.social @tolkiensociety.org
#TolkienTuesday
dimitrafimi.substack.com/p/constructi...
Constructions of Childhood in Tolkien’s Legendarium (3): The hobbits as children
This is the third part of a longer piece on constructions of childhood in Tolkien’s legendarium.
dimitrafimi.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:04 AM
The 3rd and final part of my piece on constructing childhood in Tolkien’s legendarium is now out, this time focusing on hobbit childhoods and hobbits *as* children.
@uofgfantasy.bsky.social @tolkiensociety.org
#TolkienTuesday
dimitrafimi.substack.com/p/constructi...
@uofgfantasy.bsky.social @tolkiensociety.org
#TolkienTuesday
dimitrafimi.substack.com/p/constructi...
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
If you’re not signed up yet, don’t forget to register for the @tolkiensociety.org seminar on October 18! It’s free and online! www.tolkiensociety.org/events/semin...
Tolkien Society Seminar 2025 – Arda’s Entangled Bodies and Environments
The Tolkien Society Seminar is a short conference of both researcher-led and non-academic presentations on a specific theme pertaining to Tolkien scholarship. After the seminar, all paper recordings f...
www.tolkiensociety.org
October 12, 2025 at 4:09 PM
If you’re not signed up yet, don’t forget to register for the @tolkiensociety.org seminar on October 18! It’s free and online! www.tolkiensociety.org/events/semin...
*Any new LOTR thing is announced*
Me: Ok but does it involve complex interpersonal relationships that break down masculine stereotypes
Me: Ok but does it involve complex interpersonal relationships that break down masculine stereotypes
*Any new LOTR thing is announced*
Me: Ok but does it involve dragons
Me: Ok but does it involve dragons
*Any new LOTR thing is announced*
Me: Ok but does it involve Elrond
Me: Ok but does it involve Elrond
September 27, 2025 at 3:55 PM
*Any new LOTR thing is announced*
Me: Ok but does it involve complex interpersonal relationships that break down masculine stereotypes
Me: Ok but does it involve complex interpersonal relationships that break down masculine stereotypes
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
It's that time again.
For the next 24 hours, drop any infectious disease and/or vaccine-related questions below in response to this post, and I will do my best to answer them. Responses are for information only and are NOT medical advice.
#AskAnIDDoc September 2025 edition.
For the next 24 hours, drop any infectious disease and/or vaccine-related questions below in response to this post, and I will do my best to answer them. Responses are for information only and are NOT medical advice.
#AskAnIDDoc September 2025 edition.
a poster that says science does n't lie on a blue background
ALT: a poster that says science does n't lie on a blue background
media.tenor.com
September 23, 2025 at 10:50 AM
It's that time again.
For the next 24 hours, drop any infectious disease and/or vaccine-related questions below in response to this post, and I will do my best to answer them. Responses are for information only and are NOT medical advice.
#AskAnIDDoc September 2025 edition.
For the next 24 hours, drop any infectious disease and/or vaccine-related questions below in response to this post, and I will do my best to answer them. Responses are for information only and are NOT medical advice.
#AskAnIDDoc September 2025 edition.
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
This is the most anti-science thing I have watched today.
What is most shocking about this is all of these statements are being made without any scientific evidence to back it up.
There are very few safe options to treat pain and fever in pregnancy so this is also an attack on women's health.
What is most shocking about this is all of these statements are being made without any scientific evidence to back it up.
There are very few safe options to treat pain and fever in pregnancy so this is also an attack on women's health.
September 22, 2025 at 9:40 PM
This is the most anti-science thing I have watched today.
What is most shocking about this is all of these statements are being made without any scientific evidence to back it up.
There are very few safe options to treat pain and fever in pregnancy so this is also an attack on women's health.
What is most shocking about this is all of these statements are being made without any scientific evidence to back it up.
There are very few safe options to treat pain and fever in pregnancy so this is also an attack on women's health.
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
On 21 September 1937: J.R.R. #Tolkien's The Hobbit was published.
The book tells of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and his journey with thirteen dwarves to recover their treasure from a dragon, Smaug. It's sold over 100 million copies and is one of the best-selling books of all time. #BookSky
The book tells of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and his journey with thirteen dwarves to recover their treasure from a dragon, Smaug. It's sold over 100 million copies and is one of the best-selling books of all time. #BookSky
September 21, 2025 at 9:06 AM
On 21 September 1937: J.R.R. #Tolkien's The Hobbit was published.
The book tells of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and his journey with thirteen dwarves to recover their treasure from a dragon, Smaug. It's sold over 100 million copies and is one of the best-selling books of all time. #BookSky
The book tells of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and his journey with thirteen dwarves to recover their treasure from a dragon, Smaug. It's sold over 100 million copies and is one of the best-selling books of all time. #BookSky
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
If you've not read this essay, or even if you have, I can't recommend it enough. In the first place, it's incredibly insightful, well-written, and proof positive that brilliant Tolkien scholarship can and does happen outside the academy. In the second place, it makes me cry.
Back from Oxonmoot and digesting everything I've read, heard, and learned and had to revisit Lee's article, especially after having finally finished reading the whole of Lord of the Rings. @mollyostertag.bsky.social
www.polygon.com/lord-of-the-...
www.polygon.com/lord-of-the-...
Queer readings of The Lord of the Rings are not accidents
Following breadcrumbs to find ourselves, in history and fiction
www.polygon.com
September 12, 2025 at 9:24 AM
If you've not read this essay, or even if you have, I can't recommend it enough. In the first place, it's incredibly insightful, well-written, and proof positive that brilliant Tolkien scholarship can and does happen outside the academy. In the second place, it makes me cry.
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
From all of us at Westmoot, we hope everyone has a great time this weekend at #Oxonmoot, whether you are attending in-person or online!
Pictured here is Frodo Baggins- oops, we meant Zak Francis, carrying the Ring to Mordor and making a quick stop at #Westmoot25.
#westmoot #intothewest
Pictured here is Frodo Baggins- oops, we meant Zak Francis, carrying the Ring to Mordor and making a quick stop at #Westmoot25.
#westmoot #intothewest
September 5, 2025 at 9:35 AM
From all of us at Westmoot, we hope everyone has a great time this weekend at #Oxonmoot, whether you are attending in-person or online!
Pictured here is Frodo Baggins- oops, we meant Zak Francis, carrying the Ring to Mordor and making a quick stop at #Westmoot25.
#westmoot #intothewest
Pictured here is Frodo Baggins- oops, we meant Zak Francis, carrying the Ring to Mordor and making a quick stop at #Westmoot25.
#westmoot #intothewest
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
Westmoot folks who are attending Oxonmoot this weekend- we’re going to take a Westmoot group photo in front of the dining hall at 11:30! Spread the word!
#westmoot #oxonmoot #intothewest
#westmoot #oxonmoot #intothewest
September 5, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Westmoot folks who are attending Oxonmoot this weekend- we’re going to take a Westmoot group photo in front of the dining hall at 11:30! Spread the word!
#westmoot #oxonmoot #intothewest
#westmoot #oxonmoot #intothewest
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
Westmoot folks who are attending Oxonmoot this weekend- we’re going to take a Westmoot group photo in front of the dining hall at 11:30! Spread the word! See you soon!
#westmoot #oxonmoot #intothewest
#westmoot #oxonmoot #intothewest
September 5, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Westmoot folks who are attending Oxonmoot this weekend- we’re going to take a Westmoot group photo in front of the dining hall at 11:30! Spread the word! See you soon!
#westmoot #oxonmoot #intothewest
#westmoot #oxonmoot #intothewest
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
When you first read the LotR, which character did you most relate to?
This month, Dr. Luke Shelton @lukebshelton.bsky.social explores reader response theory and the ways that personal experience and interpretation interact with criticism.
Thanks, Luke!
athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...
This month, Dr. Luke Shelton @lukebshelton.bsky.social explores reader response theory and the ways that personal experience and interpretation interact with criticism.
Thanks, Luke!
athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...
September 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM
When you first read the LotR, which character did you most relate to?
This month, Dr. Luke Shelton @lukebshelton.bsky.social explores reader response theory and the ways that personal experience and interpretation interact with criticism.
Thanks, Luke!
athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...
This month, Dr. Luke Shelton @lukebshelton.bsky.social explores reader response theory and the ways that personal experience and interpretation interact with criticism.
Thanks, Luke!
athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...
When you first read the LotR, which character did you most relate to?
This month, Dr. Luke Shelton @lukebshelton.bsky.social explores reader response theory and the ways that personal experience and interpretation interact with criticism.
Thanks, Luke!
athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...
This month, Dr. Luke Shelton @lukebshelton.bsky.social explores reader response theory and the ways that personal experience and interpretation interact with criticism.
Thanks, Luke!
athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...
September 3, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
Eglerio! My series editor’s copy of @joelmerriner.bsky.social’s Illustrating The Lord of the Rings in the Soviet Bloc: Iconographies of Difference has just arrived! The book will be available from 18 Sep - details here: www.bloomsbury.com/uk/illustrat...
@uofgfantasy.bsky.social @tolkiensociety.org
@uofgfantasy.bsky.social @tolkiensociety.org
August 29, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Eglerio! My series editor’s copy of @joelmerriner.bsky.social’s Illustrating The Lord of the Rings in the Soviet Bloc: Iconographies of Difference has just arrived! The book will be available from 18 Sep - details here: www.bloomsbury.com/uk/illustrat...
@uofgfantasy.bsky.social @tolkiensociety.org
@uofgfantasy.bsky.social @tolkiensociety.org
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
"Which Way, Western Man" is a notorious 1978, neo-Nazi classic by eugenicist William Gayley Simpson. It blames Jews for the racial destruction of the modern world and calls for a violent, global "revolution" modeled on Hitler's genocidal anti-Jewish campaign. /1
August 13, 2025 at 8:29 PM
"Which Way, Western Man" is a notorious 1978, neo-Nazi classic by eugenicist William Gayley Simpson. It blames Jews for the racial destruction of the modern world and calls for a violent, global "revolution" modeled on Hitler's genocidal anti-Jewish campaign. /1
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
The journey to Middle-earth and understanding J. R. R. Tolkien begins inside Marquette University's archives, which has more than 11,000 pages of drafts for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
The archivist in charge of 11,000 pages of original Lord of the Rings drafts at Marquette University
The journey to Middle-earth and understanding J. R. R. Tolkien begins inside Marquette University's archives, which has more than 11,000 pages of drafts for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
www.tmj4.com
July 31, 2025 at 1:59 AM
The journey to Middle-earth and understanding J. R. R. Tolkien begins inside Marquette University's archives, which has more than 11,000 pages of drafts for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
Shorte filme concept:
Post-credits scenes for everye Shakespeare playe
Post-credits scenes for everye Shakespeare playe
July 27, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Shorte filme concept:
Post-credits scenes for everye Shakespeare playe
Post-credits scenes for everye Shakespeare playe
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
PSA.
July 7, 2025 at 11:18 AM
PSA.
Reposted by Luke Shelton, PhD
Turn this off if you still have an Academia.edu account.
July 6, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Turn this off if you still have an Academia.edu account.
Harold Bloom was not the greatest fan of Tolkien (even though he edited multiple collections about him/his works). But I find his concept of “misreading” really valuable when thinking about interpretations of a work.
People who insist on ONLY conservative Christian interpretations of Tolkien really get my goat not only because interpretations are as diverse as the people who read and love Tolkien (so VERY diverse) but also because this flattens the diversity within theology and biblical scholarship
June 26, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Harold Bloom was not the greatest fan of Tolkien (even though he edited multiple collections about him/his works). But I find his concept of “misreading” really valuable when thinking about interpretations of a work.