The Tolkien Professor

<p>As we get closer to discussing the Season 3 episode structure, we need to discuss some of the creative challenges we will face over the upcoming season and answer questions like: Why do the elves decide to live in a cave? Is ice the only dangerous thing in the Helcaraxë? And what exactly is Angband like?</p>

<p>Digging deeper into Season 3, we discuss the frame narrative that will surround the primary plot and story arc of the season.</p>

<p>We begin the third season with the rebellion of the Noldor – but where should we end it? We discuss possible endings and arcs for the new season.</p>

<p>Listener and resident composer Philip Menzies joins the SilmFilm team again to talk about music for Season 2. Also, Tolkien artist Ted Nasmith joins the discussion to discuss subcreation and artistic adaptation of The Silmarillion.</p>

<p>Now that we’ve worked through the details of each episode, we will solidify the season-long arcs, the frame narrative, and the subplots of our major villains.</p>

<p>In which we discuss the major themes of the show: the tragedy of loss and tragic falls of the main characters we have been developing throughout the last two seasons.</p>

<p>In Episode 10 of the season, we bring Fingolfin and Fëanor into conflict – finally revealing Fëanor for the jerk he really is.</p>

<p>After a season and a half, we’re finally ready to introduce the things at the center of the story: the Silmarils! Plus, we get ready for the next episode, where the central conflict of the season will come to a head.</p>

<p>By the eighth episode of the season, we are getting ready for a bit of a twist as we prepare for the trial of Melkor and shift towards the real conflict of the season.</p>

<p>This episode focuses on the Noontide of Valinor, and in particular on the growth in Fëanor’s skill as a master smith, with lots of foreshadowing of him smithing with the red glow of forge-fire on his face.</p>

<p>In the sixth episode of Season 2, we work out the details of Fëanor’s birth and the death of his mother Miriel, establishing parallels between the two and laying the foundation’s for Fëanor’s doom.</p>

<p>In this session, we revisit the Thingol and Melian story, take a hard look at Sauron’s posse, and map out the structure of Season 2, Episode 5, which focuses on the arrival of the Noldor and Vanyar.</p>

<p>In the fourth episode of Season 2, we show the developing power struggle between Gothmog and Mairon, and the return of Lenwë to the Avari.</p>

<p>Episode 3 of Season 2 will focus on the debate amongst the elves about whether to remain in Middle-earth or head over to Valinor.</p>

<p>In the second episode of Season 2, the Elvish ambassadors take a trip to Valinor.</p>

<p>Discussion and outline of the first episode of Season 2, starting with Arwen’s frame story, which leads into the story of the awakening of the elves on the shores of Cuivienen.</p>

<p>Discussion about the linguistics of the Silmarillion, the continuing the Big Picture stuff for Season 2, and the sundering of races, as well as material culture and other markers.</p>