The Tolkien Road

Hey there, fellow travelers!You are about to listen to an audio recording of our MARCH 2022 YouTube livestream. For the video of this replay, including all of the chats from those who were live with us, check the show notes for the link.WATCH ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/TSETOcK2anUThis was the 3rd monthly livestream that we've done, and it was a blast! We're having a lot of fun interacting with everyone who shows up.If you enjoy this replay, then we hope you'll join us for our APRIL livestream, which is tentatively scheduled for April 27th. To stay up to date with the latest, subscribe to our YouTube channel.Thanks for listening, and enjoy!SPECIAL THANKS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- Ms. Anonymous- Andrew T- Redhawk- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- Matthew W- JoeBagelMan- Chris K- Jacob S- Dawn

My choice for Tolkien Reading Day 2022. Enjoy!WATCH THIS VIDEO » https://youtu.be/ib-30vDvxxQSUPPORT » https://patreon.com/tolkienroadTOLKIEN ROAD » https://tolkienroad.com/

With The Rings of Power & The War of the Rohirrim coming soon, I’m starting to wonder: what’s going to be considered “canonical” going forward?In simple terms, will the lore that the show creates be considered “authoritative” going forward?This a PRESSING question, and things are going to get out of hand. In this video, I urge The Tolkien Estate to ACT to create its own office of lore to prevent abuses of the Middle-earth legendarium, and even to allow for "official" storytelling of a literary nature in the future.RINGS OF POWER Controversies » Why Compressing The Second Age Timeline Is Wrong » LOTR on Prime » https://youtu.be/RfJraeLEjzASupport / Follow My Work:- tolkienroad.com- twitter.com/tolkienroad

With Melkor having been imprisoned, Valinor enters a long era of peace. To Finwë, High King of the Noldor, a son is born: Fëanor, the “Spirit of Fire”, whose destiny is bound up with the fate of many. And all the while, a perilous shadow grows upon the Blessed Realm…WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/JlOJNE0mBE0 The audio of this episode was released 2 days early and ad-free for our amazing patrons!EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob LockhamQUOTE OF THE WEEK » "But they obeyed the judgement of Manwë; for those who will defend authority against rebellion must not themselves rebel."In Chapter 6, we’ll learn:- Of the birth of Fëanor, the creator of the Silmarils- Of the “death” of his mother Miriel, and the consequences thereof- Of Finwë’s remarriage, and the birth of Fëanor’s half-brothers- Of Melkor’s release from captivity after 3 long ages.CONTENTS- Quote of the Week » 8:10- The Noontide of the Blessed Realm » 12:36- How Long Was Melkor Imprisoned? » 13:30- Birth of Fëanor / Pass

With 3 groups of Elves - the Vanyar, Noldor, and Teleri - having arrived on the threshold of the Great Sea, they must make the final leg of their journey to the Land of the Valar, Aman, and will do so by extraordinary means. Once they arrive, they will establish their own kingdoms within the Blessed Realm.WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/E8Bl86m5Y9k The audio of this episode was released 2 days early and ad-free for our amazing patrons! https://patreon.com/tolkienroadEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob LockhamIn Chapter 5, we’ll learn:- How the Elves came across the sea to the Blessed Realm- The names of the kingdoms they established for themselves- The names of key Elven figures, and their relations to one another.CONTENTS:- How to pronounce "Eldamar" and "Eldalië"? » 5:40- Ulmo & the Island Ship » 11:30- Teleri, Sindar, and Falathrim » 17:05- Teleri & Tol Eressea » 26:30- The Lords of the Noldor » 36:10- Final Journey of the Teleri » 43:25HELPFUL LINKS:- listen to The

With Melkor imprisoned in Mandos and the Elves on the way to the Blessed Realm, we pause to consider a BRIEF love story that lays the groundwork for a considerably EPIC love story later in The Silmarillion. Like Chapter 2, Chapter 4 doesn’t so much advance the plot from the previous chapter as it provides explanatory detail that will come into play much later.WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/z1a3ELPMuqwThe audio of this episode was released 3 days early and ad-free for our amazing patrons!EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob LockhamARTWORK » https://www.deviantart.com/kimberly80/art/Nan-Elmoth-551617631 by kimberly80 (https://www.deviantart.com/kimberly80)In Chapter 4, we'll learn:- Of the nature of Melian the Maia- Of Elwë, and his lingering in Beleriand- Of the Grey-ElvesCONTENTS:- Melian the Maia » 5:35- "Enchantment" » 8:38- Elwë / Thingol » 19:45- Thingol and Melian Meet » 26:20- The Grey-Elves » 37:40- Haiku » 43:48HELPFUL LINKS:- listen to The Silmarillion for FREE » https

During our Feb 2022 Livestream, we discussed all of the controversies surround The Rings Of Power, our journey thus far in The Silmarillion, and a bunch of amazing correspondence from you, our amazing Fellowship!The audio of this episode was released 2 days early and ad-free for our amazing patrons!WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/fGfLBgNy5hA EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob LockhamSPECIAL THANKS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- Ms. Anonymous- Andrew T- Redhawk- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- Matthew W- JoeBagelMan- Chris KAS WELL AS THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR PATRON ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH (FEBRUARY OF 2022): Sarah W, Dyreanir, Robert H, Jon R, Ish of the Hammer, Cat L, Asya V, David Bigwood, Sarah M, Eric B, Chuck F

Amazon plans to "compress" the 3,500 year timeline of the Second Age into a "single point in time". There are so many problems with this, and in this video I'm beginning to explore all of those problems.Let's talk about this in the comments!From https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/02/amazon-the-rings-of-power-series-first-look:'In the novels, the aforementioned things take place over thousands of years, but Payne and McKay have compressed events into a single point in time. It is their biggest deviation from the text, and they know it’s a big swing. “We talked with the Tolkien estate,” says Payne. “If you are true to the exact letter of the law, you are going to be telling a story in which your human characters are dying off every season because you’re jumping 200 years in time, and then you’re not meeting really big, important canon characters until season four. Look, there might be some fans who want us to do a documentary of Middle-earth, but we’re going to tell one story that unites all these things

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/2ZEa5HCYYYAThe audio of this episode was released 2 days early and ad-free for our amazing patrons!EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R ARTWORK» https://www.deviantart.com/kuliszu/art/Awakening-of-the-Elves-774075830In Chapter 3, we’ll learn:- How Melkor gathered great armies to himself- How The Valar Discovered The Elves- How War Was Waged Against Melkor For The Sake of The Elves- How Melkor Was taken captive to Valinor- How The Elves Were Summoned To Valinor- How The Various Groups of Elves Came To Be- The Names Of The Great Elf-LordsCONTENTS:- Quote Of Th

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/VbUS061qO2UIt 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-FOYAWe 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- Wizards?- Elrond- Durin IV- Gil-galad- Lindon- The Meneltarma- The Misty Mountains- Narnia / Mr. TumnusJoin us!

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 certain Valar. The major events of Chapter 2 include: - Aulë’s creation of the Dwarves & Ilúvatar’s Intervention Therein- Yavanna Response to Aulë’s Secret Deeds- Yavanna’s Collaboration With Manwë for the Protection of Her Creations, OR How The Ents Came To Be WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION HERE » https://youtu.be/UbQhz9qR5JAEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienTHUMBNAIL ARTWORK» kuliszu » https://www.deviantart.com/kuliszu/gallery/24745272/the-silmarillionQUOTE OF THE WEEK: “For [the Dwarves] say that Aul

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/62dcR7XKVncARTICLE: "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

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.com/tolkienroadWatch this episode » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoFKAh__wDA Watch Part 1 here » https://youtu.be/Xx9zh7c6zyoEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienQUOTE OF THE WEEK: “But the light that was spilled from the trees endured long, ere it was taken up into the airs or sank down into the earth; and the dews of Telperion and the rain that fell from Laurelin Varda hoarded in great vats like shining lakes, that were to all the land of the Valar as wells of water and of light. Thus began the Day

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 TolkienQUOTE 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, though less in might and stature; whereas to Men he gave strange gifts.” - The Silmarillion, Chapter 1CONTENTS:- Quote of the Week » 1:30- Synopsis » 5:00- The First War / Tulkas vs. Melkor » 8:10- The Two Lamps / The Spring of Arda » 17:05- Melkor Destroys The Two Lamps » 25:25- Arda Changed / The Blessed Realm / Valinor » 31:45HELPFUL LINKS:- buy The Silmarillion » https://amzn.to/3FOKAY5- buy The Atlas of Middle-earth » https://amzn.to/3KLOxQa- Timeline of Arda » https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Timeline_of_Arda - Aman, T

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

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/wb80qngLtFgEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienQUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Tom Bombadil is not an important person – to the narrative. I suppose he has some importance as a ‘comment’. I mean, I do not really write like that: he is just an invention (. . .), and he represents something that I feel important, though I would not be prepared to analyze the feeling precisely. I would not, however, have left him in, if he did not have some kind of function.” - Tolkien, 1954 (Letter 144)CONTENTS (timestamps coming soon, comment below with them if you want to

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=wtRxezDytYoEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The cycles should be linked to a majestic whole, and yet leave scope for other minds and hands, wielding paint and music and drama. Absurd.” - Tolkien, 1951CONTENTS:- Quote of the Week » 3:54- Textual History of Valaquenta » 11:18- Valaquenta » What it means » 14:40- The Valar » 17:40- Manwë & Varda (Elbereth) »21:10- Melkor » 22:38- Ulmo » 31:00- Aulë & Yavanna » 32:17- Mandos & Vairë » 37:00- Lórien & Estë » 39:40- Nienna » 40:09- Tulkas & Nessa » 47:55- Oromë & Vána » 49:28- The Maiar » 51:20- Ilmarë » 51:56- Eönwë » 52:53- Ossë & U

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 ***THIS EPISODE WAS RELEASED 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!*** » https://patreon.com/tolkienroadEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "I don't believe in absolute evil, but I do believe in absolute good." - Tolkien, 1962 » https://twitter.com/BBCArchive/status/1477973020903821313CONTENTS- Quote of the Week » 2:45- Tolkien's Description of Ainulindalë from the Waldman Letter » 4:30- Characters & Setting » 7:20- The Framework of Ainulindalë » 11:45- The Music

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 you're planning to watch LOTR on Prime, which premiers in September, this will be a great way to improve your knowledge of Middle-earth lore and history so that you can get the most out of that show.So what are you waiting for? Join us!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/qTX9Y-FX5zkTHIS EPISODE WAS RELEASED 2 DAYS EARLY AND IS AD-FREE WITH OUR BELOVED PATRONS! » https://www.patreon.com/tolkienroadEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienCONTENTS: - Quote of the Week » NO HOBBITS! » 4:15- The Chal

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 world of Tolkien Studies.Carl has made an incredible contribution to Tolkien's legacy with The Nature of Middle-earth as well as his other work in Tolkien studies and lore, and we should all be open to what he has to say on these important topics! Join us!EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Kaitlyn of Tea With TolkienTOPICS:- Peter Jackson's Middle-earth films » 1:50- LOTR on Prime » 8:20- Tolkien Studies » 12:34- Tolkien & Religion » 18:10SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE PATRONS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymo