Episodes

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...

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 Bilb...

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 grea...

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 ...

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 rig...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ye...

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 trad...

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 ...

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...

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....

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 wondere...

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 ...

With talking animals, animals serving food and dancing bears, this may just be the oddest chapter in all of Middle-earth! It kinda feels like it just doesn’t fit. We explore why the animals walk and talk, and how Tolkien had no problem with dancing bears, even adding them later to even more mythology of Middle-earth! This week we look at: CS Lewis’s Advice that shaped The Lord of the Rings Gandalf and Beorn’s Dark Humour Is Beorn a Vegetarian Beorn’s Big Bear Rave The history of Dancing Be...

Bilbo, Gandalf, and the dwarves are dropped off on the Carrock, and find themselves in the company of a man (so-to-speak) who rather doesn’t like dwarves–but who loves a good story! This week we look at: The reported decline of viewership in The Rings of Power What inspired Tolkien to create Beorn? Why did Beorn stay his anger at all the unexpected guests. How does Beowulf and Tolkien’s intimate knowledge of that tale come into play here? In our extended episode (available for our members)...

Stuck in trees with fire at their heels, the company find themselves surround by intelligent wolves and taunting orcs… but the eagles notice the commotion and decide to save Gandalf and his friends. This week we look at: Why did Tolkien decide to use wolves in this story? The orcs’ taunting and incredibly detailed, frightening song. Why the eagles decided to save Gandalf. Why Tolkien liked the eagles and used them here. In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Ar...

Life took an unexpected turn this week with the fires in southern California.

Bilbo makes it out of the Misty Mountains with more courage than ever before, while the dwarves prove their disloyalty. This is the chapter where Bilbo finally comes into his own as a Burglar–he’s becoming the hero of a great tale as he embraces his Tookish side. This week we look at: Middle-earth’s 1st connection to Anime (not War of the Rohirrim!) Bilibo’s Courage Dwarves Disloyalty Gandalf’s confidence Tolkien’s growth as a master of prose In our extended episode (available for our mem...