The Tolkien Road

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

We did a LIVESTREAM! So this one will feel a little experimental - not our normal open, and lots of banter with the patrons who joined us! We had a lot of fun doing it, and it will certainly be the first of many to come. It was mostly a pilot for the WISDOM app, which we kinda struggled with...hence, the title of this episode.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/42z1VTfp8ac***THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED 4 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE WITH OUR BELOVED PATRONS!*** » https://patreon.com/tolkienroadEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien TOPICS INCLUDE:- LOTR on Prime- Silmarillion 2022- The Nature of Middle-earth- Haiku » Will It Return In 2022?- Isildur » Good Guy or Bad Guy?- Gandalf SPECIAL THANKS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymous- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- 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- R

In 2013, Tolkien's lost poem "Noel" was discovered in the archives of an Oxfordshire school. With Christmas just around the corner, we take a close look at this 1936 poem, and discover the thematic seeds of Middle-earth's epic drama. Join us! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE ***THIS EPISODE IS 3 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!******LIVE DISCUSSION - DEC 16TH @ 7PM CT »»» https://www.wisdom.audio/*** If you’ve ever wanted to engage with us LIVE, your opportunity is coming up! On Thursday, December 16th, at 7pm CT, we’ll be going live on the WISDOM app to discuss whatever Tolkien-related things you guys want to talk about! Just follow me on the Wisdom App via @johncarswell. » https://www.wisdom.audio/We are looking forward to talking with you, taking your questions, and we can’t wait to hear from you! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien CONTENTS:- Background » 6:45- "Noel" reading » 15:00- Analysis » 16:50- Correspondence » 45:15LINKS:- "Noel" text

Have you ever heard of Tolkien's GOBLIN WARS? (HINT: you won't find them in the Middle-earth legendarium). These are the stories of Goblins invading the North Pole and stealing gifts intended for the children of England from Father Christmas' cellar. Join us as we explore how the "Other Fellowship" of Father Nicholas Christmas, the North Polar Bear, the Red Gnomes, and others join forces to save Christmas! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/BEK4vr1gXAw***THIS EPISODE IS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!******LIVE DISCUSSION - DEC 16TH @ 7PM CT »»» https://www.wisdom.audio/*** If you’ve ever wanted to engage with us LIVE, your opportunity is coming up! On Thursday, December 16th, at 7pm CT, we’ll be going live on the WISDOM app to discuss whatever Tolkien-related things you guys want to talk about! Just follow me on the Wisdom App via @johncarswell. » https://www.wisdom.audio/ We are looki

We take a look at Letters From Father Christmas, a collection of Christmas-themed illustrated letters that Tolkien wrote this children from 1920-1943.SPOILER: they're great!Join us!EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienWATCH THIS VIDEO ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/QG4DH67BcQA***THIS EPISODE WAS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!***CONTENTS:- Background » 7:20- Contents » 13:00- Characters » 21:48- Themes » 27:45 LINKS:- buy The Father Christmas Letters » https://amzn.to/3FSMAhH- Lott's Bricks » https://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/i...- Snapdragons game » https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snap-dr...) SPECIAL THANKS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymous- Redhawk- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- 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

The conventional wisdom says that JRR Tolkien didn't much care for his buddy C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia.Is this true? If so, what was so off-putting about the stories from Tolkien's perspective?In episode 266, John is joined by Holly Ordway (author of Tolkien's Modern Reading) and David Bates (of Pints With Jack, the C.S. Lewis podcast) to explore these questions and more. Join us!Originally published on November 22, 2021.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/kuTXCxB92zcEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienT-SHIRTS! Get your Tolkien Road T-Shirt now and take 10% Off! Just use the code ROAD at checkout.***THIS EPISODE IS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!***CONTENTS- Tolkien's View of Narnia » 2:30- WHY Did Tolkien Hold This View? » 10:45- Tolkien's View of Lewis' Space Trilogy » 16:45- Tolkien's View of His Earlier Works (Hobbit, Roverandom, etc) » 26:45- Narnia vs. The Wind in the Willows » 34:15- Tolkien's Fr. Christmas Let

In episode 265, we're looking at life in Númenor, as spelled out in The Nature of Middle-earth!Originally published 2021-11-15 05:00.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienT-SHIRTS! Get your Tolkien Road T-Shirt now and take 10% Off! Just use the code ROAD at checkout.***THIS EPISODE IS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!***CONTENTS- Númenorean Chieftains Were Beardless » 11:31- Long Life and Peace » 14:30- Weariness / Clinging to Life » 21:00- Númenorean Aging » 22:30- Númenorean Marriage » 32:30- Númenorean Values & Pride » 35:40- Correspondence » 41:45 LINKS- Ep 216 » The Bombadil Enigma » https://youtu.be/iiFIWF6BtUo SPECIAL THANKS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymous- Redhawk- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- 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

In episode 264, we discuss some truly surprising new details from The Nature of Middle-earth. Seriously mind-blowing stuff here, including Gandalf's appearance, the race of hobbits, Aragorn's beard, the nature of Eagles, and more!

At the end of the day, ONE thing matters more than anything else when it comes to LOTR on Prime...

In this episode, we take a close look at "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor" from Unfinished Tales! It’s a brief and fascinating account of the 3000 year history of Númenor, and contains a lot that needs to be unpacked! Join us!

In episode 261, we're discussing Tolkien's ORIGINAL and far more detailed ending to The Silmarillion. We're delighted to be joined once again by Keith Mathison!

In episode 260, we discuss Gandalf's famous characterization of Frodo's quest: "a fool's hope". Why did he say that? Why is it significant he was saying that to Pippin? What is the broader significance of that line for the work and for Middle-earth (and our reality) in general?  Join us!