Reading Tolkien

Benjamin Bassett

5.0 (2)
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This show examines Tolkien's work from a variety of literary perspectives. We examine Tolkien's lesser known works, his well known novels and his thematic and philosophical preoccupations and sentiments. Please join us!

07/02/2023

The Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 11 - Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor

In this minisode I discuss the myth of the Sun and the Moon in The Silmarillion. I jump right into my thoughts so it is recommended that you have read the chapter recently.

9 min
05/27/2023

The Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 10 - Of the Sindar

In this episode I discuss the Sindar in Chapter 10 of The Silmarillion, and offer brief thoughts on my recent re-read of The Lord of the Rings.

17 min
01/29/2023

Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 7, 8 & 9

We discuss Fëanor (somewhat drunkenly!) in this new podcast, our first for 2023! For those who think Fëanor 'did nothing wrong' this is the podcast for you! We defend the great Elf's actions and discuss the bias of The Silmarillion narrator at this part of the story. But did Tolkien intend us to read his 'Bible' in this way! For answers to these and other questions please join us! Find Reading Tolkien on twitter: @PodReading, and on Substack.

1h 16m
09/08/2022

The Rings of Power discussion: Episodes 1 & 2

Sridhar and Ben discuss the first two episodes of the new Amazon series, The Rings of Power.

36 min
05/08/2022

JRR Tolkien, George RR Martin, and writing morally dubious characters

In this episode Sridhar and I discuss the upcoming Amazon show, Rings of Power, and the prequel to Game of Thrones - House of the Dragon. The discussion turns to the variant means by which Tolkien and Martin approach morally dubious characters like Gollum, or the Lannisters. Both of us are unrepentent in our bias to Tolkien, and I frequently argue that much of what is said to constitute Martin’ s genius is done better elsewhere, and frequently with much greater nuance. So, if you’re a Martin fan, you will probably find a lot here to argue with.

2h 7m
03/13/2022

Silmarillion Sessions 2: Chapters 1-4

Join Ben and Sridhar as they discuss Chapters 1-4 of the Quenta Silmarillion. They touch on the nature of the Valar, the status of The Silmarillion as a text within the world of The Lord of the Rings, the various theodicies presented in the text, and the efficacy of mythological vs. theological approaches to the text.

1h 3m
03/06/2022

Interview: Brian Rosebury

Join Professor Brian Rosebury (Tolkien: A Cultural Phenomenon) and myself as we discuss Tolkien and tragedy, morality and moral judgement. Brian's details can be found here: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/academics/dr-brian-rosebury

47 min
01/10/2022

The Nature of Middle-earth with Daniel Stride

Join us for a new episode in which we review the Nature of Middle-earth with Daniel Stride. Daniel's blog may be found at https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/

1h 34m

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This show examines Tolkien's work from a variety of literary perspectives. We examine Tolkien's lesser known works, his well known novels and his thematic and philosophical preoccupations and sentiments. Please join us!

Creator

Benjamin Bassett
Years Active

2020 - 2023
Episodes

25
Rating

Explicit
Show Website

Reading Tolkien

Reading Tolkien

The Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 11 - Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor

The Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 10 - Of the Sindar

Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 7, 8 & 9

The Rings of Power discussion: Episodes 1 & 2

JRR Tolkien, George RR Martin, and writing morally dubious characters

Silmarillion Sessions 2: Chapters 1-4

Interview: Brian Rosebury

The Nature of Middle-earth with Daniel Stride

Ratings & Reviews

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