Athrabeth

Jude Vais & Stef Midlock
  • 5.0 (33)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Athrabeth is a monthly podcast that invites you down the lesser trod paths of Tolkien's Legendarium. Each episode we pick a single chapter, essay, fragment, or topic, and do a deep dive, exploring it as both fans and scholars.

  1. FEB 4

    Episode 91: Seize the date: Elvish Calendars with Wizard Way Kris

    This month, Jude and Stef talk with Tolkien scholar, artist and calligrapher, Wizard Way Kris, Kris Piet, about their newly published “Elvish Calendar - 2026–2027: 14-month adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s Calendar of Imladris”. Kris, our favorite Resident Elf Boi, describes how the calendar developed, how elves measure time, and we talk about elvish holidays found in Tolkien’s legendarium. Kris also introduces the stunning artwork commissioned for the calendar. Despite the elves having only six seasons and six-day weeks, this beautiful calendar is synchronized to the Gregorian calendar and is available now!   Citations Thank you to our guest Wizard Way Kris (Kris Piet)! Kris’ website: https://elf-boi.com/ Kris’ Linktree: linktr.ee/WizardWayKris Elvish Calendar 2026–2027” 14-month adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s “Calendar of Imladris” is available now!  Purchase your 2026-2027 calendar here: https://elf-boi.com/products/pre-order-elvish-calendar-2026-2027 Artists commissioned for the calendar: Anndr Pozyniuk: linktr.ee/AnnDR Rami fon Verg: linktr.ee/ramifonverg Calendar graphics designer and formatting by Kim Johnson Lydia Croft Art: linktr.ee/LydiaCroftArt (Accessed January 26, 2026) Paul Sarando’s “The Shire Reckoning Project”. https://psarando.github.io/shire-reckoning/ (Accessed January 24, 2026)

    1h 21m

  2. JAN 7

    Episode 90: Lesser-trod Histories 11: Sauron Defeated

    In this episode, Jude and Stef discuss History of Middle-earth Volume 9: Sauron Defeated, the final book in the History of the Lord of the Rings. Jude introduces The Drowning of Anadûnê,  discussing the different versions of the tale of the Drowning of Númenor and the cultural traditions for which they were written. Jude also talks about the importance of adaptation and fan fiction in relation to Tolkien's works. Later, Stef presents the omitted Epilogue to the Lord of the Rings, which gives us a glimpse of Sam’s life and family after the event of the Lord of the Rings. Citations  Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/4rZynfWv3f Tolkien, J. R. R. Sauron Defeated. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 9. HarperCollins, London, 1992. Tolkien, J. R.R. Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded Edition. Ed. Humphrey Carpenter with Christopher Tolkien. HarperCollins Publishers Inc., New York. “Digital Edition NOVEMBER 2023 ISBN: 978-0-06-337435-5, Version 09282023, Print ISBN: 978-0-35-865298-4” (Accessed Dec 31, 2025).  Fliss, William M, and Schaefer, Sarah C., J.R.R. Tolkien: The Art of the Manuscript. The Haggerty Museum of Art, Marquette University, August 19-December 23, 2022. ISBN 978-0-945366-36-2. Images 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34.  Tolkien Gateway entry for “King’s Letter” https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/King%27s_Letter (Accessed Dec 31, 2025) Tolkien Gateway entry for “Sauron Defeated”  https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Sauron_Defeated (Accessed 10/1/25) Tolkien Gateway entry for “Vinyar Tengwar 29” https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Vinyar_Tengwar_29 (Accessed Dec 31, 2025) Reddit post, “Where can I find the unpublished epilogue to Lord of the Rings?” by user “mammothman64” https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienfans/comments/ydejtq/where_can_i_find_the_unpublished_epilogue_to_lord/ (Accessed Dec 31, 2025) -Response from “gynnis-scholasticus” Mentioned in the episode: Lee Knox Ostertag, 2021 (username is mollyknox) On AO3: “Sam and Frodo Comics, Chapter 5: The Unpublished Epilogue”  https://archiveofourown.org/works/27478819/chapters/72409524 (Accessed Dec 31, 2025) Miriam Ellis, “The Importance of The Epilogue to The Lord of the Rings” (posted April 29, 2024) https://www.miriamellis.com/post/the-importance-of-the-epilogue-to-the-lord-of-the-rings (Accessed Dec 31, 2025) “Tolkien’s Unpublished Epilogue to The Lord of the Rings” by In Deep Geek, published Dec 23, 2023,  https://youtu.be/H2yRW4xmZFY?si=iZNDS8MaItSA8PFL  (Accessed Dec 31, 2025)

    1h 8m

  3. 12/03/2025

    Episode 89: Interview with Tom Racine - “Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien”

    This month, join Jude and Stef for a lively interview with cartoonist and newly minted Tolkien author, Tom Racine, about his new book, “Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien” published on November 11, 2025 by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. We talk about Tom’s love of Edward Gorey, the process of turning an viral Instagram Inktober series into a book, banishing the imposter demons, and more. A huge thank you to Tom for joining us and for his warmth and humor.    Citations Thank you to our special guest, Tom Racine!  Follow Tom on Instagram: @tom_racine_art Get yourself a copy of Tom’s book on bookshop.org: “Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien”, published on November 11, 2025 by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers  https://bookshop.org/p/books/doomed-to-die-an-a-z-of-death-in-tolkien-tom-racine/fcc5ecee4168afc1?ean=9780063474420&next=t Tom’s website: https://www.tomracinevoice.com/ The Wizard Blues: The Adventures of Mori and Rom: https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/the-wizard-blues-the-adventures-of-mori-and-rom/list?title_no=957997&page=1

    1h 10m

  4. 11/05/2025

    Episode 88: Interview with Don Marshall - "J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy”

    This month, Jude and Stef have the pleasure of interviewing Tolkien educator, influencer and now biographer Don Marshall about his new book, “J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy” which will be published on November 25, 2025, by Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. We chat with Don about how the book came about, the challenges and delights of the writing process, and the surprises Don found along the way. Thanks for joining us again on Athrabeth, Don!    Citations:  Thank you to our special guest Don Marshall!  You can find links to Don’s social media below: https://beacons.ai/donmarshall72   J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy by Don Marshall will be published on November 25, 2025, by Adam’s Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, in both book and audiobook format! Find your copy at the link below: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/J-R-R-Tolkien/Don-Marshall/Pocket-Portraits/9781668135440

    1h 1m
  5. Hobbitween 2025

    10/31/2025 · BONUS

    Hobbitween 2025

    With the thinning of the veil comes our annual autumnal offering! Just when you thought you were safe from repulsive repasts, pilfered plates, and things that slither in the night- Hobbitween 6 has arrived! Join Theo Fleetfoot, Ozzie Oiolaire, Finellen Frostbeard, Iadar Listbalarion, Pumpkins Proudfoot, and our fearless Lore Master for another terrifying trip to Middle-earth. Happy Hobbitween!    Citations The One Ring role playing game by Free League: https://freeleaguepublishing.com/en/games/the-one-ring/ Thank you to our cast: Lore Master: James Kaku Pierson, Bsky @james.athrabeth.com Theo Fleetfoot: Max Jiménez Ozzie Oiolaire: Zeke Pease, Instagram @ezpease & @greenvillearms  Finellen Frostbeard: James Keen, Instagram @james.squatch Iadar Listbalarion: Jude Vais, Bsky jude.athrabeth.com  Pumpkins Proudfoot: Stef Midlock, Bsky @stef.athrabeth.com & Instagram @thenorthfour Title music is “Lord of the Devil Rings” by Ponymusic, courtesy of Pond5 Soundscapes provided by Tabletop Audio, https://tabletopaudio.com Featured tracks courtesy of Epidemic Sound: Amber Glow - Waves of TImeBen Elson - Cosmic CountdownBonnie Grace - Only the BraveChristoffer Moe Ditlevsen - TrackerDream Cave - Question MarkFirst Timer - Will You Marry Me (Baby, It’s Christmas)Grevens Tid - Cry of the BansheeHampus Naeselius - OverrideHampus Naeselius - ReplicantsHoward Harper-Barnes - Mysterious ForestJonathan Bondesson - Spanish HeatJules Gaia - Hot PursuitsLennon Hutton - The SlasherLupus Nocte - ManiamasterMattie Maguire - Racing HeartsMax Anson - ConclusionRachel Sandy - Machina SoldierRachel Sandy - Shadow of MortusRobert “Robi” Svard - FormenteraRoy Williams - More of the SameScoobadive - Granny DanceViktor Lundberg - Nordic Mountain ReelAdditional Music and sound effects licensed from soundstripe, https://www.soundstripe.com   Support Zeke and check out The Greenville Arms 1889 Inn! https://www.greenvillearms.com Find us on the web at https://www.athrabethnetwork.com/athrabeth Join the conversation on the Athrabeth discord! Athrabeth is a production of the Athrabeth Podcast Network Athrabeth is Produced by James Kaku Pierson

    2h 10m

  6. 10/01/2025

    Episode 87: Live from Oxonmoot 2025: Tolkien’s Try-hard Troublemakers

    In episode 87, we discuss highlights from our recent trip to Oxonmoot, and present our session from Oxonmoot titled, “Athrabeth Podcast Live: Tolkien’s Try-hard Troublemakers” with special guests Dr. Sara Brown and Dr. Kristine Larsen. Join us as we explore what happens when characters from Tolkien’s legendarium go that extra mile to make everything around them just a little bit worse.     Thank you to Sara and Kristine for joining us for this session, you are brilliant and hilarious and we are huge fans! Thank you to the Tolkien Society for having us, and thanks to their volunteer squad who made the weekend fun and safe! Thank you to our audience who joined us both in Oxford and online, and thank you to our amazing room steward, Kit Hannah!    Listen to the show with accompanying slides on YouTube here!   Citations:  Thank you to our guests, Dr. Sara Brown and Dr. Kristine Larsen! Sara Brown: sara.brown@signum.org, @aranelparmadil.bsky.social Kristine Larsen: larsen@ccsu.edu   Tolkien, J. R. R. Morgoth’s Ring. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 10. HarperCollins, London, 1993.  Tolkien, J. R. R. The Children of Húrin. Edited by Christopher Tolkien. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Apple Books edition. Tolkien, J. R. R. The Lord of the Rings. HarperCollins e-books. Apple Books edition. Tolkien, J. R. R. The Nature of Middle-earth. Edited by Carl F. Hostetter, HarperCollins, 2021.  Tolkien, J. R. R. The Silmarillion. Edited by Christopher Tolkien. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Apple Books edition.  Tolkien, J. R. R. Unfinished Tales of Numenor and Middle-earth. Edited by Christopher Tolkien. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Apple Books edition. Tolkien, J. R. R. War of the Jewels. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 11. HarperCollins, London, 1994.  Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. Ed. Humphrey Carpenter with Christopher Tolkien. HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd, London.

    1h 17m

  7. 09/03/2025

    Episode 86: Lesser-trod Paths with Dr. Luke Shelton

    When you first read the Lord of the Rings, which character did you most relate to? Has that changed as you’ve gotten older? This month, we are joined by Dr. Luke Shelton, who leads us down his lesser-trod path, exploring reader response theory and the ways that personal experience and interpretation interact with criticism. Thanks for joining us, Luke, for this fascinating and emotional discussion! Citations:  Thank you to our guest host, Dr. Luke Shelton!  How to find Luke: Instagram: @lukebshelton Bsky: @lukebshelton.bsky.social Luke’s website: https://luke-shelton.com/ (Accessed June 27, 2025) Show Notes from Luke: Luke’s work: Luke’s dissertation is free online here: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/81312/ The title is “‘Small Hands Do Them Because They Must’: Examining the Reception of The Lord of the Rings among Young Readers” Luke’s most recent publication: “Towards an Ethos of Discussing In-Corporeal Gender in Fantasy Literature: Part I—A 'Feminine' Eldil and a 'Masculine' Vala”: https://dc.swosu.edu/mythpro/vol2024/iss1/7/?utm_source=dc.swosu.edu%2Fmythpro%2Fvol2024%2Fiss1%2F7&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages In prior scholarship, Luke talked about: Dawn Walls-Thumma’s “Attainable Vistas: Historical Bias in Tolkien's Legendarium as a Motive for Transformative Fanworks”: https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol3/iss3/3/ Robin Reid’s “J.R.R. Tolkien, Culture Warrior: The Alt-Right's Crusade against the Tolkien Society's 2021 Summer Seminar on ‘Tolkien and Diversity’”: https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol16/iss2/4/ Maria Alberto’s “‘The effort to translate’: Fan Film Culture and the Works of J.R.R. Tolkien”: https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol3/iss3/2/ Megan Abrahamson’s “J.R.R. Tolkien, Fanfiction, and ‘The Freedom of the Reader’”: https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol32/iss1/5/ Ernest Mathjis, editor of Watching The Lord of the Rings: Tolkien’s World Audiences For gaming, Luke mentioned: Alicia Fox-Lenz and a forthcoming volume she edited which will be about Tolkien and Gaming, title unknown at this time. Tim Bolton: Luke mentioned that he occasionally writes pieces about gaming for Amon Hen (not something that is easy to link to, unfortunately), it looks like he also has a blog which is more consistent: https://greenbookofthewhitedowns.blogspot.com/search?q=gaming+in+middle-earth

    1h 27m

  8. 08/06/2025

    Episode 85: Lesser-Trod Histories 11: The War of the Ring

    In this next installment of The History of Middle-earth, Jude and Stef chat about volume 8: The War of the Ring. Stef talks about Part 2, Chapter 5, “Faramir”, and Jude focuses Part 3, Chapter 9, “The Battle of the Pelennor Fields”. We discuss Tolkien’s writing process, the character development of Faramir, Eowyn, and the Witch King, and the progression of thematic elements of Rohan and Gondor.    Citations: Brown, Sara. (2025, Aug 2). ““Her hair was held a marvel unmatched”: The Significance of Long, Blonde Hair in Tolkien’s Imagination” [Paper presentation], Mythopoeic Society OMS 4 - Online MidSummer Seminar 2025 “More Perilous and Fair: Women and Gender in Mythopoeic Fantasy”, online. https://www.mythsoc.org/oms/oms-04.htm Tolkien, J. R. R.  The War of the Ring: The History of The Lord of the Rings, Part Three.  Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 8. Unwin Hyman, London, 1990.

    54 min
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5
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About

Athrabeth is a monthly podcast that invites you down the lesser trod paths of Tolkien's Legendarium. Each episode we pick a single chapter, essay, fragment, or topic, and do a deep dive, exploring it as both fans and scholars.

Information

  • Creator
    Jude Vais & Stef Midlock
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Athrabeth

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