The Last Homely House

Frodo is reunited with Gandalf in Imladris only to lose him to tragedy in the dark under the mountain. These few chapters are full of ups and downs (and SO much information). What parts stood out the most to you?

From the threshold of Bombadil's door to the threshold of Rivendel, our hosts follow the growing fellowship through the Barrow Downs, into Bree, to Weathertop, and eventually to the Ford of Bruinen. What stood out to you in these chapters?

One book down, three to go! Our hosts begin their discussion of Fellowship by escaping the Shire with Frodo (only to find greater peril in the wider world). What were your favorite part of these early chapters?

We take a quick diversion from Middle Earth to look at one of Tolkien's short stories (Smith of Wooton Major). Does it show some similarities to the Hobbit? Can it teach us anything about Tolkien's opinion on Faery stories?

We wrap up our first book for the summer! Bilbo's courage and wisdom save the day and the finally makes his way back home. What did you think? If it was your first read, how did you like it? If you've read it before, what stood out to you this time around?

We continue our read-through the Hobbit with chapters 11-15. (or as Ron would call them, the DRAGON CHAPTERS!!) We go from the dwarves (and Bilbo) first entering the mountain to the point when they barricade themselves inside against those who want a part of the treasure. What were your favorite parts of this section?

Our hosts talk about the next five chapters of the Hobbit, taking them from their run-in with the wolves all the way to their safe arrival in Laketown.

At long last, we begin our read-through of the Hobbit, going from Bilbo's unexpected party to the riddle-battle under the mountain. What are your favorite parts of those first few chapters?

Our hosts try (unsuccessfully) to unravel the mystery of Tom Bombadil. What sort of being is he? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Our hosts chat about how Luthien grows into one of Tolkien's greatest characters as he continues to develop her (and how her singing becomes key to her power).

We continue our series of character deep-dives looking at Saruman and asking ourselves "When exactly did he become the bad guy?"

Our hosts spend some time today talking about Fëanor. Tolkien describes him as the greatest elf of Middle-Earth but he is also in many ways the most problematic. We talk a little bit about his history and what makes him so great and terrible.

Following up on a recommendation from a listener, our hosts talk TRoP Season 3, the newly confirmed cast members, and what the next season might have in store for us.

Why does Tolkien spend so much time talking about what people are drinking? What do the drinks say about the characters? (And what sort of cocktail does Denethor drink with his tomatoes?)

Our hosts finally return to their discussion of resting places in Middle-Earth, wrapping up with the (few) places of rest in Return of the King (and the return to several resting places that were discussed earlier).

Join our three hosts as they talk about Middle-Earth's own "Goldy-Locks." Will our takes be too hot, too cold, or just right?

We wrap up our Middle-Earth Madness Tolkien Tournament with one final category and breaking down our Final Four. Who will win and get to join the Fellowship? You'll have to listen to find out! Let us know if you played along and who you had win the final round! (The bracket can be found on our Facebook page.)

To kick off our fourth season, we have our own little March Madness tournament in Middle-Earth, except the winner of our competition gets the honor of joining the Fellowship after the fall of Gandalf. Who will it be? (If you want to play along, grab a bracket from our Facebook page!)

Our hosts continue their discussion about places of rest in Middle Earth, picking up from the Prancing Pony and making it (mostly unscathed) through the Two Towers.

Our hosts try to recover from time-change weekend by reflecting on places of rest in Tolkien's stories. They start with the the Hobbit and end within sight of the Prancing Pony.

We find out how Jasmine and Jon did answering last week's questions for Ron. And we also revisit the Lord of the Rings trilogy's Oscar success (since the Academy Awards were last night).

It's been a few years since our hosts have "introduced themselves" by answering questions about Middle-Earth and Tolkien. So listen in, get to know our hosts, see how well Jon and Jasmine know Ron, and answer the questions yourself!

It's not always "love at first sight" in Middle-Earth. Sometimes things go off the rails when "he loves her" and "she loves somebody else" (and vice versa).

Our hosts celebrate the upcoming holiday by talking about the idea of "Love at First Sight" in Tolkien's works.

Our Fellowship is whole again and Jasmine joins the conversation to add her thoughts on Gollum.