Exploring Tolkien

TheOneRing.com
  • 4.6 (36)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Exploring Tolkien is a weekly show that dives deep into JRR Tolkien and all the ages of Middle-earth. Jonathan Watson and Michael Grumbine are your hosts as they read through Tolkien’s works, interview other Tolkien enthusiasts and authors, and critically examine how Tolkien’s world is being treated by mega-corporations like Amazon.com and Warner Bros.

  1. 153. The Christmas Eucatastrophe (and is The Lord of the Rings a Christmas movie?)

    12/23/2025

    153. The Christmas Eucatastrophe (and is The Lord of the Rings a Christmas movie?)

    We turn our attention from The Hobbit to a long-hidden Tolkien gem: his 1936 Christmas poem, “Noel.”  We take a look at the history of the poem’s rediscovery, its deep-rooted Tolkien-esque imagery, and why its message of hope stands uniquely in Tolkien’s literary career. We discuss: The surprising 2013 rediscovery of “Noel” and how Tolkien scholars tracked it down through forgotten school annuals and convent archives. The poem’s Nordic and Middle-earth flavor in the early stanzas—and the “eucatastrophic” shift when a child is born. Song and music as markers of Tolkien’s poetic voice, the emphasis on Mary’s song, and what it means for the joy of the world. Why “Noel” is a rare example of Tolkien writing an explicitly Christ-centered poem, and how it stands apart from his other work. The unmistakable hope and gladness that “Noel” brings to the weary, gray world. The craft and subtlety Tolkien brings, never over-explaining the mystery—just inviting us to imagine, wonder, and rejoice. In our extended episode (available for EVERYONE this week! :D. Merry Christmas! Become a member or a patron!), we tackle one of the greatest Christmas questions… is Lord of the Rings a Christmas film!? Does simply watching a film at Christmas imbue it with holiday status, or must its core message embody the “eucatastrophe” of the season? The surprisingly non-Christmas nature of Die Hard and Gremlins. Our favorite Christmas movies, from It’s a Wonderful Life to Home Alone, and what really makes a story Christmas-worthy. 🔗 Episode Links Noel – Tolkien’s Lost Christmas Poem (YouTube) 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 History of The Hobbit 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

  2. 152. Tolkien Ties up EVERY Loose End - The Hobbit #37

    12/12/2025

    152. Tolkien Ties up EVERY Loose End - The Hobbit #37

    In this episode, we wrap up The Hobbit with “The Last Stage” and reflect on Bilbo’s road home, the petty (now less petty?) Rivendell elves, the unexpected return to Bag End, and how Tolkien so thoroughly captures the meaning of “home.” We also take an extended look at Tolkien’s 3 (THREE!) songs in this final chapter. Then, we examine why Tolkien might give so much attention to the aftermath and how Bilbo is changed forever (or maybe it’s just a bigger stronger Tookish side?). We also cover: The Hobbit doesn’t even use the word “Shire” Fixing our capitalization 🙂 Are the elves’ final songs belittling Bilbo’s journey, or highlighting true riches? The fate of Lake-town’s Master: Tolkien’s take on dragon-sickness and political corruption How Tolkien leaves almost no loose ends in this tale. Even in the penultimate paragraph, Tolkien nods at Bilbo’s luck… if luck you call it! In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Member comment: Maybe the Arkenstone’s DID influence the Battle of Five Armies? Member comment: The deeper meaning of “Bilbo the Magnificent”. What one thing did we discover in this extremely deliberate reading of The Hobbit? 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit 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 History of The Hobbit 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

  3. 151. Eagles Didn't Win the Battle - The Hobbit #36

    11/26/2025

    151. Eagles Didn't Win the Battle - The Hobbit #36

    Three dwarves lost and a shape-shifting berserking bear unleashed—the aftermath of the Battle of the Five Armies reconciles Bilbo to Thorin and gives us a completely different Elvenking than what you saw in the movies. In this episode, we dig into Tolkien’s penultimate chapter, “The Return Journey,” unpacking the emotional aftermath and story-shaping consequences of the war that changed Middle-earth. We also explore: Why Beorn’s sudden intervention was more than just another “eagle rescue”—and what Tolkien draws from the real definition of berserkers”. Thorin’s final moments and his transformation from gold-obsessed king to the Dwarf who names Bilbo “child of the kindly West” — did he earn that change? The fate of Fili and Kili—Tolkien originally spared them in his draft… and why he changed that. What the actual division of treasure reveals about Dwarven honor, claims, and leadership How Tolkien uses this chapter to quietly set the stage for The Lord of the Rings and fill out the wider world of Middle-earth Plus, we tackle the bigger questions: Did Bilbo’s “betrayal” actually make things worse? Why is Bilbo so eager to leave—has the Baggins/Took conflict finally resolved? And what’s up with the mysterious “three parts” of the goblins wiped out in battle? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: What the untold story of Beorn’s descendants and their wild realm could have been—and how Tolkien left open the door for new adventures The evolution of Bilbo as a character: has he truly found peace between Took and Baggins? 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit 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 History of The Hobbit 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

  4. 150. Tolkien's Battle Tactics - The Hobbit #35

    11/11/2025

    150. Tolkien's Battle Tactics - The Hobbit #35

    Did Tolkien “earn” The Battle of the Five Armies, or is the surprise enough to justify its existence? In this episode, we look at Tolkien’s climactic battle from The Hobbit, comparing how it unfolds on the page to its chaotic portrayal in the extended film edition. How do armies materialize so suddenly, and does Tolkien set the stage well enough for the goblin onslaught? Check out the Battle of the Five Armies Map! We also explore: Tolkien’s battle tactics vs Peter Jackson’s video game tactics. Why did Bilbo chooses the Elven King’s side? Trying to make sense of Peter Jackson’s battle map vs Tolkien’s map. Tolkien’s knowledge of medieval warfare. Is Thorin’s charge from the gate truly enough to change the tide of battle? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Whether the goblin army’s sudden arrival is really “earned” in the story, or if Tolkien’s plotting gives us room to quibble. How small additions could have made the battle less sudden—should there have been hints via raven messenger? Where would a talking Raven fit into The Lord of the Rings. 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit 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 History of The Hobbit 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

  5. 149. Bilbo's Honest Betrayal - The Hobbit #34

    10/28/2025

    149. Bilbo's Honest Betrayal - The Hobbit #34

    Bilbo owns up to his burgling — a betrayal that drives Thorin to the brink of killing him.  But Bilbo isn’t cowed… and the armies of elves and men aren’t cowed by Dain’s special forces.  But maybe they should be! We also explore: Bilbo’s crowning “honest” achievement. Bard as Faramir? Dain’s Dwarven special forces arrive! What exactly were those dark clouds that shadowed the commencement of battle. In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: What “going home” for Bilbo may really entail. We count the amount of talking animals in Lord of the Rings vs. The Hobbit. Where would a talking Raven fit into The Lord of the Rings — we give our detailed thoughts. 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit 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 History of The Hobbit 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

    56 min
  6. 148. Bilbo Doubles Down on Burglary - The Hobbit #33

    10/15/2025

    148. Bilbo Doubles Down on Burglary - The Hobbit #33

    We look at Chapter 16 of The Hobbit, where Bilbo makes his most controversial choice-—handing the Arkenstone over to Bard and the Elvenking. Is Bilbo a traitor to the dwarves, or the only one thinking clearly as war looms? Or maybe he just wants to get home! We also explore: Did you know this chapter originally had a different title? Why EXACTLY did Bilbo give up the Arkenstone (and his part of the Treasure)? The morality of giving away the Arkenstone: is it just, betrayl, or is there a greater good? Gandalf’s ability to say enough to encourage and hope, but not let them off the hook for their involvement. In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: The most satisfying way to read The Hobbit: as it’s own non-Middle-earth story, as a LOTR prequel, or somewhere in the middle? How annoyed Jonathan is when fans force The Hobbit into precise MIddle-earth lore. 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit 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 History of The Hobbit 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

    50 min
  7. 147. Is Thorin Gold-Sick or Just Sick of the Elves - The Hobbit #32

    09/30/2025

    147. Is Thorin Gold-Sick or Just Sick of the Elves - The Hobbit #32

    The talking birds bring news of the dragon’s demise to the dwarves–only to find a host of elves and men are coming to the mountain’s gate. Bard makes his claim for a portion of the treasure, but Thorin finds his reasons lacking–or is it just his lust for the treasure overtaking him? This episode, we look at: More (very old) talking birds Thorin’s “dragon sickness” — or is it his dwarven heart? Bard’s three reasons for having a claim to the treasure Who’s at fault for starting the battle?df What effect does the elves’ presence have on Thorin’s response? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Are we warming up to how Peter Jackson portrayed Thorin’s dragon sickness? Well…. How Thorin’s change in the films lessens his deathbed turn in the books. The most egregious change in The Hobbit films is… 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit 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 History of The Hobbit 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

  8. 146. Dragonslayer! Wait... who's this guy? - The Hobbit #31

    09/16/2025

    146. Dragonslayer! Wait... who's this guy? - The Hobbit #31

    You’d think the death of the dragon is is the climax of The Hobbit… right? In this chapter, Tolkien gives us action, destruction, and the rise of a new unlikely hero. We look at Bard’s big moment, the politics of Laketown in crisis, and what Tolkien’s original idea for Smaug’s demise actually entailed. , we geek out on Hobbit facts, Tolkien’s fondness for enchanted gems, and the curious significance of talking birds. We also look at: How Bard came out of nowhere, and whether the films were right to introduce him sooner All those talking birds! Smaug’s hydrophobia Why the old black arrow is the best arrow–and why might it be black? Tolkien’s love for alliteration, and the details that make this chapter so satisfying How the Elvenking is more like the elves of Middle-earth now. In our extended episode (available for our members), we discuss: Comments and feedback from our listeners on the Arkenstone How Tolkien’s distinction between magic and enchantment shapes the whole story If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit 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 History of The Hobbit 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

See All (156)

4.6
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Exploring Tolkien is a weekly show that dives deep into JRR Tolkien and all the ages of Middle-earth. Jonathan Watson and Michael Grumbine are your hosts as they read through Tolkien’s works, interview other Tolkien enthusiasts and authors, and critically examine how Tolkien’s world is being treated by mega-corporations like Amazon.com and Warner Bros.

Information

  • Creator
    TheOneRing.com
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    156
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 The One Ring
  • Show Website
    Exploring Tolkien

You Might Also Like