Dr. Corey Olsen
The Tolkien Professor
Dr. Corey Olsen is the President of Signum University and Mythgard Institute. In addition to teaching classes on J.R.R. Tolkien, Chaucer, and modern fantasy literature for Signum, Dr. Olsen has extended the concept of the digital classroom to include non-traditional outlets.
Dr. Olsen brings his scholarship on Tolkien to the public, seeking to engage a wide and diverse audience in serious intellectual and literary conversation. His website features a series of detailed lectures on The Hobbit and recordings of the weekly meetings of the Silmarillion Seminar, which worked its way through the Silmarillionchapter by chapter, as well as more informal Q&A sessions with listeners. His book Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, was published by Houghton Mifflin in September 2012.
Dr. Olsen obtained his B.A in English and Astrophysics from Williams College in 1996, going on to Columbia University where he obtained his M.A. in 1997, M.Phil in 2000, and his Ph.D in medieval literature in 2003. Upon graduation from Columbia University, Dr. Olsen obtained teaching positions at Temple University, Columbia University, Nyack College, and Washington College. In 2011, Dr. Olsen started Signum University and the Mythgard Institute. His undergraduate and graduate teaching subjects include J.R.R.Tolkien, Arthurian literature, Chaucer, and Sir Thomas Malory..
The Tolkien Professor
Dr. Corey Olsen
Rings and Realms
Rings and Realms
Rings & Realms is an independent production made by a passionate group of dedicated volunteer artists and scholars. Hosted by Tolkien Expert Dr. Corey Olsen, The Tolkien Professor himself, and Fan Engagement & Film Adaptation Expert Dr. Maggie Parke, our goal is to share knowledge in an accessible, positive way. We offer tools, and food for thought, for a deeper look into Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
The focus is analysis – not reaction, persuasive opinion, or review. We provide context and explanation, building the bridge between Tolkien’s text and the Rings of Power. Our approach aims to be thorough: we unpack the show layer by layer, unfurling its background and looking at the decisions made by its creators as they navigate the path from page to screen. We explore their adaptation choices, navigating ideas about the choices, in order to help us all engage with the story that the show is telling.
Exploring The Lord of the Rings
Exploring LotR
Exploring The Lord of the Rings is Corey Olsen’s weekly YouTube show. In each episode, Dr. Olsen takes viewers on an in-depth journey through The Lord of the Rings, examining the text line by line with thoughtful analysis and rich insights while also inviting viewers to visit and explore Middle-earth through the magical game world of The Lord of the Rings Online. The show combines scholarly expertise with an engaging, conversational style, making it accessible to both die-hard Tolkien fans and newcomers alike. With a focus on uncovering the deeper themes, historical context, and literary significance behind Tolkien’s words, Exploring The Lord of the Rings invites audiences to experience Tolkien’s beloved story in new and enriching ways.
Mythgard Academy
Mythgard Academy
Other Minds and Hands
Other Minds and Hands
Other Minds and Hands is a dynamic YouTube series hosted by Dr. Corey Olsen and Dr. Maggie Parke, focusing on the intersection of adaptation and storytelling in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. Each episode explores how Tolkien’s works have been interpreted across different media, from film and television to video games and beyond. The series dives into the creative decisions behind these adaptations, discussing both the challenges and opportunities in bringing Middle-earth to life in new formats. With an emphasis on open dialogue and exploration, Other Minds and Hands invites viewers to think critically about adaptation while celebrating the enduring influence of Tolkien’s imagination. Whether you’re interested in how The Lord of the Rings has evolved on screen or curious about the broader world of literary adaptations, this series provides engaging and insightful conversations for fans and scholars alike.
The Silmarillion Film Project
SilmFilm
This is an immersive learning experience, meant to bring people to The Silmarillion and other works by J.R.R. Tolkien in a thoughtful and creative way.
According to Signum University president Corey Olsen, the goal of the Silmarillion Film Project – SilmFilm for short – “is to apply the kind of creative analysis and imaginative investment that you have to bring to an adaptation. To enter back into The Silmarillion and live there. And think about how we would make this story work and communicate to people.”
Silm Film is a collaborative creative project in which listeners create a theoretical adaptation of the Silmarillion into a long running television show format.
Mythgard on LOTRO
Mythgard on LOTRO
Explore the most comprehensive adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings with the Mythgard Institute.