Today's Tolkien Times

Two wolfriders, a two-mile charge, and a horn in the dark. Join The Man of the West as Elfhelm reaches the Fords of Isen, and the Prince of the Mark speaks his last words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West for a black fence, a shadow that argued with itself, a mountain that watched the wrong way — and the Latin word Tolkien used to describe Gandalf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as we continue letter 246, where Tolkien turns from Frodo’s blame to Frodo’s wounds —  and the question Gandalf wouldn’t answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West (who climbs forward, if at all) as we follow Sam in, and up, the Tower of Cirith Ungol on his quest to find Frodo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as the last two sons of Fëanor wish they’d ordered oven mitts, and the Quenta Silmarillion comes to its end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two peoples, three Ages of grievance, and one wizard who refuses to give judgment. Join The Man of the West as we begin our look at An Unexpected Friendship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as Saruman’s trap closes around Théodred at the Fords of Isen — and Grimbold proves his worth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That would be a very different book, Mr. Carroll. Join The Man of the West for a look at a river and a lake, six names, and a 1971 BBC interview with Tolkien Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as we begin a four-episode read-through of letter 246 — in which Tolkien defends Frodo, demolishes simple-minded heroism, and gives us the entire argument in three words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as we approach the Tower of Cirith Ungol with Sam — from leaving Frodo’s body behind, to the Two Watchers at the gate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as the two surviving sons of Fëanor argue the theology of an oath sworn to Ilúvatar, with one simply asking: can we just do a little less evil? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four episodes, two cousins, and one Man with a regrettable attitude. Join The Man of the West as we wrap up our time with Merry and Pippin, from the road home to their beds set beside the great king. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as we shift gears on Third Age Thursday and being a series-long read through of The Battles of the Fords of Isen from Unfinished Tales: and learn just how close Saruman came to winning the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West for a pair of Sindarin words from Shelob’s Lair, and three Old English words from the open horse-lands of Rohan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tolkien’s writing, not mine — though my writing is rarely legible. Join The Man of the West as Tolkien, developing his ambidexterity, answers a reader's questions about runes and the gift of death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No, not the latest hotel review from The Man of the West. Join us as we open Series 16 in the dark, fragrant comfort of Shelob’s Lair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West — to whom this episode’s title does not refer… usually — as we read the climax of the War of Wrath, and Morgoth finally gets what’s coming to him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No, not me — I’m fine; it’s Pippin you should worry about. Join The Man of the West as we examine Merry & Pippin’s friendship during their time apart, and enjoy their warm reunion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Look, I’m trying to keep things exciting, but… oh, that wasn’t about the show. Join The Man of the West as we conclude our study of the Elves of Rivendell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as this week’s linguistic deep dive includes a look at Estel, and a reminder of the Old English inspiration behind the beginning of the legendarium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as he discovers Petty Fencing isn’t what you build when you just want to get even with your neighbor, and Tolkien gives a reader a fierce defense of Faramir, Éowyn, and their love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, Gollum, sure. Join The Man of the West as we continue our journey with Frodo and Sam, climbing the Stairs of Cirith Ungol. Are you sure there isn’t an elevator somewhere, Gollum? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clearly not The Man of the West, today’s title describes the sight of Eärendil’s ship, Vingilot, as it sails into the heavens — freeing the Elves from despair, while filling Morgoth with doubt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as Merry acknowledges he has some work to do to catch up to Pippin as we continue our (now) four-episode look at their friendship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Man of the West as we begin a two-part look at the Elves of Rivendell: this time featuring the tra-la-lally Elves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices