Lore of the Rings | Explore JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and More | For all fans of Middle-earth

Aaron, a Middle-earth wanderer and Tolkien admirer
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Lore of the Rings | Explore JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and More | For all fans of Middle-earth

Discover the rich world and timeless works of J.R.R. Tolkien with this weekly podcast; your gateway to understanding the mythology behind The Lord of the Rings. Whether you're a fan who's only seen the movies, a reader looking to dive deeper into Tolkien's tales, or someone tackling The Silmarillion for the first time, this show is your perfect guide. Each episode unpacks the intricate stories and characters that form the foundation of Tolkien's mythology, helping you enhance your appreciation of Amazon's Rings of Power series or simply explore more of Tolkien's legendary world. This podcast is for you if: You've seen the films and you want to read the books. You saw Rings of Power and want to know the real story. You want to know the connections between the movies and shows to the tales that Tolkien actually wrote. You've never read any words of Tolkien and you want to start. You've read many works of Tolkien and want fresh new insight. Or you tried reading The Silmarillion but got so lost and confused that you gave up. A day may come when you finally read that book, and it is this day! Let's wander Middle-earth together. Subscribe and share with a friend. Download my guide for reading The Silmarillion at ringspodcast.com/guide

  1. 195: All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter | Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring | Book 1, chap. 10, Part 2

    50 MIN. AGO

    195: All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter | Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring | Book 1, chap. 10, Part 2

    In this episode of Lore of the Rings, Aaron dives into the chapter "Strider" from JRR Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring, examining Frodo's decision-making process about accepting Strider as a guide. Uncover the intricate details behind Barliman Butterbur’s critical role, Gandalf’s delayed letter, and how these moments influenced Frodo’s perilous journey. Aaron highlights the courage of book-Barliman compared to his film portrayal and traces Gandalf's movements leading up to his capture by Saruman. The episode then focuses on Gandalf’s iconic letter and its poetic description of Strider, dissecting the layers of meaning in the renowned lines, "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost." Join Aaron as he unpacks the rich symbolism in Tolkien's writing, revealing the depth of Aragorn's character and his path from a wandering ranger to the rightful king. Whether you’re a first-time reader or a seasoned fan, this exploration will deepen your appreciation for the subtleties in Tolkien’s epic tale. Who are you? What's the best day for you to listen to new episodes? Tell me here: ringspodcast.com/new Tell me more about you! ringspodcast.com/feedback Wander Farther Download my free chapter guide for "Strider": ringspodcast.com/strider The History of the Ring of Barahir, #20: ringspodcast.com/20 Join the newsletter: ringspodcast.com Deals for you, my fellow wanderer Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/ Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493 About the Lore of the Rings Podcast Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey! This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    10 min
  2. 194: Strider Knows Too Many Dark Things | Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring | Book 1, chap. 10, Part 1

    JAN 2

    194: Strider Knows Too Many Dark Things | Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring | Book 1, chap. 10, Part 1

    What makes Strider one of Tolkien’s most compelling characters? In this episode, we examine the "Strider" chapter from JRR Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring to uncover hidden layers of Aragorn’s wisdom, Frodo’s linguistic brilliance, and the dark history of the Nazgûl. Discover how this chapter enriches the story beyond the films, revealing connections to Middle-earth’s deeper lore and character dynamics. Whether you're reading Tolkien for the first time or revisiting his works, this episode is your guide to this packed chapter. Who are you? What's the best day for you to listen to new episodes? Tell me here: ringspodcast.com/new Tell me more about you! ringspodcast.com/feedback Wander Farther Download my free chapter guide for "Strider": ringspodcast.com/strider The History of the North Kingdom of Arnor, #65: ringspodcast.com/65 Join the newsletter: ringspodcast.com Deals for you, my fellow wanderer Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/ Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493 About the Lore of the Rings Podcast Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey! This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    11 min
  3. 193: A Year in the Life of a Tolkien Podcaster

    12/26/2024

    193: A Year in the Life of a Tolkien Podcaster

    Where we wandered in 2024, and a sneak peek on where we're headed in 2025. Thank you for listening to the Lore of the Rings podcast and wandering Middle-earth with me. Links mentioned in this episode:138: Fellowship of the Ring chapter by chapter commentary159: Exploration on Tom Bombadil172: Reviews on Amazon Prime's Rings of Power189: Lyrics of "The Rider"191: War of the Rohirrim Reactions168: Star Trek and Lord of the Rings with Captain's Pod160: On Screen LOTR projects with Lorehounds170: Rings and Rituals169: What is Tom Bombadil?190: Religion in Lord of the Rings182: The Tolkien Teton Trail188: Reactions to War of the Rohirrim trailer189: Thanksgiving192: Christmas What's the best day for you to listen to new episodes? Tell me here: ringspodcast.com/new Tell me more about you! ringspodcast.com/feedback Join the newsletter: ringspodcast.com Sources mentioned in this episode:Letters of JRR TolkienThe Making of Middle-earth by Christopher SnyderThe Silmarillion by JRR TolkienThe Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien (The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.) Deals for you, my fellow wandererExclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/Order an Oura Ring today and get powerful insights into your health: https://amzn.to/4em6J0ADownload my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493 About the Lore of the Rings PodcastContact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey! This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    18 min
  4. Q+A 001: Are the Eagles in War of the Rohirrim accurate to Tolkien's lore?

    12/23/2024

    Q+A 001: Are the Eagles in War of the Rohirrim accurate to Tolkien's lore?

    Why were the Great Eagles in War of the Rohirrim? Were these majestic creatures true to Tolkien’s lore, or was their presence an adaptation choice? In this episode, I answer listener Tiffany’s intriguing question and dive into the use of Eagles in the film. We’ll explore: ✅ What Tolkien wrote about the Eagles in The Hobbit and The Silmarillion ✅ How their role as messengers and divine servants aligns (or doesn’t) with their portrayal in the movie ✅ Why Eagles aren’t Middle-earth’s Uber and how their intervention serves a higher purpose You’ll also hear my take on whether their involvement in War of the Rohirrim captured the spirit of eucatastrophe—Tolkien’s sudden joyous turn of events. Learn about the origins of eagles in episode 002 Sources mentioned in this episode: The Silmarillion by JRR Tolkien The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien (The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.) Deals for you, my fellow wanderer Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/ Order an Oura Ring today and get powerful insights into your health: https://amzn.to/4em6J0A Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493 About the Lore of the Rings Podcast Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey! This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    6 min
  5. 192: Merry Christmas, Middle-earth: JRR Tolkien’s Thoughts on the Holiday

    12/19/2024

    192: Merry Christmas, Middle-earth: JRR Tolkien’s Thoughts on the Holiday

    If you love J.R.R. Tolkien, the Christmas season, or both, this episode is for you! Tolkien, a devout Catholic and master storyteller, wrote beautifully about Christmas in his personal letters—sharing memories, reflections, and even festive notes written in his own invented languages. We explore Tolkien's earliest Christmas recollections, his thoughts on the true meaning of the holiday, and a special Christmas note written in Dwarvish runes and Elvish script. Whether you’re a longtime Tolkien fan or discovering his works for the first time, this episode will rekindle the light and wonder of the season through Tolkien’s words. Join me as we celebrate Christmas through the lens of one of the greatest authors of our time. Sources mentioned in this episode: Letters of JRR Tolkien (The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.) Deals for you, my fellow wanderer Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/ Order an Oura Ring today and get powerful insights into your health: https://amzn.to/4em6J0A Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493 About the Lore of the Rings Podcast Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey! This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    9 min
  6. 191: Should You Watch War of the Rohirrim? A Spoiler-Free Reaction

    12/16/2024

    191: Should You Watch War of the Rohirrim? A Spoiler-Free Reaction

    Thinking about seeing The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim in theaters but not sure if it’s worth it? This episode is perfect for newcomers and casual fans alike! I break down the film’s story, characters, dialogue, visuals, music, and lore faithfulness, rating each on a 1-5 “wizard staffs” scale. Whether you’re new to Middle-earth or a longtime fan, this spoiler-free reaction will help you decide if this epic journey deserves a trip to the big screen. Sources mentioned in this episode: JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings Letters of JRR Tolkien (The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.) Deals for you, my fellow wanderer Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/ Order an Oura Ring today and get powerful insights into your health: https://amzn.to/4em6J0A Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493 About the Lore of the Rings Podcast Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey! This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    13 min
  7. 190: Why and How The Lord of the Rings is a "Religious and Catholic Work"

    12/12/2024

    190: Why and How The Lord of the Rings is a "Religious and Catholic Work"

    JRR Tolkien described The Lord of the Rings as a "fundamentally religious and Catholic work." When this statement isn't outright ignored, it's wildly misunderstood. John Carswell of the Tolkien Road podcast joins me to explore how and why The Lord of the Rings is indeed a religious work. Listen to The Tolkien Road podcast Sources mentioned in this episode: JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings JRR Tolkien's Unfinished Tales Letters of JRR Tolkien (The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.) Deals for you, my fellow wanderer Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/ Order an Oura Ring today and get powerful insights into your health: https://amzn.to/4em6J0A Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493 About the Lore of the Rings Podcast Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey! This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    47 min
  8. 189: You Are The Wind | Inspired by "The Rider" from War of the Rohirrim

    12/09/2024

    189: You Are The Wind | Inspired by "The Rider" from War of the Rohirrim

    "The Rider" from the new War of the Rohirrim movie touches my heart, and I know you'll find some courage, hope, and inspiration as we explore these beautiful words and a few passages about Rohan that may have inspired them. Listen to the song on YouTube Sources mentioned in this episode: JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings (The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.) Deals for you, my fellow wanderer Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/ Order an Oura Ring today and get powerful insights into your health: https://amzn.to/4em6J0A Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493 About the Lore of the Rings Podcast Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey! This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    21 min
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About

Discover the rich world and timeless works of J.R.R. Tolkien with this weekly podcast; your gateway to understanding the mythology behind The Lord of the Rings. Whether you're a fan who's only seen the movies, a reader looking to dive deeper into Tolkien's tales, or someone tackling The Silmarillion for the first time, this show is your perfect guide. Each episode unpacks the intricate stories and characters that form the foundation of Tolkien's mythology, helping you enhance your appreciation of Amazon's Rings of Power series or simply explore more of Tolkien's legendary world. This podcast is for you if: You've seen the films and you want to read the books. You saw Rings of Power and want to know the real story. You want to know the connections between the movies and shows to the tales that Tolkien actually wrote. You've never read any words of Tolkien and you want to start. You've read many works of Tolkien and want fresh new insight. Or you tried reading The Silmarillion but got so lost and confused that you gave up. A day may come when you finally read that book, and it is this day! Let's wander Middle-earth together. Subscribe and share with a friend. Download my guide for reading The Silmarillion at ringspodcast.com/guide

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