A Sacred Fellowship

Lorienne and Kathryn look at the theme of reward in the hero's journey as it applies to the chapters in Ithilien in Book IV.

In which Kathryn and Lorienne look at the theme of Approach in the Hero's Journey and how it plays out in the opening three chapters of Book IV of LOTR. Here is some great advice for when you are anxious. Everyone feels anxious now and then. But there are things you can do to minimize those feelings. Mayo Clinic Health System staff suggests trying the exercise below the next time your mind is stuc...

Kathryn and Lorienne continue to look at the LOTR through the Hero's Journey. In this episode, we look at The Voice of Saruman, the Palantir, and Minas Tirith through the theme of the Road of Trials. Enjoy!

In which Kathryn and Lorienne are rewarded by looking at how various characters get their just desserts.

Our theme--ordeal--appears whenever our characters, the three hunters or the two halflings, have no control over their situation. Kathryn and Lorienne discuss how these characters face their ordeals, manage expectations, and find whatever control they do have.

In which Kathryn and Lorienne depart from Lórien and navigate down a lazy river where the logs have eyes and Legolas wears a crown of stars.

Navigation, whether literal or relational, is a fruitful theme in the Lord of the Rings, as well as a big piece of the hero's journey. Listen while Kathryn and Lorienne discuss navigation of relationships and decisions; navigation through fear, mistrust, and prejudice;  and navigating one's purpose, vocation, calling, and doom.

Kathryn and Lorienne look at Vigilance as the opposite of idleness and see how Strider teaches it to the hobbits. We see how vigilance plays a part in the Hero's Journey as it appears in the Lord of the Rings. And, Lorienne sings a song about Borodin.

Kathryn and Lorienne begin a review of the Lord of the Rings through the great theme of the Hero's Journey. We get to the outskirts of Bree examining the ways in which Departure is key to the beginnings of the story.

Doom, or destiny, is not negative, and there are many ways in which that theme is played out in the Hobbit. Kathryn and Lorienne reflect on that theme both in the Hobbit and in other sources of the writings of Tolkien. Not surprisingly, we can find our own doom in our lives, even if not as much is at stake. Store up your treasures in your fellowships, not your arkenstones!

Lorienne and Kathryn find the good disorder and the troubling disorder in the chapters from The Frying Pan to the Warm Welcome in the Hobbit. Kathryn sings an interesting Christmas Carol and Lorienne tries not to imitate Benoit Blanc. Enjoy and write us a review please!

You can't disinter Durin... Kathryn and Lorienne look at the theme of Undertaking as it relates to Gandalf, Bilbo, and Thorin & Co. We spiral out to consider the orcs, Elrond, and others and we consider the whole history of Middle Earth as it is playing out in these pages.

As a treat near the holidays, Kathryn and Lorienne look at the theme of kindness and where it appears in the writings of Tolkien.

The latest in ASMR as Lorienne opens a brand new book. Also, Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the range of priorities among different characters in Rings of Power and find inspiration for situations in our own lives.

Kathryn and Lorienne talk about our favorite topic with a few Doctor Who tangents through the lenses of Accountability and Honoring the Past. Sometimes, the best way to do both is to move forward and don't look back! We look at major characters in the books, Peter Jackson films, and the recent Rings of Power to see how they do or do not manage to balance both themes. It is gift giving season! At w...

Kathryn and Lorienne do the unimaginable. Every chapter of the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and the Silmarillion, plus some extra chapters from Unfinished Tales, has been covered. Oh, but we are NOT done. Enjoy as we sing your praises and thank you for your fellowship over the past two and a half years.

Kathryn and Lorienne look at the evolution of the relationship between Galadriel and her author. Our theme is persistence and she shows it in her life of long defeat, her continuing development up to the last month of Tolkien's life, and in her continuing presence in our culture. Whether for NaNoWriMo or the winter holiday season, be sure to stock up on The Hero's Journal!

We have reached "On the Rings of Power and the Third Age" (OTROPATA) and Lorienne just had a dream that there were more chapter to The Silmarillion. For the real world, we will draw this out with a two episode discussion interrupted by a discussion of a very interesting Elf.

There is a very special surprise towards the end of this episode, so listen through! Lorienne and Kathryn talk about Episodes 1 through 5 of The Rings of Power. We look for trust between characters and examine our own trust of the series and direction. Not all who wonder or wander are lost.

When are you no longer an Exile? When are you faithful and when are you just stuck in the past? How can I change a curse to a gift? Kathryn and Lorienne look at these and other questions in the second half of the Akallabeth. Remember, for your own quests, try https://theherosjournal.co. It will fit on your boat to Middle Earth, in your backpack on the Camino, or on your office desk.

Lorienne and Kathryn manage not to discuss Rings of Power TOO much while delving into the early history of Numenor leading up to the capture of Sauron. Get your journal at https://theherosjournal.co

Kathryn takes a break while Lorienne discusses some of the surrounding literature about the Akallabeth with a couple of Chads and an Arthur. We discuss the first two episodes of Rings of Power without any spoilers, too. Who do you think is the Stranger? Do you think one of us has the right guess? Thank you to Chad Bornholdt, Arthur Harrow, and Chad High for your generous gift of time and wisdom an...

Kathryn and Lorienne are in fellowship recording in the SAME ROOM!!! We look at Fellowship in the final chapter of the Saga of the Silmarils. Get your Hero's Journal. Or get a dozen.

Ay-ah-ren-deel? Ay-uh-ren-dil? Ee-ar-en-deal? Gondolin is in flames, there are balrogs and dragons everywhere, and we are doing the deep dive on how to pronounce Eärendil! Seriously, we could go down any rabbit hole to prevent coming to the end of the Silmarillion! Please support our sponsor: https://theherosjournal.co.

Kathryn and Lorienne take a brief step away from the Silmarillion to examine Turin once again through the fantastic chapter in Unfinished Tales. Does your perspective on Turin change with this version? We note especially the love and pity and empathy he shows in Unfinished Tales that did not make it to the Silmarillion. Share your thoughts with us!