As an adventurer and a father of modern mythology, it almost seems as if J.R.R. Tolkien always just existed, a timeless figure who conjured fantastic tales from ancient, alternate worlds he visited before the modern age, then returned to write about as the real world went mad. In truth, Tolkien was born 126 years ago on Wednesday, and to celebrate the landmark occasion, The Fandom Files spoke with two authors who have endeavored to keep the spirit of his work alive.

Jessica Burke and Anthony Burdge are the writers, editors, and proprietors of Mythic Ink, a niche publishing company devoted to weird and eclectic tales. Longtime students of Tolkien, Lovecraft, and other authors of supernatural stories, they began their company to publish essays and analysis from academics and serious fans alike.

Mythic Ink now publishes both original short stories and scholarship on Lord of the Rings, Doctor Who, and other beloved franchises. They discuss their work, love of Tolkien, dissatisfaction with the Lord of the Rings movies, and their experience with real ghosts — being from Staten Island, they encounter them all the time.

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