Exploring Tolkien

In this episode, we wrap up The Hobbit with “The Last Stage” and reflect on Bilbo’s road home, the petty (now less petty?) Rivendell elves, the unexpected return to Bag End, and how Tolkien so thoroughly captures the meaning of “home.” We also take an extended look at Tolkien’s 3 (THREE!) songs in this final chapter. Then, we examine why Tolkien might give so much attention to the aftermath and how Bilbo is changed forever (or maybe it’s just a bigger stronger Tookish side?). We also cover: The Hobbit doesn’t even use the word “Shire” Fixing our capitalization 🙂 Are the elves’ final songs belittling Bilbo’s journey, or highlighting true riches? The fate of Lake-town’s Master: Tolkien’s take on dragon-sickness and political corruption How Tolkien leaves almost no loose ends in this tale. Even in the penultimate paragraph, Tolkien nods at Bilbo’s luck… if luck you call it! In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Member comment: Maybe the Arkenstone’s DID influence the Battle of Five Armies? Member comment: The deeper meaning of “Bilbo the Magnificent”. What one thing did we discover in this extremely deliberate reading of The Hobbit? 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Did Tolkien “earn” The Battle of the Five Armies, or is the surprise enough to justify its existence? In this episode, we look at Tolkien’s climactic battle from The Hobbit, comparing how it unfolds on the page to its chaotic portrayal in the extended film edition. How do armies materialize so suddenly, and does Tolkien set the stage well enough for the goblin onslaught? Check out the Battle of the Five Armies Map! We also explore: Tolkien’s battle tactics vs Peter Jackson’s video game tactics. Why did Bilbo chooses the Elven King’s side? Trying to make sense of Peter Jackson’s battle map vs Tolkien’s map. Tolkien’s knowledge of medieval warfare. Is Thorin’s charge from the gate truly enough to change the tide of battle? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Whether the goblin army’s sudden arrival is really “earned” in the story, or if Tolkien’s plotting gives us room to quibble. How small additions could have made the battle less sudden—should there have been hints via raven messenger? Where would a talking Raven fit into The Lord of the Rings. 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Bilbo owns up to his burgling — a betrayal that drives Thorin to the brink of killing him.  But Bilbo isn’t cowed… and the armies of elves and men aren’t cowed by Dain’s special forces.  But maybe they should be! We also explore: Bilbo’s crowning “honest” achievement. Bard as Faramir? Dain’s Dwarven special forces arrive! What exactly were those dark clouds that shadowed the commencement of battle. In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: What “going home” for Bilbo may really entail. We count the amount of talking animals in Lord of the Rings vs. The Hobbit. Where would a talking Raven fit into The Lord of the Rings — we give our detailed thoughts. 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

We look at Chapter 16 of The Hobbit, where Bilbo makes his most controversial choice-—handing the Arkenstone over to Bard and the Elvenking. Is Bilbo a traitor to the dwarves, or the only one thinking clearly as war looms? Or maybe he just wants to get home! We also explore: Did you know this chapter originally had a different title? Why EXACTLY did Bilbo give up the Arkenstone (and his part of the Treasure)? The morality of giving away the Arkenstone: is it just, betrayl, or is there a greater good? Gandalf’s ability to say enough to encourage and hope, but not let them off the hook for their involvement. In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: The most satisfying way to read The Hobbit: as it’s own non-Middle-earth story, as a LOTR prequel, or somewhere in the middle? How annoyed Jonathan is when fans force The Hobbit into precise MIddle-earth lore. 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

The talking birds bring news of the dragon’s demise to the dwarves–only to find a host of elves and men are coming to the mountain’s gate. Bard makes his claim for a portion of the treasure, but Thorin finds his reasons lacking–or is it just his lust for the treasure overtaking him? This episode, we look at: More (very old) talking birds Thorin’s “dragon sickness” — or is it his dwarven heart? Bard’s three reasons for having a claim to the treasure Who’s at fault for starting the battle?df What effect does the elves’ presence have on Thorin’s response? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Are we warming up to how Peter Jackson portrayed Thorin’s dragon sickness? Well…. How Thorin’s change in the films lessens his deathbed turn in the books. The most egregious change in The Hobbit films is… 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

You’d think the death of the dragon is is the climax of The Hobbit… right? In this chapter, Tolkien gives us action, destruction, and the rise of a new unlikely hero. We look at Bard’s big moment, the politics of Laketown in crisis, and what Tolkien’s original idea for Smaug’s demise actually entailed. , we geek out on Hobbit facts, Tolkien’s fondness for enchanted gems, and the curious significance of talking birds. We also look at: How Bard came out of nowhere, and whether the films were right to introduce him sooner All those talking birds! Smaug’s hydrophobia Why the old black arrow is the best arrow–and why might it be black? Tolkien’s love for alliteration, and the details that make this chapter so satisfying How the Elvenking is more like the elves of Middle-earth now. In our extended episode (available for our members), we discuss: Comments and feedback from our listeners on the Arkenstone How Tolkien’s distinction between magic and enchantment shapes the whole story If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Smaug is gone, so the Bilbo and the dwarves… just sit there?!  For a couple of days they do–and eventually they reach the treasures.  Bilbo, though, makes a choice to REALLY become the burglar when he sees the Arkenstone. We explore: The deep lore connection between the Arkenstone and the Silmarils. Bilbo’s big “burglar” moment—what are the moral implications of his decision to pocket the Arkenstone? How getting a glimpse of treasure suddenly fills the dwarves with unexpected courage (or maybe just classic dwarvish greed). Why Tolkien’s details about mithril, ancient armor, enchanted harps, and precious gems make Middle Earth feel so real. All the little moments and missed opportunities in Peter Jackson’s movie adaptation—what did the films completely mess up in this part of the story? In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into: Was the Arkenstone ever meant to be a Silmaril? We look deeper into Tolkien’s drafts and unique connections between Fëanors gems and the Dwarves greatest gem. If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Smaug is finally fully revealed! This week, we finish “Inside Information”, where Bilbo finally comes face-to-face with the unassessably wealthy dragon. We break down the wordplay Bilbo engages in as he denies Smaug his real name, Smaug’s memorable boasts, and how Bilbo manages to outwit Middle-earth’s greatest dragon (or maybe it’s just… luck?). We explore: Why names and riddles matter so much in Middle-earth (and how they protect Bilbo) How Tolkien redefined dragons for fantasy—leaving old fairy tale clichés behind The thrush’s “snail anvil,” Bilbo’s lucky break, and whether Tolkien’s worldbuilding is brilliant…or just a little too convenient Dwarven treasure: legendary loot or worldbuilding gold? In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into: The mystery of Erebor’s “most useless” door—and why it locks the party inside King Bladorthin: a video-game waiting to happen Tolkien video game adaptations: what works, what flops, and our dream Middle-earth game The famous Samwise monologue in Peter Jackson’s films—does it live up to Tolkien’s original? Here are the images we discussed in this episode: Mt Rainier The Lonely Mountain – Tolkien Conversation with Smaug – Tolkien Peter Jackson’s 2 Legged Smaug Dragonheart’s 4 Legged Dragon If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

The new game, Tales of the Shire was released last month after numerous delays… so, I took a bullet for the team and bought the game.  I livestreamed playing the game for the very first time earlier this week–and it was everything I thought it would be! Here’s the YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/HsU4yfM4g7U I review the game early in the review… but you can listen to the whole thing as “enjoy” this new experience after that. Make sure to become a member and join us for our monthly chats (membership is free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Bilbo finally becomes a real burglar in this chapter, venturing alone into the heart of the Lonely Mountain as Thorin and company are once again exposed for the unprepared adventurers they are. Meanwhile, And Smaug the possessive is finally revealed. We also discuss: Our Hobbit Fact: The Lonely Mountain is a… Thorin’s continued lack of a plan Tolkien’s precise definition of dwarves–exactly what we’ve been looking for for a long time! The dwarves’ not-so-complicated relationship with heroism and treasure The intoxicating allure of Smaug’s hoard and its effect on dwarves… AND hobbits In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into: How much treasure did Smaug really have? Did Peter Jackson get it right? The dragon debate over two legs or four, and how Peter Jackson changed his mind (for the better?) We examine Tolkien’s depiction of smaug (linked below) in detail. Here are the images we discussed in this episode: Mt Rainier The Lonely Mountain – Tolkien Conversation with Smaug – Tolkien Peter Jackson’s 2 Legged Smaug Dragonheart’s 4 Legged Dragon If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Here’s the next episode in our series of interviews from the December 2, 2003 roundtable discussions! In this interview–just before The Return of the King was released–Elijah wood reflects on the journey of becoming Frodo Baggins. From long days on set in New Zealand to forging real friendships with his castmates, he shares what made filming The Lord of the Rings so special—and why he’d happily do it all over again. He discusses: Four years of filmmaking and friendship The camaraderie at the heart of Middle-earth What Elijah learned about himself through Frodo Life as “Frodo” in the eyes of fans 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)! BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and  live chats. Click here! 🔗 Episode Links Submit a LOTR Film Change 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Google 🔍 If You Like Tolkien Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat The Silmarillion The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien 🗣 Special Thanks to Austin Robertson for the use of his voice!

Erebor’s secret door: clever storytelling or a bit too convenient? In this episode, we discuss one of The Hobbit’s quieter chapters, where Bilbo and the dwarves finally reach Erebor’s hidden entrance. We break down why the dwarves seem at a loss, how Bilbo’s perspective has shifted on the journey, and whether this chapter signals Tolkien’s move from fairy tale logic toward a more realistic fantasy world. We also look at: Why the thrush and its “snail anvil” are more than just a quirky detail What the dwarves’ lack of a plan says about their role in the story The line between chance events and plot devices in Tolkien’s writing Bilbo’s all-important homesick mindset In our extended episode (available for members), we talk about: How Tolkien’s view of dwarves changed over time—and what inspired it The first mentions of dwarves in Tolkien’s legendarium Warhammer armies, 3D printing, and tabletop gaming Answering listener questions from YouTube and Discord If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

As Thorin and company finally reach the Lonely Mountain, reality sets in—and it doesn’t smell so pleasant. We examine Tolkien’s skillful prose and worldbuilding as the company confront the desolation left by Smaug and realize they really have no plan–just the map they carry. We also look at: Why are the dwarves so quick to lose hope? Is Bilbo the real leader of this quest? How do Tolkien’s maps shape the story? Dragon desolation: does Smaug’s evil actually change the land? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Our guilty pleasure reads—what fantasy and sci-fi books do we binge when we’re not in Middle Earth? 3D printing, wargaming, and hobbies we nerd out over when we’re not podcasting. BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for on Patreon! Images in Episode The Front Gate – Original The Front Gate – Colored The Lonely Mountain – Early Sketch The Lonely Mountain 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Tolkien makes it pretty clear what he thinks about politicians in this chapter… While Thorin and company regain their royal swagger, the Master of Laketown plots to save his own skin and run them out of town. We also look at: Our 3 Year Anniversary! The men’s songs are a little too positive. Are the dwarves getting TOO confident? What happened to Bilbo?  Where’d he go in this part of the chapter? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: We talk about the last 3 years, our favorite episodes, and where we’re going next. What was the WORST change Peter Jackson made to Laketown in The Hobbit films? BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for on Patreon! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Were back looking at the first half of Chapter 10, “A Warm Welcome.” In this episode, we discuss the arrival of Bilbo and the dwarves at Laketown (check out Tolkien’s drawing), how this chapter leans on Tolkien’s world building—from Laketown’s real-life archaeological inspiration to the unexplained trade relations between elves and men, and how Thorin is now looking to Bilbo to lead. We also look at: The release of The Hunt for Gollum Try to figure out what the elves and men were actually trading–and what are the elves actually giving them men in return for the wine and apples In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: What did we lose in The Hobbit films when Peter Jackson changed the barrels sequence. What could possibly be a good way to end The Hunt for Gollum film? BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for on Patreon! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

In this very special episode, we reveal the exact barrel music sung in Thranduil’s halls as the dwarves were tossed into the river!  😉 Then, we get into the details of barrel physics, the river, and why there might be “raft-elves”. Make sure to become a member to listen to the full versions of the barrel song! We also look at: Is Thranduil a direct stand-in for Thingol? Lots of elves live in caves… Tolkien’s beautiful watercolor paintings inspired by this chapter. The parallels between the Dwarves song and the Barrel song. Why being saved by giant eagles is more believable than surviving a barrel rapid-ride from The Hobbit films. In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Peter Jackson’s slapstick barrels out of bond scene in The Hobbit film. Why suspense matters–and Tolkien’s was wonderful in The Hobbit. Do we have any confidence in someone building a Lord of the Rings attraction? Lord of the Rings online portrays Thranduil’s halls wonderfully. 3 full versions of the elves barrel song! BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for on Patreon! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Bilbo fully embraces his role as hero and finds a way to save the dwarves — but not before we find out how the Elvenking distrusts the dwarves while comparing himself to the great wealthy kings of old. This week we also look at: The announcement of a new Lord of the Rings land/attraction in a new Universal park. The significance of the elves residence in caves. Why is the elf king so petty? The strength of Dorwinion wine. How effective are these magic doors really? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: AI Tolkien reading his “Noel” poem. What would be a right and proper Lord of the Rings ride? Do we have any confidence in someone building a Lord of the Rings attraction? BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for on Patreon! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Bilbo is the only one left to save the dwarves–and to his own surprise, he’s up to the task! This week we also look at: Bilbo’s moment of transformation into the hero of the story. The size of these spiders. Tolkien’s use of spiders throughout the history of Middle-earth How Tolkien had planned for Ungoliant to die (it wasn’t by her own mouth!) What do Attercop, Tomnoddy, and Lob actually mean? How we can tell Tolkien love the history of the elves… but his heart is still with the Hobbits. In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: How we recreated Tolkien’s voice in last week’s episode. The difficulties in creating it with the right pronunciations. What Michael thought about the quality of it. Ethically… should we even do it? BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for on Patreon! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

JRR Tolkien’s voice was, well, unique.  He was notably hard to understand (his students regularly complained that his classes were difficult because they simply couldn’t understand him), and even the Inklings (his friends and reading group that included CS Lewis and Charles Williams) preferred it when Christopher Tolkien read excerpts from Lord of the Rings to the group in the 1940s! We do have few of his voice recordings of him reading his own work (mostly from The Hobbit). We’ve always wondered, though, what would it sound like if he read from his other works… like The Silmarillion?  So, we spent some time to try and put together an approximation of his voice (using different technologies), including some of his idiosyncratic pauses and speech patterns. Here, then, is an approximation of Tolkien’s voice reading Ainulindalë from The Silmarillion! (pardon any mispronunciations–that part is tough to get right!) BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for on Patreon! 🔗 Episode Links The Silmarillion 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

In this first half of chapter 8 of the hobbit–Flies and Spiders–Jonathan and Michael discuss the evil enchantment of Mirkwood, and if the elves might have a small part in it. This week we also look at: Exactly when Tolkien settled on the final names for Gandalf, Thorin, and Beorn. Tolkien’s first foray into prosaic terror. The meaning of the deer–and the white hart’s significance. Bombur’s slumber–elven or evil? The Dwarves STILL blame bilbo. Tolkien’s use of modern analogies–only in the Hobbit and not LOTR. How the elves still differ in The Hobbit vs LOTR — they have some real magic here. In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Where would Beorn have learned his skin changing ability? Can that have an origin in Tolkien’s mythology?  (our answer: yes!) BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for on Patreon! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat