The Tolkien Road

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!

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...

In episode 257, we discuss Athrabeth, Enya, Estel, The Shadow, Consolation, and more! Join us!

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!

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.

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.

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. In episode 253, Greta and I discuss these problems in depth. We also catch up on correspondence, with topics ranging from the Valar to the flame of Udun to feedback on our recent discussion with Carl Hostetter. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous WATCH THE VIDEO  CONTENTS  - What We're Criticizing » 4:43 - Fix #1: Better Maps » 11:13 - Fix #2: Narrative Style » 23:20 - Fix #3: Timetables » 28:56 - Mailbag » 33:35  LINKS  - VIDEO: "The Silmarillion - 3 Big Problems (and How to Fix Them)" - ARTICLE: "The

Eagles, swans, thrushes, crows, gulls . . .We discuss the massive and iconic role that birds play in Middle-earth, with ornithologist and Tolkien-fan Jonathan Rice!

By the stars of Elbereth!!! It’s the Two Trees of Valinor!!!On August 2nd, Amazon gave us a release date for LOTR on Prime plus the first official image for the show. And what an image it is!In this latest video, Greta and John break down the release date and the image and discuss what it all means.

An interview with Carl Hostetter, editor of the newest Tolkien book, The Nature of Middle-earth!

This week, we treat you to the first chapter of John's book, Tolkien's Overture: Concerning the Music of the Ainur. To listen to the whole thing, head on over to Audible. You can also get the audiobook by supporting us on Patreon! For other ways to read Tolkien's Overture (including signed paperback), visit TolkiensOverture.com.

A ton of big news about Amazon's LOTR on Prime dropped on Tuesday (7/20/2021). In Episode 250, we discuss all of it, where it came from, how accurate it might be, and what it all means!Topics include the Tolkien Estate, Tolkien experts, nudity, Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales rights, hobbits in the Second Age, and whole lot more!

This week, we treat you to the first 2 chapters of John's book, Tolkien's Requiem: Concerning Beren and Lúthien! Enjoy!

In episode 249, we re-visit "Akallabêth", Tolkien's beautiful account of the rise and fall of Númenor.

On episode 248, we explore the legend of Helm Hammerhand and the War of the Rohirrim, which is the subject of a forthcoming film from New Line Cinema.  Join us!

John interviews author Michael Jahosky on his book The Good News of the Return of the King. Join us!

On episode 246, we complete our journey through The History of Middle-earth series as we survey volume 12, The Peoples of Middle-earth. Join us!

On episode 245, we continue our journey through The History of Middle-earth series as we survey volume 11, The War of the Jewels. Join us!

On episode 244, we survey Morgoth's Ring, volume 10 in The History of Middle-earth series. Join us!

On episode 243, we survey the second part of Sauron Defeated, volume 9 in The History of Middle-earth series. Join us!