Exploring Tolkien

Bilbo finally becomes a real burglar in this chapter, venturing alone into the heart of the Lonely Mountain as Thorin and company are once again exposed for the unprepared adventurers they are. Meanwhile, And Smaug the possessive is finally revealed. We also discuss: Our Hobbit Fact: The Lonely Mountain is a… Thorin’s continued lack of a plan Tolkien’s precise definition of dwarves&#82...

Here’s the next episode in our series of interviews from the December 2, 2003 roundtable discussions! In this interview–just before The Return of the King was released–Elijah wood reflects on the journey of becoming Frodo Baggins. From long days on set in New Zealand to forging real friendships with his castmates, he shares what made filming The Lord of the Rings so special—and w...

Erebor’s secret door: clever storytelling or a bit too convenient? In this episode, we discuss one of The Hobbit’s quieter chapters, where Bilbo and the dwarves finally reach Erebor’s hidden entrance. We break down why the dwarves seem at a loss, how Bilbo’s perspective has shifted on the journey, and whether this chapter signals Tolkien’s move from fairy tale logic toward a more realistic fantasy...

As Thorin and company finally reach the Lonely Mountain, reality sets in—and it doesn’t smell so pleasant. We examine Tolkien’s skillful prose and worldbuilding as the company confront the desolation left by Smaug and realize they really have no plan–just the map they carry. We also look at: Why are the dwarves so quick to lose hope? Is Bilbo the real leader of this quest? How do Tolki...

Tolkien makes it pretty clear what he thinks about politicians in this chapter… While Thorin and company regain their royal swagger, the Master of Laketown plots to save his own skin and run them out of town. We also look at: Our 3 Year Anniversary! The men’s songs are a little too positive. Are the dwarves getting TOO confident? What happened to Bilbo?  Where’d he go in this par...

Were back looking at the first half of Chapter 10, “A Warm Welcome.” In this episode, we discuss the arrival of Bilbo and the dwarves at Laketown ( check out Tolkien’s drawing ), how this chapter leans on Tolkien’s world building—from Laketown’s real-life archaeological inspiration to the unexplained trade relations between elves and men, and how Thorin is now looking to Bi...

In this very special episode, we reveal the exact barrel music sung in Thranduil’s halls as the dwarves were tossed into the river!  😉 Then, we get into the details of barrel physics, the river, and why there might be “raft-elves”. Make sure to become a member to listen to the full versions of the barrel song! We also look at: Is Thranduil a direct stand-in for Thingol? Lots of...

Bilbo fully embraces his role as hero and finds a way to save the dwarves — but not before we find out how the Elvenking distrusts the dwarves while comparing himself to the great wealthy kings of old. This week we also look at: The announcement of a new Lord of the Rings land/attraction in a new Universal park. The significance of the elves residence in caves. Why is the elf king so petty?...

Bilbo is the only one left to save the dwarves–and to his own surprise, he’s up to the task! This week we also look at: Bilbo’s moment of transformation into the hero of the story. The size of these spiders. Tolkien’s use of spiders throughout the history of Middle-earth How Tolkien had planned for Ungoliant to die (it wasn’t by her own mouth!) What do Attercop, Tomno...

JRR Tolkien’s voice was, well, unique.  He was notably hard to understand (his students regularly complained that his classes were difficult because they simply couldn’t understand him), and even the Inklings (his friends and reading group that included CS Lewis and Charles Williams) preferred it when Christopher Tolkien read excerpts from Lord of the Rings to the group in the 1940s! W...

In this first half of chapter 8 of the hobbit–Flies and Spiders–Jonathan and Michael discuss the evil enchantment of Mirkwood, and if the elves might have a small part in it. This week we also look at: Exactly when Tolkien settled on the final names for Gandalf, Thorin, and Beorn. Tolkien’s first foray into prosaic terror. The meaning of the deer–and the white hart’s...

With talking animals, animals serving food and dancing bears, this may just be the oddest chapter in all of Middle-earth! It kinda feels like it just doesn’t fit. We explore why the animals walk and talk, and how Tolkien had no problem with dancing bears, even adding them later to even more mythology of Middle-earth! This week we look at: CS Lewis’s Advice that shaped The Lord of the R...

Bilbo, Gandalf, and the dwarves are dropped off on the Carrock, and find themselves in the company of a man (so-to-speak) who rather doesn’t like dwarves–but who loves a good story! This week we look at: The reported decline of viewership in The Rings of Power What inspired Tolkien to create Beorn? Why did Beorn stay his anger at all the unexpected guests. How does Beowulf and Tolkien&...

Stuck in trees with fire at their heels, the company find themselves surround by intelligent wolves and taunting orcs… but the eagles notice the commotion and decide to save Gandalf and his friends. This week we look at: Why did Tolkien decide to use wolves in this story? The orcs’ taunting and incredibly detailed, frightening song. Why the eagles decided to save Gandalf. Why Tolkien l...

Life took an unexpected turn this week with the fires in southern California.

Bilbo makes it out of the Misty Mountains with more courage than ever before, while the dwarves prove their disloyalty.  This is the chapter where Bilbo finally comes into his own as a Burglar–he’s becoming the hero of a great tale as he embraces his Tookish side. This week we look at: Middle-earth’s 1st connection to Anime (not War of the Rohirrim !) Bilibo’s Courage Dwarv...

This poem, Noel , was written by J.R.R. Tolkien before The Hobbit was published, and only just discovered in 2013. Here’s how that happened! In 2013, Tolkien scholars Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull found something they didn’t expect. While researching a 1936 edition of The Tablet (a Catholic journal), they found mention of 2 Tolkien poems published in the Abingdon Annual of Our Lady’s School —...

We all had high hopes when War of the Rohirrim was announced a few years ago–particularly since it was attached to Philippa Boyen, screenwriter of the original trilogy. So, Michael and I went out this week to see it in person (with our kids in tow too!). Here, then, is our unabashed review of the film… the ups (a couple), the downs (too many), and the whys that remain unanswered. We ex...

Once Tolkien finished writing The Lord of the Rings , it became clear to him that The Hobbit needed to change–particularly Bilbo and Gollum’s interaction in chapter 5, “Riddles in the Dark”.  But what exactly did he change?  How necessary was it?  Did it make The Hobbit Better? If you haven’t read the original chapter, you can download a PDF here ! Be sure to check ou...

The 2nd half of “Riddles in the Dark” is the most rewritten part of The Hobbit in the 1951 rewrite!  And it’s where Bilbo takes a giant leap (so to speak) into the future of his adventure. In this episode we look at: Why is the riddle game so sacred?  Where does it come from? What might’ve inspired Tolkien to create Gollum. How Tolkien shows us Gollum’s 2 minds. How T...

“Riddles in the Dark” is not only the most memorable event from all of Middle-earth — it’s also the turning point that ultimately led to The Lord of the Rings.  In this episode we look at: Tolkien’s use of the words “miserableness” and “miserabler”. The original character that inspired Gollum. What *actually* brings Bilbo comfort. Where Tolkien...

The goblins of Moria grab the dwarves (and Hobbit) who decided to camp out on their “front porch”, leading to some real terrifying moments! Does Gandalf use gunpowder? How Tolkien subcreates his world with a few simple phrases. The importance of the Goblin song, and the elves, dwarves, and goblins are all introduced with song! Where Tolkien’s prose is almost poetic in an Olde Eng...

The first part of Chapter 4, Over Hill and Under Hill, is unique for it’s direct correlation with Tolkien’s own past.  We discuss: Tolkien’s hiking experience and how it influenced this section of The Hobbit VERY obviously. Stone Giants… are they even necessary or part of Middle-earth? And what ARE they? What’s the significance of Bilbo’s dream? In our extended...

When Tolkien attempted to rewrite the Hobbit in 1960, he just gave up halfway through Chapter 3. In this episode we look at: Changes in time and distance Changes in Prose and style Why he gave up His detailed notes on timeline and itinerary that outlined his changes to The Hobbit In our extended episode ( available for our members ) we talk about: What are the least Lord of the Rings/Middle-earth...

In the second half of Chapter 3, A Short Rest, Tolkien seems to start a shift from a children’s story to more of an epic quest.  What prompted this change?  We have our thoughts, including: How Elrond’s name plays a big part. Tolkien’s improved writing in The Lord of the Rings. What inspired Tolkien’s description of RIvendell. Why are these elves SO different? How elves wer...