I finished my Master’s Degree at Signum University! I highly recommend anyone interested in pursing their Tolkien studies in a scholarly manner to consider attending some classes here. You do not have to be there to pursue a degree. You can simply audit the classes if you like. There is a lot more to the school than Tolkien too.

My thesis was originally going to be on the role of pity and mercy, primarily for Gollum, but also as a whole in the legendarium. Then the path forked and went off in a bit of different and wonderful direction. During my research, I came upon a marvelous essay by Kristine Larsen, who highlighted the critical part Nienna, through Gandalf, played in the events at the end of the Third Age. I am glad to add my bit of something new to Tolkien studies. I hope you enjoy it! I found the accompanying picture on Canva of a weeping woman and thought it fit great for Nienna.

Let me know what you think of the paper!