Brandon Sanderson’s Lord of the Rings talk nails one thing fantasy writers get wrong
Renowned fantasy author Brandon Sanderson delivered the annual Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Fiction at Oxford University this year, sharing insights on the genre’s legacy and the work of J.R.R. Tolkien. Sanderson, known for his prolific output including the Mistborn series and The Stormlight Archive, as well as completing Robert Jordan’s 14-book The Wheel of Time saga following Jordan’s 2007 death, brings substantial credibility to discussions of fantasy literature and Tolkien’s influence.
The hour-long lecture, available on YouTube and Sanderson’s website, examined Tolkien’s significant contributions to the fantasy genre. As both a successful author and devoted fan of the genre, Sanderson offered expert perspective on what fantasy writers often misunderstand or overlook in their craft. The Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Fiction is an annual Oxford University event designed to foster ongoing conversation about fantasy’s genre conventions, its evolution, and its cultural legacy.
Sanderson’s participation in the lecture series underscores his standing within the literary community and his recognized expertise in fantasy worldbuilding and storytelling. His experience completing one of literature’s most beloved epic series positioned him uniquely to analyze Tolkien’s lasting impact on contemporary fantasy writing.