What if your supervisor was from Lord of the Rings?

What if your supervisor was from Lord of the Rings, here is a look at what these characters would be like as supervisors and academics in real life!

Dr. Gollum – Has spent his life investigating one scientific question. Has a blinkered and unwavering view which cannot be influenced by anyone, which can often lead to irrational and heated arguments. Be careful, this supervisor may leave you sweating it out in hot lava. However, you can’t fault Dr. Gollums work ethic, plotting, I mean working, during all non-sleeping hours. Supervisor Rating – 1/10. 

Professor Gandalf – Extremely knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects, but has a tendency to disappear just before things become difficult. Only reachable by Eagle mail, which is somewhat a hindrance. Favourite saying - "You Shall Not Pass", which isn't great for morale. Biased towards Hobbits, not an equal opportunities employer. Often confused with Professor Dumbledore. Supervisor Rating - 6/10

Dr. Boromir – One does not simply pass a PhD. Be careful, this supervisor may try and steal your shiny hard work and publish it himself, in the end though they will do the right thing, but it is touch and go for a while! Supervisor Rating - 4/10. 

Professor Aragorn (Strider) – A broody and mysterious academic. Can be trusted to make the right decision and give good opinions and help, regardless of the length it time it takes. Loves fieldwork, especially mountain climbing, so expect to get dragged along on many expeditions. Very worldly wise, excellent at securing large research grants.  Supervisor Rating – 9/10.

Dr. Arwen – A little indecisive at times, does she want to go to that conference on the distant shores or not? Some of her published work is so good it almost seems like magic, publishes in Nature Geoscience yearly. Also adept in the field. Supervisor Rating 9/10. 

Professor Galadriel – All knowing and incredibly intelligent, politically aware so she knows who to work with for the best results. Easy to communicate with, so good that she knows what you are thinking sometimes! Has the ability to be in more than one place at the same time, a useful skill for an academic. Can be a little scary sometimes, particularly when plotting a coup for head of department. But will likely thing better of it, so no need to worry. Supervisor Rating 9/10.

Drs. Legolas and Gimli – You get this pair two for the price of one. Rarely in the office and difficult to get hold of. Both have their individual specialties, neither interested in responsibility just along for the ride! Legolas has a problem, he thinks he is above the laws of physics - doesn't make for good science. Supervisor Rating 5/10.

Postdoctoral Researchers: Frodo and Samwise Gamgee – Frodo doesn’t quite know what he is doing. It's a good thing that these two come as a pair. When Samwise Gamgee isn't in the pub, he is a loyal and hardworking academic who makes a great supervisor. Be prepared to have all meetings in the pub, but don't worry as Samwise will supply the beer, in annoying half pints though. Frodo isn't really sure whether he wants an academic career, liable to stare into the distance pensively during meetings. Supervisor Rating 5/10.

Emeritus Professor Bilbo – Respected within the field but with a habit of going missing without warning. A little forgetful and not up with modern technology, but looks very good for his age. Won’t reply to emails, spends most of his time reminiscing, doesn’t really publish anymore or has published so much that he barely notices the new papers!  Supervisor Rating 3/10.

Professor Saruman – A controversial figure. His office is in the top of the faculty building as he likes to tread on other people. Knows his stuff but makes the wrong decisions, particularly where collaborators are concerned. Supervisor Rating 1/10.  

Dr. Sauron – You can feel the gaze of this supervisor at all times. Avoid at all costs, unless you are an Ork and even then you are likely to be thrown into the deep end. His research practices are extremely suspect. Yet to gain promotion to Professor as he had a large career break finding himself again. Supervisor Rating 0/10.

Disclaimer: The above descriptions are fictional. It is meant an amusing look at academic life and supervisors which should not be taken seriously. Any resemblance to real people is a huge coincidence.

---