The Lorehounds

David and John discuss Season 1, Episode 10 of the Star Wars Disney+ show, Andor. David explains why he shed tears during the prison break and brings in connections with Rogue One. John can’t say enough good about Andy Serkis and Stellan Skarsgard. Overall, the Lorehounds agree this might be the best TV they’ve seen all year. Contact Us Questions, comments and/or deep Star Wars thoughts to share?...

David and John rent a Vespa and embark on an Italian Dream podcast. They discuss the career of White Lotus Showrunner Mike White and bring in more Greek mythology before recapping the misadventures of each set of guests. Is Albie really a nice guy? Does Ethan understand boundaries? And who is Greg on the phone with? Finally, David and John check in with the deadpool and answer listener feedback. S...

David and John discuss Season 1, Episode 9 of the Star Wars Disney+ show, Andor. Unlike Cassian, we’re hoping someone is listening to our scene-by-scene breakdown, our short lore segment on Saw Gerrera, and a transmission of listener feedback. Is this the darkest piece of Star Wars visual media yet? Will Karn ever learn personal boundaries? Contact Us Questions, comments and/or deep Star Wars thou...

David and John take a trip to Sicily with the new cast of characters in The White Lotus Season 2. They discuss production details and a theory based on Greek mythology before doing a full recap of Season 2, Episode 1: Ciao. Why did Daphne and Cameron invite their friends on an extravagant trip? Are three generations of Sicilian-Americans a good plot framing device? Will John ever perfect his Jenni...

David and John recap and discuss Season 1, Episode 8: Narkina 5 of Star Wars: Andor on Disney+. They dive into the tale of two prisoners: one in a cell, one in a cubicle. And what is it that Andy Serkis is assembling? Finally, they answer listener questions. Contact Us Questions, comments and/or deep Star Wars thoughts to share? Send us an email at andor@thelorehounds.com and we’ll get back to you...

Season One of The Rings of Power is over, but there’s still more Tolkien to talk. David and John continue their conversation with Tolkien scholar Marilyn R. Pukkila in this bonus episode. The first passage for the Silmarillion read-along will be “Ainulindale.” You can find it in the first few pages of The Silmarillion. Contact Us Deep lore questions, comments and/or thoughts to share? Send us an e...

David and John give their final thoughts on Season 1 of The Rings of Power. They also announce their new Silmarillion read-along to help you stay in Tolkien’s world a little longer. After responding to listener feedback, they have a long and deep discussion about the show with returning Tolkien Scholar Marilyn R. Pukkila. Look for a BONUS episode later in the week with extended portions of the int...

David and John discuss Season 1, Episode 7: Announcement of Star Wars: Andor on Disney+. They marvel at how good an entire place setting episode can actually be. Then, they debate the best scene of the episode: Mon Mothma’s cocktail party, Cassian and Maarva’s conversation or Dedra Meero having her integrity publicly ventilated.  Contact Us Questions, comments and/or deep Star Wars thoughts to sha...

David and John discuss the first six episodes of the Star Wars Disney+ series Andor. They dive into Cassian Andor’s past, his relationships, and his motivations. Is Cassian his own worst enemy? Is Star Wars best served as a heist? Will Luthen tell us his secret to quality wig making? Find out this and more on this episode. Contact Us Questions, comments and/or deep Star Wars thoughts to share? Sen...

David has returned and his veil has been lifted! David and John discussed their hot takes for Episode 8 and then deep dive into the lore around Sauron’s near redemption, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the coming of the Istari. They tied up the episode with some listener feedback about accents, character motivations, and the reception of the show before discussing the future plans for the L...

John was joined by Aron from Bald Move to discuss the whereabouts of Celeborn, the words of Meteor Man, and production updates on Season 2. John received the last audio diary from David before he returns for the season finale next week. Then, Craig from the Legendarium Podcast and John discussed their thoughts on the Silmarillion, Silmaril Trees, and Uncle Benjen’s transformation into an Orc. Fina...

John was joined by Aron from Bald Move to discuss orcs, Mount Doom, and their general feelings on the season. John received another audio diary from David with some thoughts on this episode. Then, Tolkien scholar Marilyn R. Pukkila and John discussed the themes of the Second Age and Tolkien’s approach to magic. Finally, Aron and John took on some listener feedback. Contact Us Deep lore questions,...

John was joined by Jim from Bald Move to discuss Elrond’s father Eärendil the Mariner, the origins of Mithril, and John’s beef about the status of the Silmarils. John received a surprise audio diary from David with some thoughts on this episode. Then, Tolkien scholar Marilyn R. Pukkila and John discussed the Palantíri and their role in Tolkien’s legendarium. Finally, Jim and John took on some list...

John was joined by Jim from Bald Move to discuss the Fallen Elves of the First Age and the origins of Dwarves. David made a surprise guest appearance from the Southlands to explain who owns which screen rights to Tolkien’s legendarium. Then, Tolkien scholar Marilyn R. Pukkila and John discussed the first few episodes of the new series. Lastly, Jim and John took on some listener feedback before Joh...

David and John discuss Tolkien’s concept of “Canons of Literary Art'' and discuss how to measure if an adaptation runs true to its source. Then, they play a little catchup on some lore & context from Episodes 1 and 2 and answer a listener question before going in for a deep dive on the Island of Numenor! Sources Shippey, Tom. “ Tolkien Book to Jackson Script: The Medium and the Message...

David and John explore the history of the Trees of Valinor seen in the prologue to S01E01 of The Rings of Power. The Lorehounds then do a deep dive into the life of Finrod, Galadriel’s brother and her primary motivation in the show. And what in Middle-earth did Meteor Man say to Nori? The guys have some ideas. View our Guide to Second Age Elf Factions here . Contact Us Deep lore questions, comment...

David and John take the stage on the Bald Move Discord server to give their hot takes on the premiere of the first two episodes of The Rings of Power. Aron joins the Lorehounds to give some of his opening thoughts on the series, and audience questions lead the conversation into some deep lore territory. Contact Us Deep lore questions, comments and/or thoughts to share? Send us an email at lotr@the...

David and John have finished their deep dive into the Second Age in preparation for Season 1 of the Rings of Power. Aron joins them to discuss recent news, answer listener feedback and to talk about what’s next for the Lorehounds. BONUS Segment: David interviews Librarian Emeritus Marilyn R. Pukkila about Tolkien’s fellowship with the TCBS. Contact Us Deep lore questions, comments and/or thoughts...

David and John share their thoughts live on the Bald Move Discord server about the brand new Rings of Power Trailer! Watch the trailer on YouTube here . After the break, David walks John through a set of YouTube FanFic adaptations within Tolkien’s universe. Don’t forget to join The Lorehounds for an Instant Talk at 11:15 PM ET on September 1 on the Bald Move Discord server right after the premiere...

David and John discuss Tolkien’s son and literary executive, Christopher Tolkien, before wrapping up The Second Age and bringing us full circle to The Lord of the Rings. Join us to continue our deep dive into the lore behind Amazon’s upcoming series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Sources: (1) J.R.R. Tolkien by Humphrey Carpenter; (2) The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien; (3) The Lord of...

David and John discuss today’s wild news that Embracer Group is acquiring the rights to the Lord of the Rings universe! We also give you the details you need to know from Amazon’s flood of Twitter promos that are packed with information. We close the podcast with a walkthrough of the LOTR Appendices: which ones you should read, and which you can skip. Contact Us Deep lore questions, comments and/o...

David and John discuss Tolkien’s experience in World War I before looking into the War of the Last Alliance of Men and Elves. Join us to continue our deep dive into the lore behind Amazon’s upcoming series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Sources: (1) J.R.R. Tolkien by Humphrey Carpenter; (2) The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien; (3) The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Contact Us Dee...

David and John discuss Tolkien’s influence on modern fantasy before telling the story of the forging of the Rings of Power. Join us to continue our deep dive into the lore behind Amazon’s upcoming series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Sources: (1) J.R.R. Tolkien by Humphrey Carpenter; (2) The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien; (3) The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Contact Us Deep...

David and John discuss Tolkien’s academic career and obsession with language before breaking down the origin story and political factions of the Elves of Middle-earth. Join us to continue our deep dive into the lore behind Amazon’s upcoming series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Sources: (1) J.R.R. Tolkien by Humphrey Carpenter; (2) The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien; (3) The Nature of...

David and John discuss the new trailer from Amazon’s Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power which premiered at San Diego Comic Con. We take you through a shot by shot breakdown with lore details and wild speculation. Watch the trailer on YouTube here . Contact Us Deep lore questions, comments and/or thoughts to share? Send us an email at lotr@thelorehounds.com Find us on Twitter @thelorehounds, on...