Mythgard Institute

Mythgard's Exploring The Lord of the Rings

Arts EN ↓ 379 episodes

Join The Tolkien Professor, Dr. Corey Olsen, on a sentence-by-sentence journey through the text of Tolkien's epic fairy story, and explore Middle-earth through the magical game-world of Lord of the Rings Online.

Author

Mythgard Institute

Episodes

Session 378: The Hammer and the Anvil 03.07.2026 1:38:51

Frodo's wound is actually treated, and the Company gets ready to continue their escape from the orcs. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 377: Frodo's Secret 18.06.2026 1:51:30

As we go to examine Frodo's wound, Bilbo's secret is discovered! Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Mythmoot XIII: June 25-28, 2026 https://signumuniversity.org/event/mythmoot-xiii-june-25-28-2026/

Session 376: Concerning Whortle-Berries 10.06.2026 1:47:56

Today we consider Aragorn considering Sam's scalp wound. And whortle-berries. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will meet once per month for 1 ho...

Session 375: The Hands of the King 29.05.2026 1:40:08

Tonight we begin the Health Care for Hobbits portion of the dash from Moria to Lothlorien. Can the hands of the king cure a septic scalp wound? Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry...

Session 374: Legolas Lingers on Local Legends 16.05.2026 1:49:27

Join us tonight, when Legolas pipes up to ruin Aragorn's carefully circumspect description of their path. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will...

Session 373: Aragorn Speaks with Skill in a Hard Place 07.05.2026 1:45:29

Having completed the side trip to the Mere, we now set off south, under Aragorn's careful leadership. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 372: Stooping and Looking in Mirrormere 26.04.2026 2:01:59

This evening we will stoop and look in Mirrormere and see what, if anything, appears. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will meet once per month...

Session 371: Pausing for Wonder 16.04.2026 1:30:53

Tonight we join Gimli on a brief sight-seeing expedition in the Dimrill Dale. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will meet once per month for 1 ho...

Session 370: Dwarven Tourism 10.04.2026 2:09:25

Now that Aragorn has stepped up as leader of the Company, let's look around Azanulbizar. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will meet once per mon...

Session 369: Aragorn's Leadership 01.04.2026 1:35:58

Time to begin a new chapter. Today we start wandering towards Lothlorien, where we might possibly lose track of time... Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ )...

Session 368: Grief in the Sunlight 31.03.2026 1:45:42

We have come at last the end of the chapter, and a pause in the hectic escape from Moria. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will meet once per mo...

Session 367: Flying Fools 23.03.2026 1:44:13

Tonight we watch as the Company continues to obey Gandalf's last command and sees the sunlight again. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 365: His Staff Was Broken on the Stone 13.03.2026 2:06:33

Tonight we discuss the final action in Gandalf's confrontation with the Balrog, as things take a sharp downward turn. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 366: Aftermath 13.03.2026 2:06:43

Doom has come, and Gandalf has fallen. What do we do now? Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 363: The Fight on the Bridge 14.02.2026 1:54:57

We return to the epic conflict on the Bridge of Khazad-dum, already in progress.

Session 364: The Balrog Attacks 14.02.2026 2:12:35

Tonight, the conflict between Gandalf and the Balrog gets physical. Probably.

Session 362: Gandalf on the Bridge 19.01.2026 2:10:14

We have arrived, on our 9th Anniversary Class, at Gandalf's speech on the Bridge of Khazad-dum! Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 361: The Confrontation 07.01.2026 1:47:45

Tonight we discuss the (first) description that has led so many readers to think that Balrogs have wings.

Session 359: Boromir's Response to the Balrog 07.01.2026 1:36:29

We've seen Legolas's terror, Gimli's grief, and Gandalf's resignation. But how does Boromir respond to the Balrog? Interest Form on Exploring the Lord of the Rings Discussion Groups https://forms.gle/9s94eyrpWnHaW3xu7 Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 360: Crossing That Bridge 07.01.2026 1:59:44

Tonight we examine the crossing of the Bridge of Khazad-dum, as the Balrog approaches. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 357: Doom, Doom 14.12.2025 1:54:10

Join Corey as we discuss approaching Doom: Durin's Bane appears at last. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 358: Recognizing Doom 14.12.2025 1:56:23

Join Corey tonight, for "A Balrog! A Balrog is come!" Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 356: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm 14.12.2025 1:42:55

Tonight we actually arrive at the Bridge of Khazad-dum. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 353: Maybe We Can Get Out After All 17.11.2025 1:55:04

In which Gandalf opines that they might get out after all, for all the Drums in the Deep. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Session 354: The Floor is Ghâsh 17.11.2025 1:46:51

Tonight we join the Company of the Ring in peering out into the Second Hall of Old Moria to discover what, exactly, is on fire. https://signumuniversity.org/news/annual-fundraising-campaign-2025/ Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv