Brandon Sanderson delivers 2026 J.R.R. Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Literature: 'On Fantasy'

We delighted to welcome award-winning author Brandon Sanderson earlier this term to deliver Pembroke’s 2026 J.R.R. Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Literature.

Organised by a committee of Pembroke students and alumni, the annual Tolkien Lecture honours the legacy of former Pembroke Fellow J.R.R. Tolkien by inviting influential and talented speakers to reflect on the field of fantasy literature.

The J.R.R. Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Literature committee with author Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is renowned for his bestselling fantasy and science-fiction novels. As well as completing Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time, Sanderson has penned a number of series which have gained him a major following, notably Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, and Skyward, as well as standalone novels including The Emperor’s Soul and Skyward. Several of his works, which number over 70 in total, have topped the New York Times bestseller list. Sanderson teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University in Utah, where he lives with his wife and children.

This year’s Tolkien Lecture was held on 19 May in Oxford Town Hall, where hundreds of members of the University and public gathered to hear Sanderson speak on the fantasy genre. Tracing the evolution of the genre from its beginnings in the 19th century through to its place in contemporary literature, Sanderson explored the indisputable influence of Tolkien, as well as touching on his own writing, his understandings of systems of magic, and the role and function of the genre today.

Credit Adam Horne, Copyright by Dragonsteel
Brandon Sanderson taking questions after the lecture in the Town Hall

Anika Luo, Chair of the Tolkien Lecture committee, commented: “It was a delight to work with Brandon and his team on this year’s Tolkien Lecture. His enthusiasm for the fantasy genre and his deep appreciation for Tolkien’s writing and influence shone through in his talk, and we hope his words inspire audiences both in person and online. We are proud to uphold Tolkien’s legacy through this lecture series and look forward to many more years of celebrating fantasy literature.”

The full lecture is available to watch on YouTube.

The J.R.R. Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Literature is kindly supported by the Kadas Family Trust, as well as the Pembroke Pink Project Scheme. Find out more about the series here.

Credit Adam Horne, Copyright by Dragonsteel
Brandon Sanderson is shown Pembroke's Tolkien Memorial by alumnus and founder of the lecture series, Gabriel Schenk.