The annual J.R.R. Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Literature seeks to promote the study of fantasy literature by making access to its lectures available to audiences from around the world. 

On June 12th 2024, Neil Gaiman delivered the 2024 Tolkien Lecture, highlighting the power of libraries and fantasy and drawing attention to the life and work of Nicholas Stuart Gray.

“Fiction … heals us, by letting us feel things we didn’t experience, see through others’ eyes when the only eyes we have are our own. It tells us there are options, it gives us friends. It gives us memories of places we have never been, and that never were. It makes the bullied, brave; and the impossible, possible.”

If you missed the lecture or simply want to relive the magic again, the recording is now on our YouTube channel!

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We are immensely grateful to the Pembroke Pink Grant Scheme, the Kadas Foundation, and of course, the support of lecture attendees over the past 11 years. In addition, many thanks to the events, catering, and communications teams at Pembroke College.

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Please note, this lecture took place in June 2024, prior to more recent developments regarding the speaker.

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Videography by Gregory Jenkins

Photography by Gabriel Schenk and Seda Öztürk