Lost In Time and Sacred Space

This research project explores the parallels between fandom and religious experience, examining how media can serve as a spiritual outlet. Drawing upon scholarship that identifies similarities between fan relationships with pop culture and religious devotion, this study investigates the transmedia storytelling of the folk band Lord Huron. Scholars focused on fandoms have identified striking similarities between fans' relationships with pop culture artifacts and religion. One extreme example of this would be the modern religion Scientology. For better or worse, scientology grew out of the science fiction stories of L. Ron Hubbard. For this project, I will present the findings from research on this topic, along with my personal experiences. The fandom I will focus on is the community that follows the band Lord Huron. Lord Huron is a folk band that creates stories through transmedia. These narratives are complemented by surreal themes that provoke thoughts related to existentialism. Drawing from this research, I will explain how media can provide a spiritual outlet for fans while creating a sacred space for self-discovery, and a better understanding of our place in the universe.