Imaginary creatures -- real experience: Verlyn Flieger at TEDxUMD

Dr. Verlyn Flieger is Professor Emerita in the English Department at the University of Maryland, specializing in comparative mythology and the works of . Tolkien. Having taught the latter for over 40 years, she invites her audience to explore Middle Earth as a reflection of the human condition, encouraging us all to recognize and embrace our inner Frodos and Gollums. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)