Q: Is Tolkien Fandom a Cult?
ANSWER: There are occasional references to “the cult of Tolkien” or “the Tolkien fandom cult”. Some references are derogatory, often just sneering remarks from journalists who have been assigned to write about Tolkien-related events such as a book or movie. Some references are more reverential, usually self-applied. I have come across a few clearly metaphorical uses of “cult” with reference to Tolkien fandom and/or scholarship. But some people seem to feel it is okay to say that Tolkien fans — who celebrate a lifelong love of his books and ideas — are a “pop cult”.
The word cult, technically, still seems to have powerful semi-religious imagery attached to it. Cults are viewed as evil, deranged, debased forms of “proper” religion. In fantasy literature and role-playing games cults are almost always used to identify evil groups; even Tolkien only used the word in its most negative sense. Historically there have been many Christian cults of which Tolkien must have been aware — the majority of them are not really associated with evil or heresy; for example, some scholars speak of cults associated with various saints, such that the members or followers of the cults observe special rituals or customs in honor of the saints.
I don’t think, however, that Tolkien fandom is homogenous enough in any set of practices (not even in reading the books) to really merit the term “cult”. It is at best an innocent misuse of a word that is probably evolving even today and at worst an insult reflecting the ignorance and intolerance of the person using it.
But take my thoughts on the matter with a grain of salt. I never really liked the word “geek” but about ten years ago I was sitting in a sports bar in Atlanta and Chris Pirotta (Calisuri of TheOneRing.Net) came up to me and said something like, “I’m glad you’re here with the rest of the geeks”. And feeling entirely offended I looked up at him with what must have been a darkened expression (although it was dark in the sports bar) and I said with all the dignity I could muster, “I am NOT a geek!”
To which Chris replied (without even hesitating), “What are you talking about? You’re the UBERgeek!”
Chris meant that as a compliment and he was so sincere I couldn’t help but laugh at my uppishness. The point of which anecdote is to say that even though I may find the use of the word “cult” offensive when referring to Tolkien fandom, I don’t think most people intend it that way, and therefore I don’t feel nearly as insulted as I might if I didn’t give their intentions some consideration.
As for whether Tolkien scholarship is anything like a cult, I suppose that is splicing the hair too thinly for me. One might as well call astronomy a cult. The study of a subject may be conducted in veneration but I think you have to really love the topic in order to study it intensely or well. I can’t imagine many physicists who go into work every day thinking, “I HATE THIS JOB! I wish I were a hair-dresser!” Scientists, engineers, and hair-dressers all need to love the work they do as they learn new things and enhance their expertise. That love and joy doesn’t make them a cult, so I don’t think Tolkien scholars deserve to be called a cult, either — although the metaphor certainly conveys a rich context for thoughtful exploration of the practice of Tolkien scholarship…and fandom.
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