Tolkien's shamanic worldview
David Woosley
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) September 19, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22845410 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Key points | The work proposes an analysis of Tolkien's Legendarium focused on the cognitive mechanics of visionary data reception, shamanic "mode-switching," and mythic transmission occurring outside conventional institutional interpretive frameworks. The abstract states the topic and approach but does not present specific arguments, conclusions, or findings. |
Abstract
An analysis of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium evaluating the cognitive mechanics of visionary data reception, shamanic mode-switching, and mythic transmission outside conventional institutional interpretive frameworks.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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State of the evidence: Shamanism Unclear
Proposes an analysis of Tolkien's Legendarium focused on the cognitive mechanics of visionary data reception, shamanic mode-switching, and mythic transmission outside conventional institutional interpretive frameworks, without stating specific conclusions.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayahuasca Shamanism in the Amazon and Beyond | 2014 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Shamanism as the Original Neurotheology | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience, Shamanism and the Rock Art of Native California | 1998 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From Culture to Experience: Shamanism in the Pages of the Soviet Anti-Religious Press | 2020 | Historical analysis | |
| Anthropology, Shamanism, and Alternate Ways of Knowing–Being in the World: One Anthropologist's Journey of Discovery and Transformation | 2010 | Reflective essay or personal narrative |