Exploring Tolkien

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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. ٢١ يوليو

    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://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://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

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

  2. ٧ يوليو

    166. Is Evil Really in Control : Children of Húrin #4

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives! Is evil REALLY in control? Tolkien pursues this in this chapter–for the first and only time Morgoth reveals himself in a long discussion… and the results are….? We dissect this showdown on a hill of bones and discover why it is unlike anything else in Tolkien’s works, what it reveals about free will, evil, and despair, and how Húrin’s stubborn defiance sets the stage for all the tragedy to follow. We also cover: Brandon Sanderson’s “five ingredients” for epic fantasy The real meaning behind Morgoth’s boasts about fate and power Where Tolkien slips myth, theology, and “eucatastrophe” right into the dialogue Free will or predestination… is there an answer here? In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on: Did Tolkien “ruin” fantasy by setting too high a bar? Why so much modern fantasy struggles in his shadow How much control did Morgoth really have over Húrin (and Turin)? More listener questions: the flame from Fingon’s helm, the Doom of Mandos, and the limits of fantasy as a genre 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or  become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month). Image Credit: The Words of Húrin and Morgoth by Alan Lee 🔗 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

    166. Is Evil Really in Control : Children of Húrin #4

  3. ٢٥ يونيو

    158. An Interview with Bernard Hill (Théoden)

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exlcusives! This is my favorite interview from the December 2, 2003 roundtable discussions for The Return of the King! Bernard Hill was such a real, genuine, and engaged personality. He had great stories from the set, from time spent with James Cameron, and how much he found joy in his home and horses. And he really like the iPod I used to record this interview! 😂 He also discusses: How he helped shape iconic scenes, including the “spears” charge at Pelennor Fields The collaborative script process and what it revealed about the making of LOTR Bernard’s own shire: restoring a wildflower meadow and building his haven in Suffolk In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on: New app features–including Word of the Day feature and trivia How you can join the conversation, give feedback, and win giveaways 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or  become a member at https://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

    158. An Interview with Bernard Hill (Théoden)

  4. ٩ يونيو

    164. A Glimmer of Hope Through the Eyes of Death : Children of Húrin #3

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exlcusives! “Day shall come again”–but for now, it’s the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. In this episode, we walk through Chapter 2 of The Children of Húrin a breaking down Tolkien’s bloodiest, most tragic battle. We cover the epic (and doomed) alliance of elves, men, and dwarves, the double-cross by the Easterlings, and why Morgoth’s victory still leaves him filled with dread. And we even get the Pope involved! We also look at: Why the elves’ greatest host could never stand against Morgoth—and what the battle’s tactics reveal about Tolkien’s “epic history” mindset The legendary valor (and fate) of Húrin and Huor—plus the prophecy that links Gondolin to Morgoth’s ruin Tolkien’s use of prophecy, fate, and heroism: why the darkest chapter is full of hope for the future The difference between Tolkien’s approach to battles and the modern appetite for nonstop action In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on: Listener comments about tragic foreshadowing, and Turin’s nature. More LEGO Lord of the Rings Why pop culture’s take on Tolkien struggles with the deeper logic of Middle-earth 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or  become a member at https://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

    164. A Glimmer of Hope Through the Eyes of Death : Children of Húrin #3

  5. ٢٦ مايو

    163. The Most Tragic Middle-earth Childhood : Children of Húrin #2

    Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exlcusives! Turin’s tragic journey starts here. In this episode, we examine the opening chapter of The Children of Húrin, exploring the foundational relationships and lineage that shape Turin’s fate. Why does Tolkien focus so much on houses and kin? How does the friendship with the crippled servant Sador color Turin’s early years? We unpack the narrative roots of tragedy, prophecy, and the fraught bond between elves and men. We also look at: What Tolkien’s “fire” actually means when describing Húrin The rare, uneasy alliance between elves and men in the First Age How tragedy marks Turin’s family from the very beginning Giving, pity, and the early signs of Turin’s character—before everything goes wrong In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on: The roles of Morwen and Húrin—and how their contrasting natures shape Turin’s destiny Tolkien’s craft: why his metaphors never just describe, but also worldbuild Why houses and heraldry matter so much in Middle-earth’s oldest tales 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or  become a member at https://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

    163. The Most Tragic Middle-earth Childhood : Children of Húrin #2

  6. ١٢ مايو

    162. Morgoth’s Curse and the Pride of Men : The Children of Húrin #1

    We finally return to Tolkien’s First Age for a new deep-dive series on The Children of Húrin, starting with Christopher Tolkien’s introduction. We discuss why Tolkien considered Turin’s tale one of his “three great stories” alongside Beren and Luthien and the Fall of Gondolin, the central themes of pride, what Morgoth’s curse actually was, and more! We also look at: The three great houses of men—and why they matter in this story The encroaching darkness of Morgoth and the echoes of Greek tragedy Whether Turin’s fate is his own making, or shaped by the will of a Dark Lord The role of pride—of Húrin, Morwen, Turin, and even Morgoth himself View the The Map of Beleriand we talked about In our extended episode (available for members at https://theonering.com/members), we talk about: Listener pushback on Finnish vs. Russian naming traditions in epic storytelling How The Hunt for Gollum is progressing 🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month) or at Patreon (https://theonering.com/patreon). 🔗 Episode Links The Children of Húrin The Story of Kullervo The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🔍 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

    162. Morgoth’s Curse and the Pride of Men : The Children of Húrin #1

  7. ٢٨ أبريل

    161. Tolkien's First Tragic Tale : The Story of Kullervo

    The Kalevala is perhaps Tolkien’s earliest inspiration… In this episode, we dig into The Story of Kullervo the tragic Finnish myth (from the Kalevala)  that captured Tolkien’s imagination as a young man. We explore why Kullervo’s tragic tale—full of vengeance, orphaned rage, and doomed family bonds—became the seed for later stories like The Children of Húrin (and even Beren and Lúthien!). We also examine: The Kalevala’s raw, unfamiliar style and why Tolkien found it so fresh How Tolkien’s early attempts at rewriting folklore reveal his love of language and poetry How the Kalevala’s influence shaped Middle-earth’s earliest legends The parallels (and differences) between Kullervo and Turin Turambar What makes Kullervo so unlike Tolkien’s usual heroes In our extended episode (available for members at https://theonering.com/members), we discuss: The big ol’ Lego set that’ll be released in a month Elanor Gamgee as the face of the new LOTR movie. Listener’s feedback on Saruman’s strength. 🔗 Episode Links The Story of Kullervo The Children of Hurin The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

    161. Tolkien's First Tragic Tale : The Story of Kullervo

  8. ١٤ أبريل

    160. Did Peter Jackson make Saruman too Powerful? : Film Change #49 and #50

    This episode tackles two more changes from Peter Jackson’s Fellowship of the Ring—Saruman orchestrating the storm on Caradhras, and the missing warg attack in Hollin. We break down how these adaptations simplify Middle-earth, debate whether Saruman’s powers go too far, and discuss what’s lost when the mountain itself isn’t an antagonist. We also examine: Why Jackson condensed multiple threats into “just Saruman and Sauron” The cinematic potential of Gandalf’s fiery defense against spirit wargs Aragorn’s warnings vs. Saruman’s prophecies—and who really drove the Fellowship’s next moves What removing the Hollin warg attack means for Sauron’s reach in the story In our extended episode (members at https://theonering.com/members), we dive into: News about Tolkien’s rare books and LOTRO’s new expansions Listener comments over Boromir’s character moments on the slopes of the Misty Mountains The fated 5 seasons of The Rings of Power What’s next for the podcast (Children of Húrin, Kullervo, and maybe Lord of the Rings itself)! 🎉 Get the extended episode by becoming a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo, free for the 1st month) or at Patreon (https://theonering.com/patreon). BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for $5 a month on Patreon 🔗 Episode Links Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Fall of Gondolin The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

    160. Did Peter Jackson make Saruman too Powerful? : Film Change #49 and #50
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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.

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    Exploring Tolkien

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