The Tolkien Road

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor as we explore “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! Join us!And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe it’ll change the way you look at Tolkien’s legendarium.If you’re enjoying this series, make sure you head over to tolkienroad.substack.com and subscribe.Read Tolkien's Tragedy: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/That’s where you’ll get early chapters of Tolkien’s Tragedy and all the behind-the-scenes insights I only share with my readers.Episode Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/e0331/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/r1CHGU4gKvgWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/140989226Listen AD-FREE: https:

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "The Geography of Númenor". How big was the Land of Gift? What was it like? Did it have any cities? In the latest episode, we’re going to cover everything you ever wanted to know about the Star-Land itself. Join us!And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe it’ll change the way you look at Tolkien’s legendarium.If you’re enjoying this series, make sure you head over to tolkienroad.substack.com and subscribe.Read Tolkien's Tragedy: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/That’s where you’ll get early chapters of Tolkien’s Tragedy and all the behind-the-scenes insights I only share with my readers.Episode Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/e0330/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/MXVNVJvm-FwWatch AD-FREE:

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "SA32 » The Edain Reach Númenor", in whch 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!If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this.And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe it’ll change the way you look at Tolkien’s legendarium.If you’re enjoying this series, make sure you head over to tolkienroad.substack.com and subscribe.Read Tolkien's Tragedy: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/That’s where you’ll get early chapters of Tolkien’s Tragedy and all the behind-the-scenes insights I only share with

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!If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this.And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe it’ll change the way you look at Tolkien’s legendarium.If you’re enjoying this series, make sure you head over to tolkienroad.substack.com and subscribe.Read Tolkien's Tragedy: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/That’s where you’ll get early chapters of Tolkien’s Tragedy and all the behind-the-scenes insights I only share with my readers.Episode Link: https://www.tolk

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "Before the Second Age", a summary of the major events leading up to the story of Númenor.If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this.And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe it’ll change the way you look at Tolkien’s legendarium.If you’re enjoying this series, make sure you head over to tolkienroad.substack.com and subscribe.Read Tolkien's Tragedy: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/That’s where you’ll get early chapters of Tolkien’s Tragedy and all the behind-the-scenes insights I only share with my readers.Alright — let’s dive into "Before the Second Age"!Episode Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/e0327/To support our

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with the volume's introduction, titled "The Saga of a Dark Age".If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this.And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe it’ll change the way you look at Tolkien’s legendarium.If you’re enjoying this series, make sure you head over to tolkienroad.substack.com and subscribe.Read Tolkien's Tragedy: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/That’s where you’ll get early chapters of Tolkien’s Tragedy and all the behind-the-scenes insights I only share with my readers.Alright — let’s dive into Númenor’s epic story, and rediscover why it remains one of the most haunting legends Tolkien ever wrote.Episode Link:

We’re bringing back one of our most popular journeys: our series on The Fall of Númenor! If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this.And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe it’ll change the way you look at Tolkien’s legendarium.If you’re enjoying this series, make sure you head over to tolkienroad.substack.com and subscribe.Read Tolkien's Tragedy: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/That’s where you’ll get early chapters of Tolkien’s Tragedy and all the behind-the-scenes insights I only share with my readers.Alright — let’s dive into Númenor’s epic story, and rediscover why it remains one of the most haunting legends Tolkien ever wrote.Episode Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/e0324/To suppor

Hey there, fellow travelers! I’ve got some exciting news: my new book Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age is finally here.This has been years in the making. In fact, when I first started outlining it, Amazon’s Rings of Power series hadn’t even been announced. Now we’re two seasons in, and I think this book offers insights that are more timely than ever.The full text is almost finished, but I’m still deciding on the best way to publish it. For now, I’m sharing it chapter by chapter over on my new Substack — that’s TolkienRoad.Substack.com. You can read the introduction and first chapter for free, and if you’d like to go deeper, you can get the rest with a Patreon or Substack membership.What you’re about to hear is the introduction to Tolkien’s Tragedy. I can’t wait to share it with you, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.So, head over to TolkienRoad.Substack.com to follow along — and now, let’s dive in!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcas

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey concludes with Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age!The last chapter of The Silmarillion is a synoptic account of the Second and Third Ages which focuses upon the legends of the Rings of Power, all the way through the events of the late Third Age depicted in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It's something like a 50,000 foot view of the whole mass of Middle-earth's history after the First Age, right on through the story of Frodo and the Fellowship.Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg29/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Also, I've just launched a new Substack here: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/oajJtpC8_HAWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/136624404Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/74530860Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Akallabêth - the Downfall of Númenor!“Akallabêth” is the synoptic account of Númenor in the Second Age of Middle-earth. This account spans almost 3500 years of history. It begins with the establishment of Númenor by Elros (brother of Elrond), and ends with the destruction of the island kingdom when its last king attempts to assail The Blessed Realm.Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg28/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Also, I've just launched a new Substack here: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/JRqaGOaRkz0Watch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/136110217Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/74224141Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 24 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath!In Chapter 24, the First Age comes to a cataclysmic end, as a hero undertakes a desperate journey to Valinor, and the powers of Aman gather for a transoceanic assault on the forces and strongholds of Morgoth!Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg27/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Also, I've just launched a new Substack here: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/lgI8ldBpAYQWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/135024534Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/73639924Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 23 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin.With Doriath having fallen in Chapter 22, the remaining Elvish enclaves of Beleriand face increasing peril, and not even Gondolin can remain hidden from the forces of Morgoth forever!Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg26/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Also, I've just launched a new Substack here: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/Ynw-JeVnhRkWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/afv-0303-2025-ch-135020472Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/71256775Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 22 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Doriath!“Of the Ruin of Doriath” is not one of the longer chapters in The Silmarillion, but it is packed with hugely significant events as we rapidly approach the climactic catastrophes of the First Age! It all picks up after the death of Túrin and Nienor, Húrin’s children.Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg25/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Also, I've just launched a new Substack here: https://tolkienroad.substack.com/Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/a3kHJfQ1ucMWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/afv-0302-2025-ch-134495956Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/70894522Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 21 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Túrin Turambar.The tale of Túrin Turambar is a long one, rivaling “Of Beren and Lúthien” and “Akallabêth” as the longest chapter in The Silmarillion. It is also quite tragic, as we shall see. After giving a bit of background on Túrin’s ancestry, it picks up where the last chapter left off, with Túrin’s father Húrin imprisoned in Angband. The chapter then focuses in on Túrin’s life.Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg24/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/ekQQ69g6J8EWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/133983955Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/70440300Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 20 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad!After Beren and Lúthien’s excellent adventure, what could possibly come next? Only a great battle brimming with bloodshed and “Unnumbered Tears” of course! First though, Tolkien provides a brief epilogue for Beren and Lúthien, giving them a happy ending, though, in true Tolkienian fashion, leaving Melian with a “grief of loss” heavier than anyone has ever known.Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg23/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/0QaFHbuVxdQWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/133452739Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/68867515Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 19 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Beren and Lúthien.In my view, “Of Beren and Lúthien” is the crown jewel of The Silmarillion. I love it so much I wrote a book about it. It was one of Tolkien’s favorites too, and it’s one of the longest chapters in The Silmarillion. It picks up where the last chapter left off, in the aftermath of the Battle of Sudden Flame.Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg22/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/qFiDAJQws-IWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/132620727Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/68577959Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 18 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin.In Chapter 18, Angband breaks loose upon Beleriand. What ensues is the The Battle of Sudden Flame and its terrible aftermath.Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg21/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/3RQYy0j4fT4Watch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131971589Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/68251527Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 17 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Coming of Men Into the West.In Chapter 17, we learn of the first Men to enter into Beleriand. Furthermore, we learn about the beginnings of their relationship with the Elves, and what the term Edain means. By the way, this is the last relatively calm chapter in The Silmarillion. The stage has been set, and a lot of adventure, war, and destruction is about to be unleashed.Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg20/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/QUufRHW0T0oWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131624287Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/67913214Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 16 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Maeglin.“Of Maeglin” represents a shift in the style of The Silmarillion. While we had previously been dealing in something like a chronicle of the various Elves in Beleriand, with this chapter the scope becomes much narrower, and we focus in on the story of Aredhel, the sister of Turgon, and on the hidden city of Gondolin. “Of Maeglin” is one of the book’s first chapters that really works well as a tale unto itself, although it of course bears significant relation to the rest of The Silmarillion as well.Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg19/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/JPgoqAi8qFQWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/129223324Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/67649410Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--52

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 15 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Noldor in Beleriand.In Chapter 15, Turgon establishes the secret and glorious realm of Gondolin, Galadriel becomes a handmaiden of Melian, and Thingol learns of the kinslaying!Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg18/To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.Enjoy!OTHER LINKS:Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/Pr4lj4orwAkWatch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/afv-0294-2025-ch-129222835Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/67007866Buy Tolkien Road merch @ True Myths PressBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.