The Middle Earth Weekend

Miðgarðr is a name used in Old Norse literature.   In Old English epic poetry it appears as Middangeard, later evolving as Middellaerd or Middle Earth in Middle English literature.  it is a realm in Norse mythology somewhere in the middle of Yggdrasil, the world tree that links the realms of existence. 

The tree of Yggdrasil had its roots extending below our realm of existence into the underworld.  This was the third level - Hel, the world of the dead. The trunk grew through our world, the second level - the world of men, known as middle earth.The trees branches extended high above ours into the upperworld, the first level - Asgard the world of the gods.

As a warning for our times maybe, according to the ancient tales, middle earth will be destroyed at Ragnarok, the battle at the end of the world.  Jormungadnr the giant serpent will rise from the ocean, poisoning the land and sea with his venom and causing the sea to rear up and lash against the land causing middle earth to sink below the waves.

Attractions at this year's weekend include:

The Tolkien Tent with information for fans and those interested in the history of the area in which Tolkien spent his childhood years.

The Craft Tent contains home made crafts for sale for souvenirs or gifts.

The Activity Tent has hands-on workshops for all ages.

The Performance Tent will feature folk singing, poetry and story telling accompanied by dragons.

There will be demonstrations by traditional craftsmen and women and a display by Charlecote Falconers.

The award winning Moseley Farmer's Market will also feature.

The Shire Country Park Rangers will be on hand to inform visitors about the flora and fauna and there will be guided walks throughout this interesting and important area.

If you have any questions or want further information about Shire Productions, or The Tolkien Centre,  please email enquiries@shireproductions.co.uk