A Sacred Fellowship: Recent Episodes
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Two friends and the occasional guest take listeners on a chapter-by-chapter exploration of the stories of J.R.R. Tolkien by treating them as sacred texts worthy of close study. One is a relative newcomer and one has been calling herself a hobbit since the age of 8. Each week, we will cover a chapter through a different motif and use sacred practices to dive deep into the lore of Middle Earth.
The latest in ASMR as Lorienne opens a brand new book. Also, Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the range of priorities among different characters in Rings of Power and find inspiration for situations in our own lives.
Kathryn and Lorienne talk about our favorite topic with a few Doctor Who tangents through the lenses of Accountability and Honoring the Past. Sometimes, the best way to do both is to move forward and don't look back! We look at major characters in the books, Peter Jackson films, and the recent Rings of Power to see how they do or do not manage to balance both themes.
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Kathryn and Lorienne do the unimaginable. Every chapter of the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and the Silmarillion, plus some extra chapters from Unfinished Tales, has been covered. Oh, but we are NOT done. Enjoy as we sing your praises and thank you for your fellowship over the past two and a half years.
Kathryn and Lorienne look at the evolution of the relationship between Galadriel and her author. Our theme is persistence and she shows it in her life of long defeat, her continuing development up to the last month of Tolkien's life, and in her continuing presence in our culture.
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We have reached "On the Rings of Power and the Third Age" (OTROPATA) and Lorienne just had a dream that there were more chapter to The Silmarillion. For the real world, we will draw this out with a two episode discussion interrupted by a discussion of a very interesting Elf.
There is a very special surprise towards the end of this episode, so listen through! Lorienne and Kathryn talk about Episodes 1 through 5 of The Rings of Power. We look for trust between characters and examine our own trust of the series and direction. Not all who wonder or wander are lost.
When are you no longer an Exile? When are you faithful and when are you just stuck in the past? How can I change a curse to a gift? Kathryn and Lorienne look at these and other questions in the second half of the Akallabeth.
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Lorienne and Kathryn manage not to discuss Rings of Power TOO much while delving into the early history of Numenor leading up to the capture of Sauron.
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Kathryn takes a break while Lorienne discusses some of the surrounding literature about the Akallabeth with a couple of Chads and an Arthur. We discuss the first two episodes of Rings of Power without any spoilers, too. Who do you think is the Stranger? Do you think one of us has the right guess?
Thank you to Chad Bornholdt, Arthur Harrow, and Chad High for your generous gift of time and wisdom and humor.
Kathryn and Lorienne are in fellowship recording in the SAME ROOM!!! We look at Fellowship in the final chapter of the Saga of the Silmarils.
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Ay-ah-ren-deel? Ay-uh-ren-dil? Ee-ar-en-deal? Gondolin is in flames, there are balrogs and dragons everywhere, and we are doing the deep dive on how to pronounce Eärendil! Seriously, we could go down any rabbit hole to prevent coming to the end of the Silmarillion!
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Kathryn and Lorienne take a brief step away from the Silmarillion to examine Turin once again through the fantastic chapter in Unfinished Tales. Does your perspective on Turin change with this version? We note especially the love and pity and empathy he shows in Unfinished Tales that did not make it to the Silmarillion. Share your thoughts with us!
We get the brief version of the end of Hurin's sufferings and the after effects on Doriath. Doesn't look too good for Gondolin either, TBH. We found ourselves wondering about Galadriel in this chapter. Her voice is missing and she likely witnessed and participated, so we imagined a bit of what she might have seen, said, and done.
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We take on the second half of this profound and powerful exploration of human nature at its most frail and fallible. We may aspire to be like the greats and we must also pause to consider when we resemble the tragic hero.
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Was there ever a character who was so present, so mindful, so aware, so trusting! Tuor is trusting and patient and is rewarded with the guidance he needs, the friends, the equipment, even the food, and finally the path. Enjoy our discussion of this chapter from Unfinished Tales.
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Kathryn and Lorienne are looking at this chapter over a few weeks. Our theme is HUBRIS with a side of HARMARTIA. We welcome your thoughts on this chapter, this tragic character, and anything else Tolkien related.
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Hurin and Huor are heroes, but Kathryn's fantastic pronunciations of some of the greatest quotes by Tolkien are EPIC.
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The episode is too short to properly know the chapter of Beren and Luthien and almost long enough that we needed three. In a first ever split, Kathryn and Lorienne resume discussions of Beren and Luthien. Enjoy the journey!
For the first time ever, we are dividing a chapter. Why not take more time with Beren and Luthien! So enjoy this first part of the chapter and our conversation about WILL, willing, battles of will, etc. Stay tuned for the Eleventy First Episode where we will complete the chapter, do a sacred practice and celebrate this Bilbo-esque milestone.
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Kathryn and Lorienne welcome Chad B. back to help us through this rich chapter on the Fourth Battle. Chad helps us see where bits from other chapters fit into the time line of this one and we solve for once and for all the parentage of Gil-Galad. Really. No more questions or confusions.
Our theme is Growth, mostly positive, some a hint of trouble to come, in the first appearance of Men in Middle Earth. Lorienne and Kathryn have a vicious battle over a possible eucatastrophe and we come out just fine. We ponder how changing our minds can allow us to grow.
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Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the comforting kinds of solitude and the isolating kinds, each of which show up in this chapter of the Silmarillion. Who doesn't name their child for TWELVE YEARS???
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Kathryn and Lorienne look at different types of judgment as they manifest in Of the Noldor in Beleriand. Meanwhile, Turgon and Finrod begin their great projects, Galadriel drops some knowledge on Melian, and Turgon bans a language.
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Who knew a chapter on geography could lead to a discussion of Jewish humor and prophecy, Hamilton references (well, everybody knew that), and profound revelations about home. Who's afraid of Chapter 14? NOT US! Enjoy, and get your own Hero's Journal here!
Obligation runs through this chapter and secrets are kept, alliances made, saving a loved one triumphs over a feud, and Feanor's oath outlives him. And WHY don't Turgon and Finrod share their dreams with one another??
Lorienne and Kathryn, back at our respective homes, discuss Chapter 11 of the Silmarillion, and a bit of Chapter 9, and a bit of the end of Lord of the Rings, as one does. Exile is a rich theme for this chapter. Let us know what you think.
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LIVE FROM LA, it's A Sacred Fellowship! In this episode, your hosts, Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk gather around the same computer and talk about the constructive and destructive examples of community in "Of the Sindar."
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Who's got Attachment issues? In the Flight of the Noldor, nobody is spared. There's definitely a winner in the Attachment Achievement Awards. It's the one, the only, Fëanor!
In which Kathryn and Lorienne, joined by Christine Renner, celebrate the music and poetry of the Legendarium, thus marking 100 episodes of the podcast. Thank you to A Hero's Journal, our sponsor.
Two of Queen B's cats fight and yowl and scream while Kathryn and Lorienne try to discuss Ungoliant and Melkor. Tea got spilled. Forbidden Planet, Doctor Who, and of course Hamilton all made an appearance. Join the party!
What could Feanor have been if he had truly understood his Spirit of Fire? What if the Silmarils had been in the safekeeping of the Valar? How does Melkor know so much about Family Dysfunction and Dynamic?
Hosts Lorienne Schwenk and Kathryn Olsen are joined by a host of wonderful people to discuss the impact of love and friendship in the Legendarium. Feelings get drudged up a lot.
Hosts Lorienne Schwenk and Kathryn Olsen are joined by a host of wonderful people to discuss the impact of love and friendship in the Legendarium. Feelings get drudged up a lot.
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the various kinds of ambition on display in this chapter of the Silmarillion. Even Iluvatar can be seen as ambitious in making sure Fëanor is not an only child.
We don't talk about Utumno no no no. We do ponder why the Teleri weren't ready to cross and remain so long on the Lonely Isle.
When two lovers meet in Mayfair So the legends tell
Songbirds sing and winter turns to spring
Every winding street in Mayfair falls beneath the spell
I know such enchantment can be
'Cause it happened one evening to me
That certain night, the night we met,
There was magic abroad in the air,
There were angels dining at the Ritz
And A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square
I may be right, I may be wrong,
But I'm perfectly willing to swear
That when you turn'd and smiled at me
A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square
Sorry. Really. Here is the continuation of the discussion of the arrival of the Elves, the chaining of Melkor, and the frailty of podcast hosts.
Lorienne and Kathryn begin their discussion of Chapter Three of the QS. Thanks to technical difficulties (Lorienne screwing up), there are two parts to the discussion. Enjoy and continue on with the second part.
In which Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the creation of dwarves, the interdependence of everything, and how Chad B. is our Selena Gomez.
Kathryn and Lorienne look at privacy versus secrecy, the gifts of darkness and death, the hallowing of pain and marring, and our fascination with Ulmo. And Eru says "These too in their time shall find that ATTDRATETTGOMW."
Kathryn and Lorienne realize we hear and see better together while discussing this deepening of the creation myth by Tolkien.
We have arrived in the world of the Silmarillion. How can there be so much to say about so few pages! What amazing pages these are and Kathryn and Lorienne only scratched the surface of the Ainulindale.
Kathryn and Lorienne look at the entire LOTR through the lenses of failure, loyalty, eucatastrophe, and fate and free will. No, we don't cover everything and we hope we surprise you with some of what we chose to highlight. See you soon Silmarillion!
Kathryn and Lorienne, along with Music of Middle-Earth host Jordan Rannells, break out their music nerd sides (not the Hamilton ones) to discuss several themes from the movies and speculate on new motifs for the series to come.
Kathryn and Lorienne look at different kinds of nobility throughout Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings, in voices present and not heard. What we found only made us more eager to get on to the Silmarillion!!
Kathryn and Lorienne and joined by Arthur H, Chad B, and Laurie M to discuss the third film in Peter Jackson's trilogy. We look at the film through themes of failure, foolishness, and redemption. And there are some Dad jokes. You have been warned.
We weep because it is a sign of strength, not weakness, and certainly not evil. And when a book has a grip on one, finishing it is devastating!
In which Kathryn and Lorienne examine how the Hobbits put into practice all the fruits of their quest.
When any paragraph of a chapter could have been its own chapter, Kathryn and Lorienne do their best to mention all the players, the significance of all that happens, and read between the lines a little bit.
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss personal reconciliation, harmonization, metanoia, and LOOK! FARAMIR AND EOWYN ARE KISSING!!
In which Kathryn and Lorienne ponder what Frodo really needs between March 25th and April 8th and mourn that he does not get it and PIPPIN! TOO SOON on the whole Frodo locked in a tower thing!!
The quest is achieved: Kathryn and Lorienne say everything that could possibly be said about this chapter and leave no question unanswered. More like, we did our best in this moment and there will always be more to explore in these few pages.
In which Frodo and Sam cover more ground than they expect thanks to a little help from their friends and Kathryn tells Lorienne about Disco Orcs.
Tears, Anguish, Grief, and that's just the hosts. Sam becomes a Târkil and an Elf-lord while going to save Frodo from torture by Orcs and by the Ring.
Kathryn and Lorienne deep dive into the Mouth of Sauron, the compassion of Aragorn towards those who turn aside, and about that catastrophe that has a bit of a eu- in front of it. Also mentioned in discussion is Leon Wieseltier's book Kaddish.
A catastrophe in search of a prefix. Kathryn and Lorienne find the kinship between despair and hope, between folly and wisdom, and between Legolas' IF and Gimli's WHEN.
In which Kathryn and Lorienne manage to do a really good job of focusing on the chapter, the theme, each other, and their mission in the midst of the RED SOX BEATING TAMPA BAY!!!
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With special guest Hillary Stirling, Kathryn and Lorienne look at this chapter through the theme of Identity on a grand scale, on a familial scale, and the individual. Merry belongs to all three categories.
Resistance is NOT futile. Whether a hobbit or soldier resisting orders, a person resisting stereotypes about his people, or nature resistance the evil murk of Sauron, Resistance plays a pivotal positive role.
Faramir, I said no wire hangers!j Kathryn and Lorienne deal with the weight of desperation in this chapter by playing the worst game of Skeeball ever.
Tune in for Dunharrow, Dernhelm, danger, and devotion. The Riders of the Mark are on their way to Minas Tirith and your hosts cover them all. As mentioned in the dungeon and tower, we encourage contributions to the American Diabetes Association following the passing of a person beloved by a friend of the podcast.
Aragorn masters the palantir but not Eowyn. And all that glitters is not gold. And Eowyn's eyes are ON FIRE, people!!
In which Kathryn and Lorienne go deep on Gandalf, Denethor, Pippin, Gondor's landscape, and all sorts of matters and then suddenly remember BEREGOND, who would be the hero of any other epic.
Lorienne and Kathryn and joined by Arthur, Chad, Chad, Christine, and Marnie to discuss themes of Interdependence, Trust, Resistance, and Hope in Peter Jackson's adaptation of the Two Towers.
In which Sam, who thinks he is alone, is actually part of many fellowships at once; and we get a bit of separation anxiety with Book 4 as we wrap it up.
In which Kathryn and Lorienne go together into--wait, there's a spider here. Nobody told me there would be spiders! Oh, she is HUGE! There is also much metaphorical blindness and what is up with Sam and his long habit of secrecy?
In which Katherine and Lorienne creep each other out discussing Witch-kings, ring-bearers, mountain-top experiences, and Sam's big oopsie (or is it), and really could use a hug and a silly movie!
In which Lorienne and Kathryn see Frodo fully owning the mantle of leadership amidst much uncertainty and perfection does not mean without blemish.
In which Kathryn and Lorienne marvel and the walking definition of Servant Leadership that is Faramir.
In which Kathryn and Lorienne highlight instances of community in this chapter and Lorienne can NOT pronounce Eucatastrophe.
You say Ithilien, I say po-tay-to. Kathryn and Lorienne wax ecstatic about the side trip to a sensual landscape and WHO IS THAT MASKED MAN? Oh, and elephants, Wolfgang's Requiem, and T.H.E.L.A.R.C.H.
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss elephants, oliphaunts, and how things sometimes need to fall apart before they are made clear. Oh, and Lorienne takes delivery of a new book.
Does Gollum untie the rope? Does Sauron control the weather? How will Frodo react to being around a former ring bearer. And does anybody care how Sam feels?
In which Kathryn, Lorienne, and a Mountain Chickadee discuss The LAST CHAPTER of The Treason of Isengard.
It takes careful discernment to know when you are being gas-lighted. Watch Gandalf and learn how to do it right!
Six of the Fellowship are reunited at Isengard. Merry and Pippin catch up with the three hunters.
Hosts Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk wax poetic on the Glittering Caverns, speculate on the wizardry of the disappearing orcs, and rejoice in Gimli's unfiltered exasperation and joy.
In which Kathryn perceives the start of the return of the king and Lorienne shows that reading comprehension is not her strength.
Kathryn and Lorienne look at objects, people, and other treasures in the chapter where Gandalf returns to the three hunters.
Pippin and Merry find hope in the most desperate circumstances while in captivity of the Orcs and Uruk-Hai.
Lorienne and Kathryn discuss The Riders of Rohan with a guest appearance by Hildegard von Bingen.
Kathryn and Lorienne and joined by three amazing guests to discuss the first film of the Peter Jackson trilogy.
On Tolkien Reading Day, Kathryn and Lorienne find Hope and Courage, a Deer, Three Hunters, and break our hearts.
Kathryn and Lorienne reach both the ultimate and, in a way, the penultimate chapter of the Journey of the Nine Companions. The Fellowship is dead, long live the Fellowship.
In which Kathryn teaches Lorienne just who Aragorn is and Boromir says "Did I think that out loud?"
Kathryn and Lorienne settle into Lothlorien and get analyze the kaleidoscope of perspectives in the chapter.
Lorienne and Kathryn share their talk at the Tolkien Society Seminar from 13 February 2021. Let us know your thoughts.
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the next steps of the Fellowship after Gandalf leaves them.
Kathryn and Lorienne ponder Balrogs and drumbeats while also noticing that Legolas and Gimli are getting closer.
Wherein Kathryn and Lorienne find that everybody has a complaint in this chapter so why do we pick on Boromir? And! Lorienne uses an obscure Pennsylvania Dutch word!
Eight are chosen to accompany the Ring-Bearer on the start of the next phase of the journey.
Using the theme of Love, Kathryn and Lorienne go through the first 12 chapters of Fellowship and use Sacred Imagination to go to the Prancing Pony.
Here is the audio for the conversation we had with the Rev. Gilbert Stones. We will just call this episode 32B.
Kathryn plays some music for us. Special guest, the Rev. Gilbert Stones joins Kathryn and Lorienne to do a sacred reading from the Hobbit.
In which Lorienne & Kathryn battle technical issues and barrow-wights to share a discussion of chapter 8 on the theme of Misunderstanding.
We are in the home of Goldberry! Read through the theme of malleability, Lorienne and Kathryn discuss trees, dreams, ring, and the significance of bedrooms on the north side of the house.
Katherine and Lorienne discuss Chapter VI of FOTR through the theme of Discomfort. And--WATCH OUT FOR THAT TREE!
In Chapter 5, A CONSPIRACY UNMASKED, hosts Kathryn and Lorienne explore the theme of good intentions, join the gang at Crickhollow, and resist the urge to compare a hobbit to a Harry Potter character.
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the second chapter of Fellowship OTR through the theme of Heritage.
Join guests Chad Bornholdt and Tyler Schwenk and your hosts Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk as they review the three movies of the Hobbit.
“We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time." TS Eliot
Dwarves, elves, goblins, wargs, one wizard, and one miserable hobbit get into a ferocious war.
Wherein your hosts observe how true power comes from selflessness and Mr. Baggins is one powerful little Hobbit!
In this episode, Thorin stumbles over his stubbornness, Bilbo wants out, and Bard wins our vote. Wakanda Forever, King T'Challah.
A double episode in which Bilbo starts to realize that he is the 14th member of a 13-person fellowship. Oh, and Smaug is killed. Hosts Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk discuss chapters 13 & 14 of the Hobbit through the mirrored themes of Reward and Consequence.
Wherein your hosts discuss valor, bravado, and audacity and Bilbo finds his inner wizard.
In which your hosts get a rush from the flush of meeting a thrush. We discuss Chapter 11 through the theme of Persistence and find that Bilbo is The Fool!
Wherein your hosts, Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne celebrate our tenth episode with quizzes and compromises.
Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk discuss Chapter 9 of the Hobbit through the theme of FAITH.
This is Episode #8 where your hosts, Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk discuss Chapter Eight of the Hobbit, FLIES AND SPIDERS, through the theme of FEAR.
Discussion of "Queer Lodgings" through the theme of Judgment and using PaRDeS as the spiritual practice.
Hosts Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk discuss Chapter 6 of the Hobbit through the theme of Unity. Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire!
Using sacred practices, your hosts Kathryn and Lorienne discuss chapter four of the Hobbit through the theme of Caution.
Join hosts Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk as they use sacred reading practices to visit Rivendell in Chapter 3 of the Hobbit.
Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk discuss Chapter 2 of the Hobbit through the theme of Cunning. Find us a www.asacredfellowship.com
Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk discuss chapter 1 of the Hobbit through the theme of Hospitality.
A short message to pay homage to the recently-departed actor who brought both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins to life.
Your hosts Kathryn Olsen and Lorienne Schwenk explore this all important chapter of the Hobbit through the theme of Understanding. We are using Chavruta as our sacred practice this week.