The Tolkien Road

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 EP...

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....

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 C...

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 Tolkien WATCH THIS VIDEO ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/QG4DH67BcQA ***THIS EPISODE WAS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRO...

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! Origina...

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 Tolkien T-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 F...

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! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

At the end of the day, ONE thing matters more than anything else when it comes to LOTR on Prime... Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

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! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

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! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

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! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

In episode 259, we sit down once again with Carl Hostetter, editor of the latest volume of JRR Tolkien's writings, The Nature of Middle-earth. We focus our attention on Appendix I: Metaphysical and Theological Themes. Join us! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

So Lord of the Rings, according to Tolkien, is Catholic. SO WHAT??? On this episode, we explain why this matters, and what Tolkien was getting at... Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

In episode 257, we discuss Athrabeth, Enya, Estel, The Shadow, Consolation, and more! Join us! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

In episode 256, we discuss The Nature of Middle-earth, The Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan / Carl Hostetter resemblance, LOTRonPrime theories, LOTR films criticisms, The Council of Elrond, and more! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

Did Tolkien really say that the Lord of the Rings is “fundamentally religious and Catholic”? What did he mean by that? Join us as we explore the topic. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

Why did Númenor exist? Was it simply to reward the Edain and their descendants? Or was there some greater purpose that impacted the rest of Arda, and perhaps even the Cosmos? In episode 254, we’re exploring the Religion of Númenor in order to better understand the purpose for Númenor’s existence. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support...

In early July, I published an 8 minute video on our YouTube channel titled The Silmarillion: 3 Big Problems (and How to Fix Them). For many Tolkien fans, even asserting that there are problems with a work like The Silmarillion might be considered borderline blasphemy. I might have even said the same thing several years ago! However, after our survey of Unfinished Tales and The History of Middle-ea...

Eagles, swans, thrushes, crows, gulls . . . We discuss the massive and iconic role that birds play in Middle-earth, with ornithologist and Tolkien-fan Jonathan Rice! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

By the stars of Elbereth!!! It’s the Two Trees of Valinor!!! On August 2nd, Amazon gave us a release date for LOTR on Prime plus the first official image for the show. And what an image it is! In this latest video, Greta and John break down the release date and the image and discuss what it all means. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/su...

An interview with Carl Hostetter, editor of the newest Tolkien book, The Nature of Middle-earth! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

This week, we treat you to the first chapter of John's book, Tolkien's Overture: Concerning the Music of the Ainur. To listen to the whole thing, head on over to Audible. You can also get the audiobook by supporting us on Patreon! For other ways to read Tolkien's Overture (including signed paperback), visit TolkiensOverture.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/...

A ton of big news about Amazon's LOTR on Prime dropped on Tuesday (7/20/2021). In Episode 250, we discuss all of it, where it came from, how accurate it might be, and what it all means! Topics include the Tolkien Estate, Tolkien experts, nudity, Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales rights, hobbits in the Second Age, and whole lot more! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podc...

This week, we treat you to the first 2 chapters of John's book, Tolkien's Requiem: Concerning Beren and Lúthien! Enjoy! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .

In episode 249, we re-visit "Akallabêth", Tolkien's beautiful account of the rise and fall of Númenor. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support .