The Tolkien Road

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 VIDEO » https://youtu.be/wOznMB_I9fQEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KGDISCUSSION EPISODES ON THE MARINER'S WIFE / ALDARION & ERENDIS: - EP183: https://youtu.be/Ey76ckHwROE - EP185: https://youtu.be/l83a6Idacg4 - EP186: https://youtu.be/NgcX2-QOmSI - EP187: https://youtu.be/8HzR-raLIjcFOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspr

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 depth reading, I’m only going to hit the high points as regards this history of Númenor. However, if you’d like a more in-depth discussion of this story between me and Greta, please check out the notes, or just go back and find episodes 183, 185, 186, and 187.WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/Ega_4eoLio4EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KGFOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkie

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. Check the show notes for more info. However, in this episode, I’d like to touch on some of the prevailing themes in this story that relate to the larger story of Númenor, and unpack some key passages from this chapter.WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/eUbGHjoOeEYEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KGFOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https:

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 Middle-earth.WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/eUbGHjoOeEYEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KGFOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)- listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon- buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ - buy Tolki

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 figure of Aldarion and his great longing for the sea, and the tensions this longing will introduce into the history of Númenor.WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/dq59vV9EOwsEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KGFOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)- listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS

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/VumQLI07YW4EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KGFOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)- listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon- buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ - buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KG- Emilio P- Jonathan D- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- JoeBagelMan- Richard K- Matt R- Matthew W- Garret P- Chris K- John W- Eugene D- Chris B- Daniel S- Seb M- Shana Supreme- Ms. A

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/UWgGk5hz3xsEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KGFOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)- listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon- buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ - buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KG- Emilio P- Jonathan D- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- JoeBagelMan- Richard K- Matt R- Matthew W- Garret P- Chris K- John W- Eugene D- Chris B- Daniel S- Seb M

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/JwxMA3AICiQEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KGFOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)- listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon- buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ - buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KG- Emilio P- Jonathan D- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- JoeBagelMan- Richard K- Matt R- Matthew W- Garret P- Chris K- John W- Eugene D- Chris B- Daniel S- Seb M- Shana Supreme- Ms. Anonymous

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/obyO3Q40xqQEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KGFOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)- listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon- buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ - buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- John H- Melkor27- KG- Emilio P- Jonathan D- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- JoeBagelMan- Richard K- Matt R- Matthew W- Garret

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 those places where Joy and Sorrow are at one, reconciled, as selfishness and altruism are lost in Love.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 89WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/4n37OdecKXQEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)- listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for

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, so that we can more deeply understand the root causes of her Downfall.WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/sfW8U3uLXOgEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:- take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)- listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon- buy Tolkien

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/r1CHGU4gKvgEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everonbuy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27- Emilio P- Jonathan D- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- JoeBagelMan- Jacob S- Richard K- Matt R- Matthew

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. And now, enjoy this sample of my recent appearance on the Window On The West podcast!https://tolkienroad.com/window

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- Eru27FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everonbuy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27- Emilio P- Jonathan D- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- JoeBagelMan- Jacob S- Richard K- Matt R- Matthew W- Garret P- Chris K- John W- Eugene D- Chris B- Daniel S- Seb M- Shana Supreme- Ms. Anonymous- Andrew T- Redhawk- Shannon S

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've set up a convenient URL via TolkienRoad.com/MythicMind.And now, enjoy this sample of my recent interview on The Mythic Mind!TolkienRoad.com/MythicMind

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/HyOY1QEbtjUEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everonbuy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27- Emilio P- Jonathan D- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- JoeBagelMan- Jacob S- Richard K- Matt R- Matthew W- Garret P- Chris K- John W

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/ihNUr7WQokYEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everonbuy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27- Emilio P- Jonathan D- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- JoeBagelMan- Jacob S- Richard K- Matt R- Matthew W- Garret P- Chris K- John

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/orNIHH4oYksEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everonbuy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27- Emilio P- Jonathan D- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- JoeBagelMan- Jaco

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://youtu.be/dGCv15COfPIEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- John R- Jacob Lockham- John H- Eru27FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:PATREON » SUPERFANS!TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMLINKS & MATHOMS:take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everonbuy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/SPECIAL T

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 something to do with what Tolkien called “Christian joy”, that “which produces tears because it is qualitatively so like sorrow, because it comes from those places where Joy and Sorrow are at one, reconciled, as selfishness and altruism are lost in Love.” I wish people knew about this story like they knew about The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. I believe it is truly a life-changing story, bearing the aura of supernatural inspiration, like so much of Middle-earth. And it’s a joy to discuss this story with others, and