Having taken a scenic detour in Chapter 2, in Chapter 3 we pick up where Chapter 1 left off. Though the Blessed Realm of Aman is now lit by the Two Trees of Valinor, the rest of Middle-earth lay in “twilight under the stars”. While the Valar and their people dwell in relative security, Melkor labors ceaselessly to dominate the rest of the world, even as the dawn of the Children of Ilúvatar draws nigh. WATCH THE VIDEO» https://youtu.be/2ZEa5HCYYYA The audio of this episode was released 2 days ear...
Feb 21, 2022•1 hr 14 min
Good morning! We're breaking down the new teaser for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings Of Power. You can watch the video of this episode here » https://youtu.be/VbUS061qO2U It was revealed during the Super Bowl last night. If you haven't seen it, you can watch it here » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCLoZI-FOYA We share our initial reaction to seeing it during the game, and then break it down scene by scene. Topics include: - Rómenna of Númenor - Eärendil - Galadriel - Harfoots / Hobbits - Wiza...
Feb 16, 2022•42 min
After the epic span of Chapter 1, which culminated in the creation of The Two Trees of Valinor and introduced the juxtaposing natures of Elves and Men, Chapter 2 is something of an interlude, though one of great consequence. In it, we learn about the creation of the Dwarves, and the mysterious origins of other important creatures as well. This episode was released 3 days early and ad-free for our amazing patrons! We also get a “behind the scenes” glimpse into the creative relationships of certai...
Feb 14, 2022•50 min
Our reaction to the Vanity Fair article released on 2/10/2022. The best way to enjoy this BONUS episode is by watching it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/62dcR7XKVnc ARTICLE: "Amazon's Lord of the Rings Series Rises: Inside The Rings Of Power" » https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/amazon-the-rings-of-power-series-first-look Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support ....
Feb 11, 2022•49 min
Having established their home in Valinor of the Blessed Realm, the Valar begin a new work: the Two Trees of Valinor. What are the Two Trees and what is their significance for Middle-earth? Furthermore, how do they prepare the way for the coming of Elves and Men, and work against the dark designs of Melkor? Join us as we discuss the second half of The Silmarillion, Chapter 1: Of the Beginning of Days! This episode was released 2 days early and ad-free for our amazing patrons! » https://patreon.co...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 13 min
Chapter 1 picks up the story where “Ainulindalë” left off. The Valar have entered the world created by their music, only to find it essentially UNFORMED, and in need of their labor to achieve the shape they had envisioned. And, ultimately, to set the stage for the coming of the Children of Ilúvatar. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The dealing of the Ainur have indeed been mostly with the Elves, for Ilúvatar made them more like in nature to the Ainur, ...
Jan 31, 2022•47 min
Our January 2022 livestream, featuring discussion of The Silmarillion, Ainulindalë, and... THE RINGS OF POWER! Also, watch our reaction video here » https://youtu.be/xgLh1AS9hZc Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .
Jan 28, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Who is Tom Bombadil? This is a topic we've covered several times on the Tolkien Road, but it's an undying enigma for Lord of the Rings fans, and we're always hungry for new insights into the mysterious nature of The Old Forest's Master. In episode 275, John discusses this topic with writer C.R. Wiley, whose new book IN THE HOUSE OF TOM BOMBADIL is receiving rave reviews for its treatment of the subject. Join us! WATCH THIS EPISODE » https://youtu.be/wb80qngLtFg EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitl...
Jan 24, 2022•58 min
In episode 274, we explore Valaquenta, the pantheon of Middle-earth's gods! "Valaquenta" introduces us to the Valar, the Maiar, and the main Enemies of Middle-earth. We get to know a few about figures like Manwë, Varda, Ulmo, and Yavanna, and this really helps when you're diving into The Silmarillion. Join us! WATCH THIS EPISODE » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtRxezDytYo EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The cycles should be linked to a majestic whol...
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr 11 min
In episode 273, we explore the Middle-earth Creation myth, "Ainulindalë", otherwise known as the Music of the Ainur. “Ainulindalë” is one of the most fascinating legends that Tolkien wrote, and it introduces key characters and themes into the legendarium. Furthermore, it sets the stage for everything that comes after, from the First Age to the Third (and beyond)! If this is your first time reading it, you’re in for a big treat! Join us as we discuss "Ainulindalë"! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE *...
Jan 10, 2022•1 hr 6 min
Hey there, FELLOW TRAVELERS! So you want to read The Silmarillion, eh? If you have any interest in Middle-earth, it’s only natural. Especially for those who have completed The Lord of the Rings (no small feat in and of itself), it’s the most logical next step. In episode 272 of The Tolkien Road Podcast, we kick off our Silmarillion re-read that will span the better part of 2022. Over the next several months, we'll be going chapter-by-chapter through Tolkien's saga of Middle-earth First Age. If y...
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr 7 min
Hey there, fellow travelers! By far, the biggest thing to happen to Tolkiendom in 2021 was The Nature of Middle-earth, the latest collection of previously unpublished Tolkien writings. When we interviewed Carl Hostetter, the book's editor, back in August, we recorded a special bonus episode for our patrons, in which we got Carl's takes on topics including Peter Jackson's Middle-earth films, LOTR on Prime, Tolkien's Catholic Faith and the role it plays in Middle-earth, and controversy in the worl...
Dec 27, 2021•26 min
We did a LIVESTREAM! So this one will feel a little experimental - not our normal open, and lots of banter with the patrons who joined us! We had a lot of fun doing it, and it will certainly be the first of many to come. It was mostly a pilot for the WISDOM app, which we kinda struggled with...hence, the title of this episode. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/42z1VTfp8ac ***THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED 4 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE WITH OUR BELOVED PATRONS!*** » https://patreon.com/tolki...
Dec 20, 2021•52 min
In 2013, Tolkien's lost poem "Noel" was discovered in the archives of an Oxfordshire school. With Christmas just around the corner, we take a close look at this 1936 poem, and discover the thematic seeds of Middle-earth's epic drama. Join us! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE ***THIS EPISODE IS 3 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!*** ***LIVE DISCUSSION - DEC 16TH @ 7PM CT »»» https://www.wisdom.audio/ *** If you’ve ever wanted to engage with us LIVE, your opportunity is coming up! On Th...
Dec 13, 2021•1 hr 3 min
Have you ever heard of Tolkien's GOBLIN WARS? (HINT: you won't find them in the Middle-earth legendarium). These are the stories of Goblins invading the North Pole and stealing gifts intended for the children of England from Father Christmas' cellar. Join us as we explore how the "Other Fellowship" of Father Nicholas Christmas, the North Polar Bear, the Red Gnomes, and others join forces to save Christmas! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien...
Dec 13, 2021•50 min
We take a look at Letters From Father Christmas, a collection of Christmas-themed illustrated letters that Tolkien wrote this children from 1920-1943. SPOILER: they're great! Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien WATCH THIS VIDEO ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/QG4DH67BcQA ***THIS EPISODE WAS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!*** CONTENTS: - Background » 7:20 - Contents » 13:00 - Characters » 21:48 - Themes » 27:45 LINKS:...
Dec 13, 2021•56 min
The conventional wisdom says that JRR Tolkien didn't much care for his buddy C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. Is this true? If so, what was so off-putting about the stories from Tolkien's perspective? In episode 266, John is joined by Holly Ordway (author of Tolkien's Modern Reading) and David Bates (of Pints With Jack, the C.S. Lewis podcast) to explore these questions and more. Join us! Originally published on November 22, 2021. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/kuTXCxB92zc EXE...
Dec 13, 2021•54 min
In episode 265, we're looking at life in Númenor, as spelled out in The Nature of Middle-earth! Originally published 2021-11-15 05:00. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien T-SHIRTS! Get your Tolkien Road T-Shirt now and take 10% Off! Just use the code ROAD at checkout. ***THIS EPISODE IS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!*** CONTENTS - Númenorean Chieftains Were Beardless » 11:31 - Long Life and Pe...
Dec 13, 2021•1 hr 10 min
In episode 264, we discuss some truly surprising new details from The Nature of Middle-earth. Seriously mind-blowing stuff here, including Gandalf's appearance, the race of hobbits, Aragorn's beard, the nature of Eagles, and more! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr 3 min
At the end of the day, ONE thing matters more than anything else when it comes to LOTR on Prime... Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .
Nov 01, 2021•46 min
In this episode, we take a close look at "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor" from Unfinished Tales! It’s a brief and fascinating account of the 3000 year history of Númenor, and contains a lot that needs to be unpacked! Join us! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .
Oct 25, 2021•1 hr 14 min
In episode 261, we're discussing Tolkien's ORIGINAL and far more detailed ending to The Silmarillion. We're delighted to be joined once again by Keith Mathison! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .
Oct 18, 2021•54 min
In episode 260, we discuss Gandalf's famous characterization of Frodo's quest: "a fool's hope". Why did he say that? Why is it significant he was saying that to Pippin? What is the broader significance of that line for the work and for Middle-earth (and our reality) in general? Join us! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support ....
Oct 11, 2021•49 min
In episode 259, we sit down once again with Carl Hostetter, editor of the latest volume of JRR Tolkien's writings, The Nature of Middle-earth. We focus our attention on Appendix I: Metaphysical and Theological Themes. Join us! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .
Oct 04, 2021•1 hr 19 min
So Lord of the Rings, according to Tolkien, is Catholic. SO WHAT??? On this episode, we explain why this matters, and what Tolkien was getting at... Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .
Sep 27, 2021•58 min
In episode 257, we discuss Athrabeth, Enya, Estel, The Shadow, Consolation, and more! Join us! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .
Sep 20, 2021•47 min
In episode 256, we discuss The Nature of Middle-earth, The Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan / Carl Hostetter resemblance, LOTRonPrime theories, LOTR films criticisms, The Council of Elrond, and more! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr 6 min
Did Tolkien really say that the Lord of the Rings is “fundamentally religious and Catholic”? What did he mean by that? Join us as we explore the topic. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .
Sep 06, 2021•50 min
Why did Númenor exist? Was it simply to reward the Edain and their descendants? Or was there some greater purpose that impacted the rest of Arda, and perhaps even the Cosmos? In episode 254, we’re exploring the Religion of Númenor in order to better understand the purpose for Númenor’s existence. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support ....
Aug 30, 2021•1 hr 1 min
In early July, I published an 8 minute video on our YouTube channel titled The Silmarillion: 3 Big Problems (and How to Fix Them). For many Tolkien fans, even asserting that there are problems with a work like The Silmarillion might be considered borderline blasphemy. I might have even said the same thing several years ago! However, after our survey of Unfinished Tales and The History of Middle-earth, I’m convinced that Christopher Tolkien himself came to view The Silmarillion as a flawed work. ...
Aug 23, 2021•58 min
