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

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit."

Tolkien’s simple opening line to his book The Hobbit wasn’t merely the first sentence to a children’s story of adventure, bravery, and dragons: this sentence is the first step in our own adventure of wandering Middle-earth. That unassuming yet provocative line opens us to a much wider world, to the epic struggle of good vs evil, of light overcoming the Shadow.

Today we’ll examine the origins of Tolkien’s first published work of fiction, The Hobbit.

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If you’ve seen or read Tolkien’s The Hobbit, then you know that Gandalf convinced Thorin and the dwarves to take Bilbo Baggins, a simple hobbit from the Shire. But you may not know why Gandalf chose Bilbo in the first place, or how Gandalf and Thorin met, or how Gandalf received the map and key that he could pass along to Thorin, and still yet how unlikely the whole story is and how the tale is tangled up in the larger fight against Sauron. Today we explore the tale called “The Quest for Erebor” from JRR Tolkien’s Unfinishe...

Return to the lore and possible inspirations of "This Wandering Day" from Rings of Power Season 1.

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March 25 marks the day when the One Ring was destroyed and the Dark Lord Sauron was overthrown. Every March 25 for the last 20 years, the Tolkien Society commemorates Tolkien Reading Day. This is a day to read and share your favorite Tolkien passages.

Today’s episode is dedicated to Tolkien Reading Day. We will explore Tolkien’s thoughts on what makes a good story that he laid out in his essay “On Fairy Stories”.

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We embark on a melodious expedition, comparing and contrasting three iconic songs from "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" with their literary counterparts. These songs, "Blunt the Knives," "Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold," and "Song of the Lonely Mountain," serve as the lyrical threads that weave together the narrative fabric of Tolkien's beloved tale. They are not merely tunes but portals to the very soul of this legendary world. So, let the melodies carry you away as we explore the harmony between the written word and the silver screen, and discover how these songs remain faithful to the spirit...

What exactly is the power of a Ring of Power? How did Sauron rise from a second-in-command for the Great Enemy to becoming the dominant Shadow, the formidable Lord of the Rings? Today we wander, for the fourth time, into Tolkien’s letter to Milton Waldman.

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In Tolkien's rich tapestry of storytelling, the First Age unfolds with tales of valor and tragedy, while the very essence of light is both a scientific and imaginative marvel. Join us in uncovering the divine creation of Middle-earth and how the seemingly unknown and weak, like hobbits, have their own part to play in turning the wheels of destiny. Today we dive deeper into Tolkien’s letter to Milton Waldman.

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Without Bilbo, there would be no J.R.R. Tolkien. Without "The Hobbit," there would be no "Lord of the Rings" or "Silmarillion." Bilbo's tale, as Tolkien himself insists, is the linchpin, the essential connecting link, of his entire legendarium.

Today, we embark on a journey to unravel how "The Hobbit" stands at the heart of Tolkien's myth as we delve further into the mysteries of the Waldman Letter. Along the way, we'll explore Tolkien's disdain for allegory and dissect the profound meaning he gives the word “Magic”. Oh Hedwig, we’re not in Hogwarts any more!

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Where did it all begin? Middle-earth, the languages, the books, the stories, the legends . . . Why did JRR Tolkien imagine Middle-earth? What does it all mean? What is the meaning of life?

Today we explore these questions of the soul as we journey through the Waldman Letter, penned by JRR Tolkien. Okay, to confess, we may not get to the meaning of life . . . but who knows? We’re wandering Middle-earth, and if we don’t keep our feet, there’s no knowing where we’ll be swept of too, as uncle Bilbo used to say!

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Discover five essential books that reshaped how I see J.R.R. Tolkien, his stories, and the world of Middle-earth. From rare insights into Tolkien’s imagination to indispensable resources like The Atlas of Middle-earth and the newly expanded Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, these titles reveal hidden depths of the legendarium. Whether you're a first-time reader of The Lord of the Rings or a longtime fan seeking to expand your Tolkien bookshelf, these books offer fresh perspectives, fascinating backstories, and little-known mysteries of Middle-earth. Includes reflections on Tolkien’s medievalist influences, Carl Jung connections, unpublished manuscripts, and the guidi...

Is The Lord of the Rings one book, three books, or six? And why do we call it a trilogy when Tolkien himself insisted it wasn’t? Dive into the behind-the-scenes story of how The Lord of the Rings was published, exploring the quirky history of its titles, structure, and unexpected publishing hurdles. From paper shortages and pricing dilemmas to alternate book titles like The War of the Ring and The Return of the Shadow, you’ll get the inside scoop on the decisions that shaped Tolkien’s epic saga.

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Nine ancient wraiths close in on a single hobbit at the Ford of Bruinen — and Tolkien weaves one of The Lord of the Rings' most powerful moments of defiance, courage, and friendship. This episode explores the final scene of "Flight to the Ford", where Frodo faces the Nazgûl as he teeters on the edge of fading into the wraith-world. Discover how Tolkien reveals the isolating nature of evil, the symbolism of tunnels and thresholds, and the enduring power of ancient names like Elbereth and Lúthien. A deep dive into bravery, memory, and the small acts that hold back...

Frodo’s journey through the wilds takes a dramatic turn as the wounded hobbit nears the Ford of Bruinen. This episode explores three pivotal moments from the chapter Flight to the Ford in The Fellowship of the Ring. First, Sam Gamgee reveals his hidden depth through an imaginative troll-song, echoing Tolkien’s ideas on fairy stories and the role of poetry in Middle-earth. Then, the hobbits encounter the buried remnants of Bilbo’s earlier adventure, signaling the final narrative departure between Bilbo and Frodo. Finally, the mysterious rider Glorfindel arrives—not Arwen, as seen in the films, but a radiant elf...

Eucatastrophe, a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien, encapsulates the sudden, unexpected joy that breaks through moments of despair. Drawing from Tolkien's essay "On Fairy Stories", this episode delves into how eucatastrophe shapes his works, from The Silmarillion to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Through key moments of unexpected hope in Tolkien’s stories—like the eagles’ arrival at the Battle of the Five Armies and the destruction of the One Ring—listeners will explore how Tolkien’s concept mirrors the ultimate eucatastrophe in Christian theology: the Resurrection of Christ. The episode highlights how Tolkien’s deep Chris...

Frodo retraces Bilbo’s footsteps through troll-country, but the path is darker, colder, and far more perilous. This episode explores the rich narrative echoes between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, revealing how Tolkien uses familiar landscapes—ruined towers, ancient roads, and petrified trolls—to contrast the lighter tone of Bilbo’s adventure with the shadowed weight of Frodo’s quest. From icy wounds and haunting dreams to sunlit stone trolls and old northern legends, we examine how the past lingers in Middle-earth and how memory becomes both a burden and a guide.

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Frodo’s journey to Rivendell grows more perilous as the Black Riders lurk and his Morgul wound worsens. Strider leads the hobbits through the wild, relying on hidden paths and small signs of hope—a green stone on the Last Bridge, the healing power of athelas, and the ancient strength of Elbereth’s name. Along the way, echoes of *The Hobbit* and the legend of Beren and Lúthien weave into the story, revealing the deeper history behind the struggle against the Shadow. As Strider does what he can to aid Frodo, the weight of the journey—and the road stil...

Join us for a special crossover as we welcome the hosts of Nerd Best Friends! Their podcast dives into all things nerdy—from Marvel and Star Wars to 80s cartoons and comic books—but they’ve never done an episode on The Lord of the Rings… until now!

In this episode, we explore Tolkien’s world from two perspectives: one host is a longtime Lord of the Rings fan who loves Théoden and Tolkien’s theme of leadership, while the other has never read the books. Together, we compare Middle-earth to other major fandoms, discuss why some nerds hesita...

Why does the One Ring make some wearers invisible but not others? Why could the Nazgûl still see Frodo when he put on the Ring at Weathertop? And why didn’t Sauron, Gandalf, or Galadriel vanish when wielding a Ring of Power? In this Light the Beacons episode, we unravel the mystery of invisibility, the unseen world of the wraiths, and the true power of the One Ring.

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Dive into one of the most chilling moments in The Fellowship of the Ring: the attack on Weathertop. As Frodo and the hobbits face the Nazgûl, we explore the overwhelming power of fear, the courage of Aragorn, and the deep themes of light against darkness. What does Frodo's desperate use of the One Ring reveal about its true nature? And how does this moment shape his journey to Mount Doom? Wander farther with us as we uncover the hidden depths of this pivotal chapter in JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

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Eärendil the Mariner—hero, wanderer, and the ancestor of Elrond and Aragorn—holds a legendary place in Tolkien’s mythology. But how does his tale connect to The Lord of the Rings? In this bonus mini-episode, we explore the heroic journey of Eärendil, his quest to save Middle-earth, and his transformation into the Evening Star. Plus, what does his story reveal about the light that guides Frodo and Sam in their darkest moments?

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We continue our exploration into A Knife in the Dark from The Fellowship of the Ring. Unravel Tolkien’s masterful use of time, explore the growing sense of overwhelm the hobbits feel on Weathertop, and uncover Strider’s chilling insights about the Black Riders. How does Tolkien’s timeline add depth to Middle-earth? Why is the vastness of the world so intimidating to Frodo and his friends? And what does Strider’s unwavering hope teach us about facing impossible odds? Wander these powerful moments and their lasting impact on The Lord of the Rings.

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As Strider leads the hobbits toward Weathertop, the journey becomes more than just miles traveled—it’s a slow descent into fear and uncertainty. The vastness of Middle-earth weighs heavily on the hobbits, and even Strider himself shows signs of doubt. In this episode, we explore the growing sense of isolation, the hidden history of Weathertop, and why Strider reacts so sharply when the name Mordor is spoken aloud. Plus, a surprising lore master emerges to share a song of the Last Alliance. Wander farther with us into the wild lands of Eriador, where every step forward brings new danger...

As Frodo and the Fellowship leave Bree, danger and destiny close in from all sides. In this episode of Lore of the Rings, we explore the chapter “A Knife in the Dark” from The Fellowship of the Ring, diving into Tolkien’s masterful portrayal of the vast and lonely wilderness of Middle-earth. Discover the hidden hunt for Frodo as the Black Riders and Gandalf race to find the Ring, with flashes of light on Weathertop hinting at an unseen battle. We also break down the irony behind Bill Ferny’s insult, “Stick-at-naught Strider,” and what it reveals about Aragorn’s true character...

Black Riders attack both Crickhollow and the Prancing Pony, forcing Frodo and his companions to flee into the wild under Strider’s guidance. As danger closes in, Fatty Bolger sounds the alarm in Buckland, and a chilling confrontation at Bree leaves the hobbits shaken. With Weathertop looming ahead, the shadow of the Nazgûl grows ever darker.

Explore Tolkien’s masterful use of atmosphere, alliteration, and poetic storytelling as the journey toward Rivendell takes a perilous turn.

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Twelve Tolkien fans, creators, and scholars share their favorite passages from The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and beyond, reflecting on the words that shaped their love for Middle-earth. Featuring iconic lines from Bilbo, Gandalf, Aragorn, Éowyn, and more, this 200th episode celebrates the heart of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium—friendship, fate, courage, and the power of storytelling. Listen now and wander through the wisdom of the Professor!

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Why do you love Lord of the Rings so much? As a fan of Tolkien, you’ve probably heard that question more than once. I know I have! In fact, after three years and nearly 200 episodes, I think it’s hard for me to pin down just one reason why I love Tolkien’s works. Tolkien himself once articulated what makes a really engaging story in an essay called “On Fairy Stories.” We explore that essay some time back, and you can find that in episode #95: What Makes A Good Story | Tolkien's "On Fairy Stories".

Today, we revisit th...

Dive into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion with Kenzie from kenziescozybooksta. In this episode, Kenzi shares her first-time experience reading Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, discussing what inspired her to pick it up, the challenges she’s faced, and the stunning moments that left her in awe. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Tolkien’s legendarium, Kenzi’s journey offers insights, tips, and plenty of enthusiasm for anyone looking to explore the deeper lore of Middle-earth. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

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You may be familiar with TTRPGs—tabletop role playing games—like Dungeons and Dragons. But did you know that there's an officially-licensed Lord of the Rings TTRPG? Join me and Clint, host of Claim to Game, as we discuss Tolkien's influence on the world of TTRPGs, the value of story telling and collaboration, and how you can get started with your own TTRPG.

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In this final deep dive into the chapter "Strider" from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Fellowship of the Ring, we explore how Tolkien transformed a mysterious character into the iconic hero, Aragorn. Discover the subtle hints of Aragorn’s destiny, the foreshadowing of major events like the Black Breath, and the theme of hope intricately woven into the narrative. Join Aaron as he unravels the layers of meaning behind Strider’s revelation, his role as the heir of Isildur, and his journey from a mere ranger to the king of Gondor.

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In this mini Lore of the Rings episode, we explore the hidden connections between our world and Middle-earth through a starry detail in the chapter "Strider" from *The Fellowship of the Ring*. Discover how the constellation we know as the Big Dipper was crafted by Varda, the Valar, as a defiant sign against Melkor, Sauron’s master. For a deeper dive into the chapter, download our free guide at ringspodcast.com/strider.

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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 ren...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 seas...

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.

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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.

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"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.

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My raw reactions to the recently released 8-minute sneak peek of The War of the Rohirrim, the highly anticipated animated film set in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Join me as I dive into the epic visuals, the story of Helm Hammerhand, and the legendary history of Rohan. While I’m excited about the potential of this film, I also share a few hesitations and questions about how it will tie into Tolkien’s lore. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Lord of the Rings or just curious about this new addition to the Tolkien univer...

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Tolkien’s timeless wisdom on gratitude, exploring the theme through the eyes of Bilbo Baggins, Faramir of Gondor, and the ancient practices of Númenor. Discover how Bilbo expressed thanks during his adventures, the rituals of Gondorian grace observed by Faramir and his men, and the profound thanksgiving prayers of the Númenóreans to Eru Ilúvatar.

Perfect for fans of Tolkien’s lore and newcomers seeking deeper insights, this episode offers thoughtful reflections for those who appreciate the richness of Middle-earth’s culture and the values embedded in its stories. Whether you’re enjoying...