Secrets of Middle Earth

4.8 (155)
BOOKS
UPDATED WEEKLY

The Secrets of Middle-earth explores the myths, legends and themes of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. A podcast about the books, the movies and the videogame 'Lord of the Rings Online', the Hobbit and the Silmarillion. Hosted by Fr. Roderick.

DEC 17

The War of the Rohirrim

SME078: Explore The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim with Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker as they discuss Rohan’s legendary history, Helm Hammerhand’s epic battles, Hera’s heroic journey, and how the film honors Tolkien’s deep and timeless lore.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer the Secrets of Middle Earth. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?Links for this episode:* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! * You can watch The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime. * Purchase J.R.R. Tolkien books and Blu-ray/DVDs at the Secrets of Middle Earth Store. * Join the conversation at the SQPN Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Send your feedback or comments to middleearth@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 31m
DEC 11

A Special Advent Message

This is Dom Bettinelli, CEO of StarQuest, with a special message as we approach the Christmas season. Over the years, the StarQuest Network has continued to grow as a unique Catholic apostolate, bringing faith and culture together in ways that educate, inspire, and entertain. Shows like Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World, Secrets of Doctor Who, and Secrets of Star Wars have reached hundreds of thousands of listeners and viewers around the world. This year, we’ve seen exciting developments, including new series, improved video production, and an ever-expanding audience. And we have big plans for next year, including yet more new shows and an exciting opportunity to travel with me and Jimmy Akin to Italy for the Jubilee Year. But with growth comes challenges. We are thrilled to have so many loyal supporters whose generosity makes all our shows possible. It’s also a reality that over time some of our supporters will step away from their giving for whatever reason.However, it is also true that the financial support that sustains this mission currently comes from fewer than 1% of those who enjoy our podcasts and videos. If we’re to continue producing this life-changing content and expanding to reach new people, we urgently need new supporters to join us and current supporters to increase their assistance.This Advent and Christmas—the time when nonprofits like ours receive most of their support for the year—we’re asking you to prayerfully consider becoming part of the StarQuest mission or increasing your support:* If you’re already a supporter, thank you! Your generosity makes everything we do possible. Please consider increasing your support to help us continue growing. * If you haven’t joined as a supporter yet, now is the perfect time. Could you give $15, or even just $10 per month? With your help, we can continue to produce over 50 hours of quality programming every month. * For businesses or individuals interested in leadership-level giving, sponsorship opportunities start at $500 per month. Sponsors receive recognition on our shows and website, helping to support our mission while reaching new audiences.Every gift, of every size, has a lasting impact. Your support allows us to bring the Gospel to people in innovative ways—through podcasts, videos, and more.To make your tax-deductible gift, visit sqpn.com/give. Thank you for being part of the StarQuest family. May God bless you abundantly this Advent and Christmas season!

3 min
DEC 6

Join Jimmy and Dom for Livestream Event on 12/12/24

Jimmy Akin invites you to join him in Italy in 2025 for the Holy Year for a once-in a lifetime, 12-day pilgrimage to the mysterious shrines and holy sites of Rome, Assisi, and more.You will journey with Trinity Tour Travels who are not only experts in providing the best pilgrimages, but also financially support the Christian community in the Holy Land through their work, which is one of the reasons we have chosen to work with them.Get all your questions answered on December 12, at 8pm ET, in a special livestream event featuring Jimmy, Dom, and our hosts from Trinity Tours Travel. Join us at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUwRtTPuSg8To learn more about the pilgrimage itself, visit the Trinity Tours Travel website.

1 min
DEC 3

Rohan and the Rohirrim

SME077: Explore with Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker the rich history and culture of Rohan including its founding, the Oath of Friendship with Gondor, and the pivotal role it plays in the War of the Ring, as well as the upcoming War of the Rohirrim movie, delving into Helm Hammerhand’s tragic tale and speculating on the adaptation’s portrayal of Rohan’s epic struggles.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer the Secrets of Middle Earth. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?Links for this episode:* Lord of Maps Map Making Stamp Kit * The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Visual Companion * Lord of The Rings Adventure Book Game* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! * You can watch The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime. * Purchase J.R.R. Tolkien books and Blu-ray/DVDs at the Secrets of Middle Earth Store. * Join the conversation at the SQPN Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Send your feedback or comments to middleearth@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 26m
NOV 19

Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 14 – 16

SME076: Discover Beleriand! Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker continue their journey through the Silmarillion, incl. chapters about Beleriand and its influence on later Middle-earth settings and on Turgon’s founding of Gondolin.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer the Secrets of Middle Earth. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?Links for this episode:* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! * You can watch The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime. * Purchase J.R.R. Tolkien books and Blu-ray/DVDs at the Secrets of Middle Earth Store. * Join the conversation at the SQPN Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Send your feedback or comments to middleearth@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 21m
NOV 5

Rings of Power Season 2 Wrap Up

SME075: Now that season 2 of Rings of Power is complete, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason, and Alix Murray discuss its themes, character arcs, and story development, including some critiques on Galadriel and the Harfoots arc.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer the Secrets of Middle Earth. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?Links for this episode:* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! * You can watch The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime. * Purchase J.R.R. Tolkien books and Blu-ray/DVDs at the Secrets of Middle Earth Store. * Join the conversation at the SQPN Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Send your feedback or comments to middleearth@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 35m
OCT 29

Mordor and the Fell Lands of Middle Earth

SME074: For our Halloween episode, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker delve into Tolkien’s “fell lands”—dark regions of Middle-Earth brimming with sinister elements, inclluding Utumno, Angmar, and Mordor, focusing on their roles in Tolkien’s mythology, blending humor and lore, reflecting on both well-known settings and obscure places filled with werewolves and ancient evils, ultimately weaving a narrative of Middle-Earth’s haunted geography for fans.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer the Secrets of Middle Earth. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?Links for this episode:* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! * You can watch The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime. * Purchase J.R.R. Tolkien books and Blu-ray/DVDs at the Secrets of Middle Earth Store. * Join the conversation at the SQPN Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Send your feedback or comments to middleearth@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 36m
OCT 8

Rings of Power, Season 2, Episode 8: Shadow and Flame

SME073: The big season finale! Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason discuss the final episode of season 2, which dropped huge story bombs in every story line. Hear their analysis of the episode and the key themes and moments.Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email | Listen to this episode and subscribe on YouTube.Help us continue to offer the Secrets of Middle Earth. Won’t you make a pledge at SQPN.com/give today?Links for this episode:* Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! * You can watch The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime. * Purchase J.R.R. Tolkien books and Blu-ray/DVDs at the Secrets of Middle Earth Store (Coming soon). * Join the conversation at the SQPN Facebook page. * Be part of the StarQuest Discord community at SQPN.com/discord * Send your feedback or comments to middleearth@sqpn.comWant to Sponsor A Show?Support StarQuest’s mission to explore the intersection of faith and pop culture by becoming a named sponsor of the show of your choice on the StarQuest network. Click to get started or find out more.

1h 35m

See All (89)

4.8

out of 5

155 Ratings

I like the knowledge of all the commentary

Dec 17

Tjay F

I believe this is a wonderful podcast I like the knowledge of all the podcast commentary companions and think you all did well , I’m about 1/3 thru the entire recordings, I think this is very relaxing to listen too, except maybe the battles haha , those are brutal hahahhh. Good work everyone God bless you I’m so glad you all finally did a episode on Rohan and helms deep , I was looking for and episode on helms deep
Awesome source of LOTR Lore

09/03/2021

WickedScamp

Father Roderick built an amazing show that gave great insight into the lord of the LOTR while pulling out some very meaningful insights!
I haven’t listened to it yet

04/09/2020

grimmest400

The home Page looks interesting so in excited to listen to it 😁
!!

12/31/2020

extrametal

!!??

The Secrets of Middle-earth explores the myths, legends and themes of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. A podcast about the books, the movies and the videogame 'Lord of the Rings Online', the Hobbit and the Silmarillion. Hosted by Fr. Roderick.