Tolkien Reading Day 2024 is upon us, and boy do we have a curve ball for you! What do Tolkien and Quentin Tarantino have in common? Apparently more than you'd think! Greta and I watched Tarantino's 2019 film "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" twice this week, and found some fascinating synchronicities with Tolkien's own vision of fairy tales from "On Fairy-stories", including one that has me convinced that Tarantino MUST HAVE read Tolkien when creating the film. We had a blast discussing Tolkien an...
Mar 25, 2024•30 min
Welcome to Episode 367 of The Tolkien Road, or Episode 3 in the Do Not Be Hasty - reckoning! In this episode, we'll explore Gandalf's arrival at Bag End with fireworks in tow, and his subsequent discussion with Bilbo about his party, plans, and upcoming joke. Perhaps most importantly, we'll answer that important question: just HOW BIG were Gandalf's eyebrows??? Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Melkor27 - KG WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/cH0TopUiL-s WATC...
Mar 18, 2024•45 min•Season 10Ep. 3
In this episode, we grab a pint with Sam's dad at the Ivy Bush as we resume our exploration of Lord of the Rings Book 1 Chapter 1 A Long Expected Party by considering the section from “Twelve more years passed…” to “...this very month as-is.” The bulk of this section concerns Hamfast Gamgee, aka The Gaffer, and his conversation with other Shire-folk including Daddy Twofoot, Sandyman the Miller, and Old Noakes. Through their humorous back and forth, we’ll come to understand how Bilbo and Frodo ar...
Mar 11, 2024•43 min•Season 10Ep. 2
With this episode, we begin a new journey, as we return to The Lord of the Rings for something epic (in scope) and Entish (in pace). Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Melkor27 - KG WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/jpQhFfCvyL0 WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-99625727 LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/99676164 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM LINKS & MATHOMS...
Mar 04, 2024•46 min•Season 10Ep. 1
With Sauron having been defeated and disembodied at the end of the Second Age, and a time of peace settling in upon the free lands of Middle-earth, how do we arrive at the events of The Lord of the Rings, some 3,000 years later? The account we’ll be looking at in this episode is taken entirely from Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, and describes the major events that lead up to A Long-Expected Party, and the forming of the Fellowship of the Ring. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with...
Feb 19, 2024•21 min
With Elendil and his sons having founded Arnor and Gondor after the downfall of Númenor, Sauron wastes little time in launching an assault upon them, his aim to conquer the free lands of Middle-earth once and for all! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - SaberSystems - Melkor27 - KG WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/FTBb9KDSOKE WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/98234215 LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/98234234 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ...
Feb 12, 2024•33 min
In this episode, we’re approaching the END of our journey through the Fall of Númenor as we explore the founding of Arnor and Gondor after the downfall of Númenor. Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - SaberSystems - Melkor27 - KG WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/XCeXZeKhSi4 WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-97791398 LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/founding-of-and-97793301 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATRE...
Feb 05, 2024•40 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through the Fall of Númenor by exploring Ar-Pharazôn’s assault on the Blessed Realm and the great cataclysm that brings Númenor to it’s tragic end. Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - SaberSystems - Melkor27 - KG WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/Df8hMWPfFDQ WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/97318479 LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/97318998 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON ...
Jan 29, 2024•35 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through the Fall of Númenor by exploring Sauron’s tenure there, his devious and depraved works, and Isildur’s heroic moment. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - SaberSystems - Melkor27 - KG WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/gUQyPV08UZk WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-in-96921024 LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/sauron-in-sa3262-96921654 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREO...
Jan 22, 2024•26 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through the Fall of Númenor by exploring the rise of Ar-Pharazôn, Númenor’s last King, AND his attack upon Sauron. Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - SaberSystems - Melkor27 - KG WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/buIaEjcCD4Y WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-94382415 LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/tar-palantir-war-94382710 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON...
Dec 26, 2023•26 min
In this episode, we learn of the reign of Tar-Palantir, the penultimate King of Númenor, who sought to return the land of Gift to its ancient ways. We’ll also learn of the rise of his nephew Pharazôn and the beginning of the abominable reign that ultimately leads to the downfall of the Land of Gift. Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - SaberSystems - Melkor27 - KG WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/buIaEjcCD4Y WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-fre...
Dec 11, 2023•25 min
In this episode, we’re taking a quick break from The Fall of Númenor to review the new edition of The Letters of JRR Tolkien, released just last week! Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - SaberSystems - Melkor27 - KG WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/QGBSygzWEFk WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/93525366 LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/tolkiens-letters-93526932 FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER FACEB...
Nov 27, 2023•30 min
Hey there, fellow travelers! I was recently a guest on the Exploring Tolkien podcast from TheOneRing.com . We had a great discussion looking at some of the changes in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films and asking the question: Are we OK with these changes? Some of the issues we discussed include: Do Men Want Power MORE THAN Immortality? Did Jackson SCREW UP The Last Alliance of Men and Elves? Does The One Ring REALLY Have A Mind Of Its Own? To listen to the whole thing, subscribe to the Exp...
Nov 22, 2023•13 min
In the last episode, we considered the decreasing reign and lifespans of the rulers of Númenor in the late third millennium of the Second Age, and the root causes of their decline. In this episode, we pick up where we left off, with the death of Tar-Ardamin, the first N ruler to live less than 300 years, and the taking of the sceptre by his son, Ar-Adûnakhôr, and Númenor’s increasing enmity toward the Elves and the Valar. Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Sab...
Nov 20, 2023•31 min
In this episode, we’ll explore key events during the reign of Tar-Ancalimon, as well as briefly review the reigns of several Númenorean rulers that followed. We’ll learn of Númenor’s increasing spiritual and moral decay and the increasingly contentious power situation in the once peaceful island kingdom. Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/7YXPlNBc5xE WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-umbar-of-92971008 LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/umbar-and-sa2280-92...
Nov 17, 2023•27 min
In this episode, we’ll explore the events attributed to the year 2251 of the Second Age. Those events are: Death of Tar-Atanamir; Tar-Ancalimon Takes The Sceptre; Rebellion and Division of the Númenóreans begins; About this time the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths, Slaves of the Nine Rings, First Appear. We’ll see how the increasing Númenorean anxiety towards death served to create a spiritual environment that led to the seduction and “creation” of the Nazgûl. Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/N...
Nov 15, 2023•23 min
In this episode, we consider the reign of Tar-Atanamir, the 13th ruler of Númenor. We learn here that Atanamir was given the epithet “The Great”. Yet we also learn that he was given another - “The Unwilling”. I have to admit, it’s not entirely clear to me why Tar-Atanamir deserved to be called “The Great”, though I will explore that issue in this episode. And we will certainly discuss why he was called “The Unwilling.” At the end of the day, one thing is for certain: Atanamir’s reign was of majo...
Nov 13, 2023•31 min
The War of the Three Rings is over! With Sauron’s armies destroyed, Middle-earth is at peace. However, Middle-earth’s peace brings with it a new threat - Númenorean Empire! In this episode, we’ll consider the events spanning the years of SA1731 thru SA2029, as Númenor spreads its influence over Middle-earth - and the Shadow spreads its influence over Númenor. Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/XagUWECRjVM WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-91796302 LISTEN AD-...
Oct 29, 2023•30 min
With Sauron’s invading armies having been pushed back from the Grey Havens and subsequently routed at the Battle of Tharbad, the Dark Lord is on the run! In this episode, we’re looking at the next series events, those of the year SA1701. Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/par3Y0ph_9s WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-91403916 LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/91403911 EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - ...
Oct 23, 2023•34 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through the Fall of Númenor by exploring Sauron’s full scale invasion of Eriador and the subsequent counterattack of the Númenoreans. When we left off, things were looking pretty dire for the Elves of Eriador against the army of Sauron. In this chapter, we’ll continue our exploration of Sauron’s War Against The Elves, or The War of the Three Rings, as I also refer to it. The chapters we’ll be looking at are: - 1699 Sauron overruns Eriador - 1700 Tar-...
Oct 16, 2023•27 min
With this episode, the War of Sauron Upon The Elves (what we might also call the War of the Three Rings) begins. And given the relative length of the next 3 chapters, as well as their unified theme, I decided to combine them into this one episode. The chapters we’ll be looking at are: - 1693 - War of the Elves and Sauron Begins. The Three Rings Are Hidden. - 1695 - Sauron’s forces invade Eriador. Gil-galad sends Elrond to Eregion. - 1697 - Eregion Laid Waste. Death of Celebrimbor. The Gates Of M...
Oct 09, 2023•31 min
In this episode, we're continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "c1600 - Sauron Forges The One Ring In Orodruin. The Completes The Barad-dûr. Celebrimbor Perceives The Designs Of Sauron." Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/vZyIucaQEjg WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-90163414 EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Melkor27 - KG FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATREON » SUPERFANS! TWITTER...
Oct 02, 2023•31 min
In this episode, we're continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "c1590 - The Three Rings Are Completed In Eregion"! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/1tsKulWfUBk WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-88290129 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 Tru...
Sep 25, 2023•29 min
The full title of this chapters is "c1500 - The Elven Smiths Instructed By Sauron Reach The Height Of Their Skill. They Begin The Forging of the Rings of Power."In this episode, we discuss the nature of Sauron's "gifts" to the Noldor, and how their nature and past makes them particularly prone to Sauron's malevolent plot.Join us as we discuss! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/1tsKulWfUBk WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-88290129 EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of T...
Aug 28, 2023•31 min
In this chapter, we find rumors of Sauron beginning to unveil his plot. In fact, it’s even debatable what Sauron’s “plot” was from the beginning! Even so, Gil-galad and Elrond refuse to treat with him, though the Elven-smiths of Eregion are won over. All the while, the Númenoreans begin to make permanent havens in Middle-earth (and that's a bad thing). Join us as we discuss! WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/cY5EmQrBD2k WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-87936457 EXE...
Aug 21, 2023•23 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through the Fall of Númenor by exploring the chapter 1075 - TAR-ANCALIMË BECOMES THE FIRST RULING QUEEN OF NÚMENOR. Having covered the life and significance of one of Númenor’s most important rulers, Tar-Aldarion, we now turn to a rather brief description of the reign of his daughter: Tar-Ancalimë, the first Ruling Queen of Númenor. WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/eIFl6hkEV1A WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-87604391 ...
Aug 14, 2023•15 min
In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through the Fall of Númenor by exploring the chapter c1000 SAURON CHOOSES MORDER. After our deep dive in to the story of Númenor’s pivotal 6th king, Tar-Aldarion, we return now to Sauron, and take a look at the founding of Mordor and the building of Barad-dûr. WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/Lkjvn-3A1SE EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - John R - Jacob Lockham - John H - Melkor27 - KG FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD : PATRE...
Aug 03, 2023•16 min
This chapter concludes the era of Aldarion, one of the most important kings in the history of Númenor. As we learned in the last episode, his father, Tar-Meneldur, chose to turn the rule of Númenor over to Aldarion earlier than was normal, due to a letter from the Elven High-King Gil-galad. asking for Númenor’s aid amidst the increasingly dire situation in Middle-earth. In this chapter, we’ll explore Aldarion’s reign, as well as what becomes of his wife Erendis and daughter Ancalimë. WATCH THE V...
Jul 24, 2023•25 min
This chapter continues the story of Aldarion, destined to be Númenor’s 6th King. While it begins with the wedding, long-expected, of Aldarion and Erendis, it concludes with many events unexpected, including word from Gil-galad to the King of Númenor regarding “ a new shadow arising in the East”. This is a long chapter dense with nuance and character development, perhaps the richest glimpse we get into the various psyches of Númenoreans as individuals, and while I’d love to give it a much more in...
Jul 17, 2023•29 min
Over the next 3 episodes in our Fall of Númenor series, we’ll return to the story of Aldarion, whom we met 2 episodes ago. Aldarion is the son of Tar-Meneldur and the expectant heir to Númenor's throne. But as we will learn, he is a man torn between a deep longing for the sea and his destiny as Númenor’s king. We have in fact covered this story before, in great detail, in episodes 183, 185, 186, and 187. For a more detailed discussion of the story itself, I’ll refer you to to those episodes. Che...
Jul 10, 2023•21 min
