Exploring Tolkien

169. Túrin’s Fatal Arrogance : Children of Húrin #6

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 23:39:16 +0000

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Túrin Turambar in Doriath transitions from Thingol’s foster son to a hunted outlaw. Does the fatal insult from Saeros, Túrin’s explosive reaction, and the brutal, naked chase through the woods change his destiny forever? Or is this Morgoth’s curse at work?

We also discuss:

The litany of imprudent choices as Túrin (and others) ignore the advice of those around them.
The stark contrast between how Elves and Men process grief, maturity, and the passage of time.
Saeros’s unprovoked ambush in the woods and his ultimate, fatal leap into the rocky stream. Is Mablung to blame?

In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://theonering.com/members), we get into:

Maybe the Orcs DID actually write poetry (in the Hobbit)?
Does the Balrog ACTUALLY speak?
Maybe Rings of Power’s Nazgnagols are right?

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).

🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast

🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

168. Orcs Writing Poetry and Galadriel’s Love Triangle – The Rings of Power News

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:22:03 +0000

Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!

Is The Rings of Power Season 3 course-correcting—or just running out the clock? In this episode, we wade through two weeks of Comic-Con news and leaks, catching all the ways Amazon’s show is retooling, rewriting, and ruining Tolkien’s world. From the much-maligned Harfoots’ quiet removal to a new class of “Nazgnagol” proto-wraiths and the baffling “Balrog teaches Sauron” rumor, we break down what’s actually changing (and what’s still totally bonkers).

We also look at:

The accelerated release schedule and what it means for viewers (and podcasters)
The “dismal retreat” – showrunners’ subtle admissions about failed seasons
The orc who writes poetry and the continued humanizing of evil that breaks Tolkien’s world
Galadriel’s love triangle with Sauron and Celeborn—officially confirmed. Good lord.
How the focus on spectacle and “member berries” misses Tolkien’s core themes

In our extended episode (available for members at https://theonering.com/members), we dig into:

Why blurring good and evil undermines Tolkien’s moral universe

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month) or download the app!

🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales

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Subscribe on Apple
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Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast

167. Pride Comes Before the Thrall : Children of Húrin #5

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:33:35 +0000

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Is Morwen heroic, tragic, or just stubborn to a fault? We’re on to chapter 4 of The Children of Húrin, exploring how pride, fate, and Morgoths curses shape the next generation after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. We unpack why Morwen refuses help, howt fate and free work in tandem, and how Túrin’s story is already marked by sorrow and legacy.

We also discuss:

Whether Morwen’s choices are shaped by pride or the curse of Morgoth—or both
Why Tolkien spends so much time on the theme of charity and nobility in hard times
The meaning of the Helm of Hador and why Thingol reveres it
Sador’s role as a substitute father and teacher for Túrin when Morwen won’t speak

In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://theonering.com/members), we get into:

Andy Serkis’s defense of The Hunt for Gollum’s casting and the use of AI on set
First glimpses of the new Gandalf in The Rings of Power—and what we make of it
How modern adaptations handle mythology, diversity, and audience immersion
Tolkienian pride—from Morwen to modern filmmakers

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).

🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast

166. Is Evil Really in Control? : Children of Húrin #4

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:36:31 +0000

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Is evil REALLY in control? Tolkien pursues this in this chapter–for the first and only time Morgoth reveals himself in a long discussion… and the results are….? We dissect this showdown on a hill of bones and discover why it is unlike anything else in Tolkien’s works, what it reveals about free will, evil, and despair, and how Húrin’s stubborn defiance sets the stage for all the tragedy to follow.

We also cover:

Brandon Sanderson’s “five ingredients” for epic fantasy
The real meaning behind Morgoth’s boasts about fate and power
Where Tolkien slips myth, theology, and “eucatastrophe” right into the dialogue
Free will or predestination… is there an answer here?

In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on:

Did Tolkien “ruin” fantasy by setting too high a bar? Why so much modern fantasy struggles in his shadow
How much control did Morgoth really have over Húrin (and Turin)?
More listener questions: the flame from Fingon’s helm, the Doom of Mandos, and the limits of fantasy as a genre

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).

Image Credit: The Words of Húrin and Morgoth by Alan Lee

🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales

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Subscribe on Apple
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Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast

165. An Interview with Bernard Hill (Théoden)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:21:43 +0000

Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exlcusives!

This is my favorite interview from the December 2, 2003 roundtable discussions for The Return of the King! Bernard Hill was such a real, genuine, and engaged personality. He had great stories from the set, from time spent with James Cameron, and how much he found joy in his home and horses. And he really like the iPod I used to record this interview! 😂

He also discusses:

How he helped shape iconic scenes, including the “spears” charge at Pelennor Fields
The collaborative script process and what it revealed about the making of LOTR
Bernard’s own shire: restoring a wildflower meadow and building his haven in Suffolk

In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on:

New app features–including Word of the Day feature and trivia
How you can join the conversation, give feedback, and win giveaways

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).

🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
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Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast

164. A Glimmer of Hope Through the Eyes of Death : Children of Húrin #3

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exlcusives!

“Day shall come again”–but for now, it’s the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. In this episode, we walk through Chapter 2 of The Children of Húrin a breaking down Tolkien’s bloodiest, most tragic battle. We cover the epic (and doomed) alliance of elves, men, and dwarves, the double-cross by the Easterlings, and why Morgoth’s victory still leaves him filled with dread. And we even get the Pope involved!

We also look at:

Why the elves’ greatest host could never stand against Morgoth—and what the battle’s tactics reveal about Tolkien’s “epic history” mindset
The legendary valor (and fate) of Húrin and Huor—plus the prophecy that links Gondolin to Morgoth’s ruin
Tolkien’s use of prophecy, fate, and heroism: why the darkest chapter is full of hope for the future
The difference between Tolkien’s approach to battles and the modern appetite for nonstop action

In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on:

Listener comments about tragic foreshadowing, and Turin’s nature.
More LEGO Lord of the Rings
Why pop culture’s take on Tolkien struggles with the deeper logic of Middle-earth

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).

🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast

163. The Most Tragic Middle-earth Childhood : Children of Húrin #2

Tue, 26 May 2026 07:00:53 +0000

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Turin’s tragic journey starts here. In this episode, we examine the opening chapter of The Children of Húrin, exploring the foundational relationships and lineage that shape Turin’s fate. Why does Tolkien focus so much on houses and kin? How does the friendship with the crippled servant Sador color Turin’s early years? We unpack the narrative roots of tragedy, prophecy, and the fraught bond between elves and men.

We also look at:

What Tolkien’s “fire” actually means when describing Húrin
The rare, uneasy alliance between elves and men in the First Age
How tragedy marks Turin’s family from the very beginning
Giving, pity, and the early signs of Turin’s character—before everything goes wrong

In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on:

The roles of Morwen and Húrin—and how their contrasting natures shape Turin’s destiny
Tolkien’s craft: why his metaphors never just describe, but also worldbuild
Why houses and heraldry matter so much in Middle-earth’s oldest tales

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).

🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast

162. Morgoth’s Curse and the Pride of Men : The Children of Húrin #1

Tue, 12 May 2026 17:04:45 +0000

We finally return to Tolkien’s First Age for a new deep-dive series on The Children of Húrin, starting with Christopher Tolkien’s introduction. We discuss why Tolkien considered Turin’s tale one of his “three great stories” alongside Beren and Luthien and the Fall of Gondolin, the central themes of pride, what Morgoth’s curse actually was, and more!

We also look at:

The three great houses of men—and why they matter in this story
The encroaching darkness of Morgoth and the echoes of Greek tragedy
Whether Turin’s fate is his own making, or shaped by the will of a Dark Lord
The role of pride—of Húrin, Morwen, Turin, and even Morgoth himself
View the The Map of Beleriand we talked about

In our extended episode (available for members at https://theonering.com/members), we talk about:

Listener pushback on Finnish vs. Russian naming traditions in epic storytelling
How The Hunt for Gollum is progressing

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month) or at Patreon (https://theonering.com/patreon).

🔗 Episode Links
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
Get the Extended Podcast
Become a Patreon Member

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
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Get the Extended Podcast
Become a Patreon Member

161. Tolkien’s First Tragic Tale : The Story of Kullervo

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:00:23 +0000

The Kalevala is perhaps Tolkien’s earliest inspiration… In this episode, we dig into The Story of Kullervo the tragic Finnish myth (from the Kalevala) that captured Tolkien’s imagination as a young man. We explore why Kullervo’s tragic tale—full of vengeance, orphaned rage, and doomed family bonds—became the seed for later stories like The Children of Húrin (and even Beren and Lúthien!).

We also examine:

The Kalevala’s raw, unfamiliar style and why Tolkien found it so fresh
How Tolkien’s early attempts at rewriting folklore reveal his love of language and poetry
How the Kalevala’s influence shaped Middle-earth’s earliest legends
The parallels (and differences) between Kullervo and Turin Turambar
What makes Kullervo so unlike Tolkien’s usual heroes

In our extended episode (available for members at https://theonering.com/members), we discuss:

The big ol’ Lego set that’ll be released in a month
Elanor Gamgee as the face of the new LOTR movie.
Listener’s feedback on Saruman’s strength.

🔗 Episode Links
The Story of Kullervo
The Children of Hurin
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
Get the Extended Podcast
Become a Patreon Member

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Extended Podcast
Become a Patreon Member

🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Hurin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

160. Did Peter Jackson make Saruman too Powerful? : Film Changes #49 and #50

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:49:01 +0000

This episode tackles two more changes from Peter Jackson’s Fellowship of the Ring—Saruman orchestrating the storm on Caradhras, and the missing warg attack in Hollin. We break down how these adaptations simplify Middle-earth, debate whether Saruman’s powers go too far, and discuss what’s lost when the mountain itself isn’t an antagonist.

We also examine:

Why Jackson condensed multiple threats into “just Saruman and Sauron”
The cinematic potential of Gandalf’s fiery defense against spirit wargs
Aragorn’s warnings vs. Saruman’s prophecies—and who really drove the Fellowship’s next moves
What removing the Hollin warg attack means for Sauron’s reach in the story

In our extended episode (members at https://theonering.com/members), we dive into:

News about Tolkien’s rare books and LOTRO’s new expansions
Listener comments over Boromir’s character moments on the slopes of the Misty Mountains
The fated 5 seasons of The Rings of Power
What’s next for the podcast (Children of Húrin, Kullervo, and maybe Lord of the Rings itself)!

🎉 Get the extended episode by becoming a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo, free for the 1st month) or at Patreon (https://theonering.com/patreon).

BECOME A MEMBER!
Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for $5 a month on Patreon

🔗 Episode Links
Join our Discord Community (for free)
Get the Extended Podcast
Become a Patreon Member

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
Become a Patreon Member
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify

🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Fall of Gondolin
The Children of Hurin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

159. Boromir’s Slippery Slope : Film Change #48 (and Stephen Colbert’s Lord of the Rings movie!?)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:00:36 +0000

Boromir handles the Ring, and Stephen Colbert handles a movie script.

159. One DOES Simply Walk Into Mordor : Film Changes #46 and #47

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:43:59 +0000

In this episode, we dig into two crucial scenes: the iconic formation of the Fellowship and the bridge-side tryst between Aragorn and Arwen.

158. An Interview with Sean Astin (Sam Gamgee)

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:00:51 +0000

Sean Astin reflects on wrapping up The Lord of the Rings films in this 2003 roundtable interview retrospective.

157. Is this the BEST Change in The Lord of the Rings Films? : Film Changes #44 and #45

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:15:22 +0000

We dig into Peter Jackson’s “orc pod” scenes and the cinematic invention of Lurtz, the alpha Uruk-hai,, then look at Tolkien’s less-than-precise lore against the movies’ need for explaining the Uruk-hai.

156. The Cringiest Line in Lord of the Rings : Film Changes #42 and #43

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:00:23 +0000

Here are two of the most unloved film changes in the Lord of the Rings: Arwen replacing Glorfindel in the Flight to the Ford and making Arwen the only one with power and agency.

155. The Infamous Messenger Moth : Film Changes #39, #40, and #41

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:12:58 +0000

We're back to going through ALL the changes in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings! This week we discuss Aragorn's sword substitions, changes at Weathertop, and that infamous messenger moth.

154. Tolkien Wrote the Ultimate Retcon – The Hobbit #38

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 07:40:18 +0000

Most people haven't read how Tolkien actually wrote how The Hobbit precisely connects to The Lord of the Rings. In The Quest of Erebor (first published in Unfinished Tales) Tolkien explains precisely how every major event in The Hobbit is connected to the greater story in The Lord of the Rings. And it's not only the historical/factual connections--Tolkien clearly connects the philosophical underpinnings of Middle-earth more clearly into The Hobbit too! We take a look at: The three published versions of the Quest for Erebor—and why the Annotated Hobbit’s is the longest and most complete Gandalf’s "absurd" commitment to Bilbo, and why he pushes for a stealthy quest instead of open war Why Gandalf was concerned about the Hobbits forgetting the “high and perilous” figures of legend. The crucial role of Smaug as the north’s wild card, and why Gandalf fears a Sauron-Smaug alliance In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: How Tolkien could have retconned: stone giants, Beorn’s descendants, Gundabad orcs, and trala-lally elves into The Lord of the Rings How Gandalf’s mysterious “waking mind” connects to fate and agency in Tolkien’s world Listener corrections and deep-dives into Hobbit trivia 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again - Tengwar Hat

153. The Christmas Eucatastrophe (and is The Lord of the Rings a Christmas movie?)

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 08:00:15 +0000

With Christmas in just a couple of days, we turn our attention from The Hobbit to a long-hidden Tolkien gem: his 1936 Christmas poem, “Noel.”

152. Tolkien Ties up EVERY Loose End (we’re done!) – The Hobbit #37

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:00:12 +0000

We wrap up The Hobbit with “The Last Stage” and reflect on Bilbo’s road home -- including the tra-la-la-lally elves of Rivendell.

151. Eagles Didn’t Win the Battle – The Hobbit #36

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 22:04:19 +0000

The aftermath of the Battle of the Five Armies reconciles Bilbo to Thorin and gives us a completely different Elvenking than what you saw in the movies

150. Tolkien’s Battle Tactics – The Hobbit #35

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:10:43 +0000

Did Tolkien "earn" The Battle of the Five Armies, or is the surprise enough to justify its existence?

149. Bilbo’s Honest Betrayal – The Hobbit #34

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 07:00:30 +0000

Bilbo completes his betral

148. Bilbo Doubles Down on Burglary – The Hobbit #33

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:26:06 +0000

We look at Chapter 16 of The Hobbit, where Bilbo makes his most controversial choice-—handing the Arkenstone over to Bard and the Elvenking.

147. Is Thorin Gold-Sick or Just Sick of the Elves – The Hobbit #32

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:00:18 +0000

Thorin shrugs off Bard's 3 reasons for having a claim to the treasure... is Thorin really gold-sick? Or does the elves presence affect him?

146. Smaug’s Hydrophobia – The Hobbit #31

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 07:00:17 +0000

You'd think the death of the dragon is is the climax of The Hobbit... right?

145. Is the Arkenstone a Silmaril? – The Hobbit #30

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 19:41:21 +0000

Smaug is gone, so the Bilbo and the dwarves finally reach their treasure--but Bilbo makes a choice to REALLY become the burglar when he sees the Arkenstone.

144. Never Laugh at Live Dragons – The Hobbit #29

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:00:30 +0000

Smaug is finally fully revealed as Bilbo finally comes face-to-face with the unassessably wealthy dragon

143. Playing Tales of the Shire So You Don’t Have To

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 20:18:53 +0000

The new game, Tales of the Shire was released last month after numerous delays... so, I took a bullet for the team and played the game.

142. Size Matters to Every Dragon – The Hobbit #28

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:22 +0000

Bilbo finally becomes a real burglar in this chapter, venturing alone into the heart of the Lonely Mountain.

141. An Interview with Elijah Wood

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 22:12:42 +0000

In this interview--just before The Return of the King was released--Elijah wood reflects on the journey of becoming Frodo Baggins.

140. Into the Mountain’s Throat – The Hobbit #27

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 17:40:54 +0000

In this episode, we discuss one of The Hobbit’s quieter chapters, where Bilbo and the dwarves finally reach Erebor’s hidden entrance.

139. The Problem with Thorin – The Hobbit #26

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

As Thorin and company finally reach the Lonely Mountain, reality sets in—and it doesn’t smell so pleasant.

138. What Tolkien Really Thinks About Politicians – The Hobbit #25

Tue, 27 May 2025 18:30:07 +0000

Tolkien makes it pretty clear what he thinks about politicians in this chapter.

137. Do the elves have ANYTHING valuable to trade? – The Hobbit #24

Tue, 13 May 2025 07:00:49 +0000

Bilbo and the barrel-sealed dwarves make it to Laketown--with most of them barely alive!

136. The Lowest IQ Elves of Middle-earth? – The Hobbit #23

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:00:11 +0000

In this very special episode, we reveal the exact barrel music sung in Thranduil's halls as the dwarves were tossed into the river!

135. The Greedy and Petty Elves of Mirkwood – The Hobbit #22

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:17 +0000

Bilbo fully embraces his role as hero and finds a way to save the dwarves.

134. When Bilbo Became the Hero – The Hobbit #21

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:00:31 +0000

Bilbo is the only one left to save the dwarves--and to his own surprise, he's up to the task!

133. Ainulindalë – A Reading in JRR Tolkien’s Voice

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:02:46 +0000

Here is an approximation of Tolkien's voice reading Ainulindalë from The Silmarillion that we put together including some of his idiosyncratic pauses and speech patterns.

132. Evil or Elves or Both… Terror in Mirkwood : The Hobbit #20

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:03:32 +0000

In this first half of chapter 8 of the hobbit--Flies and Spiders--Jonathan and Michael discuss the evil enchantment of Mirkwood, and if the elves might have a small part in it.

131. The Weirdest Chapter in Middle-earth (with dancing bears!?) : The Hobbit #19

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:00:29 +0000

With talking animals, animals serving food and dancing bears, this may just be the oddest chapter in all of Middle-earth!

130. Where did Beorn Originate (and what was Tolkien’s inspiration)? : The Hobbit #18

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 08:00:36 +0000

Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves are dropped off on the Carrock, and find themselves in the company of a man who rather doesn't like dwarves--but who loves a good story!

129. Tolkien Loved Eagles (too much?) : The Hobbit #17

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 08:00:35 +0000

Stuck in trees with fire at their heels, the company find themselves surround by intelligent wolves and taunting orcs.

A Song of Ice and Fire

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 02:16:37 +0000

Life took an unexpected turn this week with the fires in Southern California this week.

128. A Courageous Hobbit and Disloyal Dwarves : The Hobbit #16

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:00:51 +0000

Bilbo makes it out of the Misty Mountains with more courage than ever before, while the dwarves prove their disloyalty.

Revisiting Tolkien’s Lost ‘Noel’ Poem

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:00:15 +0000

This poem, Noel, was written by J.R.R. Tolkien before The Hobbit was published, and only just discovered in 2013. Here’s how that happened!

127. Where War of the Rohirrim went Wrong – In Depth Review

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 08:00:10 +0000

We all had high hopes when War of the Rohirrim was announced a few years ago. Are those hopes realized in this anime Lord of the Rings film?

126. Why Did Tolkien Change The Hobbit (and what did he change)? : The Hobbit #15

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 08:00:13 +0000

Once Tolkien finished writing The Lord of the Rings, it became clear to him that The Hobbit needed to change--particularly Bilbo and Gollum's interaction. But what exactly did he change?

125. Bilbo Trembled and Found Pity : The Hobbit #14

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:00:54 +0000

The 2nd half of "Riddles in the Dark" is the most rewritten part of The Hobbit in the 1951 rewrite! And it's where Bilbo takes a giant leap (so to speak) into the future of his adventure.

124. Miserable Riddles in the Dark : The Hobbit #13

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 08:00:15 +0000

"Riddles in the Dark" is not only the most memorable event from all of Middle-earth -- it's also the turning point that ultimately let to The Lord of the Rings.

123. Nightmare in Moria : The Hobbit #12

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:00:38 +0000

The goblins of moria grab the dwarves (and hobbit) who decided to camp out on their "front porch", leading to some real terrifying moments!

122. The Real Misty Mountains : The Hobbit #11

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:00:55 +0000

The first part of Chapter 4, Over Hill and Under Hill, is unique for it's direct correlation with Tolkien's own past. We discuss: Tolkien's hiking experience and how it influenced this section of The Hobbit VERY obviously. Stone Giants... are they even necessary or part of Middle-earth? And what ARE they? What's the significance of Bilbo's dream? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: What we would change if Tolkien had continued with his rewrite. What are the differences between goblins and orcs? Is there a difference? And when did Tolkien stop using the word "goblin" altogether? Here are the pics to go along with today's episode! Rivendell Roof in Switzerland Jungfrau Mountain from Tolkien's 1912 Switzerland Hiking Trip BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for on Patreon! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again - Tengwar Hat

121. Tolkien Gave Up on Fixing The Hobbit : The Hobbit #10

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 08:00:47 +0000

When Tolkien attempted to rewrite the Hobbit in 1960, he just gave up halfway through Chapter 3. In this episode we look at: Changes in time and distance Changes in Prose and style Why he gave up His detailed notes on timeline and itinerary that outlined his changes to The Hobbit In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: What are the least Lord of the Rings/Middle-earth type events in The Hobbit that Tolkien would likely have changed. Here are the pics to go along with today's Hobbit Fact about the Hildebrandt brothers! An Unexpected Party The Fellowship of the Ring The Return of Gandalf Éowyn and the Nazgûl City of the Nazgûl The Healing of Éowyn Shannara Star Wars BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for on Patreon! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again - Tengwar Hat

120. Where the Children’s Story Ends and the Epic Story Begins : The Hobbit #9

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:00:40 +0000

In the second half of Chapter 3, A Short Rest, Tolkien seems to start a shift from a children's story to more of an epic quest.

119. The Rings of Power Leaves us with Dwarf Politics and Randomly Shouting Elves

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 07:00:54 +0000

The final episode of The Rings of Power (season 2) wraps up by revealing Dwarf politics, Númenorean politics,

118. Yes. Elrond kissed Galadriel.

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:00:57 +0000

The Rings of Power abandons all lore to satisfy their dumbest desires.

117. Clueless Elves, Big Beasts, and Bombadil Inverts Tolkien’s Words

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 21:06:50 +0000

The Rings of Power's elves are simple imbeciles, the Númenoreans now decide rulers based on what big animals do, an Tom Bombadil inverts one of Tolkien's most important lines.

116. Hollywood Doesn’t Understand the Númenoreans’ Faith

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 22:56:36 +0000

It was disappointing but not surprising to see how badly Hollywood writers treat the Númenorean's faith. We take a deep look at episode 5 of season 2 of The Rings of Power

115. Tom Bombadil has Become Obi-Wan in The Rings of Power

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 22:29:46 +0000

Not sure how this Tom Bombadil came into existence--but he's definitely incredibly different from Tolkien's Bombadil.

114. Rings of Power Returns – Episode 1 Review

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 02:28:15 +0000

Season 2 of The Rings of Power is here! And with it comes new hackneyed phrases, ridiculous contrivances, and incredible coincidences.

113. Looking at the War of the Rohirrim Trailer (and Rings of Power clips)

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:00:51 +0000

We discuss the the latest visions of Middle-earth by Amazon and Warner Bros.

112. Are these Really the Same Elves from The Lord of the Rings? : The Hobbit #8

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 07:00:01 +0000

In Chapter 3, A Short Rest, for the first time we meet the elves of Rivendell... and they certainly seem different than the same characters in The Lord of the Rings.

111. This is why Tolkien SHOULD have rewritten The Hobbit : The Hobbit #7

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:30 +0000

We weren't huge fans of Tolkien's changes to chapter 1 of The Hobbit in his abandoned 1960 rewrite--but chapter 2 surprised us with its pitch perfect changes!

110. A Brave Burglar and Deficient Dwarves : The Hobbit #6

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 07:00:25 +0000

In this episode we get into how the trolls find a balance, of sorts, between, fear and goofiness--and maybe it all starts with their accents.

109. Gandalf Gets Pushy : The Hobbit #5

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:00:19 +0000

Bilibo finally makes his way out the door--but was it his decision or did Gandalf force him out? And what is "the king" that's mentioned?

108. What Went Wrong with Tolkien’s 1960 Hobbit Rewrite : The Hobbit #4

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 07:00:18 +0000

When Tolkien set out to rewrite The Hobbit in 1960, much was lost, but much was gained. In the end, do the gains outweigh the losses?

107. How the Baggins Side of Bilbo Lost : The Hobbit #3

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:00:23 +0000

Bilbo loses the comfort of his home and finds that the Tookish side of his mind is starting to overcome the Baggins side

106. The Hobbit was NOT Originally in Middle-earth : The Hobbit #2

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:00:21 +0000

We examine if The Hobbit was originally set in Middle-earth, and how Bilbo's Tookishness is starting to take over.

105. Tolkien Changed The Hobbit Twice : The Hobbit #1

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 07:00:12 +0000

Did you know Tolkien revised the Hobbit from his first edition in 1937 to a updaed edition that's more in line with The Lord of the Rings in 1951 to an abandoned rewrite in 1960.

104. The REAL War of the Rohirrim, According to Tolkien

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:00:45 +0000

You know that the film The War of the Rohirrim will be released later this year, right? Well, here is Tolkien's story of Helm Hammerhand, as HE told it

103. Tom Bombadil, The Hunt for Gollum, and Viggo Mortensen are Back… and so is Dan!

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 07:00:26 +0000

We brought our original amigo, Dan Coats, back to talk about Tom Bombadil, The Rings of Power, The Hunt for Gollum, and more!

102. An Interview with Billy Boyd (Pippin) and Dominic Monaghan (Merry) – 2003 Roundtable Interviews

Wed, 29 May 2024 03:43:43 +0000

Listen as Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan discuss their relationship with Peter Jackson, what it took to get through years of filming, and how working on Lord of the Rings changed them!

101. Bree’s Dark Turn

Tue, 21 May 2024 07:00:44 +0000

The films brought us a dark and evil Bree -- but Tolkien calls it "friendly" and "familiar"!

100. Should The Lord of the Rings Films have kept the Barrow-downs?

Tue, 14 May 2024 07:00:16 +0000

Dropping the Barrow-downs removes one of the most important callbacks in the final Battle of the Pelennor Fields before Minas Tirith.

99. Tom Bombadil is NOT important? Tolkien said it!

Tue, 07 May 2024 07:00:57 +0000

Tom Bombadil is a polarizing figure in Middle-earth. Some hate him, some love him. Peter Jackson decided to completely avoid that discussion and simply excise him from the film.

98. Why Peter Jackson Cut the Old Forest and Old Man Willow

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 07:00:32 +0000

The first REAL dangers outside of the Shire were cut from the films... but did that decision improve them?

97. Peter Jackson CUT the Godfather of the Shire : Film Changes #30 and #31

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:00:45 +0000

Peter Jackson cut the one Hobbit who had the backbone to stand up to a Nazgul, the one who struck fear in the hearts of other Hobbits!

96. The Wizard Duel and Orthanc in Real Time : Film Changes #29 and #30

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:00:04 +0000

Peter Jackson made some pretty significant changes to Orthanc... especially when it comes to that Wizard's Duel!

95. An Interview with Howard Shore, Lord of the Rings Composer – 2003 Roundtable Interviews

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:28 +0000

We spoke with Lord of the Rings composer Howard Shore. He really goes in depth on his thoughts and composing process!

94. The Rings of Power is PEAK TV – Top Scenes, Top Characters and Top Quotes

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:54 +0000

As season 2 of the Rings of Power approaches, Michael and I decided to look back at our favorite scenes, favorite characters, and favorite quotes from our favorite television show!

93. Sauron’s FIRST Defeat – Finishing Tolkien’s Unfinished Tale – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 8

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:34 +0000

In this final episode of looking at The Mariner's Wife, we fully finish Tolkien's tale--but staying true to Tolkien's characters and world.

92. NEW Tolkien Book with UNPUBLISHED Content Announced!

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:40 +0000

This month we found out that renowned Tolkien scholars Christian Scull and Wayne Hammond will be publishing a NEW book with NEW content by Tolkien!

91. Finishing Tolkien’s Unfinished Tale – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 7

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Aldarion and Erendis is perhaps Tolkien's most emotionally gut wrenching tale.... and it deserves to be finished!

90. A Spiteful Marriage, a New Enemy, and a Watery End – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 6

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:00:01 +0000

We don't know exactly how Tolkien intended to finish Aldarion and Erendis--but he gave us some pretty strong clues!

89. The Sacrificial King and the Fallen Queen – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 5

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:57 +0000

As we close out the prose of this story, the king makes a great sacrifice for the greater good of Númenor, and the new queen becomes a pitiable creature with no hope for her own future.

88. Middle-earth’s Worst Dad – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 4

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:00:10 +0000

Aldarion gets married and is able to stay on land for a few years... up until his daughter turns 4, and then he just leaves AGAIN!

87. Mariner, King, or Husband? – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 3

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:05 +0000

Aldarion and Erendis finally get married! But Aldarion can't seem to make up his mind on who he really is.

86. Men are from Mars, Women Hate the Ocean – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 2

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 08:00:27 +0000

These two aren't exactly star-crossed lovers--their complicated and long-gestating relationship runs for decades, and that's just BEFORE they get married.

85. This Sea is NOT Always Right – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 1

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:00:46 +0000

Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner's Wife is not exactly a happy story, but as you'd expect with anything Tolkien writes, it's full of meaning, beauty, depth and wisdom.

84. Removing Radagast and Hobbit Thieves : Film Changes #27 and #28

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:00:32 +0000

Radagast was completely removed from the film... and Merry and Pippin are common Hobbit thieves!

83. Meeting Gandalf in Bree and a Glimpse of Gildor : Film Changes #25 and #26

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:00:19 +0000

Peter Jackson cut 6 chapters from the Fellowship of the Ring when Gandalf told Frodo to meet him at the Prancing Pony!

82. Bilbo’s Party Changes and 17 Years Lost : Film Changes #23 and #24

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:00:29 +0000

Is Bilbo's party true to how Tolkien wrote it? And what happened to those 17 years Tolkien talked about?

81. Tolkien Created an Entire North Pole Mythology!

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:00:18 +0000

Starting in 1920, JRR Tolkien wrote letters from Father Christmas to his children--and continued doing that for 24 more years!

80. Gandalf’s a Headbanger and Frodo’s Unexpected Introduction

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 08:00:24 +0000

Was Gandalf's head bump in character? And was it a good idea to start the film with Frodo's and Gandalf's relationship?

79. Tolkien’s Christmas poem was lost for 80 years!

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:00:10 +0000

In 1936, Tolkien wrote a poem published in an obscure school magazine--and it was only found again 10 years ago!

78. Bilbo’s Prologue and The Rings of Power is NOT fixing The Lord of the Rings Films

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 22:09:27 +0000

Michael and Jonathan found out someone's been copying our look at the changes PJ made to the books--and then applying that to The Rings of Power?! We happily point out their failure.

77. Men Want Power, Isildur Didn’t Kill Sauron, and the Ring’s Mind – with The Tolkien Road!

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 08:00:25 +0000

Did you know that--according to Tolkien--Isildur didn't actually kill Sauron? Seems kinda clear from the text!

76. Saruman the suck-up, Elrond hates Men, and Formless Sauron – with the Middle-earth Mixer!

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 08:00:41 +0000

The Middle-earth Mixer joins us this week to look at why Peter Jackson made some pretty big changes to 3 central characters: Sauron, Elrond, and Saruman.

75. Gimli’s Comic Relief, Boromir’s Wrong Hair, and Legolas’s Big Elf Boots

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 08:00:26 +0000

Peter Jackson brought most of the comic relief for The Lord of the Rings via Gimli--which, based on his character in the books, is definitely off character.

74. Aragorn’s Big Change and The Hobbit Youth Movement

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:00:07 +0000

Young Hobbits, dark Aragorn, and remaking a character to be a reluctant king.

73. How Peter Jackson Changed the Wizard, the Pranksters, and Frodo’s Best Bud

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:23 +0000

Peter Jackson changed Gandalf, Sam, and Merry and Pippen for The Lord of the Rings films -- but how much did he change them, and was it worth it?

72. Adapting Lord of the Rings, Cutting up the Story, and Dropping the Poetry

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:00:37 +0000

We jump into the deep end of analyzing Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings as we look at every film change he made!

71. An Interview with Lord of the Rings Screenwriter Philippa Boyens

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:27 +0000

Lord of the Rings screenwriter Philippa Boyens discusses her approach to writing the film.

70. An Interview with Viggo Mortensen

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:00:30 +0000

Viggo is thoughtful and soft-spoken, but has a driven personality that allows him to inhabit roles like Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings.

69. Music is Escape : An Interview with Jeff Johnson – Musician, Composer, Producer

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:00:43 +0000

If you haven't listened to Jeff Johnson's music yet, you're missing out.

68. An Interview with Liv Tyler and Orlando Bloom

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:00:22 +0000

In this episode, Liv Tyler and Orlando Bloom joined us to talk their thoughts about the films, their careers, and the crazy premiere in Wellington for Return of the King.

67. An Interview with Ian McKellen : He Read Tolkien EVERY NIGHT Before Filming

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 07:00:14 +0000

Peter Jackson's Gandalf answered our questions earnestly and thoughtfully--particularly when discussing wisdom and fidelity to Tolkien's books.

66. Happily Ever After isn’t Enough – On Fairy Stories, Part 6

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:00:29 +0000

In this final part of Tolkien's essay, we look at Consolation and Eucatastrophe and how important they are to this literary art.

65. Escape Isn’t Possible with “Modern” Storytelling – On Fairy Stories, Part 5

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 07:00:08 +0000

What are we supposed to recover from? And why do fairy stories provide it? And why do we need to escape? And how do fairy stories break us out?

64. Movies are NOT Sub-Creation – On Fairy Stories, Part 4

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 07:00:38 +0000

When Tolkien talks about Fantasy, he doesn't simply mean fiction stories set in sword-and-sorcery worlds.

63. Kids Ruin Everything – On Fairy Stories, Part 3

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:47 +0000

Tolkien pushes back against the coupling of fairy-stories and children! True fairy-story is where literary belief and subcreation are fully realized.

62. Tolkien Still Matters : with Nick Groom, author of Tolkien in the 21st Century

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 07:00:21 +0000

This week Michael and I talked with Professor Nick Groom, author of Tolkien in the 21st Century and discuss why Tolkien still matters!

61. An Interview with Peter Jackson : It’s for the fans!

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:00:18 +0000

On December 2, 2003 I was part of a roundtable interview with Peter Jackson. Here's the full recording!

60. The Origins of Fantasy – A Soup with Distance and Time: On Fairy Stories, Part 2

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:59 +0000

The origins of fairy story are hard to define... and though it may feel like Tolkien doesn't give us an answer, he gives us some good starting points.

59. Talking Tolkien with Renowned Artist Ted Nasmith

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:00:46 +0000

Ted Nasmith has been creating visions of Middle-earth since the early 1970s when he decided to send JRR Tolkien one of his early pieces--and the professor responded with encouragement! In addition to being the sole featured artist in 12 Tolkien calendars (2022 most recently), he worked closely with Christopher Tolkien to create the incredible illustrated Silmarillion in 1998. Michael and I had the privilege of discussing not just his inspiration and visions of Tolkien, but also: What kinds of paintings are the greatest challenge? Why he wasn't involved in Peter Jackson's films --and what he thinks of them! How will AI art impact artists like him? Then, join us in our extended episode (https://theonering.com/members) where we: Which place in Middle-earth inspires him most? What art styles inspire him? Who is HIS favorite Middle-earth artist? What's his take on upcoming War of the Rohirrim Film? And our infamous Confessions from the Comfy Chair, including: What level of Dante's Hell does The Rings of Power belong in? What's the nerdiest thing he's ever done? Who is his favorite Tolkien character? What cheesy movie or book does he like? 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)! BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here! 🔗 Episode Links TedNasmith.com Illustrated Silmarillion Ted's Book Recommendation - World without Mind by Franklin Foer 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Google 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Silmarillion The Fall of Númenor The Fall of Gondolin The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien 🗣 Special Thanks to Austin Robertson for the use of his voice! 🖼 Special Thanks to Anna Grumbine for the artwork!

58. Is Star Wars a Fairy Story? – On Fairy Stories, Part 1

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 07:00:08 +0000

This week, Michael, Dan, and I discuss the first part of Tolkien's seminal essay "On Fairy Stories", where Tolkien defines what a fairy (aka fantasy) story is. Why is this important? Well, the "fairy tale" in Tolkien's era was relegated to simple children's fiction, something adults grew out of along with their innocence and naiveté. But to Tolkien, these stories that take place in the land of Faërie contain more beauty and truths than any tale set in modern day environs. In this essay Tolkien defines these stories by what they have, and what they are not, not precisely by what they ARE. And we even jump into whether Star Wars or Star Trek might match Tolkien's definition! Then, join us in our extended episode (https://theonering.com/members) where we: Discuss what our favorite fairy story is (other than LOTR) Try and figure out what the best fairy story of the last 2 decades is (or if there even IS one!) 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)! BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here! 🔗 Episode Links Tales from the Perilous Realm ("On Fairy Stories") Make Tolkien Great Again - Tengwar Hat 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Google 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Silmarillion The Fall of Númenor The Fall of Gondolin The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien 🗣 Special Thanks to Austin Robertson for the use of his voice! 🖼 Special Thanks to Anna Grumbine for the artwork!

57. This is the (raw) Meat – The Silmarillion – A Final Look – The Silmarillion – 37

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:00:24 +0000

High beauty, strong women, and the meat of Middle-earth!

56. Make Tolkien Great Again – Of the Rings of Power, Part 2 – The Silmarillion – 36

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:00:12 +0000

** Use the code "GREAT" at https://shop.theonering.com to get $2 off anything! ** It's hard to believe, but this week we finish "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"--the last chapter of The Silmarillion! We talk about the the truth and beauty of Middle-earth (and how we're not connected to it), how Peter Jackson portrayed the battle between Gil-Galad, Elendil, and Sauron poorly, and Saruman's mysterious visit to the east--after which he took up residence in Orthanc and started his evil turn. Then, join us in our extended episode (https://theonering.com/members) where we discuss if Isildur just took the glory over Elendil and Gil-Galad when they defeated Sauron, why Tolkien mentioned Frodo's destruction of the differently in The Silmarillion, and whether Sauron should've bribed the Dwarves with gold (since the Rings of Power didn't sway them a bit). To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)! 📕 Join our Book Club! Become a member and join our bi-weekly Book Club where we're reading through Taliesin by Stephen R. Lawhead. BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here! 🔗 Episode Links The One Ring Shop Make Tolkien Great Again 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Google 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Silmarillion The Fall of Númenor The Fall of Gondolin The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien 🗣 Special Thanks to Austin Robertson for the use of his voice!

55. The Chuck E. Cheese of Middle-earth – Of the Rings of Power, Part 1 – The Silmarillion – 35

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:02 +0000

Many of us endured Amazon's Rings of Power show last year... and now we've finally reached that part of The Silmarillion. Of course, here we actually talk about the Rings more than they were featured in the show for those, erm, amazing 5 minutes. This week we take Michael to task for defending Amazon's show, why the rings were so seductive to each race, and why do the green elves also long for Valinor? Then, join us in our extended episode where we discuss how the idea of Galadriel and Halbrand in a relationship (or "Haladriel" as we've heard) is absolutely absurd, and look deeper at the the lure of Rings for dwarves, elves, and men. To get the extended episode, become a member at https://www.theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)! 📕 Join our Book Club! Become a member and join our bi-weekly Book Club where we're reading through Taliesin by Stephen R. Lawhead. BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here! 🔗 Episode Links The Silmarillion 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Google 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Silmarillion The Fall of Númenor The Fall of Gondolin The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

54. Gollum’s Apology, Why We Love Tolkien, and the Nerdiest Thing We’ve Ever Done

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:00:17 +0000

Join us as we look back on one year of Exploring Tolkien! This week we talk why we love Tolkien so much, the path that brought us to be a part of this show, all the stats for the show... and most importantly, we ask each other our EXTREMELY personal TORC Inquisition questions :) ! And join us in our extended episode where we discuss what our families think of us doing this show, if we've had any big debates, and we think we each resemble in Tolkien's legendarium! To get the extended episode, become a member at https://www.theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)! Thanks for listening to this weeks rather different episode... next week it's on to "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age"! ???? Join our Book Club! ???? Become a member and join our bi-weekly Book Club where we're reading through "Taliesin" by Stephen R. Lawhead! BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here! Episode Links Game Livestream #1 Game Livestream #2 ???? Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Google ???? If You Like Tolkien The Silmarillion The Fall of Númenor The Fall of Gondolin The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

53. The Path to Gollum’s Redemption | Tolkien Discusses What May Have Happened

Tue, 30 May 2023 16:02:56 +0000

With the release of the new Gollum game, we decided to take a deeper dive at this character--not his motivations or history, but what Tolkien specifically said about him in his letters. Tolkien indicates that the most moving scene in all of the Lord of the Rings was Gollum's near repentance on the stairs of Cirith Ungol, as he looked on Frodo and Sam sleeping: "Gollum looked at them. A strange expression passed over his lean hungry face. The gleam faded from his eyes, and they went dim and grey, old and tired. A spasm of pain seemed to twist him, and he turned away, peering back up towards the pass, shaking his head, as if engaged in some interior debate. Then he came back, and slowly putting out a trembling hand, very cautiously he touched Frodo’s knee – but almost the touch was a caress. For a fleeting moment, could one of the sleepers have seen him, they would have thought that they beheld an old weary hobbit, shrunken by the years that had carried him far beyond his time, beyond friends and kin, and the fields and streams of youth, an old starved pitiable thing." Tolkien believed that Gollum was on the precipice of redemption, and quite nearly found his love for Frodo competing with his desire for the ring! Join us in our extended episode where we discuss the best Lord of the Rings games made, and--if we were given the opportunity to make a game--what game would each of us create in Tolkien's world. To get the extended episode, become a member at https://www.theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)! BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here! Episode Links Gollum Game (only buy this at a deep discount) Game Livestream #1 Game Livestream #2 ???? Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Google ???? If You Like Tolkien The Silmarillion The Fall of Númenor The Fall of Gondolin The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

52. Fellowship Fridays Live | NEW Lord of the Rings MMO, Galadriel’s BIG Life Changes, Gollum Game | #3

Tue, 23 May 2023 07:00:59 +0000

Join us as we talk about Galadriel's "life-changing" event in Rings of Power season 2, the Gollum game releasing May 25, 2023, the newly announced MMO game from Amazon, if we accept the reason for Legolas walking on snow, and more!

51. Liars and Junkies of the 2nd Age – Akallabêth, Part 2 – The Silmarillion – 34

Tue, 16 May 2023 07:00:29 +0000

We finish up the Akallabêth this week talking about religion in Númenor, if the Valar gave up governing Arda (and for how long), and if men of Númenor are addicted to the light of Valinor.

50. Rings of Power Got it ALL WRONG – Akallabêth, Part 1 – The Silmarillion – 33

Tue, 09 May 2023 07:00:37 +0000

We reach the 2nd age of Middle-earth, and with it are compelled to bring up The Rings of Power -- and how they got even the basics wrong!

49. Elven genetics! Race-baiting! Half-elf lies! | Of the Voyage of Eärendil – The Silmarillion – 32

Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:01 +0000

Michael, Dan, and Jonathan finish the first age of Middle-earth! We see the final destruction that Fēanor's Silmarils wrought, how Ēarendil's desperate hope drove him to Valinor, and determine that--no--Elrond and Elros are not ACTUALLY half-elven! Join us in our extended episode where we discuss why Elwing chose to be immortal "because of Luthien", if Tolkien made parallels between the story of Earendil/Elwing and the tale of Aldarion and Erendis (from Unfinished Tales), and what's up with Maedhros yeeting himself into a chasm of fire?! To get the extended episode, become a member at https://www.theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)! And for our members, make sure you join our Book Club where we're be reading through Taliesin by Stephen R. Lawhead. BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here! Episode 34 Livestreams on Friday (when we can schedule them!) ???? Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Google ???? If You Like Tolkien The Silmarillion The Fall of Númenor The Fall of Gondolin The Atlas of Middle-earth The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien The Children of Hurin

48. Fellowship Fridays Live | NEW Lord of the Rings Movies, Rings of Power DIED, Gollum Game| #1

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 03:49:06 +0000

Listen in as Michael Grumbine (from our Exploring Tolkien), John Trent from Bounding into Comics, John Carswell From The Tolkien Road podcast, The MIddle-earth Mixer, and Steve Babb from Glass Hammer talk Tolkien, movies, games, Steven Spielberg and more!

47. The Sea is Always Right! – Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin – The Silmarillion – 31

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:56:12 +0000

Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they discuss Ulmo's influence, Turgon's pride, Maeglin's treachery, and the Tolkien's rule on fighting Balrogs!

46. What’s Good in the Rings of Power?! – with The Middle-earth Mixer

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:00:17 +0000

Podcaster, Tweeter, and Tolkien fan, we chat with The MIddle-earth Mixer about Tolkien, The Rings of Power, and where these upcoming new films from Warner Bros might be going.

45. Real Middle-earth Bling – Of The Ruin of Doriath – The Silmarillion – 30

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 06:45:35 +0000

Morgoth's curse over Hurin and the Curse of Mandos over the Noldor come join forces and end up destroying the the oldest elven kingdom from the inside out.

44. Captain Foolhardy! – Of Túrin Turambar, Part 2 – The Silmarillion – 29

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:00:38 +0000

The footsteps of doom overtake Túrin. But is his doom his own fault, or do we find Morgoth to blame?

43. The Worst Hero – Of Túrin Turumbar, Part 1 – The Silmarillion – 28

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 07:04:47 +0000

The tale of Túrin Turambar is one of the great stories of Middle-earth. But Túrin isn't really a hero--he makes bad decisions and runs from them. He refuses forgiveness. He ignores wise advice.

42. Sub-creation is Art, Not Power – with Austin Freeman, author of Tolkien Dogmatics

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:03:38 +0000

Join us for a deep discussion with Austin Freeman, author of "Tolkien Dogmatics", where we talk about Tolkien's theology, Tolkien's approach to criticism, what sub-creation IS, and more!

41. Why Tolkien is Great – with John Carswell from The Tolkien Road

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 07:00:29 +0000

John Carswell has been podcasting Tolkien for 8 years (and written 2 books!), but he's still on a Tolkien Road to discover more depth and meaning in his works.

40. They Don’t Understand Tolkien – with John Trent from Bounding into Comics

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 03:51:58 +0000

Bounding into Comics reports on culture and geek news, but doesn't ever hesitate to call out the hypocrisy, double-standards, and cronyism seen in those coastal, gilded, navel-gazing circles. Jonathan and Michael talk with John about Tolkien - past, present, and future!

39. Middle-earth’s Rambo – Of the Fifth Battle – The Silmarillion – 27

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:00:16 +0000

Tolkien holds nothing back when the races of Middle-earth decide to take on Morgoth. There's treachery, gore, rage, victory, defeat--pretty much what Game of Thrones tried to be.

38. Morgoth’s Kaiju-Wolf – Of Beren and Luthien Part 3 – The Silmarillion – 26

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 08:00:24 +0000

eren and Luthien's tale isn't just a love story, it's the apex of events that sets the rest of the history of Middle-earth into motion.

37. 10 Ways The Lord of the Rings has aged POORLY?!

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 08:00:51 +0000

We TEAR APART this article that claims Tolkien's Lord of the Rings has problems that need to be corrected for "modern audiences".

36. Middle-earth’s Real Power Couple – Of Beren and Luthien Part 2 – The Silmarillion – 25

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 08:00:55 +0000

The story of Beren and Luthien takes a dark turn with death and cruelty, but also reveals a more fairy tale side with all the shape-shifting, magic, and a talking dog!

35. Tolkien’s Real Alpha Male -Of Beren and Luthien Part 1 – The Silmarillion – 24

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:00:14 +0000

The story of Beren and Luthien is the beating heart of Tolkien's entire Middle-earth. It's one of the first two stories he wrote (while serving in World War 1), and was directly inspired by moments he spent with his not-yet-wife, Edith.

34. Tolkien’s Greatest Joy – Of Beren and Luthien Intro – The Silmarillion – 23

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:56:47 +0000

Among the tales of sorrow and of ruin that come down to us from the darkness of those days there are yet some in which amid weeping there is joy and under the shadow of death light that endures...

33. Sauron’s Great Entrance – The Ruin of Beleriand – The Silmarillion – 22

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 08:00:25 +0000

Sauron makes his big entrance into Middle-earth in this chapter, and does some serious damage to the elves and men. But Morgoth still seems to underestimate his foes.

32. There is a Tempest in Him – The Fall of Fingolfin – The Silmarillion – 21

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 08:00:56 +0000

We delve into the first half of Chapter 18, "Of the Ruin of Beleriand and Fall of Fingolfin", taking a long look at this valiant elf's hopeless assault on Morgoth... an elf who ACTUALLY HAS A TEMPEST IN HIM, and not the dust devil in The Rings of Power's Galadriel.

31. Middle-earth’s Actual Strong Woman – Of the Coming of Men, Part 2 – The Silmarillion – 20

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 08:00:49 +0000

Who is the REAL "strong" woman in Tolkien's Middle-earth? Why do men fear elves? Death really weirds-out the elves... and why we measure our lives in milestones, and elves do not!

30. Noel, a Christmas Poem, by J.R.R. Tolkien

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 08:00:48 +0000

This poem, titled "Noel", was written by J.R.R. Tolkien before The Hobbit was published, and only just discovered in 2013 in a 1936 copy of The Annual of Our Lady's School (a school magazine).

29. When Elves met Men – Of the Coming of Men, Part 1 – The Silmarillion – 19

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:01:02 +0000

Do elves regard men as enemies? Foes? Invaders? How did the elves treat men the first time they met them? Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they look at how the Noldor (surprisingly) treated men VERY differently than the Sindar!

28. Tolkien’s Disney Princess!? – Of Maeglin – The Silmarillion – 18

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:35:15 +0000

Is Aredhel really a Disney princess!? What about this Dark Elf, Eöl -- even though, as we find out, his name is not the first time Tolkien uses the capital "D" Dark Elf title!

27. He’s an Angry Elf | Of the Noldor – The Silmarillion – 17

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 17:23:53 +0000

As Turgon builds the city of Gondolin in secret, the bitter seeds of distrust between the Noldor and the Sindar find fertile ground. Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan in this discussion of Chapter 15!

26. This Map is HELL – Of Beleriand – The Silmarillion – 16

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:34:34 +0000

Location and placement were incredibly important to Tolkien--so important that an entire chapter of The Silmarillion is dedicated to who is where! Let's decipher it together...

25. Doomsday and Dragons – Return of the Noldor, Part 2 – The Silmarillion – 15

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:21:49 +0000

Tolkien sets out the pieces of Middle-earth's chess board, putting the characters in their proper places before the doomsday of Fëanor's unspoken realization bears down on all the players... and we get our first glimpse of a Middle-earth dragon!

24. Middle-earth’s Game of Thrones – Return of the Noldor – The Silmarillion – 14

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 18:14:21 +0000

With Chapter 13 of The Silmarillion, Tolkien tells us Of The Return of the Noldor, revealing that the houses of Feanor, Fingolfin, and Thingol are the ORIGINAL Game of Thrones!

23. Toxic Masculinity or Inscrutable Men – Of Men – The Silmarillion – 13

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 20:10:29 +0000

In Chapter 12 of The Silmarillion, "Of Men", Tolkien gives us the first glimpse into Man-Elf relations--and it wasn't all toxic at first (just incsrutable!).

22. Inspired by Tolkien | The Rings of Power, Glass Hammer, and Music in Middle-earth

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:32:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of sitting with Steve Babb from the band Glass Hammer to talk The Lord of the Rings, The Rings of Power, and what it's like to be a creator inspired by Tolkien.

21. The First Sunrise – Of the Sun and Moon – The Silmarillion – 12

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 00:37:32 +0000

In "Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor", Tolkien taps into a grander myth of Middle-earth and returns to the two trees of Valinor to explain how the sun and moon were made.

20. The Rings of Power IN-DEPTH Review : Episode 8 : Full of Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 03:58:35 +0000

In our darkest dreams, we never imagined Amazon would change Tolkien's work as dramatically as they did in The Rings of Power. In our final in-depth review, we discuss the stupidity of Celebrimbor, the Nazgirl (?) moments, and our prayer for a rapture before 2024!

19. The Rings of Power IN-DEPTH Review : Episode 7 : Shadow and Flame. And a Leaf.

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:24:23 +0000

We stand amazed at the volcano survivability rate in Middle-earth, stare bemused at Galadriels' all new personality, sit frustrated at how the Harfoots apparently forgot their traditions, and collapse with frustration at the Mithril storyline being foisted on us.

18. The Rings of Power IN-DEPTH Review : Episode 6 : Insta-Mordor!

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:46:38 +0000

Jonathan, Michael, and Dan go in-depth on The Rings of Power Episode 6, "Udun", and dive into questions like: Is Galadriel allowed to lecture us on humility? Do the Orcs OR the villagers actually have a strategy? Should they have recruited The Three Amigos? Would Arondir give you good psychological advice?

17. The Wisest Elves – Of the Sindar – The Silmarillion – 11

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:42:08 +0000

In this episode, we look at the OTHER elves--the ones who never left Middle-earth for Valinor. These elves created the fairest dwelling that has ever been east of the sea, worked with the Dwarves, and shielded themselves from Morgoth.

16. The Rings of Power : Episode 2 : In-Depth Discussion (where no detail matters)

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 22:04:52 +0000

Jonathan, Michael, and Dan discuss Episode 2 of The Rings of Power and Galadriel's "I'm fine" face, Encino Man and the Harfoots, the made up Morgoth story, and how Elrond ghosted Durin.

15. The Rings of Power : Episode 1 : In-Depth Discussion (and a Michael Scott moment)

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 16:00:15 +0000

Jonathan and Michael dive into a deeper discussion of Episode 1 of The Rings of Power, "A Shadow of the Past". They look at how much of Tolkien's work is in the show, if the show is standing up to the excellence Tolkien's work demands, and where the show channels its inner Michael Scott :).

14. Tolkien is Worth Defending : Why The Rings of Power MUST be excellent!

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 17:26:11 +0000

Jonathan, Michael, and Dan discuss why Tolkien is worth defending--and defending ardently. If Tolkien's work is truly excellent, how much excellence should we demand from those sub-creating in his world?

13. Burn the Ships – Of the Flight of the Noldor – The Silmarillion – 10

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:00:18 +0000

In "Of the Flight of the Noldor", the ill choices of Fëanor are finally brought to bear as we watch the grievous opening to a long and tearful tale.

12. Morgoth’s Arachnophobia – Of the Darkening of Valinor – The Silmarillion – 9

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:43:55 +0000

This week we dive right in and get deep into Ungoliant, what she does, who she might be, and how even Morgoth fears her.

11. The Road to Hell – Of the Silmarils – The Silmarillion – 8

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 05:30:01 +0000

As we dive further into Fēanor's story and the Silmarils, Dan realizes that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

10. Fire and Greed – Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor – The Silmarillion – 7

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 17:18:39 +0000

This week, Jonathan quizzes Dan and Michael on some important numbers, Dan sees similarities between the two big characters, Jonathan realizes Melkor was a nice guy, and Michael takes a deeper look at Fëanor's fire.

9. Love Makes You do Stupid Things – Of Thingol & Melian / Of Eldamar – The Silmarillion – 6

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 07:00:43 +0000

Reading Of Thingol and Melian, Dan realizes that love can make you do stupid things, then wonders what in the world is going on in Of Eldamar and the Coming of the Eladië.

8. An Analysis of The Rings of Power Trailer

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 02:41:59 +0000

Michael and Jonathan review the new Rings of Power teaser trailer, looking through the entire 2+ minutes, and discussing what is Tolkien (a little), what isn't Tolkien (a lot), and why the Hobbits are waddling.

7. Of the Coming of the Elves – The Silmarillion – 5

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 07:00:13 +0000

In this week's episode, Jonathan poses some trivia questions to Michael and Dan, Michael puts together a great diagram to explain ALL the different types of elves, and we confirm the existence of female orcs!

Independence Day Break

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 05:18:08 +0000

Dan, Jonathan, and Michael are taking the week off to be with friends and family. So if you're looking for a little more Tolkien commentary this week, be sure to checkout our YouTube channel at https://www.theonering.com/youtube

6. Of Aulë and Yavanna – The Silmarillion – 4

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 07:00:34 +0000

In this episode, Jonathan is gobsmacked that the dwarves are ACTUALLY the firstborn! Michael, Dan, and Jonathan also discuss the ins and outs of Aulē's relationship with Yavanna, and how Yavanna's hopes for eagles in her trees is dashed by Manwë.

5. Of the Beginning of Days – The Silmarillion – 3

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 19:00:05 +0000

With the stage set for enormous battles between Melkor and the Valar, Jonathan, Michael, and Dan dive into "Of the Beginning of Days" to surface questions like: Did the color green exist before Varda? How long is the time of the lamps? Is the light of the trees physical? Which Valar long for Middle-earth?

4. Valaquenta – The Silmarillion – 2

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 07:00:27 +0000

In the second chapter of The Silmarillion, Valaquenta, Michael, Dan, and Jonathan test their knowledge with "All that is Gold, Does Not Glitter", decide that Varda should've dated Melkor, and explain that Tolkien was a true flat-earther! Listen as we discuss these questions and look to find answers directly in Tolkien's text!

3. Ainulindalë – The Silmarillion – 1

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:00:11 +0000

Join Michael, Dan, and Jonathan as they begin the long journey through The Silmarillion with the first chapter, Ainulindalē. We tackle questions like... Why is music so important? Is there a direct relationship between the Biblical creation story and Tolkien's? How much do the Valar actually KNOW? Why are Manwé and Melkor "brothers"? Why is water important? Are the Valar really transgender? Listen as we discuss these questions and look to find answers directly in Tolkien's text! Stay till the end to hear what you should check out if you like Tolkien!

2. Thoughts on Amazon’s Rings of Power

Tue, 31 May 2022 07:00:42 +0000

Michael, Dan, and Jonathan offer their thoughts on what we know and what we’ve seen about Amazon’s Rings of Power series, and also talk about what Silmarillion story they would like to see put on film. And Dan just wants bearded dwarf women... Make sure you read the first part of The Silmarillion, Ainulindalë, as we'll start our read through next week!

1. An Introduction to Window on the West

Wed, 25 May 2022 01:28:47 +0000

Who are these guys? Why are they doing a podcast? When did they read the Lord of the Rings? How do they know each other?