Speak Friend and Enter

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the aftermath of Bilbo's birthday party, and Gandalf's search for answers about the ring. Talking points: How long does it take for Gandalf to ride to Minas Tirith and back for answers? What does it mean that Frodo is Pippin's first cousin twice removed? How much can we overthink the phrase 'Riddles in the Dark'?

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the Valaquenta, or an account of the Valar and Maiar, their domains and skillsets, and their relationships with one another.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the particulars of how the ring affects different people. Talking points: Why doesn't Bilbo have a panic attack meltdown every time he puts on the ring? How far is it from Hobbiton to Rivendell? Why does every ringbearer insist on calling it precious?

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we continue talking about the Ainulindalë, the creation myth of Middle-Earth. We already covered Eru and the Ainur singing the world into existence, so now let's get into what they do after they get there.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss Hobbiton, and our first listener question! Talking points: What exactly are Sackville-Bagginses? Is Longbottom leaf tobacco or weed? How did Sauron manage to mess up badly enough to allow Isildur to defeat him?

In this first installment of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss Middle-Earth's creation story: the Ainulindalë, or the music of the Ainur. Check out Evan Palmer's comic version of this story here !

In this episode of SFE, we begin to scratch the surface of the Shire, in its bucolic tin-whistle glory. Talking points: How does Gandalf get his scruffy paws on an Elven ring of power? If there's always a Baggins in Bag End, who lives there after Frodo sails to the West? Can we revolutionize Middle-Earth timekeeping in the space of a twenty minute podcast?

In this episode of SFE, we continue discussing Galadriel's opening monologue from Fellowship of the Ring, diving right in to that pure nerd stuff.  Talking points: How does Isildur justify the decision not to destroy the one ring? Was Bilbo fated to find the ring in the Misty Mountains? Do any of us have free will, really?

In the first episode of SFE, we'll be revisiting Galadriel's opening monologue from Fellowship of the Ring, and clarifying some deep lore that the movies simply didn't have the time to delve into. Talking points: What or where is Middle-Earth? What do the rings of power actually do? Why didn't the Witch-King of Angmar read the terms of service on the ring Sauron gave him?