The Last Homely House: Recent Episodes
Ron Peters
We pick back up with our series on vocation in Middle Earth by talking about the economics of Numenor and about what changed when the people of Numenor established Gondor.
One episode just wasn't enought! We continue our discussion about the TRoP season 3 teaser trailer. (With our apologies for the delayed release!)
Our hosts take ANOTHER break from our current series to talk about the new Rings of Power teaser trailer that dropped at San Diego ComicCon this week. What stood out to you the most? What are you the most excited to see this season?
A previously unreleased letter from Tolkien was recently made public that, among other things, confirms that there were Ents in the Shire (at Gandalf's request). Our hosts talk about this new letter and how it helps us appreciate Tolkien's characters and stories in new ways.
Continuing our series (and picking up on the discussion of Shire economics) our hosts venture under the mountains to discuss what sorts of jobs might be prominant in Dwarven society (and what might motivate the differences between dwarves and hobbits). After this, we shift our focus (and the meaning of "vocation") as we discuss the Elves and their callings.
Getting a little more serious on the topic of vocation, we try to actually answer the listener-submitted question: where did Bilbo (and his family) get their money from? What did he do for work (if anything)? This leads us into broader questions about the nature of the whole Shire economy and what sorts of jobs other Hobbits might be found doing.
In response to a listen question (submitted over a year ago...our bad), we begin a series of episodes exploring vocation in Middle-Earth. We start off with a (fairly unserious) look at how a few members of the Fellowship might fair in an interview. Who do you think would get the job? Let us know in the comments!
A few weeks ago (in an official document on AI and Human Dignity) Pope Leo XIV quoted Gandalf. Our hosts talk a little bit about this quote, about how Tolkien might have felt about AI, and then more broadly about how Tolkien's works continue to inform and influence our world (and our lives).
Sometimes the strongest and safest places in Middle Earth aren't its grand towers and fortresses, but instead are hidden places, secluded woods, and the like. What makes these places special? How are they distinct from the fortresses where evil lurks and the strongholds of men?
Continuing on last week's discussion, we pivot to talk about the Strongholds that are built to defy evil lords, to defend the free people, and as bastions of hope in Middle Earth.
Our hosts begin a three week series on fortresses, strongholds, and safe havens in Middle Earth. This week, the Dark Fortresses where evil hides and plots.
We kick off this episode with an exciting announcement (!!!) and then move into a chat about notable second-borns in Tolkien's world.
We take a break from our previously scheduled series to celebrate our 200th EPISODE! Thanks for listening along all these years! To celebrate, we put together a game where Ron and Jasmine try to identify several Notable Numbers in Middle Earth. Join in and play along!
If the Dwarves love anything it's the stuff that they make. How does this impact their understanding of inheritance or their practice of handing things down? Related to this question, we spend some time considering "Does greed shape how all dwarves hand things down, or is it just Thorin?"
How would a culture's take on "inheritance" change if that culture was made up of peoples who don't die? That's the basic question for today as we talk about what gets handed down by the Elves of Middle-Earth (and who they hand it down to).
So much going on in this episode! We compare chapters from Books 3 and 6. We realize our mistake regarding "The Houses of Healing" and "The Steward and the King." AND we pick our final winner. Which chapter gets dubbed "the Best of the Best"?
Our third regional competition pits chapters from Book 2 against those from Book 5. It is also our first post-lunch episode which means it comes with a disclaimer: we confused the contents of the chapter "The Houses of Healing" with the contents of "The Steward and the King"?! We realize our mistake next week... be gentle.
The second episode of our Middle-Earth Madness series compares chapters from Book 1 with chapters from the Hobbit. Which chapters did you have moving on? How does your bracket compare to ours so far? Are you still locked in or is your bracket thoroughly busted?
Our Middle-Earth Madness Tournament begins! We start out with the bottom left region of the bracket: Book 4 of the Lord of the Rings versus the Silmarillion. What do you think of our picks? Who did you have moving on?
We're continuing our look at what gets handed down in Middle-Earth, moving from the short-folk to the big-folk! What are some of the things that get handed down by Men? Join us as we discuss power, household heirlooms, and inherited friendship.
We're starting a new season and a new series, looking at all things "handed down." How do heirlooms, heritage, inheritance (and the like) play into Tolkien's world (and specifically into his stories)? We start out this week looking at the Hobbits and all of the things Bilbo hands down to Frodo (his home, his ring, his adventuring gear, and also his 'Tookish' adventuring spirit).
Because we can't leave well-enough alone, we dive a little deeper into the alleged connection between Sauron and Bombadil (suggested by their poetic style). We speculate together and offer explanations that range from plausible to ridiculous. How would you explain the similarities?
With all of our hosts back together, we take one (final?) swing at the collection of Tolkien's poetry. This time we look at their selections from the Lord of the Rings. Which were our favorites? Do we think they did a good job choosing a representative collection? Also...why do Sauron and Bombadil write poetry the same way!?
Since Jasmine was out of town for last week's episde, we return to Volume 3 of Tolkien's collected poetry and talk about a few more of our first favorites. Tragedy written in bouncy couplets. A slow and terrifying dragon. And a purposely unfinished work by...Arwen?
Jon and Ron dive in and share some of their "first favorites" from the third volume of Tolkien's Collected Poetry. We talk nostalgia, Germanic sagas, and limmericks. (Basically, we're all over the place when Jasmine isn't here!)
We cracked open the box a bit last week talking about portrayals of Aragorn and Arwen's romance in the upcoming Hunt for Gollum. This week, our hosts go back to the source material to discuss their relationship, how it is portrayed in Jackson's films, and how it might be brought into the new film well.
We're just over a year away from more Tolkien on the big screen, with The Hunt for Gollum expected to hit theaters in late 2027. And, while there's not a lot of official news yet, there have been rumors floating around concerning who will (and won't) be returning to reprise some beloved characters. Join our hosts as we engage in one of our favorite passtimes: SPECULATION!
25 years after its original release, Jon and Jasmine finally got the chance to see it in the theater (Jon also got to watch Two Towers and Return of the King). We chat about our experience seeing these masterpieces on the silver screen. Did any else get the chance to see the anniversary screenings?
Our hosts chat about a new book, Tom Racine's "Doomed to Die: An A-to-Z of Death in Tolkein" and then discuss Tolkien's own assertion that all human stories are about one thing...the inevitability of death.
One episode in volume 2 was not enough! We needed a few more minutes to talk about some of the great stuff we found in the second part of the new poetry collection.
After taking a few weeks away from Tolkien's Collected Poetry, our hosts return to the collection and share some of their favorites from Volume 2.
Join our hosts and they think back over the last year of podcasting and look forward to a new year full of fun new discussions to be had! What were your favorite episodes this year? What would you like to hear us talk about next?
Have you ever wondered which Middle-Earth location corresponds to which modern Holiday? Have you ever thought about how New Years Day might be celebrated around Middle-Earth? No? Well, you're about to!! Join us for our unhinged end-of-the-year special!
Within the recently published poetry collection, we look at a beautiful Christmas poem first published by Tolkien in 1936 and at a silly poem sent to his children at Christmastime in 1938.
Our hosts spend more time with the first volume of Tolkien's collected poems (spanning 1910-1919), looking at how his experience in war comes out in these works, as well as how the beginings of Middle-Earth begin to peak through.
Far from being experts on Tolkien's early poems, our hosts spend some time talking about what were the early stand-outs in Volume 1. Greek myths. Shadows of war. And hints at a Middle-Earth to come.
We've finally got our hands on the recently published collection of Tolkien's poetry! What are our first impressions of this impressive, 3-volume collection? Tune in to find out!
After the darker subject matter of the last two weeks, we decided to do something a little more light-hearted. Can Ron and Jasmine determine what quotes are authentic Tolkien and which ones are not? Can you? Join in the game and let us know how you did!
Building off of last week's conclusion, we discuss how different the Lord of the Rings would have looked with different fantasy authors at the helm. What do you think of our darker, Martin-esque LotR? What about the lighter (shorter) Lewis-inspired LotR?
How can the deaths of one actor (Sean Bean) be so illustrative of two very different kinds of fantasy storytelling? Our hosts compare the death of Boromir in Fellowship of the Ring and Ned Stark in Game of Thrones and talk about some of the important ways Tolkien's fantasy differs from Martin's.
Our hosts switch gears from their summer (and early fall) of book club and talk about the new photos released from the Rings of Power season 3 set. What (if anything) do we learn from the shots? What are our hopes (and fears) for what's coming in the new season?
The last two hidden kingdoms fall to ruin and Earendil sails west on behalf of the two kindreds. Will the host of Valinor save the day? (Spoilers: they do.) The Quenta Silmarillion wraps up, and we add on the Akalabeth (on the destruction of Numenor) and "Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age" which...talks about the Rings of Power...and the Third Age.
Beren and Luthien wrest a Silmaril from the crown of Morgoth, the Battle of Unnumbered Tears is waged, and Turin...gets himself into trouble.
The Noldor depart from Valinor in pursuit of the Silmarils. It...does not go well... Wars are waged. Hidden kingdoms are established. The Noldor lose two kings. Men appear on the scene. Morgoth slowly gains the upper hand.
We had so much fun with our Book Club, we extended it by a month! We're spending October in the Silmarillion! Today's episode takes us from the Ainunlindalë (when the Ainur sing the world into existence) to the Darkening of Valinor (when Morgoth and Ungoliant consumed the light of the two trees and stole the Silmarils).
Never content to leave well enough alone, Tolkien follows up the masterfully told tale of the Ring with appendices of all kinds. From tales of years long past to random notes on translation and pronunciation. What do you think is the most interesting part of Tolkien's appendices?
The Fellowship, reunited at long last after the completion of their quest, begins to part ways. The hobbits head west to the Shire (which is not as they left it) and then Frodo departs to head even further West...
Sam rescues Frodo and the two begin the hopeless trek across Mordor and, against all odds, complete their mission...quest...thing.
Eucatastrophe on the Pelennor Fields as victory is secured in the nick of time. But will it be enough? Our victorious heroes march to certain defeat at the Enemy's very gate.
Pippen and Gandalf arrive in Minas Tirith. Battle arrives in Minas Tirith. The Rohirrim arrive (just in time) in Minas Tirith.
Smeagol is saved after trespassing in the forbidden pool...and then leads Sam and Frodo to certain death. Talk about ungrateful...
We go back in time and catch up with Sam and Frodo, east of the Anduin. They travel with their newfound guide to the edge of Mordor and meet an unanticipated ally in Ithilien.
We pick up our story with the battle at Helm's Deep and end with Gandalf and Pippen racing toward Minas Tirith.
With the Fellowship broken, our story first follows the kidnapped Hobbits and the heroic hunters who pursue them (and find more than they're looking for)!
The fellowship rests in Lothlorien, they travel down the Anduin, and ultimately go their separate ways. What were your favorite parts of these chapters? What change/growth have you seen in the characters so far? What are you watching for in the next book?
Frodo is reunited with Gandalf in Imladris only to lose him to tragedy in the dark under the mountain. These few chapters are full of ups and downs (and SO much information). What parts stood out the most to you?
From the threshold of Bombadil's door to the threshold of Rivendel, our hosts follow the growing fellowship through the Barrow Downs, into Bree, to Weathertop, and eventually to the Ford of Bruinen. What stood out to you in these chapters?
One book down, three to go! Our hosts begin their discussion of Fellowship by escaping the Shire with Frodo (only to find greater peril in the wider world). What were your favorite part of these early chapters?
We take a quick diversion from Middle Earth to look at one of Tolkien's short stories (Smith of Wooton Major). Does it show some similarities to the Hobbit? Can it teach us anything about Tolkien's opinion on Faery stories?
We wrap up our first book for the summer! Bilbo's courage and wisdom save the day and the finally makes his way back home. What did you think? If it was your first read, how did you like it? If you've read it before, what stood out to you this time around?
We continue our read-through the Hobbit with chapters 11-15. (or as Ron would call them, the DRAGON CHAPTERS!!) We go from the dwarves (and Bilbo) first entering the mountain to the point when they barricade themselves inside against those who want a part of the treasure. What were your favorite parts of this section?
Our hosts talk about the next five chapters of the Hobbit, taking them from their run-in with the wolves all the way to their safe arrival in Laketown.
At long last, we begin our read-through of the Hobbit, going from Bilbo's unexpected party to the riddle-battle under the mountain. What are your favorite parts of those first few chapters?
Our hosts try (unsuccessfully) to unravel the mystery of Tom Bombadil. What sort of being is he? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Our hosts chat about how Luthien grows into one of Tolkien's greatest characters as he continues to develop her (and how her singing becomes key to her power).
We continue our series of character deep-dives looking at Saruman and asking ourselves "When exactly did he become the bad guy?"
Our hosts spend some time today talking about Fëanor. Tolkien describes him as the greatest elf of Middle-Earth but he is also in many ways the most problematic. We talk a little bit about his history and what makes him so great and terrible.
Following up on a recommendation from a listener, our hosts talk TRoP Season 3, the newly confirmed cast members, and what the next season might have in store for us.
Why does Tolkien spend so much time talking about what people are drinking? What do the drinks say about the characters? (And what sort of cocktail does Denethor drink with his tomatoes?)
Our hosts finally return to their discussion of resting places in Middle-Earth, wrapping up with the (few) places of rest in Return of the King (and the return to several resting places that were discussed earlier).
Join our three hosts as they talk about Middle-Earth's own "Goldy-Locks." Will our takes be too hot, too cold, or just right?
We wrap up our Middle-Earth Madness Tolkien Tournament with one final category and breaking down our Final Four. Who will win and get to join the Fellowship? You'll have to listen to find out! Let us know if you played along and who you had win the final round! (The bracket can be found on our Facebook page.)
To kick off our fourth season, we have our own little March Madness tournament in Middle-Earth, except the winner of our competition gets the honor of joining the Fellowship after the fall of Gandalf. Who will it be? (If you want to play along, grab a bracket from our Facebook page!)
Our hosts continue their discussion about places of rest in Middle Earth, picking up from the Prancing Pony and making it (mostly unscathed) through the Two Towers.
Our hosts try to recover from time-change weekend by reflecting on places of rest in Tolkien's stories. They start with the the Hobbit and end within sight of the Prancing Pony.
We find out how Jasmine and Jon did answering last week's questions for Ron. And we also revisit the Lord of the Rings trilogy's Oscar success (since the Academy Awards were last night).
It's been a few years since our hosts have "introduced themselves" by answering questions about Middle-Earth and Tolkien. So listen in, get to know our hosts, see how well Jon and Jasmine know Ron, and answer the questions yourself!
It's not always "love at first sight" in Middle-Earth. Sometimes things go off the rails when "he loves her" and "she loves somebody else" (and vice versa).
Our hosts celebrate the upcoming holiday by talking about the idea of "Love at First Sight" in Tolkien's works.
Our Fellowship is whole again and Jasmine joins the conversation to add her thoughts on Gollum.
Ron and Jon continue discussing Gollum's character (and come up with a GREAT idea for a scene in Hunt for Gollum)!
Our hosts spend some time talking about the evolution of the Gollum character, why he became a Hobbit, and why that might be significant.
With War of the Rohirrim (and the appendices) behind us, it's time to start thinking about the next Tolkien adaptation bound for the big screen: the Hunt for Gollum (expected in 2026). What (and more importantly, WHO) do we expect to see when it comes out?
Jasmine has returned and she has more GREAT ideas to bring the appendices to the screen.
With the success of War of the Rohirrim, Jon and Ron talk about what other stories from the Appendices they would like to see animated.
Last week we heard about the setup for the story and met some of the main characters. This week we get into the meat of the action. Let us know what you thought: what were your favorite parts of the film?
Our hosts got out on openning weekend to watch the new LotR film, War of the Rohirrim. Tune in to hear their first impressions (and share your own in the comments)!
We haven't talked about it much but that doesn't mean we've forgotten about it! The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is set to hit theaters this week! Join our hosts as they talk about where this story comes from and what they are looking forward to in the film.
Two of our hosts return to wrap up our discussions about Sauron, his powers, and their portrayals on screen.
Please enjoy this Last Homely Rerun(?) while our hosts enjoy a short break (and as Ron and Jon travel back from a conference in San Diego). Revisit their discussion from last year about the connections between their Tolkien nerd-dom and Bible nerd-dom.
Our hosts pick up their conversation about Sauron's origins, talking a bit more about Thu/Sauron as a Necromancer and how that might have helped him gain power in Numenor.
Our hosts rewind a few years and revisit/rate their predictions for Season 2. What did they get right? What did they get wrong? What did they get REALLY wrong?
Our hosts wrap up their initial predictions for TRoP season 3 with a discussion about all things Numenorian.
Our hosts continue with their predictions for the next season of the Rings of Power. Where will the hobbits go next? What will happen with the wizards in Rhun? Will Durin choose the ring over Disa?
Our hosts spend a little time recapping Season 2 (their likes and dislikes) and start talking about what we might expect from Season 3.
Our hosts discuss the finale of Season 2, talk about how each storyline concluded, and share some preliminary thoughts about Season 3.
Join our hosts as they discuss the penultimate episode of Season 2. What did you think about the downfall of Eregion? Sauron's machinations? The kiss?
Ron and Jasmine have to fly without Jon today as they discuss episode 6 of season 2 of the Rings of Power.
Our full fellowship reunites to discuss the latest episode of TRoP season 2, Halls of Stone. Big changes in Numenor, dark tidings from Khazad-Dum, and more! What do you think about the new season so far?
Our hosts share some initial thoughts on the latest episode of Rings of Power, "Eldest." We've met Tom Bombadil. There are new Hobbits. We've seen some Ents. And Galadriel's ring demonstrates some new powers. What were your favorite (or least favorite) parts of the latest episode?
SPOILERS AHEAD!! It's part 2 of a special, double-episode edition of Last Homely House as our hosts discuss the first three episodes of The Rings of Power Season 2. We talk about Eregion, Khazad-Dum, Pelargir, and Numenor.
SPOILERS AHEAD!! It's a special, double-episode edition of Last Homely House as our hosts discuss the first three episodes of The Rings of Power Season 2. We talk about Sauron and Adar and the goings on in Mordor, Rhun, and Lindon.
Our hosts look forward to the release of TRoP season 2 this week by discussing a few interesting points of the final trailer. Who is this new bearded stranger? Could it be Saruman? How might that work? Also, what do we think about the way the trailer's portray Sauron's power? Is it too much? Not enough?
Our hosts get back together to talk about Tolkien's final three criteria for Fantasy: recovery, escape, and consolation. How did season 1 do with each of them and what are our hopes for season 2?
What are Tolkien's criteria for fantasy stories and how can we use those to critique the Rings of Power? Our hosts revisit this question as they prepare to watch season 2. Join us today as we talk through the concept of "Sub-Creation."
Our hosts share continue sharing their reactions to the trailer for Rings of Power season 2 that was released at San Diego Comic Con.
Our hosts share their initial reactions to the trailer for Rings of Power season 2 that was released at San Diego Comic Con.
Our hosts continue (and wrap up?) their series on Vices and Virtues in Middle Earth with a discussion of loyalty and betrayal. Come for the interesting topic; stay for all the animal references!
Our vices and virtues series continues! What is tyranny? What is justice? What leaders in Middle Earth demonstrate each of them?
More vices and virtues with our hosts. Today we pick up where we left off last week and talk about vengeance and mercy in Middle Earth.
Our hosts celebrate 100 episodes, reflect on some of their favorite discussions over the last two years, and look forward to more fun topics to come.
Vanity Fair released an exclusive first look at Tom Bombadil in TROP Season 2. What do our hosts think about the news? What can we glean from the (few) still shots that were released? Join in for our discussion and then share your thoughts!
Join our hosts as they dig into the official "Behind the Scenes" video that Amazon released for The Rings of Power season 2.
Picking back up with their conversation about Vices and Virtues in Middle-Earth, our hosts talk about how people respond to fear in Tolkien's world and how those responses may lead to virtue or vice.
Coming to you a week delayed (since we talked Mother's Day last week), our hosts give their first thoughts and impressions about the recently announced film, "The Hunt for Gollum." What are your thoughts?
We just can't seem to make it back to our Virtues and Vices series. Instead, we take the chance to talk about mothers in Middle Earth. (Our apologies for the delay and for any oddities in the audio. The internet was NOT our friend today!)
Our hosts take a quick break from the Vices and Virtues series in memory of Bernard Hill, who portrayed King Theoden of Rohan. What are your favorite Theoden moments from the LotR films?
We couldn't move on without saying a little more about Wisdom! Join our hosts as they talk about the Wisdom of the Elves, who is the wisest of the elves, why isn't Cirdan invited to the White Council, and why do Ron and Jon care so much about cutting their grass.
Continuing our discussion of vices and virtues in Middle Earth by looking at foolishness and wisdom. Where do these things show up in Tolkien's stories? What characters exemplify them?
Our hosts continue their discussion of the vices and virtues of Middle-Earth. This time we talk about the dangers of Greed and about the importance of Generosity and Hospitality.
We're starting a short series this week looking at vices and virtues in Middle-Earth, starting out with Hubris and Humility. Who are the characters that exhibit excessive pride? How does it figure into Tolkien's world and his story? Who are the humble characters? How do we see these things set against each other. Let us know what you think! (Also, let us know about other Vices and Virtues you'd like to hear us talk about!)
We've talked TRoP rumors but have you heard any of the rumors flying around for the third season of our podcast! Some amazing things coming out this year! Our hosts got together on April 1st to talk LHH Rumors. Listen in and let us know what you're looking forward to the most in this season of the Last Homely House.
Our hosts celebrate the destruction of the One Ring and the beginning of another season of the podcast. We look back on our favorite discussions of season 2 and look forward to what's to come in season 3. Join in the conversation: what were your favorite episodes this year? What do you hope we can chat about in the year to come?
Our hosts pick up a special topic today as we welcome Jon back from a conference on biblical research where he presented on the Ainulindale and Genesis. Jon recaps his Tolkien-Talk and we think together about how reading Tolkien's work can help us read the Bible in more fruitful ways.
We just can't get enough of the speculation surrounding Season 2. Our hosts continue going over some of the recent news (some confirmed details; some just rumors) about the upcoming season of the Rings of Power. What are you looking foward to the most from the new season?
Last week we talked about some (maybe far-fetched?) rumors surrounding Season 2 of the Rings of Power. This week, we spend some time with some confirmed news about the upcoming season, as well as some rumors that are more likely to come to fruition. Let us know what you think! Which rumors do you hope are true? Which do you hope are not?!
The second season of the Rings of Power is still a ways off, but it hasn't stopped people from speculating. This week, our hosts look at a list of rumors that come from an internet source who has claimed to see a full script of season 2. While remaining very skeptical of the source, our hosts couldn't help but chat about some of the CRAZY things they suggest for the next season of TRoP.
After our brief holiday tangent, our hosts return to wrap up their discussion of art in Middle Earth. Today they think about Art vs. Industry. Why is making art a good thing in Tolkien's world, while being "industrious" is a bad thing? When does "making things" move from "art" to "industry," and why is "industry" such a bad thing?
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, our hosts take a moment to honor Middle-Earth's most often forgotten partner: Celeborn. Whether it's Gandalf, Elrond, or even Sauron/Halbrand...Galadriel hangs out with everyone BUT her poor husband. Join us as we remember poor lost Celeborn this Valentine's Day (because no one else will)!
Tolkien's world is full of art, but one medium that is notably absent is painting. Paintings and drawings don't have the same place in Middle Earth that sculpture, crafting, and music have. Our hosts discuss why that might be, and then talk about Tolkien as a visual artist himself. Which of Tolkien's drawings are your favorite? Do you have another favorite artist of Middle Earth?
Our hosts talk more about art, turning from sculpture and jewels to the art of music. What is the significance of music in Middle Earth? How do different peoples use it? Does it tap into something foundational for Tolkien?
Ron rejoins us, so we revisit a few questions from last week (on Kids in Middle Earth) and then we jump into a new topic. Tolkien's Middle Earth is full of art and artists. So what art stands out to you the most? Where does it show up? Who makes it? And why?
Ron is away welcoming a new grandchild to the family. So Jon and Jasmine take the opportunity to chat about children in Middle-Earth. Where are the kids in Tolkien's stories? What about his stories, his world, and his own experience in life might lead him to shy away from including too many children?
Picking up on last week's discussion on the Fate of elves and men, our hosts chat on how Fate and Free Will interact in Middle Earth. On the one hand, you have the Doom of Mandos and other prophetic voices that seem to dictate how events will turn out. On the other hand, you have characters making choices that shape their destinies. How do these things work together? Where are the Valar in all of this?
Circling back to the story of Beren and Luthien, our hosts chat about the incredible choice that is presented to Luthien: the ability to embrace the "gift of men"--mortality--so that she can be with Beren forever. We talk about this gift, the fate of elves and men, and where the half elven fit into that scheme.
Join our hosts this Christmas as they discuss the giving of gifts in Middle Earth. What are some of the gifts that made an impact on Tolkien's world (for good and for ill). What makes a good gift? And as an added bonus, what would you buy for members of the Fellowship if you drew their name in a Secret Santa?
As a follow-up to their discussion of the three great tales of the First Age, our hosts revisit the characters of Turin and Tuor. Specifically, they chat about a number of similarities that come up in their two stories (even though they are also radically different). Join in as we talk about what makes good storytelling, what grows out of the leaf-mould (of course), and recurring themes like tragic love and destructive pride.
Our hosts chat about the third and final stand-alone story from the first age (and one of the first Middle Earth stories Tolkien ever wrote): the Fall of Gondolin. Join them as they chat about the evolution of the story, the epic feel of its storytelling, and more. Which of the three First Age tales was your favorite?
Our hosts continue their journey through the three Great Tales from the First Age of Middle Earth. This week: Beren and Luthien, the story of an elf woman who falls in love with a mortal man. Join us as we talk about the story, how it mirrors parts of Tolkien's own love story, and what we think of Christopher's edited version.
Our Fellowship is reunited! And we begin our (brief...we hope) journey into three of the great tales of the first age. We start this week with the Children of Hurin, probably the most tragic story that Tolkien ever told. What do we like? What do we dislike? Will Turin ever think of someone other than himself? Listen in to find out!
Our fellowship is (temporarily) broken and Jon and Ron have travelled to San Antonio for the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature. Not to be discouraged by their diminished numbers, the pair get together and chat for a bit about how their Bible-Nerd-dom and their Tolkien-Nerd-dom intersect.
Tolkien had a deep love for languages and their history. In fact, his invented langauges were in many ways the impetus behind the creation of many of the cultures and stories of Middle Earth. Join our hosts as the scratch the surface on Tolkien and his langauges.
We just can't stop talking about LotR movies! Our hosts take one more spin around the "Remake" idea, thinking about characters or scenes that they'd like to see redone, and maybe a few that they hope don't get screwed up. What about you? Are there any characters or scenes that you would love to see in a remake?
Ring wraiths and spiders and...cats? Oh my! Our hosts get into the Holloween 'spirit' (see what I did there?) and talk about monsters in Middle Earth. What are some of the iconic Tolkien monsters and what makes them so scary?
It has been 20 years. Is it time for a new version of the Lord of the Rings to come to the screen? Listen in as our hosts discuss the pros and cons and what they would like to see in a remake. And give us your opinion! Is it time? What would you want a remake to look like? And who should each of our hosts be cast as?
This week, our hosts talk about a few others scenes and characters from the book they would have liked to see incorporated into PJ's films. What about you? Were there scenes in the book that you wish had made the cut for the movies?
We've finished our reviews of the films, but that doesn't mean we're done with them! This week our hosts tackle a major scene from Tolkien's work that didn't make it into PJ's movies: the Scouring of the Shire. Why did we miss it? Why was it left out? Was there any way to include it?
The final review of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy has finally arrived. Our hosts discuss their favorite and least favorite scenes of the movie, as well as the multiple endings.
After last week's all about Gollum episode, our hosts engage in a more robust discussion of Peter Jackson's Return of the King. This week's conversation includes: Sauruman's death, a better version of Faramir, Minas Ithil/Morgul, and the stairs into Mordor.
After a month off from recording, our hosts are back together to discuss the Return of the King. This week, the entire conversation focused on Smeagol/Gollum. What made him more succeptible to the power of the ring? How did the movies treat his character? These and other topics dominated the conversation.
Our hosts wrap up their review of the Two Towers by examining how the film ends well short of the material found in the book.
This week, our hosts review the movies in conversation with book 4 of the Two Towers. They focus exclusively on the parts of the movie that focus on Frodo and Sam. Jon, in particular, gets on his soap box about the difference between Faramir of the books and the character he calls "Filmamir."
This week, our hosts discuss how the film version of the Two Towers doesn't fully incorporate all the material from the book. Instead, it moves much of the material into the next movie. They toss around the question of why the writers would do this.
Though reviewing the movie version of the Two Towers, our hosts follow Tolkiens presentation by focusing solely on Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Merry, and Pippin. As always, they share their likes and dislikes. They also discuss how well the movie has held up over the last twenty years.
Our hosts wrap up their reveiw of the Fellowship of the Ring, culminating in the breaking of the fellowship and the death of Boromir.
The review of the Lord of the Rings - the Fellowship of the Ring continues. Today, our hosts merely get out of Bree and make it to the Ford of Bruinen in their analysis. As a side note, this is the fourth episode they recorded in one day, so they start off a little punchy.
This week, our host begin their review of the Lord of the Rings movies, beginning with the Fellowship of the Ring. Their analysis slows down significantly, as they critically assess their likes and dislikes, as well as the choices made by the writers and director. Get comfortable. This is going to be a longer analysis.
In their final review of the Hobbit triology, our host finish their analysis of the Battle of Five Armies. From there, they provide their final thoughts on the triology as a whole.
In today's episode, our host begin their review of the third and final installment of the Hobbit triology - The Battle of Five Armies. As usual, they debate the movies strengths and weaknesses. After all this time, is it better or worse than they remember?
In part two of their review of The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug, our host geek out over dragons and evaluate just how non-canonical this movie was. However, is moving beyond the canon a good thing? Listen and find out.
This week, our hosts move on to the second of the Hobbit movies: the Desolation of Smaug. While there are things that they like, the number of criticisms increases. Listen to find out exactly what they are.
Today our hosts continue their review of An Unexpected Journey. This time, they focus on Goblin Town and Riddles in the Dark, as well as out of the frying pan and into the fire. Once again, they talk about their likes and dislikes. As is always the case, they don't always agree.
This summer, our hosts our going back in time and reviewing the Hobbit and LOTR movies. Today, they begin with a review of An Unexpected Journey. What are our likes and dislikes?
Why does everthing connected with Aule seem to go bad? Why did so many of his followers and students turn to evil? What's the problem with Aule? Our hosts wrestle with these and other Aule related questions in today's episode.
Tolkien loved dragons. These creatures played a sizable role in his writings. In today's episode, our hosts explore the origins of dragons. They compare and contrast Tolkien's depiction with ancient mythologies and modern depictions. They also address the question of why we like dragons so much.
Today our hosts continue their discussion of villians in Middle-earth. In this episode, they discuss some of the lesser, yet still powerful beings. These include balrogs, Sauruman, and the Ringwraiths.
What were the characteristics of the villains in MIddle-earth? What did they have in common? What made them different? In today's episode, our hosts discuss the character traits of Melkor and Sauron.
In today's episode, our hosts examine the kinds of qualities that characterize the heroes in Tolkien's writings.
Welcome back, Jon! In today's episode we continue our covnersation about happily ever after. Jon adds his thoughts to the conversation. We also explore the idea of eucatastrophe, as well as good endings versus happy endings. We wrap up with a conversation about heroic traits in Tolkien's writings.
Sadly, Jon couldn't make it today, so Ron and Jasmine had to carry the episode without him (a tall task, indeed). Does Tolkien not like "and they lived happily ever after?" Ron and Jasmine have a conversation about where Tolkien does and doesn't incorporate this motif into his stories. They speculate about possible reasons why Tolkien's stories rarely resolve with a truly happily ever after conclusion. How does this tendency grow out of the "leaf mould" of his life?
Are there Christological characters in Middle-earth? What kind of traits would make them such a character? Which characters fit this category? These are the questions our hosts wrestle with in today's episode.
How well does Aragorn of the movies compare with Aragorn of the books? Ron and Jasmine debate this point in detail. From there, Jon expresses his disappointment with the portrayal of Faramir in the movies.
With the start of the new year, according to the Gondorian calendar, season 2 begins for The Last Homely House. After a brief discussion about the new Gondorian calendar, our hosts discuss their favorite characters from the Lord of the Rings and how well or poorly they were interpreted in the most recent movies.
Season 1 of the Last Homely House: A Tolkien Roundtable has set sail for the uttermost west. Our hosts take time to reflect on their first season of creating a Tolkien podcast. How did they feel going into the podcast at the beginning? What were their favorite episodes? How do they come up with topics week after week? Where do we go from here? These questions and more are answered in today's episode.
Tolkien was not just a brilliant author. He was also a poet and a painter. In today's episode, our hosts discuss Tolkien's poetry and illustrations of Middle-earth.
To what degree did Tolkien's own religious beliefs influence his creation of Middle-earth? Is Middle-earth "Christian" in any sense of the word? What kind of religion, if any, do we see in Middle-earth?
Another Tolkien hot take! Warner Brothers has just announced they will produce multiple Middle-earth movies. What do our hosts think about that? What is Warner Brothers motiviation? How does this compare to other Hollywood franchises? What movies might we want to see? Our hosts answer these and other questions.
J.R.R. Tolkien wrote many stories outside of Middle-earth. In today's episode, Jon, Ron, and Jasmine discuss some of these stories. Which are their favorites? What motivated Tolkien to write them? What do we learn about him from these stories?
Happy Valentine's Day from Middle-earth! In today's episode, our hosts explore Tolkien's views on romantic love. First, we explore Ronald and Edith's relationship. Next, we examine various expressions of romantic love (both good and bad) in Middle-earth. As a bonus, our hosts debate who is the "most married person" of the group.
Tolkien introduce Galadriel late in the writing process. Yet, he quickly became fascinated with her character. Over the years, her story evolved and changed. In today's episode, our hosts discuss her origins, her evolution as a character, her relationship with Celeborn, and even a surprise note about another suitor who experienced unrequited love for her.
After "The Wonderful World of Wizards," one of our listeners sent a video of Stephen Colbert talking about Olorin (Gandalf). Jon, Jasmine, and Ron had a lively text debate over Colbert's position on Olorin's Valinorian origin, which led to a further question about what counts as canon. Listen to them debate these issues in today's episode.
What is the power of storytelling? This is the question our hosts explore with a special guest, Kevin DeVries. Kevin talks about his own story while weaving in elements drawn from Tolkien and other writers. He explains how Tolkien's story telling actually tells Tolkien's own story. He then explains how this is true for all of us. We need to understand and tell our own story.
In today's episode, our hosts address a question submitted by a listener. Why was Gandalf resistent to directly using his powers? To answer this questions, we explore the history and origins of the wizards? Who were they? What was their purpose and commission? Which one's were faithful?
In today's episodes, our hosts discuss a recent rumor that Tom Bombadil will make an appearance in the Rings of Power? Who is Tom Bombadil? How do we feel about his exclusion from the movies? How might he be used in TRoP?
In today's episode, our hosts celebrate and discuss Tolkien's birthday. What kind of Christmas gift would you give him? They also wonder about how different Tolkien would have been, had he been born in the 21st century. After they, they discuss different views of the New Year in the cultures of Middle-earth. How did the priorities and experiences of each culture shape their view of the year and when it began?
Our hosts examine Christmas in Tolkien's writings outside of Middle-earth. We find out that the great author found ways to incorporate Christmas into his writings in a variety of ways.
This week, our hosts look at Christmas through the lens of Middle-earth. Is there anything in Middle-earth that qualifies as Christmas? You'll have to listen to find out.
In today's episode, our hosts review the latest book from the pen of Tolkien, The Fall of Numenor, edited by Brian Sibley. They talk about their likes and dislikes, as well as where the book fits in the literary canon of Tolkien's writings.
In today's episode, the hosts examine the issue of mortality (life and death) in Middle-earth. How did spector of death (or the lack thereof) affect elves, men, and dwarves? The story of Glorfindel and the Balrog became a test case for elven death. The knowledge of, and the fear of, death, shaped the story of Numenor. The consequences of death beyond Middle-earth had a lasting impact on Elrond. Finally, what happened to Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam when they journeyed into the west?
Sadly, Jasmine had to call in sick, so Jon and Ron had to host today's episode without her. We look forward to her return next week. In the mean time, they wrap up their conversation on the Rings of Power after binge watching the entire season. The conversation focuses on the Harfoots, Southlands, and Numenor. Did anything new emerge from watching the season straight through one last time? Listen and find out.
As a final nod to season 1 of the Rings of Power, the hosts binge watched the entire season. Did they notice anything different this time around, knowing as they do how the story and characters played out? Listen and find out.
Continuing last week's discussion, our hosts evaluate The Rings of Power in light of Tolkien's essential elements of fairy-tales: recovery, escape, and consolation. How well did season one do in regard to each of these elements?
Now that season one is in the books, our hosts evaluate the season based on Tolkien's definition of Fairy-stories. In this episode, they examine the definition of Faerie and Fairy-stories. Then, they discuss sub-creation and how well the series lives up to Tolkien's definition.
Our hosts continue their predictions for season 2 of The Rings of Power. What do they think will happen under the mountain, in Lindon and Eregion, and on the road to Rhun? Listen and find out.
Now that season 1 is in the books, our hosts look ahead to season 2 and offer some predictions. This week, they focus on Numenor, Mordor, and the Southlands.
The first season of the Rings of Power has concluded. We learned more about the Stranger, Sauron, and the actual rings of power. Did it conclude well? What do our hosts think of the final episode? Listen to find out.
Did episode 7, "The Eye" go forward or backward? Our hosts have differing opinions. Also, there's some vascilating over whether or not Adar is Sauron. Find out what they think about these topics in today's episode.
Viewers are calling episode 6, "Udun" the best episode of the series so far. What do the hosts think? Hear their review in today's episode. As a bonus, listen to Ron stumble over the term "pyroclastic flow."
Our hosts find themselves both loving and hating this week's episode. What do they love? What do they hate? Listen and find out.
The Last Homely House continues their review of the Rings of Power. Today they discuss "singing to stone." Is this Tolkien-like? What does it say about dwarven culture? There is also some more discussion about Numenorean culture, the identity of Adar, and the continued slow burn of the series.
The hosts provide their review of episode three of the Rings of Power. Is the series improving with each episode? Also, what are some interesting fan theories? The hosts even provide a few of their own.
The Rings of Power have finally dropped! In a special, double episode, our hosts give their review of the first two episodes. What do they like? How well do the characters and stories track with Tolkien's own writings? What about all the new characters and story lines? These questions and more are answered.
Today, the hosts discuss the imminent release of the Rings of Power. They first discuss adaptations of books to the screen and how Tolkien himself felt about them. Next, they examine what we know about the main characters of the new series. Lastly, each shares his or her hopes and fears for this latest dive into Middle-Earth.
How does The Rings of Power fit into Tolkien's mythology? The hosts summarize the three ages of Middle-Earth, then situate TROP in the timeline.
In this episode, the hosts discuss Tolkien's four criteria of fantasy: Sub-Creation, Recovery, Escape, and Consolation. They look at how Tolkien embodied these traits in his writings, then discuss how modern fantasy does or does not embody these characteristics.
In this episode, the hosts examine Tolkien the man. They talk about some significant details about his life and speculate about how his experiences influenced his writings. Several of Tolkien's letters and publications are examined in order to build a more robust profile of the author.
In today's episode, the hosts introduce themselves and talk about their history with Tolkien and his writings.