In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by exploring the year SA750, when Eregion was founded by the Noldor. 750 years into the Second Age, things are relatively peaceful. Númenor’s benevolent influence is extending into the lands once ruled by Morgoth’s minions, and there is little news of war or misery. However, with the shadow of Morgoth now a fading memory, a new power begins to stir, and Elvish craftsmen dream anew of beauty that will influence the fate of ...
Jun 19, 2023•18 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by exploring The Voyages of Aldarion, the grandson of Vëantur, and future King of Númenor. While we don’t have any narratives from the Second Age on the scale of Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, or even some of the greater legends of The Silmarillion, we do have the better part of one story concerning the people of Númenor: the tale of Aldarion and Erendis, aka The Mariner’s Wife. In this chapter, we’re introduced to the fig...
Jun 06, 2023•34 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by examining Númenor’s return to Middle-earth in the year 600 of the Second Age. Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/VumQLI07YW4 EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Melkor27 - KG FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM LINKS & MATHOMS: - take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress....
May 30, 2023•32 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by considering the curious case of Silmariën, the daughter of Elendil (but not the sister of Isildur). Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/UWgGk5hz3xs EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Melkor27 - KG FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM LINKS & MATHOMS: - take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » h...
May 22, 2023•16 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by examining the return of Sauron around the year 500 of the Second Age. Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/JwxMA3AICiQ EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Melkor27 - KG FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM LINKS & MATHOMS: - take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/disc...
May 18, 2023•38 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by considering the state of Dwarf-dom at the beginning of the Second Age, the founding of Moria / Khazad-dûm, and well as the death of Númenor’s first king. Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/obyO3Q40xqQ EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Melkor27 - KG FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM LINKS & MATHOMS: - t...
May 08, 2023•31 min
Happy Easter everyone! (we're Catholic, and so was Tolkien, so it's still Easter...) In this episode, we read Samwise's astonished awakening in The Field of Cormallen after the destruction of the One Ring, and discuss how it relates to the overwhelming joy of Easter. “The Resurrection was the greatest ‘eucatastrophe’ possible in the greatest Fairy Story – and produces that essential emotion: Christian joy which produces tears because it is qualitatively so like sorrow, because it comes from thos...
Apr 15, 2023•34 min
What was it like to be an every day Númenorean? How did it feel to be one of that blessed number who were able to enjoy a much longer lifespan in an island paradise? While these details may not seem of particular importance in advancing the story of Númenor’s downfall, they do help us to better grasp the significance of being Númenorean, and to juxtapose life in Land of Gift with our everyday lives. Perhaps, through these details, we can arrive at a better characterization of Númenorean culture,...
Apr 03, 2023•41 min
In this episode, we’ll be continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor as we explore the section title “The Natural Life of Númenor.” In this section, we’ll learn about the beasts, birds, plants, and other natural phenomena of Númenor, according to Tolkien! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/r1CHGU4gKvg EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Eru27 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM LINKS &a...
Mar 20, 2023•40 min
Hey there, fellow travelers! I recently joined the Tolkien podcast Window On The West , from the guys at TheOneRing.com , for a discussion of what makes Tolkien so great and the future of Middle-earth on screen! This was a fun conversation, and I'm providing a sample for you here, but you should really head on over to TheOneRing.com to listen to the whole thing, and subscribe to their podcast! To make it easy, just head on over to TolkienRoad.com/window and that will get you where you need to be...
Mar 15, 2023•15 min
How big was Númenor? What was it like? Did it have any cities? In the latest episode, we're discussing the geography of Númenor. Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/MXVNVJvm-Fw EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Eru27 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM LINKS & MATHOMS: take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENO...
Mar 13, 2023•29 min
Hey there fellow travellers! I recently joined fellow Tolkien enthusiast Andrew Snyder on his Mythic Mind podcast for a discussion of On Fairy-stories and All Things Tolkien. For those of you who don't know, Andrew is doing great work on the Mythic Mind and is currently spending some time with The Tales from the Perilous Realm. I highly recommend you check it out. Here's a sample of our conversation. In order to hear the whole thing, head on over to Mythic Mind and subscribe! To make it easy, I'...
Mar 09, 2023•12 min
Númenor becomes a reality in year 32 of the Second Age. In this section, we’ll learn about the people who became Númenoreans, the various figures that aided them in establishing Númenor, and how they came to Númenor in the first place. Join us! WATCH » https://youtu.be/HyOY1QEbtjU EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Eru27 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM LINKS & MATHOMS: take 10% OFF Tol...
Mar 06, 2023•34 min
In this episode, we’ll be exploring the “Foundation of the Grey Havens and of Lindon” in Year 1 of the Second Age. Topics include the overthrow of Morgoth, Thranduil (father of Legolas), Gil-galad, Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond, and Elros. Join us! WATCH » https://youtu.be/ihNUr7WQokY EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Eru27 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM LINKS & MATHOMS: take 10% OFF T...
Feb 27, 2023•26 min
New Line / Warner Brothers have announced that they are forging ahead with plans to create new films based on Lord of the Rings and the Middle-earth legendarium! What does this all mean? Let's talk about it! https://deadline.com/2023/02/lord-of-the-rings-the-hobbit-movies-new-line-warner-bros-1235268633/ WATCH » https://youtu.be/orNIHH4oYks EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Eru27 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWI...
Feb 24, 2023•12 min
This is the third episode in my series exploring The Fall of Númenor, the recently published collection of Second Age writings, edited by Brian Sibley. “Before The Second Age” is, in a way, the book’s second introduction. Here, Sibley goes into the Middle-earth legendarium’s internal history, putting to heavy use what is probably Tolkien’s most famous letter, The Waldman Letter, in which Tolkien gave a thorough account of Middle-earth’s entire timeline to a prospective publisher. WATCH » https:/...
Feb 20, 2023•27 min
Leaf By Niggle, 2023! Dr. Chris Hackett (https://HackettWrites.com) joins us for what has become an annual tradition on The Tolkien Road. While we’ve covered Leaf By Niggle several times in the past, and frequently refer to it, it’s an incredible gem, hidden behind the mountainous wonder that is the Middle-earth legendarium. For me, it’s a story that never ceases to fill me with wonder and joy, and if I’m being honest, it always manages to get me a little choked up. I suppose this effect has som...
Feb 13, 2023•1 hr 25 min
This is the second episode in my series exploring The Fall of Númenor, the recently published collection of Second Age writings, edited by Brian Sibley. Sibley’s introduction is titled “The Saga of a Dark Age”. Tolkien himself termed the Second Age a “Dark Age” in an important letter. Why did he do so? Watch and learn! WATCH » https://youtu.be/FTP5KNJG9xI EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Eru27 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON »...
Feb 06, 2023•25 min
I'm beginning a journey through The Fall of Númenor, the recently published compilation of Tolkien's Second Age and Númenorean writings! Join me! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob Lockham, John H, Eru27 WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/Xz1MWsk7Epc FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM LINKS & MATHOMS: take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code T...
Jan 30, 2023•30 min
Finally, we arrive at SMITH OF WOOTTON MAJOR! In this episode, we’ll be reviewing the story and having a knock-down, drag-out, deep dive discussion, classic Tolkien Road style! But here’s the thing: as you’re going to find out, Smith of Wootton Major is one of Tolkien’s biggest mysteries. And a lot of other folks have written extensively about WHAT IT MEANS, including Tolkien himself. For that reason, there will be Part 2 coming at a later date. So you’ll want to make sure and subscribe NOW so y...
Jan 23, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In episode 322, I'm joined by Andrew Snyder of The Mythic Mind podcast. We talk Middle-earth, Tolkien, Christianity, Kierkegaard, The Shadow, and the consolation that Tolkien provided in Andrew's life during a very dark period. Join us! ANDREW SNYDER » https://linktr.ee/andrewnsnyder EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob Lockham, John H, Eru27 WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/xVL_yySA5Z0 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK IN...
Jan 16, 2023•1 hr 3 min
I'm delighted to share a sample of my recent conversation with Echoes of Eternity, a new-ish podcast from animator Ben West and evangelist Matthew Cantrell. We had a blast, and you're going to love this conversation (1 hour plus). Check out the whole thing here: https://echoesofeternitypodcast.com/episodes/019-john-carswell-the-tolkien-road-adaptations Make sure to check it out! Coming soon from The Tolkien Road: Smith of Wootton Major Athrabeth Finrod Ah Andreth Some great interviews And more! ...
Jan 06, 2023•28 min
We're joined by Solomon Schmidt, the man behind HistoryBites.com . Solomon is leading a Tolkien-themed tour to the UK (England and Scotland) in July of 2023, and we sit down with to hear all about the plans. Seriously folks, this looks like the adventure of the lifetime. If not now, ask yourself: WHEN??? THIS SOUNDS AMAZING . Do yourself a favor and take it all in, and then head on over to https://historybites.com/tour-uk/ to learn more! LINKS : https://historybites.com/tours/ https://historybit...
Dec 29, 2022•58 min
Merry Christmas, fellow travelers! Let's take a close look at the Middle-earth / Christmas connection as well as the recent Rings of Power discussion with Amazon Studios' Vernon Sanders. Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/gr7WfZZoFAk EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Scotchy Bobo - Eru27 FOLLOW & SUPPORT US: - https://patreon.com/tolkienroad (get TWO MONTHS FREE for a limited time) - https://twitter.com/tolkienroad - https://truem...
Dec 27, 2022•44 min
What was the purpose of Númenor? In this episode, we explore that question through the lens of the song of Númenor. Many of you know that I have argued that Númenor’s purpose went beyond being a mere reward for the descendants of the Edain, and seemed to be filled with symbolism and rituals intended to point them to a greater destiny both in this world and beyond it. "Lovely is Númenor. But my heart resteth not here for ever; for here is ending, and there will be an end and the Fading, when all ...
Dec 19, 2022•28 min
Have you ever asked yourself how the Rings of Power work? In other words, WHY did Sauron’s Ring bring him mastery over the other Rings? What sorts of power did the Rings convey? Let's take a close look at these questions! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/-w5vlKc6pH0 EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Scotchy Bobo - Eru27 This episode was released early for our Patrons! Learn more » https://patreon.com/tolkienroad FOLLOW & SUPPORT US: - https:...
Dec 12, 2022•30 min
2022 was a pretty busy year for this podcast and for Tolkiendom on a broad scale! It was pretty intense to cover both The Silmarillion and The Rings of Power. And, to quote Bilbo, it's made me feel like butter scraped over too much bread. I may have been TOO HASTY at times! There’s so much Tolkien still to cover. And to re-read! But sometimes you need to slow down and breath a little deeper... FOLLOW & SUPPORT US: - https://patreon.com/tolkienroad (get TWO MONTHS FREE for a limited time) - https...
Dec 05, 2022•29 min
In a 1963 letter, we find this remarkable line from Tolkien: “Frodo indeed ‘failed’.” What did he mean by that? Is there a deeper message that Tolkien himself took away from writing the scene of Frodo’s failure? What bits of wisdom can we glean from Tolkien’s commentary on Frodo’s failure at Mt Doom? We’ll dive into these questions and seek to understand what deeper truths about mercy, justice, and suffering Tolkien took away from the stark reality of Frodo’s failure. WATCH THE VIDEO » https://y...
Nov 28, 2022•7 min
Is the latest Tolkien book worth your time and money? In this episode, I take a close look at The Fall of Númenor and tell you what I think! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/kx-r92L7ydc EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob Lockham, John H, Scotchy Bobo, Eru27 Buy THE FALL OF NÚMENOR » https://amzn.to/3U7Z3Vf “Of Númenor [Elrond] spoke, its glory and its fall, and the return of the Kings of Men to Middle-earth out of the deeps of the Sea, borne upon the wings of stor...
Nov 24, 2022•20 min
In this episode, we will be looking back on The Rings of Power season 1, and most importantly, discussing some of the in-depth feedback we’ve received along the way! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/E-RTe65YO78 EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob Lockham, John H, Scotchy Bobo, Eru27 TOLKIEN, 1957: "You will receive on Monday the copy of the ‘Story Line’ or synopsis of the proposed film version of The Lord of the Rings. I could not get it off yesterday. . . . . An a...
Nov 21, 2022•52 min