The Tolkien Road

Join us for an in-depth discussion of "Of Beleriand and Its Realms", the 14th chapter of The Silmarillion. Get the most out of your Silmarillion reading from this exploration of the map of Middle-earth's First Age.EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob Lockham, John HIn Chapter 14, we’ll learn of Beleriand’s regions, rulers, and key geographical features!WATCH THE VIDEO» https://youtu.be/AQCD0gBtfoEQUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I am sorry about the Geography. It must have been dreadfully difficult without a map or maps.” - Letter 144 (to Naomi Mitchison)LINKS & MATHOMS:- listen to The Silmarillion for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon- buy The Silmarillion » https://amzn.to/3FOKAY5- buy The Atlas of Middle-earth » https://amzn.to/3KLOxQa- buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/- buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/- Timeline of Arda » https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Timeline... - Interactive Map of Beleriand » http://lotrproject.com/map/beleriand/- Epis

Having arrived to Beleriand, Fëanor wastes no time in confronting Morgoth.WATCH THE VIDEO» https://youtu.be/NfTQcLXGQHYEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob LockhamQUOTE OF THE WEEK: "His prayer was answered swiftly. For Manwë to whom all birds are dear, and to whom they bring news upon Taniquetil from Middle-earth, had sent forth the race of Eagles, commanding them to dwell in the crags of the North, and to keep watch upon Morgoth; for Manwë still had pity for the exiled Elves."CONTENTS- Timeline » YT1497 - YS260- Fëanor's Fate » 6:00- Maedhros, Fingon, Manwë, and Thorondor » 16:40- Thingol & the Noldor » 27:30- Turgon, Finrod, Ulmo » 39:20- The Glorious Battle + Glaurung » 43:30LINKS & MATHOMS:- listen to The Silmarillion for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon- buy The Silmarillion » https://amzn.to/3FOKAY5- buy The Atlas of Middle-earth » https://amzn.to/3KLOxQa- buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/- buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensovertur

Join us for an in-depth discussion of "Of Men", the 12th chapter of The Silmarillion. Get the most out of your Silmarillion reading from this exploration of JRR Tolkien's First Age story of the origins of Men.With the Sun having risen upon Middle-earth for the first time, we finally meet the Younger Children of Ilúvatar: US!WATCH THE VIDEO OF THIS EPISODE » https://youtu.be/TnfCUPkjbno The audio of this episode was released 3 days early and ad-free for our amazing patrons » https://patreon.com/tolkienroadEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob LockhamQUOTE OF THE WEEK: "To Hildórien there came no Vala to guide Men, or to summon them to dwell in Valinor; and Men have feared the Valar, rather than loved them, and have not understood the purposes of the Powers, being at variance with them, and at strife with the world."CONTENTS:- Timeline » YT1500 / YS1 » 5:35- The Second Spring of Arda / The Names of Men » 7:22- Men and the Valar (and the Dark Elves) » 14:00- Of Morgoth and Men » 19:30-

Join us for an in-depth discussion of "Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor", the 11th chapter of The Silmarillion. Get the most out of your Silmarillion reading from this exploration of JRR Tolkien's First Age story of the creation of the Sun and the Moon.EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob LockhamWATCH THE VIDEO OF THIS EPISODE » https://youtu.be/-vWPUtk5kwkChapter 11 gives us a moment to catch our breaths after the intense action of the last several chapters. It introduces a new epoch into the history of Middle-earth: the Years of the Sun and the Moon, and the barring of Valinor from the rest of the world.In Chapter 11, we’ll:- Catch up with the Valar- Learn of the creation of the Sun and the Moon- Consider Morgoth’s reaction to these new lights- Learn how and why Valinor was hiddenAnd much more!The audio of this episode was released 2 days early and ad-free for our amazing patrons » https://patreon.com/tolkienroadQUOTE OF THE WEEK: "Thus it was that as Mandos foretold

Join us for an in-depth discussion of "Of the Sindar", the 10th chapter of The Silmarillion. Get the most out of your Silmarillion reading from this long-form exploration of JRR Tolkien's First Age story of Beleriand's first war!WATCH THIS EPISODE » https://youtu.be/24axMxpUGekEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob LockhamIn Chapter 10, the perspective shifts from the Blessed Realm to Beleriand, where it will remain for the rest of The Silmarillion. We jump back to where we left Beleriand - at the point when the Vanyar, Noldor, and Teleri all departed, leaving behind some of their brethren, who become known as the Sindar, and take the Teleri Lord Elwë as their King, and the Maia Melian as their Queen.In Chapter 10, we’ll learn:- Of the Sindar, the brethren of the Teleri that remained behind in Beleriand.- Of the creation of Menegroth, the grand palace of the Sindarin King Thingol- Of the coming of the Dwarves to Beleriand- Of the Nandorin Elves- Of the return of Melkor to Middle-eart

This is an in-depth discussion of "Of the Flight of the Noldor", the 9th chapter of The Silmarillion. Learn how to get the most out of your reading from this long-form exploration of JRR Tolkien's First Age story of Fëanor's Oath!Chapter 9 brings us to the terrible aftermath of Valinor’s Darkening. Will Melkor be held to account? Can Ungoliant be stopped? Is there any saving the Two Trees? And what of the Silmarils?WATCH THE VIDEO » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqNlLvJkvaA 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: "Yavanna spoke before the Valar, saying: ‘The Light of the Trees has passed away, and lives now only in the Silmarils of Fëanor. Foresighted was he! Even for those who are mightiest under Ilúvatar there is some work that they may accomplish once, and once only. The Light of the Trees I brought into being, and within Eä I can do so never again. Yet had I but a li

Chapter 8 brings us to the great catastrophe of the Blessed Realm. What happens in this chapter sets in motion tidal waves of tragedies whose effects are felt, for good and for ill, down to the years of Frodo’s journey.WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/1JbIgPaPkM0 The audio of this episode was released 2 days early and ad-free for our amazing patrons!Support us on Patreon » https://patreon.com/tolkienroadEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob LockhamQUOTE OF THE WEEK » “There in the black shadows, beyond the sight even of Manwë in his highest halls, Melkor with Ungoliant plotted his revenge.”In Chapter 8, we’ll learn: Of Melkor’s Revenge Plot Of the Mysterious Origins of Ungoliant, the Predecessor of Shelob Of the Undoing of the Bliss of ValinorCONTENTS:- Chapter Summary » 3:40- Timeline » 5:50- Melkor To Avathar » 7:40- Concerning Ungoliant & Her Origins (& Shelob) » 10:00- A Festival to Eru in Valmar » 26:45- The Destruction of the Two Trees » 39:30- Haiku » 48:53FOLLOW &a

Is Lord of the Rings Christian, Pagan or, in some way, both? In the legendarium of Middle-earth, Tolkien connects the gods of the ancient world with the God of biblical Christianity in a manner that, somehow, he intended to be acceptable to "a mind that believes in the Blessed Trinity." How can this be?John is joined by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick to discuss this question. Fr Andrew is the host of both Amon Sûl, a Tolkien podcast, as well as Lord of Spirits, which explores the seen and unseen world of the Bible. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS » Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien, John R, Jacob LockhamWATCH ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/bzFPLXBwVbILINKS- Lord of Spirits podcast » https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/lordofspirits- Amon Sûl podcast » https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/amonsul- About Fr. Andrew » https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/asd/fr-andrew-stephen-damick/FOLLOW & SUPPORT US:- https://patreon.com/tolkienroad- https://facebook.com/tolkienroad- https://twitter.com/tolkienroad- https://instagram.com/tolkienroa

What are the Silmarils and what is their significance? We finally reach the answer to these questions in Chapter 7, learn of the intrigue surrounding them, and how their existence becomes a curse for the Blessed Realm.WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/KW2gfIX3cCA The 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 LockhamQUOTE OF THE WEEK » “As three great jewels they were in form. But not until the End, when Fëanor shall return who perished ere the Sun was made, and sits now in the Halls of Awaiting and comes no more among his kin; not until the Sun passes and the Moon falls, shall it be known of what substance they were made.”In Chapter 7, we’ll learn: - Of Fëanor’s creation of the Silmarils- Of Melkor’s lust for the Silmarils & his insidious operations after his release from prison- Of the conflict that arises from Melkor’s treacherous whisperings amongst the Noldor and Fëanor’s jealous guarding of the

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