Exploring Tolkien

In our longest review yet, Jonathan, Michael, and Dan stand amazed at the volcano survivability rate in Middle-earth, stare bemused at Galadriels’ all new personality, sit frustrated at how the Harfoots apparently forgot their traditions, and collapse with frustration at the Mithril (aka Mithricillin) storyline being foisted on us. And there’s a leaf that delved too deep. BECOME A PATR...

Jonathan, Michael, and Dan go in-depth on The Rings of Power Episode 6, “Udun”, and dive into questions like: Is Galadriel allowed to lecture us on humility? Do the Orcs OR the villagers actually have a strategy? Should they have recruited The Three Amigos? Would Arondir give you good psychological advice? BECOME A PATRON! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private...

In “Of the Sindar”, Tolkien returns to the OTHER elves–the ones who never left Middle-earth for Valinor. These elves created the fairest dwelling that has ever been east of the sea, worked with the Dwarves, and shielded themselves from Morgoth. Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they once again test their Tolkien aptitude with “All that is gold does not glitter”, and...

The more we watch the show, the clearer it is that all the details don’t matter to The Rings of Power. Jonathan, Michael, and Dan discuss Episode 2 and Galadriel’s “I’m fine” face (????), Encino Man and the Harfoots, the made up Morgoth story, and how Elrond ghosted Durin. Become a Patron Join our private Discord chat, access our messageboard, and listen to our extend...

Jonathan and Michael dive into a deeper discussion of Episode 1 of The Rings of Power, “A Shadow of the Past”. They look at how much of Tolkien’s work is in the show, if the show is standing up to the excellence Tolkien’s work demands, and where the show channels its inner Michael Scott :). Become a Patron Join our private Discord chat, access our messageboard, and listen t...

Jonathan, Michael, and Dan discuss why Tolkien is worth defending–and defending ardently. If Tolkien’s work is truly excellent, how much excellence should we demand from those sub-creating in his world? Subscribe to our Podcast Apple Google If You Like Tolkien ???? The Silmarillion The Atlas of Middle-earth The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien The Book of Lost Tales The Children of Hurin Get...

We tackle one of our favorite chapters in The Silmarillion: “Of the Flight of the Noldor”. Finally the ill choices of Fëanor are brought to bear as we watch the grievous opening to a long tale that inevitably leads to “unnumbered tears”. Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they continue to test their Tolkien aptitude with “All that is gold does not glitter”, and...

This week we dive right in and get deep into Ungoliant, what she does, who she might be, and how even Morgoth fears her. Episode 11 Links The Book of Lost Tales Subscribe to our Podcast Apple Google If You Like Tolkien ???? The Silmarillion The Atlas of Middle-earth The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien The Book of Lost Tales Get The Silmarillion audio book for FREE! Just become an Audible Premium Plus me...

Michael tries to stump Jonathan and Dan with “All That is Gold Does Not Glitter”… As we dive further into Fēanor’s story, Dan realizes that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, while Michael … and Jonathan points out that Melkor is officially the strongest Valar. Episode 10 Links A Tolkien-esque Pipe Subscribe to our Podcast Apple Google If You Like Tolkien...

This week, Jonathan quizzes Dan and Michael on some important numbers, Dan sees similarities between the two big characters, Jonathan realizes Melkor was a nice guy, and Michael takes a deeper look at Fëanor's fire.

Dan gets TWO big thoughts this week as we review both  Of Thingol and Melian,  and  Of Eldamar and the coming of the Eldaliē.  He realizes that love can make you do stupid things–like gaze into each others’ eyes for 100 years… and he says what we’re all thinking in the 2nd chapter–what in the world is going on! And for good measure, Michael refers to  his great elven...

Michael and Jonathan review the new Rings of Power teaser trailer, looking through the entire 2+ minutes, and discussing what is Tolkien (a little), what isn’t Tolkien (a lot), and why the Hobbits are waddling. Sorry for the low audio on the trailer–we’ll have it fixed in the next bonus episode! You might enjoy watching this episode on YouTube instead (just so you can see the tra...

In this week's episode, Jonathan poses some trivia questions to Michael and Dan, Michael puts together a great diagram to explain ALL the different types of elves, and we confirm the existence of female orcs!

Dan, Jonathan, and Michael are taking the week off to be with friends and family.  So if you're looking for a little more Tolkien commentary this week, be sure to checkout our YouTube channel at https://www.theonering.com/youtube

In this episode, Jonathan is gobsmacked that the dwarves are ACTUALLY the firstborn! Michael, Dan, and Jonathan also discuss the ins and outs of Aulē's relationship with Yavanna, and how Yavanna's hopes for eagles in her trees is dashed by Manwë.

With the stage set for enormous battles between Melkor and the Valar, Jonathan, Michael, and Dan dive into "Of the Beginning of Days" to surface questions like: Did the color green exist before Varda? How long is the time of the lamps? Is the light of the trees physical? Which Valar long for Middle-earth?

In the second chapter of The Silmarillion, Valaquenta, Michael, Dan, and Jonathan test their knowledge with "All that is Gold, Does Not Glitter", decide that Varda should've dated Melkor, and explain that Tolkien was a true flat-earther! Listen as we discuss these questions and look to find answers directly in Tolkien's text!

Join Michael, Dan, and Jonathan as they begin the long journey through The Silmarillion with the first chapter, Ainulindalē. We tackle questions like... Why is music so important? Is there a direct relationship between the Biblical creation story and Tolkien's? How much do the Valar actually KNOW? Why are Manwé and Melkor "brothers"? Why is water important? Are the Valar really transgender? Listen...

Michael, Dan, and Jonathan offer their thoughts on what we know and what we’ve seen about Amazon’s Rings of Power series, and also talk about what Silmarillion story they would like to see put on film. And Dan just wants bearded dwarf women... Make sure you read the first part of The Silmarillion, Ainulindalë, as we'll start our read through next week!

Who are these guys? Why are they doing a podcast?  When did they read the Lord of the Rings?  How do they know each other?