Window on the West: Recent Episodes

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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 LinksGet 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 TolkienThe 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

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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 LinksGet 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 TolkienThe 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

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

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 LinksGet the Exploring Tolkien App!The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
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Get the Extended Podcast

🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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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 LinksGet 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 TolkienThe 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

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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 LinksGet 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 TolkienThe 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

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

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 LinksGet 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 TolkienThe 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

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

🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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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
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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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 LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)
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Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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In this episode, we examine the insertion of Boromir’s ring-handling scene on the slopes of the Misty Mountains–though it was completely invented, how close was it REALLY to the books? … and THEN we discuss Peter Jackson’s NEXT Lord of the Rings films, this time written by Stephen Colbert! 😬

We look at:

• Boromir’s believable corruption
• How much of this scene was actually pulled straight from the book?
• Will this be a movie we want, or just another exercise in fan-service?
• Will the film really just be a flashback?

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• Is the word “simple” the most important part of Boromir’s statement?
• And how necessary were Merry and Pippin at the council?
• How much of Colbert’s ideology will be in the new film?
• Other opportunities for films around the time of The War of the Ring

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 LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
Become a Patreon Member
Subscribe on Apple
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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In this episode, we dig into two crucial scenes: the iconic formation of the Fellowship and the bridge-side tryst between Aragorn and Arwen. Drawing from both book and film, we examine what’s gained (and lost) when Tolkien’s deep lore is streamlined for cinema.

We also look at:

• Who actually attended the Council of Elrond
• Boromir’s famous “Gondor has no king” line—book vs. film debate
• Why Gimli’s axe-to-the-ring moment feels out of place
• How Arwen and Aragorn’s romance changes when moved from appendix to film
• The effects of missing characters like Bilbo and Glorfindel

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• Listener questions: Is Lurtz a good addition—or does he rob Aragorn of a key moment?
• The origins of the Uruk-hai – sci-fi or fantasy?
• How “meat’s back on the menu” could’ve been more lore friendly
• The looming Hunt for Gollum trilogy—how much story is really there?
• How an Aragorn biopic could finally do the ranger justice

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 LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)
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Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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Here’s another episode in our series of interviews from the December 2, 2003 roundtable discussions! In this interview–just before The Return of the King was released–Sean Astin reflects on wrapping up The Lord of the Rings films and the impact they had on his career, his perspective on playing Sam, and how he navigated fame and family life during the trilogy’s success.

He also discusses:

• Why Astin sees Sam’s cinematic arc as more heroic than the book’s version
• The struggle to balance being “strong” on screen with being a faithful hobbit
• Sword training with a Star Wars legend—and why it didn’t make the cut
• What “the Shire” means to Sean Astin personally—and where he finds his own ideal home (again!)

In our extended episode (for members at https://theonering.com/members):

• How you can beta test the new Exploring Tolkien app and help shape its future

🎉 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 LinksSubmit a LOTR Film Change

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🔍 If You Like Tolkien
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
The Silmarillion
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

🗣 Special Thanks to Austin Robertson for the use of his voice!

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Orc pods and Uruk-hai origins: lore-breaking or the best possible changes? In this episode, we dig into Peter Jackson’s “orc pod” scenes and the cinematic invention of Lurtz, the alpha Uruk-hai, We also weigh Tolkien’s less-than-precise lore against the movies’ need for explaining the Uruk-hai—and debate just how much Jackson’s changes actually fit Middle-earth.

We also explore:

• What Tolkien actually says (and doesn’t say) about how Uruk-hai were made
• Why “orc pods” feel a bit too much like The Matrix—and whether it helps or hurts the films
• Lurtz as a character: does inventing a main orc villain actually make the Boromir scene more powerful?
• The blurred line between lore-friendly and lore-accurate movie adaptations
• How visual, dramatic choices shape your connection to Tolkien’s world

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• Listener reactions and hot takes on Glorfindel and Arwen
• The challenge of cutting “side quests” (like the Barrow-downs) for movie pacing
• Why adding new leaders (like Lurtz) can actually deepen the cinematic experience
• A sneak peek at the new Exploring Tolkien app

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 LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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In this episode, we look at two of the most unloved film changes from Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings: Arwen replacing Glorfindel and making Arwen the only one with power and agency in The Flight to the Ford.. Michael and Jonathan break down why these choices set off so many Tolkien fans, how they impact the agency of Aragorn and Frodo, and whether these moments actually improve the movies.

• Why losing Glorfindel means losing a key link to Middle-earth’s ancient history
• The movie’s “girl boss” approach to Arwen’s character—and what it does to the story
• Frodo’s lost agency at the ford, and the difference between book and film
• The most “cringeworthy” line in Lord of the Rings

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• The re-release box office numbers for The Lord of the Rings trilogy (any why were they so low)
• Viewer comments on our last video (were we wrong?)
• Michael reviews the new Rise of the Merlin show based on Stephen R. Lawhead’s Pendragon Cycle

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

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Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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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:

• Was Aragorn really just carrying around a package of small swords the entire time?
• Was the battle at Weathertop lore-friendly?
• The messenger moth replaces Radagast… and Jonathan can’t get over it.

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• The Rings of Power will now include a blue wizard — a surprise no one was asking for.

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 LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)
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Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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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 HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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We turn our attention from The Hobbit to a long-hidden Tolkien gem: his 1936 Christmas poem, “Noel.” We take a look at the history of the poem’s rediscovery, its deep-rooted Tolkien-esque imagery, and why its message of hope stands uniquely in Tolkien’s literary career.

We discuss:

• The surprising 2013 rediscovery of “Noel” and how Tolkien scholars tracked it down through forgotten school annuals and convent archives.
• The poem’s Nordic and Middle-earth flavor in the early stanzas—and the “eucatastrophic” shift when a child is born.
• Song and music as markers of Tolkien’s poetic voice, the emphasis on Mary’s song, and what it means for the joy of the world.
• Why “Noel” is a rare example of Tolkien writing an explicitly Christ-centered poem, and how it stands apart from his other work.
• The unmistakable hope and gladness that “Noel” brings to the weary, gray world.
• The craft and subtlety Tolkien brings, never over-explaining the mystery—just inviting us to imagine, wonder, and rejoice.

In our extended episode (available for EVERYONE this week! :D. Merry Christmas! Become a member or a patron!), we tackle one of the greatest Christmas questions… is Lord of the Rings a Christmas film!?

• Does simply watching a film at Christmas imbue it with holiday status, or must its core message embody the “eucatastrophe” of the season?
• The surprisingly non-Christmas nature of Die Hard and Gremlins.
• Our favorite Christmas movies, from It’s a Wonderful Life to Home Alone, and what really makes a story Christmas-worthy.

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Noel – Tolkien’s Lost Christmas Poem (YouTube)
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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In this episode, we wrap up The Hobbit with “The Last Stage” and reflect on Bilbo’s road home, the petty (now less petty?) Rivendell elves, the unexpected return to Bag End, and how Tolkien so thoroughly captures the meaning of “home.” We also take an extended look at Tolkien’s 3 (THREE!) songs in this final chapter. Then, we examine why Tolkien might give so much attention to the aftermath and how Bilbo is changed forever (or maybe it’s just a bigger stronger Tookish side?).

We also cover:

• The Hobbit doesn’t even use the word “Shire”
• Fixing our capitalization 🙂
• Are the elves’ final songs belittling Bilbo’s journey, or highlighting true riches?
• The fate of Lake-town’s Master: Tolkien’s take on dragon-sickness and political corruption
• How Tolkien leaves almost no loose ends in this tale.
• Even in the penultimate paragraph, Tolkien nods at Bilbo’s luck… if luck you call it!

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Member comment: Maybe the Arkenstone’s DID influence the Battle of Five Armies?
• Member comment: The deeper meaning of “Bilbo the Magnificent”.
• What one thing did we discover in this extremely deliberate reading of The Hobbit?

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

View Details

Three dwarves lost and a shape-shifting berserking bear unleashed—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. In this episode, we dig into Tolkien’s penultimate chapter, “The Return Journey,” unpacking the emotional aftermath and story-shaping consequences of the war that changed Middle-earth.

We also explore:

• Why Beorn’s sudden intervention was more than just another “eagle rescue”—and what Tolkien draws from the real definition of berserkers”.
• Thorin’s final moments and his transformation from gold-obsessed king to the Dwarf who names Bilbo “child of the kindly West” — did he earn that change?
• The fate of Fili and Kili—Tolkien originally spared them in his draft… and why he changed that.
• What the actual division of treasure reveals about Dwarven honor, claims, and leadership
• How Tolkien uses this chapter to quietly set the stage for The Lord of the Rings and fill out the wider world of Middle-earth

Plus, we tackle the bigger questions:

• Did Bilbo’s “betrayal” actually make things worse?
• Why is Bilbo so eager to leave—has the Baggins/Took conflict finally resolved?
• And what’s up with the mysterious “three parts” of the goblins wiped out in battle?

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• What the untold story of Beorn’s descendants and their wild realm could have been—and how Tolkien left open the door for new adventures
• The evolution of Bilbo as a character: has he truly found peace between Took and Baggins?

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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Did Tolkien “earn” The Battle of the Five Armies, or is the surprise enough to justify its existence? In this episode, we look at Tolkien’s climactic battle from The Hobbit, comparing how it unfolds on the page to its chaotic portrayal in the extended film edition. How do armies materialize so suddenly, and does Tolkien set the stage well enough for the goblin onslaught?

Check out the Battle of the Five Armies Map!

We also explore:

• Tolkien’s battle tactics vs Peter Jackson’s video game tactics.
• Why did Bilbo chooses the Elven King’s side?
• Trying to make sense of Peter Jackson’s battle map vs Tolkien’s map.
• Tolkien’s knowledge of medieval warfare.
• Is Thorin’s charge from the gate truly enough to change the tide of battle?

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Whether the goblin army’s sudden arrival is really “earned” in the story, or if Tolkien’s plotting gives us room to quibble.
• How small additions could have made the battle less sudden—should there have been hints via raven messenger?
• Where would a talking Raven fit into The Lord of the Rings.

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

View Details

Bilbo owns up to his burgling — a betrayal that drives Thorin to the brink of killing him. But Bilbo isn’t cowed… and the armies of elves and men aren’t cowed by Dain’s special forces. But maybe they should be!

We also explore:

• Bilbo’s crowning “honest” achievement.
• Bard as Faramir?
• Dain’s Dwarven special forces arrive!
• What exactly were those dark clouds that shadowed the commencement of battle.

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• What “going home” for Bilbo may really entail.
• We count the amount of talking animals in Lord of the Rings vs. The Hobbit.
• Where would a talking Raven fit into The Lord of the Rings — we give our detailed thoughts.

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

View Details

We look at Chapter 16 of The Hobbit, where Bilbo makes his most controversial choice-—handing the Arkenstone over to Bard and the Elvenking. Is Bilbo a traitor to the dwarves, or the only one thinking clearly as war looms? Or maybe he just wants to get home!

We also explore:

• Did you know this chapter originally had a different title?
• Why EXACTLY did Bilbo give up the Arkenstone (and his part of the Treasure)?
• The morality of giving away the Arkenstone: is it just, betrayl, or is there a greater good?
• Gandalf’s ability to say enough to encourage and hope, but not let them off the hook for their involvement.

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• The most satisfying way to read The Hobbit: as it’s own non-Middle-earth story, as a LOTR prequel, or somewhere in the middle?
• How annoyed Jonathan is when fans force The Hobbit into precise MIddle-earth lore.

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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The talking birds bring news of the dragon’s demise to the dwarves–only to find a host of elves and men are coming to the mountain’s gate. Bard makes his claim for a portion of the treasure, but Thorin finds his reasons lacking–or is it just his lust for the treasure overtaking him?

This episode, we look at:

• More (very old) talking birds
• Thorin’s “dragon sickness” — or is it his dwarven heart?
• Bard’s three reasons for having a claim to the treasure
• Who’s at fault for starting the battle?df
• What effect does the elves’ presence have on Thorin’s response?

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Are we warming up to how Peter Jackson portrayed Thorin’s dragon sickness? Well….
• How Thorin’s change in the films lessens his deathbed turn in the books.
• The most egregious change in The Hobbit films is…

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
Join our Discord Community (for free)
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

View Details

You’d think the death of the dragon is is the climax of The Hobbit… right? In this chapter, Tolkien gives us action, destruction, and the rise of a new unlikely hero. We look at Bard’s big moment, the politics of Laketown in crisis, and what Tolkien’s original idea for Smaug’s demise actually entailed. , we geek out on Hobbit facts, Tolkien’s fondness for enchanted gems, and the curious significance of talking birds.

We also look at:

• How Bard came out of nowhere, and whether the films were right to introduce him sooner
• All those talking birds!
• Smaug’s hydrophobia
• Why the old black arrow is the best arrow–and why might it be black?
• Tolkien’s love for alliteration, and the details that make this chapter so satisfying
• How the Elvenking is more like the elves of Middle-earth now.

In our extended episode (available for our members), we discuss:

• Comments and feedback from our listeners on the Arkenstone
• How Tolkien’s distinction between magic and enchantment shapes the whole story

If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)!

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
Join our Discord Community (for free)
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
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Subscribe on Apple
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

View Details

Smaug is gone, so the Bilbo and the dwarves… just sit there?! For a couple of days they do–and eventually they reach the treasures. Bilbo, though, makes a choice to REALLY become the burglar when he sees the Arkenstone.

We explore:

• The deep lore connection between the Arkenstone and the Silmarils.
• Bilbo’s big “burglar” moment—what are the moral implications of his decision to pocket the Arkenstone?
• How getting a glimpse of treasure suddenly fills the dwarves with unexpected courage (or maybe just classic dwarvish greed).
• Why Tolkien’s details about mithril, ancient armor, enchanted harps, and precious gems make Middle Earth feel so real.
• All the little moments and missed opportunities in Peter Jackson’s movie adaptation—what did the films completely mess up in this part of the story?

In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into:

• Was the Arkenstone ever meant to be a Silmaril? We look deeper into Tolkien’s drafts and unique connections between Fëanors gems and the Dwarves greatest gem.

If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)!

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

View Details

Smaug is finally fully revealed! This week, we finish “Inside Information”, where Bilbo finally comes face-to-face with the unassessably wealthy dragon. We break down the wordplay Bilbo engages in as he denies Smaug his real name, Smaug’s memorable boasts, and how Bilbo manages to outwit Middle-earth’s greatest dragon (or maybe it’s just… luck?).

We explore:

• Why names and riddles matter so much in Middle-earth (and how they protect Bilbo)
• How Tolkien redefined dragons for fantasy—leaving old fairy tale clichés behind
• The thrush’s “snail anvil,” Bilbo’s lucky break, and whether Tolkien’s worldbuilding is brilliant…or just a little too convenient
• Dwarven treasure: legendary loot or worldbuilding gold?

In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into:

• The mystery of Erebor’s “most useless” door—and why it locks the party inside
• King Bladorthin: a video-game waiting to happen
• Tolkien video game adaptations: what works, what flops, and our dream Middle-earth game
• The famous Samwise monologue in Peter Jackson’s films—does it live up to Tolkien’s original?

Here are the images we discussed in this episode:

• Mt Rainier
• The Lonely Mountain – Tolkien
• Conversation with Smaug – Tolkien
• Peter Jackson’s 2 Legged Smaug
• Dragonheart’s 4 Legged Dragon

If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)!

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
Join our Discord Community (for free)
Get the Extended Podcast
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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The new game, Tales of the Shire was released last month after numerous delays… so, I took a bullet for the team and bought the game. I livestreamed playing the game for the very first time earlier this week–and it was everything I thought it would be!

Here’s the YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/HsU4yfM4g7U

I review the game early in the review… but you can listen to the whole thing as “enjoy” this new experience after that.

Make sure to become a member and join us for our monthly chats (membership is free for the first month)!

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
Join our Discord Community (for free)
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

View Details

Bilbo finally becomes a real burglar in this chapter, venturing alone into the heart of the Lonely Mountain as Thorin and company are once again exposed for the unprepared adventurers they are. Meanwhile, And Smaug the possessive is finally revealed.

We also discuss:

• Our Hobbit Fact: The Lonely Mountain is a…
• Thorin’s continued lack of a plan
• Tolkien’s precise definition of dwarves–exactly what we’ve been looking for for a long time!
• The dwarves’ not-so-complicated relationship with heroism and treasure
• The intoxicating allure of Smaug’s hoard and its effect on dwarves… AND hobbits

In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into:

• How much treasure did Smaug really have? Did Peter Jackson get it right?
• The dragon debate over two legs or four, and how Peter Jackson changed his mind (for the better?)
• We examine Tolkien’s depiction of smaug (linked below) in detail.

Here are the images we discussed in this episode:

• Mt Rainier
• The Lonely Mountain – Tolkien
• Conversation with Smaug – Tolkien
• Peter Jackson’s 2 Legged Smaug
• Dragonheart’s 4 Legged Dragon

If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)!

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe 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
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

View Details

Here’s the next episode in our series of interviews from the December 2, 2003 roundtable discussions! In this interview–just before The Return of the King was released–Elijah wood reflects on the journey of becoming Frodo Baggins. From long days on set in New Zealand to forging real friendships with his castmates, he shares what made filming The Lord of the Rings so special—and why he’d happily do it all over again.

He discusses:

• Four years of filmmaking and friendship
• The camaraderie at the heart of Middle-earth
• What Elijah learned about himself through Frodo
• Life as “Frodo” in the eyes of fans

🎉 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 LinksSubmit a LOTR Film Change

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🔍 If You Like Tolkien
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
The Silmarillion
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

🗣 Special Thanks to Austin Robertson for the use of his voice!

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Erebor’s secret door: clever storytelling or a bit too convenient? In this episode, we discuss one of The Hobbit’s quieter chapters, where Bilbo and the dwarves finally reach Erebor’s hidden entrance. We break down why the dwarves seem at a loss, how Bilbo’s perspective has shifted on the journey, and whether this chapter signals Tolkien’s move from fairy tale logic toward a more realistic fantasy world.

We also look at:

• Why the thrush and its “snail anvil” are more than just a quirky detail
• What the dwarves’ lack of a plan says about their role in the story
• The line between chance events and plot devices in Tolkien’s writing
• Bilbo’s all-important homesick mindset

In our extended episode (available for members), we talk about:

• How Tolkien’s view of dwarves changed over time—and what inspired it
• The first mentions of dwarves in Tolkien’s legendarium
• Warhammer armies, 3D printing, and tabletop gaming
• Answering listener questions from YouTube and Discord

If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)!

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe 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
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

View Details

As Thorin and company finally reach the Lonely Mountain, reality sets in—and it doesn’t smell so pleasant. We examine Tolkien’s skillful prose and worldbuilding as the company confront the desolation left by Smaug and realize they really have no plan–just the map they carry.

We also look at:

• Why are the dwarves so quick to lose hope?
• Is Bilbo the real leader of this quest?
• How do Tolkien’s maps shape the story?
• Dragon desolation: does Smaug’s evil actually change the land?

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Our guilty pleasure reads—what fantasy and sci-fi books do we binge when we’re not in Middle Earth?
• 3D printing, wargaming, and hobbies we nerd out over when we’re not podcasting.

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!

Images in Episode
The Front Gate – Original
The Front Gate – Colored
The Lonely Mountain – Early Sketch
The Lonely Mountain

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
Join our Discord Community (for free)
Get the Extended Podcast
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
Become a Patreon Member
Subscribe on Apple
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

View Details

Tolkien makes it pretty clear what he thinks about politicians in this chapter… While Thorin and company regain their royal swagger, the Master of Laketown plots to save his own skin and run them out of town.

We also look at:

• Our 3 Year Anniversary!
• The men’s songs are a little too positive.
• Are the dwarves getting TOO confident?
• What happened to Bilbo? Where’d he go in this part of the chapter?

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• We talk about the last 3 years, our favorite episodes, and where we’re going next.
• What was the WORST change Peter Jackson made to Laketown in The Hobbit films?

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 HobbitThe 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
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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!

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

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

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

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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!

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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?

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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?

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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.

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"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.

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

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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 TripBECOME 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 LinksThe History of The HobbitThe Annotated HobbitJoin our Discord Community (for free)Get the Extended PodcastBecome a Patreon Member🎧 Subscribe to our PodcastGet the Extended PodcastBecome a Patreon MemberSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on Spotify🔍 If You Like TolkienThe History of The HobbitThe Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)The SilmarillionThe Children of HurinThe Atlas of Middle-earthMake Tolkien Great Again - Tengwar Hat

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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 HobbitIn 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 WarsBECOME 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 LinksThe History of The HobbitThe Annotated HobbitJoin our Discord Community (for free)Get the Extended PodcastBecome a Patreon Member🎧 Subscribe to our PodcastGet the Extended PodcastBecome a Patreon MemberSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on Spotify🔍 If You Like TolkienThe History of The HobbitThe Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)The SilmarillionThe Children of HurinThe Atlas of Middle-earthMake Tolkien Great Again - Tengwar Hat

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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.

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

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Yeah. They kissed.

We also get the worst battle in the history of Middle-earth, the greatest smith of Eregion acceds to Sauron willingly, the dwarves turn back and entire army to face one person, and a troll that is quite truly full of sound and fury signifying nothing.

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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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Michael is back as we examine how wrong The Rings of Power treats the elves (as simple imbeciles), how the Númenoreans are now deciding rulers based on what big animals do, and how Tom Bombadil inverts one of Tolkien’s most important lines from Lord of the Rings into a disgustingly evil turn.

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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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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 (Michael is still moving across the country–we’ll get back to The Hobbit soon!).

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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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Not sure how this Tom Bombadil came into existence–but he’s definitely incredibly different from Tolkien’s Bombadil. He’s involved. He cares about everything. He lies to Gandalf. He explains everything.

In short, he’s a mentor to the powerful in Middle-earth.

And that’s all wrong.

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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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

Things aren’t looking up.

Don’t worry, though… we’ll be back reading thru The Hobbit next week!

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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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We discuss the the latest visions of Middle-earth by Amazon and Warner Bros… we’ll get back to The Hobbit soon! This week we:
React to The War of the Rohirrim trailer
Take a look at how The Rings of Power is changing Bombadil
Examine why Galadriel in The Rings of Power might be the antagonist
Find that Gil-Galad in The Rings of Power is the most inept King.

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Whether they prefer Rings of Power Elves or Hobbit Elves
• Elves in British Folklore
• Could the Hobbit’s elves just be teenagers?

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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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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. In this episode, we look at:

• How Elrond was a “Fortunate Accident”!
• The indistinct descriptions of Middle-earth–following by the distinct description of Rivendell.
• What inspired Tolkien’s description of RIvendell.
• Why are these elves SO different?
• How elves were portrayed BEFORE Tolkien changed the cultural understanding.

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Gnomes vs Elves — and when Tolkien changed the name!
• The Rings of Power’s latest trailers and it’s continued changes to Tolkien’s world.

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The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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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 it’s pitch-perfect changes! Some of the things we discuss are:

• Want the first edition of The Hobbit? Get ready to pay!
• Middle-earth gains space–and is now the “character” we know
• Gandalf’s got a horse–and he’s AWESOME!
• Bilbo is more helpless and forgotten–and it’s better
• JRR Tolkien’s prose is more expertly crafted
• Listen to Tolkien Reading “Roast Mutton”

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Why does Tolkien refer to the Dwarves gold as “enchanted”
• And why is the gold “pale”? Does is have a greater meaning than just a color choice?
• The Hobbit film fan-edit — let’s watch it together!

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Tolkien Reading “Roast Mutton”
The History of The HobbitThe Annotated Hobbit
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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It’s not that the trolls aren’t scary… or are they? Did Tolkien mean for them to be frightening? 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 (Michael breaks down exactly where their accent is from too!).

We discuss:
The Hobbits and The King
Troll Accents
The Brave Burglar
The Incompetent Dwarves
* The Incompetent Wizard

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Dwarven Law and Bilbo’s Contract
• What would Dwarf jelly actually taste like… and what if it’s seasoned with Hobbit?
• Would the key have also turned to stone if they never dropped it?

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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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We make our way through the first 1/2 of Chapter 2, Roast Mutton… First, though, we reveal a Hobbit fact that makes one big connection between The Hobbit and The Silmarillion!

Bilibo finally makes his way out the door–but was it his decision or did Gandalf force him out? And who is this “king” that’s mentioned?

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• How many editors were there for The Red Book of Westmarch?
• Thorin’s dignity in Peter Jacksons films.

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The Annotated Hobbit
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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When Tolkien set out to rewrite The Hobbit in 1960, much was lost, but much was gained… Do the gains outweigh the losses? We review his rewritten 1st chapter of The Hobbit, newly title “A Well-Planned Party”.

We discuss:

• Fairy Rabbit’s are NOT Hobbits… but AI can still imagine them.
• Fairy Rabbit #1
• Fairy Rabbit #2
• Fairy Rabbit #3
• Fairy Rabbit #4
• Fairy Rabbit #5
• Fairy Rabbit #6
• Tolkien’s grammatical error that created an entirely new word.
• The overall tonal and stylistic changes in the 1960 rewrite.
• The specific passages that were changes for the worse.
• The specifics and details Tolkien added to bring it closer to Lord of the Rings.
• Our final thoughts on whether we prefer the original Hobbit or Tolkien’s 1960 rewrite.

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• What did Peter Jackson add to The Hobbit movie that was actually GOOD.
• Dragons with 2 legs vs dragons with 4 legs.
• Beorn in the battle of the 5 armies and a certain unnecessary scene.

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

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

We discuss:

• The three things that pushed Bilbo over onto the Took side of his personality.
• How the Dwarven song of the Misty Mountain helps us glimpse the greater world of Middle-earth that Tolkien hadn’t integrated into The Hobbit yet.
• Golf! (and Tolkien’s philological jest)
• How Tolkien took the 3 things that defined him and created the Hobbit from it.

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Did Tolkien explicitly establish Middle-earth as part of our own Earth’s past anywhere outside of The Hobbit?
• How little Tolkien changed The Hobbit from the earliest manuscript he wrote (that we know of).

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🔗 Episode LinksMichael Drout’s Discussion on The Hobbit
The Annotated Hobbit
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe History of The Hobbit
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The Silmarillion
The Children of Hurin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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As we get into the first chapter of The Hobbit, we discuss how coming at The Hobbit from a how does this fit into the Middle-earth cosmology perspective is probably not the best start.

We discuss:

• How The Hobbit wasn’t really in Middle-earth in the beginning.
• How “Good Morning” is used so expertly by tolkien
• How Bilbo’s Tookish side is starting to take over
• The BEST cover art for any edition of The Hobbit (see link below)

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Why Gimli doesn’t have an instrument.
• How Tolkien described Hobbit ears.

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🔗 Episode LinksThe Annotated Hobbit
The BEST Hobbit Cover EVER
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe History of The Hobbit
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The Silmarillion
The Children of Hurin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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This week we begin our read through of The Hobbit–but we’re focusing first on how Tolkien actually evolved the Hobbit from his first edition in 1937 to a revised edition that’s more in line with The Lord of the Rings in 1951 to an abandoned rewrite in 1960.

We discuss:

• The History of The Hobbit — based on his recollection, and how it differs from what his children remember.
• The style differences in the 3 versions.
• The story differences (particularly with Gollum)
• How Tolkien’s creative processes and approach might have shifted in the 15 years between publishing the Hobbit and publishing The Lord of the Rings.

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Parallels between The Hobbit and The King of Elfland
• Gollums entire personality changed in the 1951 rewrite
• Was Tolkien thinking about the themes and values he wanted in the hobbit when he was just telling it to his kids.
• Is it better to read The Hobbit 1st, or The Lord of the Rings 1st?
• Do you feel like less of a Tolkien fan if you just can’t get into all the notes and details in books like The Histories of Middle-earth?

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🔗 Episode LinksThe History of The HobbitJoin our Discord Community (for free)
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe History of The Hobbit
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
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The Silmarillion
The Children of Hurin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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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. Michael and Jonathan look at the history of Rohan and the true story of Helm Hammerhand, not the story retold for Modern Audiences we’ll be getting later this year

In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about:

• Why the name “Hera” is important?
• Why Shieldmaidens are NOT Tolkien-inspired.
• Why Peter Jackson SHOULDN’T be involved in Tolkien anymore.
• Our upcoming read-through of The Hobbit!

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

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On what I just realized was our 2 year anniversary, we brought our original amigo, Dan Coats, back to talk about Tom Bombadil, The Rings of Power, The Hunt for Gollum, and more!

In our extended episode (available for our members — but this week everybody gets it!) we talk about:

• Does Dan miss the podcast?
• The Silmarillion or On Fairy Stories — which did he get more out of?
• The Hobbit and The Children of Hurin are next!
• Will Dan join us for reviewing The Rings of Power?

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

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Here’s one more episode in our series of interviews from the December 2, 2003 roundtable discussions (check them all out at https://www.theonering.com/interviews-with-the-cast-and-crew-of-lord-of-the-rings). This time we sat with Pippen and Merry, and found out:

In this episode, Mr. Shore discusses:

• What their relationship was like wth Peter Jackson
• What did it take to get through all those years of moviemaking?
• Where is THEIR shire? 🙄
• How did working on Lord of the Rings change them?

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members to hear us:

• Examine AI manipulated images of Tom Bombadil (thanks to our member Fra for those!)

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

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The films brought us a dark and evil Bree — but Tolkien calls it “friendly” and “familiar”! And Barliman Butterbur has a simple cameo. And then nearly the entire “Strider” chapter is removed–we have no real information on him by the time the Hobbits leave Bree with him in the films!

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• The missed opportunity of Barliman Butterbur’s Brewery
• Nob’s a Hobbit… but is Bob?!
• Merry survived the black breath in Bree WITHOUT athelas… how?
• What’s Celebrimbor’s fate in The Rings of Power?

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🔗 Episode LinksGlass Hammer’s Middle-earth Album
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
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The Fall of Gondolin
The Children of Hurin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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Dropping the Barrow-downs removes one of the most important callbacks in the final Battle of the Pelennor Fields before Minas Tirith. It also excises some of the wonderful depth of Middle-earth that Tolkien reveals in these nods and glances.

We also take a look at the new game, “Tales of the Shire.”

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• • If Tom Bombadil was removed from the film, how could Jackson have integrated the Barrow-downs scene into his film?
• Thoughts on our next podcast series.

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

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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.

What’s really interesting is that his comments about Bombadil really mirror JRR Tolkien’s own points made in a letter in 1954.

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• How do we hear Tom Bombadil’s songs in our own head?
• How could Jackson have added Bombadil to the films?
• Who would have made a great actor to portray Bombadil?

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🔗 Episode LinksBombadil by The Hildebrandt Brothers
Bombadil by John Howe
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
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The first REAL dangers outside of the Shire were cut from the films. So, how much did we REALLY lose by not having The Old Forest or Old Man Willow in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films?

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• What about other evils in Middle-earth? Did Jackson do a disservice by removing them?
• Losing the depth of the character of Middle-earth IS a loss!
• Why do forests have SO much character in Middle-earth?

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🔗 Episode LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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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 — but was also a serious family man!

We also look at the complete loss of Crickhollow. How did that affect the story, and more importantly, the relationships between the Hobbits?

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• Who should have been cast as Farmer Maggot?
• Who should have been cast as Fatty Bolger?
• What should have been cut from the films so we could have had Farmer Maggot?

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 LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)
Get the Extended Podcast
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
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Subscribe on Apple
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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We’re back and looking at ALL the changes in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings! This week we head over to Orthanc and the changes made to Gandalf’s visit to Saruman:

• Gandalf visiting Saruman isn’t just a flashback–and what about all those little changes made there?!
• Saruman and Gandalf throw down in a Wizard duel for the ages — Michael and Jonathan seriously DISAGREE on this one!

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on:

• What would wizarding power look like if Jackson hadn’t made it so physical.
• If Christopher Lee and Ian McKellen had switched roles, what would that have been like?

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Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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Here’s another episode in our series of interviews from the December 2, 2003 roundtable discussions (watch https://youtu.be/JqhF91GJbGg and https://youtu.be/avh0HxUI8Vs episodes), we spoke with Lord of the Rings composer Howard Shore. He really goes in depth on his thoughts and composing process!

In this episode, Mr. Shore discusses:

• What it’s like to adapt literary works
• What he does BEFORE he starts composing
• What inspired some of the music in the film
• The works in Return of the King he’s most proud of
• If The Hobbit theme was a direct lift from another well-known melody

Become a member at https://theonering.com/members to hear our thoughts on:

• Why Jonathan finds The Lord of the Rings soundtrack lacking when compared to some other film scores
• Jonathan and Michael’s favorite and LEAST favorite themes from the films.

BECOME A MEMBER!Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here!

🔗 Episode LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)
Get the Extended Podcast
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Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe 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

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As season 2 of the Rings of Power approaches (later this year, we hope!), Michael and I decided to look back at our favorite scenes, favorite characters, and favorite quotes from our favorite television show!

Join us as we rediscover all those times this show took our breath away with it’s ability to weave expertly crafted scenes into a holistic story where almost award-winnning actors perfectly portrayed characters Tolkien should have written.

We talk about

• Our favorite characters
• Our favorite scenes
• Quotes from the show that took our breath away!

Then, in our extended episode (become a member to get it at https://theonering.com/members) we discuss how Tom Bombadil will become a new (and better) part of Middle-earth through The Rings of Power!

BECOME A MEMBER!Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Join for free for 1 month or subscribe on Patreon!

🔗 Episode LinksThe Rings of Power
Watch the Rings of Power Again
Instead of Reading The Silmarillion, watch The Rings of Power!

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🔍 If You Like TolkienDon’t bother reading, just watch The Rings of Power

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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. You’ll find out:

• Why Sauron Hates Celebrimbor and the Númenoreans
• How Erendis Dies
• How Sauron is defeated (and what he does after that)
• Why Erendis decides to marry Hallacar
• How this story could possible end on a positive high note!

After spending 8 episodes on Tolkien’s unfinished tale, it feels even more like a missed opportunity–both as something we WISH Tolkien would have completed, but also a story of the 2nd age that would make for a great television series.

Then, in our extended episode (become a member to get it at https://theonering.com/members):

• Where does pipe-weed come into the story–since the Numenoreans were actually instrumental in discovering it!
• The Druedain (pukel men) actually came to Númenor too. Where might they fit into this tale?

BECOME A MEMBER!Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here!

🔗 Episode LinksUnfinished TalesJoin our Discord Community (for free)

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🔍 If You Like TolkienThe Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
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The Silmarillion
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Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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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–The Collected Poems of JRR Tolkien. I take a look at their announcement, highlighting some of the details they mentioned.

I also take a bit of time to discuss last year’s revised and expanded version of Tolkien’s letters.

Then, in our extended episode (become a member to get it at https://theonering.com/members) I look at:

• An old Tolkien commentary published in 1969!
• Why I have a couple of “Middle-earth for Dummies”!
• Why the Tolkien Estate threatened us legally in 2005!

BECOME A MEMBER!Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here!

🔗 Episode LinksThe Collected Poems of Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
JRR Tolkien Companion and Guide

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

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We don’t know if Tolkien intended on ever finishing this story of Aldarion and Erendis. Written later in life, it is perhaps his most emotionally gut wrenching tale…. and it deserves to be finished!

Jonathan lays begins to lay out the entire story of Aldarion, starting at his birth and helping to round out the world of Numenor at this time, while also bringing in greater roles for some characters and places Tolkien mentions but never really fleshes out.

AND it’s ALL done by staying true to the lore Tolkien set out without changing ANYTHING he told us (unlike some recent TV show on Amazon that treated Tolkien’s works like a dog treats homework).

And we think it’s a great story that DESERVES bigger recognition!

Then, in our extended episode (become a member to get it at https://theonering.com/members):
Was Erendis really co-dependent with Ancalime, or was she just responding to how Aldarion treated her?
How did Middle-earth have food like tomatoes and tobacco if there was no new world yet discovered?

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🔗 Episode LinksThe Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien AudiobookJoin our Discord Community (for free)

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🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Letters of JRR Tolkien Audiobook
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The Fall of Gondolin
The Children of Hurin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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Michael and I talk about “The Further Course of the Narrative” in Aldarion and Erendis. Tolkien made some notes about where the story would go, but at times they’re contradictory, and there’s no cohesive plot to speak of. What it is, though, is a glimpse into how Tolkien crafted his world, how there was no cohesive outline but times when his mind was simply driven to write the ideas that came to him.

We look at:
How Tolkien wrote this way
Ancalime’s family life–with her parents and husband
Erendis and how, in a way, she can be compared to Eowyn
Was Erendis’ death hopeful or hopeless?

Then, in our extended episode (become a member to get it at https://theonering.com/members):
More thoughts on Aldarion meeting Celeborn and Galadriel
If these stories were “preserved” by Gondor, why would such thoughts by Erendis be saved?
* What were the “emissaries” of Sauron to the elves at this time? What of using men against them?

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🔗 Episode LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)

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🔍 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
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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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.

We look at:
Meneldur’s Sacrifice
Aldarion’s Redemption
* Erendis’s descent into self-pity

Then, in our extended episode (become a member to get it at https://theonering.com/members):
Did Aldarion provoke Sauron with his journeys to Middle-earth?
Why does Tolkien focus so much on the problem with pride?
* Was Aldarion’s dream something given to him by the Valar (or Illuvatar)?

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🔗 Episode LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)
Sad: Man Faltering On His ‘Read Through The Silmarillion In A Year’ Plan (Babylon Bee article)

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🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Silmarillion
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The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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Aldarion gets married and is able to stay on land for a few years… up until his daughter turns 4, and then he just can’t stay away from the sea anymore.

We look at:
Does Tolkien hate Aldarion?
What drives Aldarion?
Does Erendis hate everything?
Home is where your wife is

Then, in our extended episode (become a member to get it at https://theonering.com/members):
Should the kingship of Númenor had more constitutional rules?
Would Middle-earth have been better off with Meneldur instead of Aldarion?
* Did the elves need Aldarion?

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🔗 Episode LinksJoin our Discord Community (for free)
Middle-earth Mixer

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🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Silmarillion
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The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

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

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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?

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Here’s another recording from the December 2, 2003 roundtable interviews I was invited to join with a few other journalists to speak to the actors and crew of The Lord of the Rings (our Peter Jackson episode is at https://youtu.be/JqhF91GJbGg).

While the audio is terrible (we did what we could to make it listenable!), Peter Jackson’s Gandalf answered our questions earnestly and thoughtfully–particularly when discussing wisdom and fidelity to Tolkien’s books.

I hope you enjoy this special interview! And make sure you become a member at https://theonering.com/members! In the extended episode I talk more in depth about:

• What that green “jade” necklace he wore was (and a photo).
• My thoughts on his portrayal of Gandalf (and whether even having a portrayal is good or bad).
• Outside of PJ’s films, what is the best adaptation of Lord of the Rings?

🎉 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 LinksSubmit a LOTR Film Change

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Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
The Silmarillion
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

🗣 Special Thanks to Austin Robertson for the use of his voice!

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

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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?

As we get closer to finishing out "On Fairy Stories," Michael Dan and I discuss how recovery and escape are 2 of the 3 things (consolation will be next week!) that these fantasy tales offer us.  We look at:

Recovery from what? What is this "mooreeffoc" he wrote about? Has the world lost the ability to recover? Why modern stories don't offer escape Star Trek vs Star Wars -- as fairy stories And how Tolkien was wrong about science fiction!

Then in our members-only episode (https://theonering.com/members) we discuss:

How modern buildings reflect the loss of recovery. Does recovery/escape/consolution bleed over to other art forms? Do visual arts bring about escape? Does music bring about escape?

🎉 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 (has "On Fairy Stories" essay)

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🔍 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 Make Tolkien Great Again - Tengwar Hat

🗣 Special Thanks to Austin Robertson for the use of his voice!

🖼 Special Thanks to Anna Grumbine for the artwork!

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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?

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🔗 Episode Links TedNasmith.com Illustrated Silmarillion Ted's Book Recommendation - World without Mind by Franklin Foer

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🔍 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!

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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

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🔍 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!

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

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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.

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🔗 Episode Links The One Ring Shop Make Tolkien Great Again

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🔍 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!

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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://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

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🔎 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

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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://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!

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Episode Links
Game Livestream #1
Game Livestream #2

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The Silmarillion
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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://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 LinksGollum Game (only buy this at a deep discount)
Game Livestream #1
Game Livestream #2

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The Silmarillion
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The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

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Dan had an unexpected work trip this week (I forgive him 😉), and we weren’t able to record our expected 1 year anniversary podcast, In lieu of that, here is last weeks livestream where we talked 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!

You can also WATCH ON YOUTUBE!

——————————————-
⛰ The Fellowship ⛰
——————————————-
Jonathan from @TheOneRingCom
https://theonering.com

John from @BoundingintoComics
https://boundingintocomics.com

John from @TolkienRoad
https://tolkienroad.com

Michael from @TheOneRingCom
https://theonering.com

Garet from Himself

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It’s a little sad that we spent 34 episodes in the 1st age, but the 2nd age only gets 2 😢… We finish up the Akallabêth this week talking about religion in Númenor, if the Valar gave up governing Arda (and for how long), if men of Númenor are addicted to the light of Valinor, and if the Rings of Power got ANYTHING right!

Join us in our extended episode where we discuss if chasing the idea of “freedom” simply leads to more evil, if Ar Pharazon thought Sauron was evil or just a rival, and how many generations of ents there might be. 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 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 36No Dwayne! Look Up!
Young Shelob

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The Silmarillion
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Jonathan, Michael, and Dan reach the 2nd age of Middle-earth, and with it are compelled to bring up The Rings of Power–and, particularly, how they couldn’t even get right the perfectly clear reason Tolkien gave for the Númenorean downfall!

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://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)!

📕 Join our Book Club! If you’re a member, 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 35Unfinished Tales

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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://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.

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Episode 33
Livestreams on Friday (when we can schedule them!)

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Here’s a bonus podcast this week — our inaugural Fellowship Fridays Live discussion! Listen in as Michael Grumbine (from 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!

Hope you enjoy this extra episode!

You can also WATCH ON YOUTUBE!

——————————————-
⛰ The Fellowship ⛰
——————————————-
Jonathan from @TheOneRingCom
https://theonering.com

John from @BoundingintoComics
https://boundingintocomics.com

The Middle-earth Mixer
https://twitter.com/MiddleearthMixr

John from @TolkienRoad
https://tolkienroad.com

Steve from @ghprog
https://glasshammer.com/

Michael from @TheOneRingCom
https://theonering.com

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The last great stronghold of the elves falls to Morgoth, even though Ulmo has been right to warn them all along. This penultimate chapter of the Quenta Silmarillion sets the stage for the final battle against Morgoth and the remaking of the world!

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!

We also make a special announcement… Livestreams are coming on Friday, April 28th!

Join us in our extended episode where we discuss whether the Valar should care about the Noldor, if the Valar are absentee landlords, why there aren’t any good dragons, and why Turgon is so prideful. To get the extended episode, become a member at https://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 33The Fall of Gondolin
Livestream coming April 28 @ 3pm Eastern! Every Friday!

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The Silmarillion
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The Children of Hurin

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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:

• How the movies were his gateway drug into Tolkien
• That there might actually be some positive parts to The Rings of Power
• Where Warner Bros. new movies might be going
• Which of Tolkien’s stories SHOULD be made into a film

And stick around for our extended podcast for our patrons (30 more minutes! Get at https://theonering.com/patron) where we talk more about:

• Where does the sould/voice/life of the Eagles come from — and what about the talking sword Anglachel?
• Is it really magic in the Lord of the Rings?
• Confessions from the Comfy Chair including
— What Circle of Dante’s Inferno does Rings of Power belong in?
— What’s the nerdiest thing you’ve ever done?
— What would be a great non-Tolkien book to read?
— How can we foster creativity so writers will create new great stories again?

The Middle-earth Mixer is a podcast and tweeting machine who (while having fun poking fun on Twitter) dives deep into Tolkien’s lore on his easy-to-consume podcasts!

BECOME A MEMBERGet access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, shop discounts, and more. Click here!

🔗 Episode Links
Mixer’s Twitter
Mixer’s Podcast
CS Lewis’ Space Trilogy

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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. When the Nauglamir and the Silmaril meet, all hell breaks loose: the dwarves make a move, Beren makes his return, and Fēanor’s sons strike in the aftermath.

In this episode, Jonathan, Michael, and Dan discuss the power of curses (and why didn’t Morgoth just curse more people), how the Silmaril is actually kind of like the One Ring (and even negatively affects Beren and Luthien), and how–of Hurin’s entire family–Morwen was the only one not conquered.

We also make a special announcement… Livestreams are coming on Friday, April 28th!

Join us in our extended episode where we discuss whether Melian knew about the dwarves and should have warned Thingol, why aren’t the Dwarves burned by the Silmaril, and whether Melian could have (or should have) taken the Silmaril to Valinor. 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 32 LinksThe Children of Hurin

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In this episode, we find the footsteps of doom overtaking Túrin–despite naming himself “Turambar” (Master of Doom). We take a little extra time to discuss who is more responsible for the doom that leads to the death of so many–Túrin or Morgoth? Should we blame Túrin for any of it? Or should we blame Morgoth’s curse spoken of Húrin?

Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they discuss the rest of the story of Túrin! And, yes, we do dive into the extremely unexpected issue around the talking sword…

Don’t forget to join us in our extended episode where we discuss Túrin’s suicide, and dive into more detail about his unwanted doom! 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, messageboards, and comments. Click here!

Episode 31 LinksFellowship of the Ring Puzzle
The Two Towers Puzzle

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The tale of Túrin Turambar is one of the great stories of Middle-earth — Tolkien even mentions it in 1951 as a possible publication after finishing Lord of the Rings. But it’s COMPLETELY different… Túrin isn’t really a hero–he makes bad decisions and runs from them. He refuses forgiveness. He ignores wise advice.

Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they discuss this tragic counterpoint to Beren and Luthién–a tale of woe, sorrow, grief, death, and not much of a happy ending.

Don’t forget to join us in our extended episode where we discuss why this is Jonathan’s favorite (non-LOTR) Tolkien story too! To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/patron ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)!

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Episode 30 LinksTolkien Dogmatics
The Children of Hurin

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Dan, Michael, and I had a thorough, deep, and fun conversation with Austin Freeman, author of “Tolkien Dogmatics”. In our free podcast, we discuss:

• How Tolkien’s theology is shown in his works (and how it changed)
• What Tolkien thought about criticism
• How fantasy is actually a DEEPER look into our world, and not a rewrite
• What sub-creation actually is and isn’t
• Balrogs!

Stick around for our extended podcast for our patrons (35 more minutes!) where we talk more about:

• Austin’s experiences in Edinboro
• How Tolkien changed his perspective on life and faith
• Why Tolkien is a Calvinist
• Confessions from the Comfy Chair including
  • What Circle of Dante’s Inferno does Rings of Power belong in?
  • What’s the nerdiest thing you’ve ever done?
  • What would be a great non-Tolkien book to read?
  • How can we foster creativity so writers will create new great stories again?

Austin Freeman has a PhD in systematic theology, is faculty at Houston Christian University, and the author of the book “Tolkien Dogmatics”. Austin’s book is a deep dive into Tolkien’s theology, how he expressed that through his stories, and the care he took in engaging his faith through his creativity.

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Episode LinksTolkien Dogmatics at Lexham Press
Tolkien Dogmatics at Amazon

Episode LinksThe Tolkien Road
The Tolkien Road – Patreon
Tolkien’s Overture : Concerning the Music of the Ainur
Tolkien’s Requiem : Concerning Beren and Luthien

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John Carswell has been producing The Tolkien Road podcast for almost 8 years– and he’s written two books! Jonathan and Michael dive into what John finds so compelling with Tolkien, his own road to finding more depth and meaning in Tolkien’s works, and what Warner Bros can do to make truly excellent films set in Middle-earth (hint: it has nothing to do with money or effects).

Become a patron to check out our extended podcast where we ply John for Confessions from the Comfy Chair!

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST AND BECOME A PATRON!Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, shop discounts, and more. Click here!

Episode LinksThe Tolkien Road
The Tolkien Road – Patreon
Tolkien’s Overture : Concerning the Music of the Ainur
Tolkien’s Requiem : Concerning Beren and Luthien

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Bounding into Comics isn’t the usual starry-eyed, Hollywood-glorifying, news magazine–the site 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.

Michael and Jonathan had the pleasure of talking with John Trent, founder and editor-in-chief of Bounding into Comics! We dive into Tolkien in the past, Tolkien in the present (Rings of Power :(), and Tolkien in the Future (the new Warner Bros films), while also examing faith, love, and why writers can’t write anymore.

Become a patron to check out our extended podcast where we ply John for Confessions from the Comfy Chair!

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Episode LinksBounding into Comics
Bounding into Comics – Twitter
Bounding into Comics – YouTube
Bounding into Sports

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The Silmarillion
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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.

Join Jonathan and Michael as they discuss chaper 20 of The Silmarillion, “Of the Fith Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad”. This is probably one of the hardest chapters to figure out; it brings together many of the characters we’ve met, but in new circumstances and starts tying together storylines that will see a future payoff.

And test yourself if you can recognize the cameos in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films!

Join us in our extended episode by becoming a member (click that JOIN button next to the SUBSCRIBE button–or go to https://theonering.com/patron). We talk about Maedhros’ motivations, James Cameron comparing himself to Tolkien, the 5 upcoming Middle-earth games, and more! It’s about another 30 minutes of Tolkien talk and it’s free for the first month!

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Episode 29 Links
The Atlas of Middle-earth

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Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they close up the story dearest to Tolkien. Beren 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. We also talk about Luthien’s feminine power, Morgoth’s Kaiju, and how–after reading this story deliberately and intently–we all like it better now!

And join us in our extended podcast as we look at what Vin Diesel said about Tolkien, how some folks think “Tampering” with Tolkien is OK, and answer questions from our esteemed patrons!

Head over to theonering.com/patron to get our extended podcast — it’s about another 30 minutes of Tolkien talk and it’s free for the first month!

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Episode 28 Links
Beren and Luthien by JRR Tolkien

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Did you know that “some parts of the book have aged poorly because they are problematic and offensive in ways that went uncorrected at the time.”

Michael, Dan, and I TEAR APART this article that claims Tolkien’s original writing has problems that just aren’t successful with Modern Audiences ™. It’s a ridiculous, vapid, and completely meritless claim that deserves to be drawn, quartered, and burned to a formless ash.

Read the Article

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The Silmarillion
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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!

Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they get deep into the 2nd part of Beren and Luthien’s story! Don’t forget to checkout our extended podcast by becoming a patron–it’s almost another 30 minutes of Tolkien talk and free for the first month!

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Episode 27 Links
They’re Taking the Hobbits to Isengard

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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.

In this episode, we look deeply into what it must have been like for Beren to meet Thingol and Melian, question how much Beren valued the Silmarils (if at all), and discuss the value of oaths and whether Finrod’s oath was “good”.

And don’t miss our AI-generated quiz on “All that is gold does not glitter”! Can YOU spot the AI fanfic?

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Episode 26 Links
Unfinished Tales
The Fall of Númenor

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“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. And of these histories most fair still in the ears of the Elves is the tale of Beren and Lúthien. Of their lives was made the Lay of Leithian, Release from Bondage, which is the longest save one of the songs concerning the world of old; but here the tale is told in fewer words and without song.”

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Episode 25 Links
BECOME A PATRON

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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.

Join Michael, Dan, and I as we read through the second part of chapter 18 of The Silmarillion! And stick around for our extended discussion on CS Lewis’s thoughts on The Two Towers and The Return of the King…

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Episode 24 Links
CS Lewis Review

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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. Join us as we look at things like:

• Tolkien Gives us the end of the story at the beginning
• Fingolfin’s “Fire”
• Why are the eagles late?
• Morgoth is not unscathed–he’s scarred and limping!

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Episode 23 LinksQuiz 1
Quiz 2
Quiz 3
CS Lewis Review

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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!

Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they tackle the 2nd half of Chapter 17, of the Coming of Men into the West!

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Episode LinksStephen R Lawhead Website
Taliesin (Book 1)
Merlin (Book 2)

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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).

The beautiful imagery Tolkien creates with his words resonates profoundly with the winter season’s cold and desolate landscape… but the heavens and earth are overwhelmed with joy by the eucatastrophe (as Tolkien would put it) of Christ’s birth.

Episode Links
Watch the Video on Youtube!

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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.

Find out about something new in our “All that is gold” this week… and see what happens with that Burger King toy!

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for another Tolkien fan, don’t forget to check out Tolkien’s wonderful Letters from Father Christmas!

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Episode Links
The Fall of Númenor (audiobook)

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The Fall of Númenor
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The Book of Lost Tales
The Children of Hurin
The Hobbit, Illustrated by Alan Lee

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Dan’s Big Thought is a little TOO controversial… a Disney princess!? And of course we meet the Dark Elf, Eöl — even though, as we find out, his name is not the first time Tolkien uses the capital “D” Dark Elf moniker!

Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan in this discussion of Chapter 16, Of Maeglin. We talk about Rohan on steroids, a philologist’s greatest punishment, and why Michael has to eat crow.

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for another Tolkien fan, don’t forget to check out Tolkien’s wonderful Letters from Father Christmas!

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST AND BECOME A PATRON!Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, messageboards, and comments. Click here!

Episode Links
The Fall of Númenor
The Fall of Númenor (audiobook)

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If You Like Tolkien (from past episodes) 🔎
The Silmarillion
The Atlas of Middle-earth
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
The Book of Lost Tales
The Children of Hurin
The Hobbit, Illustrated by Alan Lee
Chesterton’s Gateway
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As Turgon builds the city of Gondolin in secret, the bitter seeds of distrust between the Noldor and the Sindar find fertile ground, for Melian warns Thingol, “Their swords and their counsels shall have two edges.”

Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan in this discussion of Chapter 15. They talk about Rohan on steroids, a philologist’s greatest punishment, and why Michael has to eat crow.

If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for another Tolkien fan, don’t forget to check out Tolkien’s wonderful Letters from Father Christmas!

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST AND BECOME A PATRON!Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, messageboards, and comments. Click here!

Episode 19 Links
Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation Board Game (eBay) – more info

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If You Like Tolkien (from past episodes) 🔎
The Silmarillion
The Atlas of Middle-earth
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
The Book of Lost Tales
The Children of Hurin
The Hobbit, Illustrated by Alan Lee
Chesterton’s Gateway
Get The Silmarillion audio book for FREE!
Just become an Audible Premium Plus member, get your first month (and book credit free), use that credit to get The Silmarillion, and then cancel before your first month is up!

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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...

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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!

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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!

Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they discuss Chapter 13, try to figure out which quote is Tolkien's (thanks to our patron Linnaelin!), and lament the loss of so many listeners who aren't hearing our extended podcast! :)

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST AND BECOME A PATRON! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, messageboards, and comments. Click here!

Episode 16 Links Glass Hammer

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If You Like Tolkien (from past episodes) 🔎 The Silmarillion The Atlas of Middle-earth The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien The Book of Lost Tales The Children of Hurin The Hobbit, Illustrated by Alan Lee Chesterton's Gateway Get The Silmarillion audio book for FREE! Just become an Audible Premium Plus member, get your first month (and book credit free), use that credit to get The Silmarillion, and then cancel before your first month is up!

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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!).

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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 :).

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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?

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Dan, Jonathan, and Michael are taking the week off. But if you're looking for a little more Tolkien on this off week, check out our YouTube videos at theonering.com/youtube!

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Jonathan is gobsmacked that the dwarves are ACTUALLY the firstborn! The guys 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.

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With the stage set for enormous battles between Melkor and the Valar, Jonathan, Michael, and Dan dive into "Of the Beginning of Days".

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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!

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Why is music so important? Are the Valar really transgender? Join Michael, Dan, and Jonathan as they begin the long journey through The Silmarillion with the first chapter, Ainulindalē.

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Michael, Dan, and Jonathan offer their thoughts on what we know and what we’ve seen about Amazon’s Rings of Power series.

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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?