The Tolkien Road

In episode 274, we explore Valaquenta, the pantheon of Middle-earth's gods! "Valaquenta" introduces us to the Valar, the Maiar, and the main Enemies of Middle-earth. We get to know a few about figures like Manwë, Varda, Ulmo, and Yavanna, and this really helps when you're diving into The Silmarillion. Join us!WATCH THIS EPISODE » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtRxezDytYoEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The cycles should be linked to a majestic whole, and yet leave scope for other minds and hands, wielding paint and music and drama. Absurd.” - Tolkien, 1951CONTENTS:- Quote of the Week » 3:54- Textual History of Valaquenta » 11:18- Valaquenta » What it means » 14:40- The Valar » 17:40- Manwë & Varda (Elbereth) »21:10- Melkor » 22:38- Ulmo » 31:00- Aulë & Yavanna » 32:17- Mandos & Vairë » 37:00- Lórien & Estë » 39:40- Nienna » 40:09- Tulkas & Nessa » 47:55- Oromë & Vána » 49:28- The Maiar » 51:20- Ilmarë » 51:56- Eönwë » 52:53- Ossë & Uinen » 53:00- Melian » 56:03- Olórin (Gandalf / Mithrandir) » 56:27- Gandalf in LOTR on Prime? » 59:40- Other Maiar? (Saruman / Radagast / Mermaids / Dryads / Eagles) » 1:00:30- Melkor » 1:02:15- Valaraukar (Balrogs) » 1:02:45- Sauron (Gorthaur the Cruel / Mairon) » 1:03:10- Haiku » 1:04:30HELPFUL LINKS- buy The Silmarillion » https://amzn.to/3FOKAY5- Valaquenta 2015 » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxKN8C6V1pY&t=0s- Etymology of Valaquenta » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Valaquenta#Etymology- The Eagles Are Maiar (Nature of Middle-earth) » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGub_7-s_I0&t=1570s SPECIAL THANKS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Ms. Anonymous- Andrew T- Redhawk- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty- Matthew W- JoeBagelManAS WELL AS THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR PATRON ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH (JANUARY OF 2022) » Tyler W, Mike M, Elina V, Richard K, Melanie, Scott W, Jason T, David G, John RThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

In episode 273, we explore the Middle-earth Creation myth, "Ainulindalë", otherwise known as the Music of the Ainur. “Ainulindalë” is one of the most fascinating legends that Tolkien wrote, and it introduces key characters and themes into the legendarium. Furthermore, it sets the stage for everything that comes after, from the First Age to the Third (and beyond)! If this is your first time reading it, you’re in for a big treat! Join us as we discuss "Ainulindalë"!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE ***THIS EPISODE WAS RELEASED 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!*** » https://patreon.com/tolkienroadEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "I don't believe in absolute evil, but I do believe in absolute good." - Tolkien, 1962 » https://twitter.com/BBCArchive/status/1477973020903821313CONTENTS- Quote of the Week » 2:45- Tolkien's Description of Ainulindalë from the Waldman Letter » 4:30- Characters & Setting » 7:20- The Framework of Ainulindalë » 11:45- The Music of the Ainur » 13:55- Introducing Melkor » 17:55- The Vision of Arda & History » 27:30- The Reality » "Eä! Let these things Be!" » 35:35- Tolkien's Overture - Concerning the Music of the Ainur » 54:58- Ainulindalë Haiku » 57:37HELPFUL LINKS:- buy The Silmarillion » https://amzn.to/3FOKAY5- listen to Tolkien’s Overture » https://youtu.be/nmmbpbFrBQA- buy Tolkien’s Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/- Evan Palmer’s “Ainulindalë” graphic novella » http://www.evanpalmercomics.com/ainulindale- Evan Palmer interview » https://youtu.be/JhagbPqiRcw- Ainulindalë 2015 » Our discussion from episode 2 » https://youtu.be/IOHfDZsdg4Y- Book of Lost Tales I » Episode 234 » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFFm1KvPHZc SPECIAL THANKS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Ms. Anonymous- Andrew T- Redhawk- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- WertyAS WELL AS THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR PATRON ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH (JANUARY OF 2022) » Tyler W, Mike M, Elina V, Richard K, Melanie, Scott W, Jason T, David G, John RThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

Hey there, FELLOW TRAVELERS!So you want to read The Silmarillion, eh? If you have any interest in Middle-earth, it’s only natural. Especially for those who have completed The Lord of the Rings (no small feat in and of itself), it’s the most logical next step.In episode 272 of The Tolkien Road Podcast, we kick off our Silmarillion re-read that will span the better part of 2022. Over the next several months, we'll be going chapter-by-chapter through Tolkien's saga of Middle-earth First Age.If you're planning to watch LOTR on Prime, which premiers in September, this will be a great way to improve your knowledge of Middle-earth lore and history so that you can get the most out of that show.So what are you waiting for? Join us!WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/qTX9Y-FX5zkTHIS EPISODE WAS RELEASED 2 DAYS EARLY AND IS AD-FREE WITH OUR BELOVED PATRONS! » https://www.patreon.com/tolkienroadEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienCONTENTS: - Quote of the Week » NO HOBBITS! » 4:15- The Challenge of The Silmarillion » 7:15- LOTR on Prime? » 11:30- Background of The Silmarillion » 13:15- Table of Contents » 17:50- The Stories (incl. "Akallabêth") » 20:27- Silmarils? » 25:45- Foreword, Introduction (Waldman Letter) » 28:37- Themes of The Silmarillion (Fall, Mortality, Machine) » 33:30- Tables of Elves & Men, Note on Pronunciation, Index of Names » 45:06- The Map of Beleriand » 58:05- Haiku! » 1:01:23HELPFUL LINKS- get The Silmarillion » https://amzn.to/3FOKAY5- get The Letters of JRR Tolkien » https://amzn.to/3eInhDy- get The Atlas of Middle-earth » https://amzn.to/3EIAZk7- Intro to The Silmarillion (8-part video series) » https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqUat2OcwnPD6rnkcZw7MHykbf-yhtAGf- Exploring The Second Age of Middle-earth » Lord of the Rings on Prime » https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqUat2OcwnPAA9xTbKdL0rQ4rKMzplEKt- Middle-earth in The First Age Map » https://www.deviantart.com/thesidh/art/Middle-earth-in-First-Age-875414773- The Shape of Arda » https://www.deviantart.com/matejcadil/art/Ambarkanta-The-Shape-of-the-World-900642602SPECIAL THANKS:- John R- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Ms. Anonymous- Andrew T- Redhawk- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- WertyAS WELL AS THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR PATRON ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH (JANUARY OF 2022) » Tyler W, Mike M, Elina V, Richard K, Melanie, Scott W, Jason T, David G, John RThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

Hey there, fellow travelers!By far, the biggest thing to happen to Tolkiendom in 2021 was The Nature of Middle-earth, the latest collection of previously unpublished Tolkien writings. When we interviewed Carl Hostetter, the book's editor, back in August, we recorded a special bonus episode for our patrons, in which we got Carl's takes on topics including Peter Jackson's Middle-earth films, LOTR on Prime, Tolkien's Catholic Faith and the role it plays in Middle-earth, and controversy in the world of Tolkien Studies.Carl has made an incredible contribution to Tolkien's legacy with The Nature of Middle-earth as well as his other work in Tolkien studies and lore, and we should all be open to what he has to say on these important topics! Join us!EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Kaitlyn of Tea With TolkienTOPICS:- Peter Jackson's Middle-earth films » 1:50- LOTR on Prime » 8:20- Tolkien Studies » 12:34- Tolkien & Religion » 18:10SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE PATRONS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymous- Redhawk- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- WertyThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

We did a LIVESTREAM! So this one will feel a little experimental - not our normal open, and lots of banter with the patrons who joined us! We had a lot of fun doing it, and it will certainly be the first of many to come. It was mostly a pilot for the WISDOM app, which we kinda struggled with...hence, the title of this episode.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/42z1VTfp8ac***THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED 4 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE WITH OUR BELOVED PATRONS!*** » https://patreon.com/tolkienroadEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien TOPICS INCLUDE:- LOTR on Prime- Silmarillion 2022- The Nature of Middle-earth- Haiku » Will It Return In 2022?- Isildur » Good Guy or Bad Guy?- Gandalf SPECIAL THANKS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymous- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Redhawk- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- WertyThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

In 2013, Tolkien's lost poem "Noel" was discovered in the archives of an Oxfordshire school. With Christmas just around the corner, we take a close look at this 1936 poem, and discover the thematic seeds of Middle-earth's epic drama. Join us! WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE ***THIS EPISODE IS 3 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!******LIVE DISCUSSION - DEC 16TH @ 7PM CT »»» https://www.wisdom.audio/*** If you’ve ever wanted to engage with us LIVE, your opportunity is coming up! On Thursday, December 16th, at 7pm CT, we’ll be going live on the WISDOM app to discuss whatever Tolkien-related things you guys want to talk about! Just follow me on the Wisdom App via @johncarswell. » https://www.wisdom.audio/We are looking forward to talking with you, taking your questions, and we can’t wait to hear from you! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien CONTENTS:- Background » 6:45- "Noel" reading » 15:00- Analysis » 16:50- Correspondence » 45:15LINKS:- "Noel" text » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Noel- listen to "Noel" » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0_BJ...- "Unseen JRR Tolkien poems found in school magazine" (The Guardian) » https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...- Our Lady's Abingdon » https://www.ola.org.uk/- Wayne Hammond & Christina Scull's Blog Entry on Noel » https://wayneandchristina.wordpress.c...- "JRR Tolkien snubbed by 1961 Nobel jury, papers reveal" » https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainmen...- "Beyond The Hobbit" (Journal of Tolkien Studies) » https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcon...SPECIAL THANKS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymous- Redhawk- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- Werty...This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

Have you ever heard of Tolkien's GOBLIN WARS? (HINT: you won't find them in the Middle-earth legendarium). These are the stories of Goblins invading the North Pole and stealing gifts intended for the children of England from Father Christmas' cellar. Join us as we explore how the "Other Fellowship" of Father Nicholas Christmas, the North Polar Bear, the Red Gnomes, and others join forces to save Christmas! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienWATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/BEK4vr1gXAw***THIS EPISODE IS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!******LIVE DISCUSSION - DEC 16TH @ 7PM CT »»» https://www.wisdom.audio/*** If you’ve ever wanted to engage with us LIVE, your opportunity is coming up! On Thursday, December 16th, at 7pm CT, we’ll be going live on the WISDOM app to discuss whatever Tolkien-related things you guys want to talk about! Just follow me on the Wisdom App via @johncarswell. » https://www.wisdom.audio/ We are looking forward to talking with you, taking your questions, and we can’t wait to hear from you! Once again, WISDOM APP. Go download it! » https://www.wisdom.audio/CONTENTS: - 1932: Goblins Underground! » 5:30- 1933: Revenge of the Goblins! » 21:05- 1941: Goblin Resurgence of World War 2 » 28:15- Correspondence » 42:50 LINKS: - buy The Father Christmas Letters » https://amzn.to/3FSMAhH- Major Events of 1453 » https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1453- Hornby Model Trains » https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hornby_...- Allison Uttley » https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alison_...- Support Us On Patreon » https://patreon.com/tolkienroadSPECIAL THANKS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymous- Redhawk- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- WertyThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

We take a look at Letters From Father Christmas, a collection of Christmas-themed illustrated letters that Tolkien wrote this children from 1920-1943.SPOILER: they're great!Join us!EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienWATCH THIS VIDEO ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/QG4DH67BcQA***THIS EPISODE WAS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!***CONTENTS:- Background » 7:20- Contents » 13:00- Characters » 21:48- Themes » 27:45 LINKS:- buy The Father Christmas Letters » https://amzn.to/3FSMAhH- Lott's Bricks » https://www.brightontoymuseum.co.uk/i...- Snapdragons game » https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snap-dr...) SPECIAL THANKS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymous- Redhawk- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- WertyThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

The conventional wisdom says that JRR Tolkien didn't much care for his buddy C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia.Is this true? If so, what was so off-putting about the stories from Tolkien's perspective?In episode 266, John is joined by Holly Ordway (author of Tolkien's Modern Reading) and David Bates (of Pints With Jack, the C.S. Lewis podcast) to explore these questions and more. Join us!Originally published on November 22, 2021.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE » https://youtu.be/kuTXCxB92zcEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienT-SHIRTS! Get your Tolkien Road T-Shirt now and take 10% Off! Just use the code ROAD at checkout.***THIS EPISODE IS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!***CONTENTS- Tolkien's View of Narnia » 2:30- WHY Did Tolkien Hold This View? » 10:45- Tolkien's View of Lewis' Space Trilogy » 16:45- Tolkien's View of His Earlier Works (Hobbit, Roverandom, etc) » 26:45- Narnia vs. The Wind in the Willows » 34:15- Tolkien's Fr. Christmas Letters » 41:45- Tolkien, Lewis, Númenor, and LOTR on Prime » 48:00LINKS- Ep 228 » Tolkien's Modern Reading » An Interview with Dr. Holly Ordway » https://youtu.be/7n2Ylfx46Qk- Pints With Jack Podcast » https://www.pintswithjack.com/- Support Us On Patreon » https://patreon.com/tolkienroad- TrueMythsPress » Tolkien Road T-Shirts, Signed Books, and more » https://truemythspress.com/SPECIAL THANKS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymous- Redhawk- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- WertytestThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

In episode 265, we're looking at life in Númenor, as spelled out in The Nature of Middle-earth!Originally published 2021-11-15 05:00.WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk, Kaitlyn of Tea with TolkienT-SHIRTS! Get your Tolkien Road T-Shirt now and take 10% Off! Just use the code ROAD at checkout.***THIS EPISODE IS 2 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR BELOVED PATRONS!***CONTENTS- Númenorean Chieftains Were Beardless » 11:31- Long Life and Peace » 14:30- Weariness / Clinging to Life » 21:00- Númenorean Aging » 22:30- Númenorean Marriage » 32:30- Númenorean Values & Pride » 35:40- Correspondence » 41:45 LINKS- Ep 216 » The Bombadil Enigma » https://youtu.be/iiFIWF6BtUo SPECIAL THANKS:- Andrew T- John R- Ms. Anonymous- Redhawk- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien- Shannon S- Brian O- Emilio P- Zeke F- James A- James L- Chris L- Chuck F- Asya V- Ish of the Hammer- Teresa C- David of Pints with Jack- Jonathan D- Eric S- Joey S- Eric B- Johanna T- Mike M- Robert H- Paul D- Julia- WertytestThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

In episode 264, we discuss some truly surprising new details from The Nature of Middle-earth. Seriously mind-blowing stuff here, including Gandalf's appearance, the race of hobbits, Aragorn's beard, the nature of Eagles, and more!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

At the end of the day, ONE thing matters more than anything else when it comes to LOTR on Prime...This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

In this episode, we take a close look at "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor" from Unfinished Tales! It’s a brief and fascinating account of the 3000 year history of Númenor, and contains a lot that needs to be unpacked! Join us!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

In episode 261, we're discussing Tolkien's ORIGINAL and far more detailed ending to The Silmarillion. We're delighted to be joined once again by Keith Mathison!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement

In episode 260, we discuss Gandalf's famous characterization of Frodo's quest: "a fool's hope". Why did he say that? Why is it significant he was saying that to Pippin? What is the broader significance of that line for the work and for Middle-earth (and our reality) in general?  Join us!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5222755/advertisement