Interview with Grundy by Shadow by Grundy, daughterofshadows

Grundy is one of the SWG's moderators and best known to us, as a creator, for her fiction. However, Grundy is also a glass artist, and she will be making a work of art from glass for Mereth Aderthad 2025, for Cindy Gates' presentation "Tolkien, Lunatic Physicists, and Abnegation." Shadow spoke with Grundy about her inspirations in Tolkien and, in particular, her long-running fascination with the Manhattan Project that is at the center of Cindy's presentation.

Shadow: You'll be making art for Cindy Gates' presentation "Tolkien, Lunatic Physicists, and Abnegation". What drew you to this presentation specifically?

Grundy: I have a STEM background, so Cindy pretty much had me at lunatic physicists! Also, I knew her presentation would be dealing with the atomic bomb, and I've been reading about the Manhattan Project almost as long as I've been reading Tolkien. I did a project on it for history in middle school. (My father shut down the 'are you making one or just reading up on the history?' question the state college librarian asked very quickly before I could get too many bad ideas …)

Shadow: That certainly sounds like Cindy's presentation was just waiting for you! Are the topics she discusses in her presentation also themes that draw you to Tolkien's works in general?

Grundy: Not really. I started as a kid with The Hobbit, and that was more about being able to relate to Bilbo—this little person who gets swept up in things much bigger than him. Progressing to The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion happened over time. At this point, I enjoy that it's a large world to play in. (And that Tolkien did not believe that evil wins in the end. Feels particularly topical now, but in general it's nice to have a place to go where you can count on that.)

Shadow: It really is nice to have that reassurance, I agree! It's a safe place to come back to when the rest of the world makes you doubt that it will be okay in the end.

You're creating glass art for Cindy's presentation. What went through your head while working on your art? Is there a theme or aspect of the presentation you immediately latched on to, or are you piecing different parts together to create something? Any teasers you might want to share that people can get excited for?

Grundy: For the most part, it's still too early in the process. And the only teaser I can think of is one I don't want to share publicly …

Shadow: That’s fair enough! Do you have any previous works you want to highlight, if people are curious and want to go and look at your things ahead of time instead?

Grundy: My story Scattered Pearls was written for the Tolkien Reverse Summer Bang in 2018 and tells the history of the Lindar from their perspective. Speaking of Bilbo, Quite Ready To Go On Another Journey is an Indiana Jones crossover that explores similar themes to those experienced by Bilbo. The Color of Hope is a story about Fingon and Aredhel crossing the Helcaraxë and finding unexpected beauty amid their suffering. And last, I'd recommend Let Me Play Among The Stars is an Elves in Space AU—or at least Elves at a space station!—about Maedhros and Fingon.

Shadow: Thank you so much for sharing these, I hope people get the chance to check them out!

One last question, and then I’ll let you go. What are you most looking forward to with Mereth Aderthad?

Grundy: Meeting some of the folks I've previously only interacted with online, hearing all the presentations, generally geeking out about Tolkien! The original MA was a lot of fun, and I think this one is going to be great.

Shadow: I'm sure it will be! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! Can’t wait to see your finished piece in July!