“He just thought it was the greatest idea ever. And it kind of was.”

  Senior Emily Cotter is speaking about her classmate Shane McLoughlin, who recently proposed a new idea for this year’s Model United Nations Conference.

    The Council of Elrond is the newest addition to the Model UN, and the first ever fantasy committee to take place.

  In its twentieth year, The SK Model UN discussed global issues such as child soldiers, U.S. economic aid to Africa, fixing failed states, and others.  In addition, committees this year talk about issues from the Lord of the Rings series.

  The Council of Elrond is inspired by the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien. In the series, the people of Middle Earth meet to discuss and decide the fate of the ring of power.

  McLoughlin took his passion for Lord of the Rings to Mr. Matteson, who is in charge of running the conference.

  “[Matteson] actually indulged it, and we talked about how sick it would be,” Cotter said. “The next thing we knew it was a real committee.”

  The teacher was not the only one intrigued by the idea of a fantasy committee. Many students proved to be interested as well. In fact, new roles had to be added in order for everyone to have a spot on the committee.

  The topics that were discussed at the council are: what to do with the ring of power, deforestation of Fangorn Forest, and the refugee crisis in Rohan.

  The Fangorn Forest plays an important role in transportation throughout the whole series, and it is also home to the Ents, who are walking talking trees.

  The refugee crisis is due to evil forces driving people from their homes in Rohan.

  Many have indulged themselves in the fantasies of Middle Earth by watching the popular movies directed by Peter Jackson.   The Council in the movie, however, differs from the book.

  In the novel, fate brought the attendees of the council together, whereas in the movies, they were summoned due to the Ring being found.

  As with any council, some sort of knowledge was necessary to partake in the debate, depending on one’s role.

  “The only thing that is really necessary is an interest in it,” says Cotter, “because if you are interested in it, you will probably try harder to understand it.”

  Wholehearted Lord of the Rings fan who wished to participate a great deal, assumed more important roles.  Those who prefer to not be so involved took on lighter roles, and so they need not be as well-read on Tolkien’s work.

  The new council attracted many new faces to Model UN. Students who would not normally engage in the annual event are signing up and enthusiastic.

  Model UN is growing in popularity, and today more than 400,000 students participate at the middle school, high school, and college level.

  Cotter hopes that this new and unique take on Model UN will affect future conferences.

  “I hope it happens more often now. People could use some fantasy I think.”