Mereth Aderthad Interview: Interview with Zhie by Shadow

Interview with Zhie by Shadow - How to Make a Star from a Tree: The Science of Telperion and Laurelin - Silmarillion Writers' Guild - Mereth Aderthad 2025 - July 19, 2025 - Burlington, VT, and online - a celebration of creativity and scholarship inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien

Although not a scientist himself, Tolkien cared deeply for accuracy in the sciences in his work. Uncovering the scientific roots or applying the sciences to the legendarium is one area of scholarly and fannish inquiry. Shadow spoke with Zhie about Zhie's upcoming Mereth Aderthad 2025 presentation, "How to Make a Star from a Tree: The Science of Telperion and Laurelin," about the rewards and challenges of approaching such a topic as a nonscientist and the unique role that fans have to play in Tolkien scholarship.

Listen to Shadow's interview with Zhie here or read the transcript of the interview here.

Posted on 3 May 2025 (updated 17 May 2025) by SWG Newsletter Staff