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Wander Middle-earth with Past Episodes

Nov. 2, 2023

130: The Hobbit, Allegory, and Magic: Discoveries from JRR Tolkien's Letter to Milton Waldman | Part 2

Without Bilbo, there would be no J.R.R. Tolkien. Without "The Hobbit," there would be no "Lord of the Rings" or "Silmarillion." Bilbo's tale, as Tolkien himself insists, is the linchpin, the essential connecting link, of his ...
Oct. 26, 2023

129: “My Imaginary World”: What Inspired Tolkien’s Works: The Waldman Letter Part 1

Where did it all begin? Middle-earth, the languages, the books, the stories, the legends . . . Why did JRR Tolkien imagine Middle-earth? What does it all mean? What is the meaning of life? Today we explore these questions of ...
Oct. 19, 2023

128: Return to 1977: A Look at the Animated Hobbit Film

Long before Peter Jackson's epic trilogy, a pint-sized Bilbo set out on a grand animated adventure. Discover the lost gem of Tolkien adaptations in our exploration of the 1977 Hobbit film. Exclusive discounts for you : https:...
Oct. 12, 2023

127: "Gandalf Dies. I Hate This Movie" | Fantasy Author Aaron Hall on Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings Movies

Today I interview Aaron N. Hall, fantasy author and fellow Lord of the Rings super fan. We discuss Tolkien's influence on his work has an author, favorite characters, the movies, and Rings of Power. Check out Aaron's website ...
Oct. 5, 2023

126: Fires and Farewells: Exploring the Songs of Hobbit Films

We explore the final two songs from the Hobbit moves: I see Fire and The Last Goodbye. We’re going to wander deep into these lyrics, but remember, just because you wander doesn’t mean you’re lost Exclusive discounts for you :...
Sept. 28, 2023

125: Before “Rings of Power” | A Crash Course in Middle-earth History | My Panel at FanX 2023

My live presentation from FanX 2023: Before Rings of Power: A Crash Course in the First Age of Middle-earth. Download a copy of slides: https://linktr.ee/lotrpodcast Support the show with a wafer of lembas or donating towards...
Sept. 21, 2023

124: “For Home a Song / That Echoes On”: Exploring the Lyrical Songs from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

We embark on a melodious expedition, comparing and contrasting three iconic songs from "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" with their literary counterparts. These songs, "Blunt the Knives," "Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold,...
Sept. 14, 2023

123: “And Back Again”: Comparing The Hobbit to the Final Scenes of The Battle of Five Armies

We dissect the final chapter of "The Hobbit" and its portrayal in the film "The Battle of Five Armies." Our adventure begins with a farewell – the poignant moment when Bilbo bids adieu to Gandalf, before we break down the auc...
Sept. 7, 2023

122: An Adventure Ends: Reflections on Tolkien’s The Hobbit

“All things come to an end, even this story.” That line is from the final chapter of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit: The Last Stage. We made it! Congrats, Middle-earth Wanderers! Today, we embark on a journey of reflection, delving...
Aug. 31, 2023

121: Charting Changes: The Battle of Five Armies' Departure from The Hobbit, Comparing “The Return Journey” to the Film

Explore how the chapter “The Return Journey” was adapted in the film The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies. We’ll explore how the filmmakers stayed true to Tolkien’s work in some ways, but in others deviate significantly. And...
Aug. 24, 2023

120: Unchanging Virtues and Bittersweet Farewells: Exploring “The Return Journey'” in Tolkien’s The Hobbit

Step into the pages of “The Return Journey,” the second to last chapter of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit, where the echoes of transformation and bittersweet farewells linger in the air like whispers of a world forever changed. For...
Aug. 17, 2023

119: From Greed to Glory: Thorin's Redemption Journey in Peter Jackson’s Film Adaption of “The Clouds Burst"

In this episode, we'll be delving into a pivotal chapter from "The Hobbit" titled "The Clouds Burst." We'll be comparing this chapter's portrayal in J.R.R. Tolkien's original text with its on-screen adaptation in Peter Jackso...
Aug. 10, 2023

118: Battles and Bonds: Exploring “The Clouds Burst” from JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit

Today, we delve into the complexity of Thorin Oakenshield, a character whose layers unravel to reveal unexpected dimensions. We'll uncover the differences between Men and Elves, examining how their contrasting natures shape t...
Aug. 3, 2023

117: Bilbo's Unique Daring Gesture: Exploring the On-screen Adaptation of “A Thief in the Night” from The Hobbit

Today we explore how Peter Jackson adapted the chapter "A Thief in the Night" from JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit. We wander through some subtle yet significant changes from the source, and I'll pose an interesting question that I ...
July 27, 2023

116: Expect the Unexpected: Exploring "A Thief in the Night" in JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit

Today we explore three courageous decisions that show just how unexpected Bilbo Baggins can be, as he shatters all low expectations and inspires all of us, no matter how small, to be courageous. We wander chapter 16 of JRR To...
July 20, 2023

115: Banishing Darkness and Converging Armies: Exploring the On-screen Adaptation of The Hobbit’s “The Gathering of the Clouds”

Today we explore how the chapter “The Gathering of the Clouds” from JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit was adapted in the third Hobbit film: The Battle of Five Armies. We explore the thrilling events surrounding the White Council's att...
July 13, 2023

114: The Siege of Justice: Debating Bard’s Claims in “The Gathering of the Clouds” in The Hobbit

Today we wander the chapter “The Gathering of the Clouds” from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Prepare to embark on a thrilling adventure as we explore the mysteries of talking animals, decipher the contrasting natures of dwarve...
July 6, 2023

113: From Flames to Depths: Unraveling "Fire and Water" in the Third Hobbit Film

In today's episode, we embark on an enthralling exploration of the chapter 'Fire and Water' from J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novel, The Hobbit, and its mesmerizing adaptation in Peter Jackson's film, The Hobbit: The Battle of Fi...
June 29, 2023

112: Unleashing Destruction, Embracing Rebirth: The Hobbit’s “Fire and Water”

In today's episode we embark on a riveting exploration of the chapter "Fire and Water" from "The Hobbit." From the symbolism of fire and water to the discovery of Bard the Bowman, this episode promises to be a journey filled ...
June 22, 2023

111: The Irony of Thorin's Trust in Bilbo: Comparing "Not at Home" to The Hobbit Films

Today, we delve into J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novel, "The Hobbit," and compare the chapter "Not at Home" to its adaptation in Peter Jackson's film series, exploring the power of wealth, and Thorin's ironic trust in Bilbo. Exc...
June 15, 2023

110: Beyond the Darkness: A Deep Dive into the Themes of 'Not at Home' in JRR Tolkien's “The Hobbit”

Step into the shadows of Erebor and discover the hidden truths that lie within the depths of Chapter 13 of The Hobbit: “Not at Home” Exclusive discounts for you : https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/discounts/ Find contact info, s...
June 8, 2023

109: Unveiling the Untold Deviations in Tolkien's World: Comparing The Hobbit “Inside Information” with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

We regrettably wander through the unforgivable reimagining of the chapter "Inside Information" from JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit to Peter Jackson’s film “The Desolation of Smaug”, where deviations run rampant and artistic license...
June 1, 2023

108: Bilbo's Riddles and Smaug's Fury: Unveiling Chapter 12 of Tolkien’s The Hobbit "Inside Information"

Imagine a small hobbit, armed with nothing but his wits and a ring of power, engaging in a high-stakes conversation with a fearsome dragon. In this episode, we explore the mesmerizing encounter between Bilbo Baggins and Smaug...
May 25, 2023

107: Unlocking the Door: Exploring Tolkien's “On the Doorstep” and the Cinematic Twists in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”

We journey to the doorstep of adventure, comparing ”On the Doorstep” from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" with Peter Jackson's "The Desolation of Smaug." We delve into Gandalf's daring exploration of Dol Guldur and the dwarves'...