401 episodes

A journey through Middle-earth! Join co-hosts John & Greta as they go chapter-by-chapter through The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and all of Tolkien's works and writings.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

The Tolkien Road The Tolkien Road

    • Arts
    • 4.5 • 354 Ratings

A journey through Middle-earth! Join co-hosts John & Greta as they go chapter-by-chapter through The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and all of Tolkien's works and writings.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

    0375 » Lord of the Rings Bk1.Ch01.Pt10 » Mathoms » Return of the Shadow, Bilbo's Wife, Bingo vs Frodo, etc

    0375 » Lord of the Rings Bk1.Ch01.Pt10 » Mathoms » Return of the Shadow, Bilbo's Wife, Bingo vs Frodo, etc

    "My father bestowed immense pains on the creation of The Lord of the Rings, and my intention has been that this record his first three years of work on it should reflect those pains." - Christopher Tolkien, Return of the Shadow, Foreword
    In this episode of DO NOT BE HASTY, we undertake our inaugural MATHOMS episode as we explore heretofore neglected matters great and small from The Lord of the Rings Book 1, Chapter 1, A Long Expected Party.
    Join us!
    EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:
    - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
    - John R
    - Melkor27
    - KG
    - SaberSystems
    - Jeremy D
    WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/ZJGYEWzP94U
    WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/ad-free-video-of-104879517
    LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/lord-of-rings-104927227
    FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:
    PATREON » SUPERFANS!
    TWITTER
    FACEBOOK
    INSTAGRAM
    LINKS & MATHOMS:
    - take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)
    - listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon
    - buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/
    - buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/
    SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:
    - John R
    - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
    - Melkor27
    - KG
    - SaberSystems
    - Jeremy D
    - Emilio P
    - Jonathan D
    - Richard K
    - Paul D
    - Julia
    - Werty
    - Chris B
    - Tuor91
    - Carolyn S
    - Emiel K
    - Brian O (the 2nd)
    - Jonathan R
    - Matthew W
    - Daniel D
    - Harrison C
    - Seb M
    - Willbo Baggins
    - Ms. Anonymous
    - Andrew T
    - Redhawk
    - Shannon S
    - Brian O (the 1st)
    - Zeke F
    - James L
    - Chris L
    - Asya V
    - Ish of the Hammer
    - Teresa C
    - David of Pints with Jack
    - Eric B
    AS WELL AS THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR PATRON ANNIVERSARY IN MAY OF 2024
    - Michael W
    - SaberSystems
    - Malcolm C
    Thank you so much for sticking with us over the years!!! 🙌 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

    • 49 min
    Ainulindalë, Tom Bombadil, and the Music of Middle-earth

    Ainulindalë, Tom Bombadil, and the Music of Middle-earth

    Hey there, fellow travellers!
    Having just completed our 9 episode leg through Chapter 1 of Lord of the Rings, Greta and I are taking this week and next week off as we prepare for our Mailbag and Mathoms episodes and the beginning of our dive into Chapter 2, The Shadow of the Past!
    I just want to say - I hope you all are enjoying this journey as much as I am! There's just something about a REALLY SLOW read that seems utterly true to the nature of Tolkien and Middle-earth, and I'm excited to continue our epic DO NOT BE HASTY quest soon!
    In the meantime, I want to share with you some selections from Tolkien's Overture, my book concerning the Middle-earth creation story, Ainulindalë, and the role of music in Middle-earth. The first selection is the book's first chapter, a close reading of the very first pages of The Silmarillion. The second selection is the book's sixth chapter, an extended exegesis of the role of Tom Bombadil and the source of his power.
    I hope you enjoy it!
    Head on over to TolkienRoad.com/TOVT for info on how you can enjoy the whole thing! That's TolkienRoad.com/TOVT! 
    And by the way, if you really love what we're doing, please consider becoming a member of the Fellowship of the Road by visiting Patreon.com/TolkienRoad!
    One last thing: use code MUSIC10 at TrueMythsPress.com to get 10% off of everything in our Etsy store!
    We'll be back soon with more from our DO NOT BE HASTY journey through Lord of the Rings. Until next time, The Road Goes Ever On.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

    • 42 min
    0374 » Lord of the Rings Bk1.Ch01.Pt09 » Goodbye, Gandalf! » A Long Expected Party Pt 9

    0374 » Lord of the Rings Bk1.Ch01.Pt09 » Goodbye, Gandalf! » A Long Expected Party Pt 9

    "Good-bye now! Take care of yourself! Look out for me, especially at unlikely times! Good-bye!" - GANDALF 
    In this episode of Do Not Be Hasty, we complete our journey through Lord of the Rings Book 1, Chapter 1, A Long Expected Party!
    After the commotion of the “day after” at Bag-End, Frodo is able to finally enjoy some peace and quiet - until Gandalf comes knocking…
    Join us!
    EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:
    - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
    - John R
    - Melkor27
    - KG
    - SaberSystems
    WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/jSJ7DD5PQRY
    WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/102682332
    LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/103554584
    FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:
    PATREON » SUPERFANS!
    TWITTER
    FACEBOOK
    INSTAGRAM
    LINKS & MATHOMS:
    - take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)
    - listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon
    - buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/
    - buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/
    SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:
    - John R
    - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
    - Melkor27
    - KG
    - Emilio P
    - Jonathan D
    - Richard K
    - Paul D
    - Julia
    - Werty
    - Chris B
    - Tuor91
    - Carolyn S
    - Emiel K
    - Brian O (the 2nd)
    - Jonathan R
    - Matthew W
    - Daniel D
    - Harrison C
    - Seb M
    - Ms. Anonymous
    - Andrew T
    - Redhawk
    - Shannon S
    - Brian O (the 1st)
    - Zeke F
    - James L
    - Chris L
    - Asya V
    - Ish of the Hammer
    - Teresa C
    - David of Pints with Jack
    - Eric B
    AS WELL AS THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR PATRON ANNIVERSARY IN MAY OF 2024
    - Michael W
    - SaberSystems
    - Malcolm C
    Thank you so much for sticking with us over the years!!! 🙌 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

    • 26 min
    0373 » Lord of the Rings Bk1.Ch01.Pt08 » Master Frodo » A Long Expected Party Pt 8

    0373 » Lord of the Rings Bk1.Ch01.Pt08 » Master Frodo » A Long Expected Party Pt 8

    "You'll live to regret it, young fellow! Why didn't you go too? You don't belong here; you're no Baggins - you - you're a Brandybuck!"
    In this episode of Do Not Be Hasty, we continue through Lord of the Rings Book 1, Chapter 1, A Long Expected Party!
    With Bilbo having hit the Road, Frodo is left to clean up the mess. He’ll discover that sometimes being the Master means working like the Servant!
    Also: we’ll see that many hobbits have a knack for the art of insult comedy!
    Finally: the Sackville-Bagginses STRIKE AGAIN!
    Join us!
    EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:
    - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
    - John R
    - Melkor27
    - KG
    - SaberSystems
    WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/hpiNgjvE3-4
    WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/102682332
    LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/102682599
    FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:
    PATREON » SUPERFANS!
    TWITTER
    FACEBOOK
    INSTAGRAM
    LINKS & MATHOMS:
    - take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)
    - listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon
    - buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/
    - buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/
    SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:
    - John R
    - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
    - Melkor27
    - KG
    - Emilio P
    - Jonathan D
    - Richard K
    - Paul D
    - Julia
    - Werty
    - Chris B
    - Tuor91
    - Carolyn S
    - Emiel K
    - Brian O (the 2nd)
    - Jonathan R
    - Matthew W
    - Daniel D
    - Harrison C
    - Seb M
    - Ms. Anonymous
    - Andrew T
    - Redhawk
    - Shannon S
    - Brian O (the 1st)
    - Zeke F
    - James L
    - Chris L
    - Asya V
    - Ish of the Hammer
    - Teresa C
    - David of Pints with Jack
    - Eric B
    AS WELL AS THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR PATRON ANNIVERSARY IN MAY OF 2024
    - Michael W
    - SaberSystems
    - Malcolm C
    Thank you so much for sticking with us over the years!!! 🙌 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

    • 42 min
    0372 » Lord of the Rings Bk1.Ch01.Pt07 » Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe » A Long Expected Party Pt 7

    0372 » Lord of the Rings Bk1.Ch01.Pt07 » Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe » A Long Expected Party Pt 7

    Gandalf: "Go away and leave it behind. Stop possessing it. Give it to Frodo, and I will look after him."
    In this episode of Do Not Be Hasty, we continue through Lord of the Rings Book 1, Chapter 1, A Long Expected Party!
    Herein, Bilbo finally hits the road, and Frodo finds Gandalf waiting for him at Bag-End with an important assignment.
    Join us!
    EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:
    - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
    - John R
    - Melkor27
    - KG
    WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/hpiNgjvE3-4
    WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/102682332
    LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/102682599
    FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:
    PATREON » SUPERFANS!
    TWITTER
    FACEBOOK
    INSTAGRAM
    LINKS & MATHOMS:
    - take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)
    - listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon
    - buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/
    - buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/
    SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:
    - John R
    - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
    - Melkor27
    - KG
    - Emilio P
    - Jonathan D
    - Richard K
    - Paul D
    - Julia
    - Werty
    - Chris B
    - Tuor91
    - Carolyn S
    - Emiel K
    - Brian O (the 2nd)
    - Jonathan R
    - Matthew W
    - Daniel D
    - Harrison C
    - Seb M
    - Ms. Anonymous
    - Andrew T
    - Redhawk
    - Shannon S
    - Brian O (the 1st)
    - Zeke F
    - James L
    - Chris L
    - Asya V
    - Ish of the Hammer
    - Teresa C
    - David of Pints with Jack
    - Eric B
    AS WELL AS THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR PATRON ANNIVERSARY IN APRIL OF 2024
    - KG
    - Terry S
    - Katie P
    - Julia
    - Jonathan D
    - Ty M
    Thank you so much for sticking with us over the years!!! 🙌 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

    • 50 min
    0371 » Lord of the Rings Bk1.Ch01.Pt06 » Bilbo Goes Gollum » A Long Expected Party Pt 6

    0371 » Lord of the Rings Bk1.Ch01.Pt06 » Bilbo Goes Gollum » A Long Expected Party Pt 6

    In this episode of Do Not Be Hasty, we continue through Lord of the Rings Book 1, Chapter 1, A Long Expected Party!
    As Bilbo sneaks back to Bag-End and prepares to leave the Shire once and for all, Gandalf confronts him about the Ring, and an ugly argument ensues.
    Join us!
    EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:
    - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
    - John R
    - Melkor27
    - KG
    WATCH THE VIDEO » https://youtu.be/WwDsBVoIDBA
    WATCH AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/102290628
    LISTEN AD-FREE » https://www.patreon.com/posts/102290842
    FOLLOW & SUPPORT THE TOLKIEN ROAD:
    PATREON » SUPERFANS!
    TWITTER
    FACEBOOK
    INSTAGRAM
    LINKS & MATHOMS:
    - take 10% OFF Tolkien Road merch at True Myths Press » https://truemythspress.com/discount/TENOFF (enter code TENOFF at checkout)
    - listen to TOLKIEN'S WORKS for FREE » https://www.audibletrial.com/everon
    - buy Tolkien's Requiem » https://tolkiensrequiem.com/
    - buy Tolkien's Overture » https://tolkiensoverture.com/
    SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS:
    - John R
    - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
    - Melkor27
    - KG
    - Emilio P
    - Jonathan D
    - Richard K
    - Paul D
    - Julia
    - Werty
    - Chris B
    - Tuor91
    - Carolyn S
    - Emiel K
    - Brian O (the 2nd)
    - Jonathan R
    - Matthew W
    - Daniel D
    - Harrison C
    - Seb M
    - Ms. Anonymous
    - Andrew T
    - Redhawk
    - Shannon S
    - Brian O (the 1st)
    - Zeke F
    - James L
    - Chris L
    - Asya V
    - Ish of the Hammer
    - Teresa C
    - David of Pints with Jack
    - Eric B
    AS WELL AS THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR PATRON ANNIVERSARY IN APRIL OF 2024
    - KG
    - Terry S
    - Katie P
    - Julia
    - Jonathan D
    - Ty M
    Thank you so much for sticking with us over the years!!! 🙌 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-tolkien-road--5222755/support.

    • 55 min

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5
354 Ratings

354 Ratings

Calixar ,

Thoughtful

I was enjoying listening to Carswell and his wife discuss the Silmarillion, a Tolkien work that I feel is woefully unread by many. He obviously has loved the Professor’s work for many years, and she, through him, is discovering these works.
Then came episode 6. I honestly think I may know the author of the criticism he received. I could actually hear these exact words in the voice of my erstwhile and occasional friend (whom I shall not name).
The response to this unnecessary comment is well measured. I jotted down John’s haiku in response (because it’s clever and actually deep). I’ve gone from enjoying this podcast to looking forward to the next installment.
I’m years behind on it (listening to episode six in October 2023), and don’t know if he’s still at it, but I’d like to meet this fellow one day. He sounds like a younger, more confident version of myself. John, if you read this, I’d love to sit and chat with you about books and music.

Rick Wms Sr ,

New Listener

Longtime LOTR fan and serious Tolkien student. Ready to launch midgrade fantasy series co-developed w 3 grandkids: Narnia spirituality combined w Tolkien epic battles between good and evil. Dipped into a few podcasts and was highly impressed w content and Christian values.

I decided to start w 2015 episodes and, inspired by John’s leadership/insights and Greta’s courage/authenticity, have made excellent progress in a week w The Silmarillion, which I previously avoided.

Loved Tolkien’s Requiem book! John’s concept of using Beren & Luthien as a “Gateway to the 1st & 2nd Ages” is simply brilliant. I’m also going through the new book of essays about Christopher Tolkien, which is synergistic.

Making rapid progress w The Silmarillion thx to John & Greta…and having fun‼️

Karoline04 ,

Edifying

Love listening to this show. It’s not just a break from the chaos but I’m actually learning ways to remain grounded in the chaos.

Top Podcasts In Arts

Fresh Air
NPR
The Moth
The Moth
LeVar Burton Reads
LeVar Burton and Stitcher
99% Invisible
Roman Mars
The Book Review
The New York Times
Gastropod
Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley

You Might Also Like

The Prancing Pony Podcast
The Prancing Pony Podcast
Mythgard's Exploring The Lord of the Rings
Mythgard Institute
Exploring Tolkien
TheOneRing.com
The Tolkien Lore Podcast
Joshua Scott
The Literary Life Podcast
Angelina Stanford Thomas Banks
Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast
Star Wars