Exploring Tolkien

TheOneRing.com
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The bi-weekly podcast for serious Tolkien fans. Hosts Jonathan Watson and Michael Grumbine of TheOneRing.com (the internet’s longest Tolkien community since 1999) read through The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and every Age of Middle-earth — chapter by chapter. Plus conversations with artists, creators, and scholars–and honest commentary on what Hollywood keeps getting wrong about Tolkien’s legacy. 160+ episodes.

  1. 1d ago

    174. Why The Rings of Power is AWESOME (a tongue-in-cheek retrospective)

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives! As season 3 of the Rings of Power approaches just a few weeks. I hope you enjoy this retrospective look at season one that we first published on April Fool’s day… where Michael and I decided to look back at our favorite scenes, favorite characters, and favorite quotes from our favorite television show! Join us as we rediscover all those times this show took our breath away with it’s ability to weave expertly crafted scenes into a holistic story where almost award-winnning actors perfectly portrayed characters Tolkien should have written. We talk about Our favorite characters Our favorite scenes Quotes from the show that took our breath away! In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://theonering.com/members), we discuss how Tom Bombadil will become a new (and better) part of Middle-earth through The Rings of Power! BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Join for free for 1 month or subscribe on Patreon! 🔗 Episode Links Get the Exploring Tolkien App! The Children of Húrin The Story of Kullervo The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Exploring Tolkien App Get the Extended Podcast 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Húrin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat   As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    174. Why The Rings of Power is AWESOME (a tongue-in-cheek retrospective)

  2. Oct 14

    173. Tolkien’s Collected Poems and Tolkiens Letters (replay)

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives! In this episode (a replay of an episode from 2024) we discuss that  renowned Tolkien scholars Christina Scull and Wayne Hammond published a new book with NEW content by Tolkien–The Collected Poems of JRR Tolkien. I take a look at their announcement, highlighting some of the details they mentioned. I also take a bit of time to discuss therevised and expanded version of Tolkien’s letters. In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://www.theonering.com/members), we get into: An old Tolkien commentary published in 1969! Why I have a couple of “Middle-earth for Dummies”! Why the Tolkien Estate threatened us legally in 2005! 🔗 Episode Links Get the Exploring Tolkien App! The Children of Húrin The Story of Kullervo The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Exploring Tolkien App Get the Extended Podcast 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Húrin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    173. Tolkien’s Collected Poems and Tolkiens Letters (replay)

  3. Sep 29

    172. Morgoth’s Curse was the FIRST Ring of Power : Children of Húrin #9

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives! This week, we look at the second half of The Children of Húrin Chapter 6 and discuss the manifestation of Morgoth’s curse. We discuss Morgoth’s shadow… this “mist” that operates curiously like the One Ring, weaponizing Túrin’s pride against him right when he has the chance to accept grace and redemption. We also look at: Why Beleg is the only messenger to keep searching for Túrin when all others gave up, and the true power of his friendship. The moment Túrin realizes his own pride and shortcomings… and does nothing about it. The points where Tolkien  reveals Morgoth’s shadow taking over Túrin right when he is about to repent. How Túrin’s own pride creates the open wound that Morgoth’s curse infects and manipulates. In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://www.theonering.com/members), we get into: The Rings of Power rumor that Sauron needs a Balrog to forge the One Ring completely misunderstands Tolkien’s lore and the true nature of Balrogs. 🔗 Episode Links Get the Exploring Tolkien App! The Children of Húrin The Story of Kullervo The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Exploring Tolkien App Get the Extended Podcast 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Húrin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    172. Morgoth’s Curse was the FIRST Ring of Power : Children of Húrin #9

  4. Sep 17

    171. Forsaking Elves for Outlaws : Children of Húrin #8

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives! Túrin Turambar has officially abandoned the protection of Doriath, choosing instead to live as an outlaw among murderers and cutthroats. In our breakdown of the first part of Chapter 6 of The Children of Húrin, we explore Túrin’s tragic descent into darkness, his absolute refusal to live under anyone else’s law, and how a deadly “accident” turns him into the captain of the Wolf-Men. We also look at: How Túrin’s slaying of Forwëg perfectly mirrors the tragedy of Saeros in Doriath. Ú The fascinating real-world Anglo-Saxon history behind Tolkien’s “Wolf-Heads.” The exact moment in the lore where Tolkien paused writing The Silmarillion to start The Lord of the Rings. Túrin’s Toll & Titles: Adding new names and fresh victims to our running tally! Plus, a quick “look” of the Rings of Power DVD release and great news about J.R.R. Tolkien’s favorite pub reopening. In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://www.theonering.com/members), we get into: Is Túrin good? We debate his morality and choices 🔗 Episode Links Get the Exploring Tolkien App! The Children of Húrin The Story of Kullervo The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Exploring Tolkien App Get the Extended Podcast 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Húrin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    171. Forsaking Elves for Outlaws : Children of Húrin #8

  5. Sep 2

    170. Tolkien's Only Courtroom Drama : Children of Húrin #7

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives! In this episode, we explore an incredibly rare event in Tolkien’s legendarium: a formal Elven trial. We examine King Thingol’s judgment of Túrin after the death of Saeros, uncovering how law, evidence, and mercy operate in Doriath. We also look at: How Mablung’s testimony and Nellas’s surprise appearance shifted the king’s verdict. The evolution of Thingol’s character since his harsh treatment of Beren. Túrin’s growing list of titles and his first official toll. Why The Rings of Power repeating “the very” over 30 times highlights poor writing. In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://www.theonering.com/members), we get into: User comments on Beleg’s sword choice Son of Mowen vs Son of Húrin Why writers like Damon Lindelof fundamentally misunderstand how to adapt source material — particularly when it comes to what fans ACTUALLY want. 🔗 Episode Links Get the Exploring Tolkien App! The Children of Húrin The Story of Kullervo The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Exploring Tolkien App Get the Extended Podcast 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Húrin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    170. Tolkien's Only Courtroom Drama : Children of Húrin #7

  6. Aug 18

    Túrin's Fatal Arrogance : Children of Húrin #5

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives! Túrin Turambar in Doriath transitions from Thingol’s foster son to a hunted outlaw. Does the fatal insult from Saeros, Túrin’s explosive reaction, and the brutal, naked chase through the woods change his destiny forever? Or is this Morgoth’s curse at work? We also discuss: The litany of imprudent choices as Túrin (and others) ignore the advice of those around them. The stark contrast between how Elves and Men process grief, maturity, and the passage of time. Saeros’s unprovoked ambush in the woods and his ultimate, fatal leap into the rocky stream. Is Mablung to blame? In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://www.theonering.com/members), we get into: Maybe the Orcs DID actually write poetry (in the Hobbit)? Does the Balrog ACTUALLY speak? Maybe Rings of Power’s Nazgnagols are right? 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or  become a member at https://www.theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month). 🔗 Episode Links Get the Exploring Tolkien App! The Children of Húrin The Story of Kullervo The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Exploring Tolkien App Get the Extended Podcast 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Húrin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Túrin's Fatal Arrogance : Children of Húrin #5

  7. Aug 5

    168. Orcs Writing Poetry and Galadriel's Love Triangle - The Rings of Power News

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives! Is The Rings of Power Season 3 course-correcting—or just running out the clock? In this episode, we wade through two weeks of Comic-Con news and leaks, catching all the ways Amazon’s show is retooling, rewriting, and ruining Tolkien’s world. From the much-maligned Harfoots’ quiet removal to a new class of “Nazgnagol” proto-wraiths and the baffling “Balrog teaches Sauron” rumor, we break down what’s actually changing (and what’s still totally bonkers). We also look at: The accelerated release schedule and what it means for viewers (and podcasters) The “dismal retreat” – showrunners’ subtle admissions about failed seasons The orc who writes poetry and the continued humanizing of evil that breaks Tolkien’s world Galadriel’s love triangle with Sauron and Celeborn—officially confirmed. Good lord. How the focus on spectacle and “member berries” misses Tolkien’s core themes In our extended episode (available for members at https://www.theonering.com/members), we dig into: Why blurring good and evil undermines Tolkien’s moral universe 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member at https://www.theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month) or download the app! 🔗 Episode Links Get the Exploring Tolkien App! The Children of Húrin The Story of Kullervo The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Exploring Tolkien App Get the Extended Podcast 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Húrin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    168. Orcs Writing Poetry and Galadriel's Love Triangle - The Rings of Power News

  8. Jul 21

    167. Pride Comes Before the Thrall : Children of Húrin #5

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives! Is Morwen heroic, tragic, or just stubborn to a fault? We’re on to chapter 4 of The Children of Húrin, exploring how pride, fate, and Morgoths curses shape the next generation after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. We unpack why Morwen refuses help, howt fate and free work in tandem, and how Túrin’s story is already marked by sorrow and legacy. We also discuss: Whether Morwen’s choices are shaped by pride or the curse of Morgoth—or both Why Tolkien spends so much time on the theme of charity and nobility in hard times The meaning of the Helm of Hador and why Thingol reveres it Sador’s role as a substitute father and teacher for Túrin when Morwen won’t speak In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://www.theonering.com/members), we get into: Andy Serkis’s defense of The Hunt for Gollum’s casting and the use of AI on set First glimpses of the new Gandalf in The Rings of Power—and what we make of it How modern adaptations handle mythology, diversity, and audience immersion Tolkienian pride—from Morwen to modern filmmakers 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or  become a member at https://www.theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month). 🔗 Episode Links Get the Exploring Tolkien App! The Children of Húrin The Story of Kullervo The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Exploring Tolkien App Get the Extended Podcast 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Húrin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    167. Pride Comes Before the Thrall : Children of Húrin #5
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4.6
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

The bi-weekly podcast for serious Tolkien fans. Hosts Jonathan Watson and Michael Grumbine of TheOneRing.com (the internet’s longest Tolkien community since 1999) read through The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and every Age of Middle-earth — chapter by chapter. Plus conversations with artists, creators, and scholars–and honest commentary on what Hollywood keeps getting wrong about Tolkien’s legacy. 160+ episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    TheOneRing.com
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    178
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The One Ring
  • Show Website
    Exploring Tolkien

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