The Road Goes Ever On: Tales From The Old Forest

Join Rook and his elf friend Zara as they journey through the Old Forest, where they encounter the mysterious wanderer Strider. As they share a simple meal, Strider recounts the enchanting tale of Beren and Lúthien—a story of forbidden love, courage, and sacrifice. Discover how the love of a mortal man and an elven maiden overcame insurmountable odds and even touched the hearts of the Valar. Immerse yourself in this timeless Middle-earth legend, filled with bravery, magic, and the enduring power of love.   Read By: Claire Matthews   Follow us on Instagram!

Rook and Little Blue visit a magical fishing hole, crafting rods from tree branches. As the trees around them move and reveal themselves as Entwives, they learn that their actions have harmed the young ents. Apologizing, they promise to be more considerate, and the Entwives teach them to fish using reeds to avoid further harm, reinforcing the importance of empathy and understanding. Follow us on Instagram to see and learn more about the characters in our stories! Read by Claire Matthews

Rook, Little Blue, and Zara encounter a wise wizard and a friendly hobbit in the forest, learning that courage and loyalty matter more than size when facing great challenges. Inspired by the tales of the wizard and hobbit's adventures, they return home with new hope and dreams of making a significant impact themselves, regardless of their size. Read By Claire Matthews

Rook and Little Blue embark on a quest to find a magical fishing hole, only to encounter and assist a distressed dwarf named Alexander, reinforcing their friendship and bravery. Their adventure reminds them that sometimes, the journey and the acts of kindness along the way are as valuable as the destination itself. Read By Claire Matthews

Guided by a vibrant blue jay named Little Blue, Rook embarks on a quest to discover the elusive elven realm, forging a path through the Old Forest to a world of ancient magic and mystery. Their journey culminates in a joyful dance with the elves, where Rook and Little Blue learn the value of gratitude, joy, and the deepening of their newfound friendship. Read By Claire Matthews

Driven by a quest for adventure, Rook ventures into the Misty Mountains to meet Eldrin, a majestic dragon, unlike the selfish and dangerous dragons of old lore. Together, they embark on a quest to find a lost magical crystal heart, a journey that deepens Rook's courage and cements Eldrin as a true companion, filling Rook's heart with dreams of future adventures. Read By Claire Matthews

Eager for adventure, Rook ventures to the Enchanted Glade with his new friend Burtley, overcoming challenges and discovering the limitless magic of friendship and imagination. As they explore realms of wonder, Rook learns that bravery, companionship, and creativity open the doors to endless tales and possibilities. Read By Claire Matthews

In the heart of The Old Forest, Rook embarks on a new journey, overcoming his fears to explore uncharted territories, guided by the courage within. His adventure through ancient bridges and meadows filled with secrets strengthens his spirit, proving every step into the unknown reveals the depth of bravery he possesses. Read By Claire Matthews

Rook, a boy with a remarkable imagination, lived on the edge of the mystical Old Forest, where his nightly tales transformed fear into adventures, revealing the courage within him. Through his imaginative journeys, he discovered that bravery shines brightest in the face of darkness, a lesson that turned his room into a realm of endless possibility and his sleep into dreams of heroism. Read By Claire Matthews

Hi there, I'm Dan Lee, the co-creator and producer of "The Road Goes Ever On: Tales from the Old Forest." This journey began as a way to tuck my son into the world of Middle-earth, weaving his vibrant ideas with my love for Tolkien into new tales for bedtime that didn't involve reading "The Hobbit" every single night. Together, we dream up Rook's adventures, a young boy whose curiosity and courage lead him through the Third Age, meeting iconic characters and learning timeless lessons along the way. Our writings aim to gently introduce kids to Tolkien's characters and lore in a way that's accessible for their young ears. It's important to note that for those deeply familiar with Tolkien's work, our stories blend the geography and timelines in ways that aren't strictly aligned with the canon. We crafted these narratives to be enjoyable and to honor Tolkien's beautiful writing style, hoping to spark vivid imaginations, enrich young vocabularies, and encourage curious questions from our listeners about the adventures and discoveries of Rook and his companions. Our hope is that these stories not only entertain but also inspire young listeners to explore the depths of their own imaginations, all while paying homage to the incredible world Tolkien has given us. So thanks for listening and following along. Please subscribe and share this with your friends and family who are looking for something new and delightful to share with their little ones. And if you're like me, you might just enjoy these stories for yourself. Can't wait to see how much joy Rook and his adventures will bring.