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We begin our wandering of J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece, the Lord of the Rings. We start with the prologue, Concerning Hobbits, but after only two words, we’ll need to turn around and explore the labyrinthine depths of the fi…
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138: From Bilbo's Diary to Tolkien's Masterpiece: The Prologue to Lord of the Rings
The riveting return from a two-week break as I delve into the enchanting realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's latest books, unveil exciting plans for 2024, and shed light on the intriguing origins of trolls. We'll explore the captivat…
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137: And Back Again: New Books, New Episodes, and the Origin of Trolls
Stats, stories, plans, and bloopers. We review 2023 for the Lore of the Rings podcast. Exclusive discounts for you : https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/discounts/ Find contact info, social media links, discounts and more on the …
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136: 2023 Wrap up for the Lore of the Rings Podcast (plus Bloopers!)
Today we are joined by a Tolkien scholar, Becca Tarnas, to explore why Tolkien’s works move us in such deep ways, Jungian archetypes in the Lord of the Rings Legendarium, and more. Becca is truly a kindred wandering spirit, …
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135: Tolkien's "Imaginal" World | An interview with Tolkien Scholar Becca Tarnas
The fifth and final breakdown of JRR Tolkien's letter to Waldman, in which he summarizes the second fall of Man represented by the fall of Numenor. Exclusive discounts for you : https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/discounts/ Find…
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134: The Second Fall of Man | JRR Tolkien's Letter to Waldman Part 5
We explore a footnote in JRR Tolkien's letter to Waldman: the function of Elrond and Rivendell. Happy Thanksgiving! Exclusive discounts for you : https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/discounts/ Find contact info, social media link…
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 Tol…
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132: The Power of the Rings of Power | Tolkien's Waldman Letter Part 4
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 Mid…
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131: How to Change the World | JRR Tolkien's letter to Waldman Part 3
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…
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130: The Hobbit, Allegory, and Magic: Discoveries from JRR Tolkien's Letter to Milton Waldman | Part 2
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…
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129: “My Imaginary World”: What Inspired Tolkien’s Works: The Waldman Letter Part 1
Long before Peter Jackson's epic trilogy, a pint-sized Bilbo set out on a grand animated adventure. Discover the lost gem of Tolkien adaptations in our exploration of the 1977 Hobbit film. Exclusive discounts for you : https…
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128: Return to 1977: A Look at the Animated Hobbit Film
Today I interview Aaron N. Hall, fantasy author and fellow Lord of the Rings super fan. We discuss Tolkien's influence on his work has an author, favorite characters, the movies, and Rings of Power. Check out Aaron's website…
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127: "Gandalf Dies. I Hate This Movie" | Fantasy Author Aaron Hall on Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings Movies
We explore the final two songs from the Hobbit moves: I see Fire and The Last Goodbye. We’re going to wander deep into these lyrics, but remember, just because you wander doesn’t mean you’re lost Exclusive discounts for you …
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126: Fires and Farewells: Exploring the Songs of Hobbit Films
My live presentation from FanX 2023: Before Rings of Power: A Crash Course in the First Age of Middle-earth. Download a copy of slides: https://linktr.ee/lotrpodcast Support the show with a wafer of lembas or donating toward…
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125: Before “Rings of Power” | A Crash Course in Middle-earth History | My Panel at FanX 2023
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…
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124: “For Home a Song / That Echoes On”: Exploring the Lyrical Songs from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
We dissect the final chapter of "The Hobbit" and its portrayal in the film "The Battle of Five Armies." Our adventure begins with a farewell – the poignant moment when Bilbo bids adieu to Gandalf, before we break down the au…
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123: “And Back Again”: Comparing The Hobbit to the Final Scenes of The Battle of Five Armies
“All things come to an end, even this story.” That line is from the final chapter of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit: The Last Stage. We made it! Congrats, Middle-earth Wanderers! Today, we embark on a journey of reflection, delvin…
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122: An Adventure Ends: Reflections on Tolkien’s The Hobbit
Explore how the chapter “The Return Journey” was adapted in the film The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies. We’ll explore how the filmmakers stayed true to Tolkien’s work in some ways, but in others deviate significantly. An…
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121: Charting Changes: The Battle of Five Armies' Departure from The Hobbit, Comparing “The Return Journey” to the Film
Step into the pages of “The Return Journey,” the second to last chapter of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit, where the echoes of transformation and bittersweet farewells linger in the air like whispers of a world forever changed. Fo…
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120: Unchanging Virtues and Bittersweet Farewells: Exploring “The Return Journey'” in Tolkien’s The Hobbit
In this episode, we'll be delving into a pivotal chapter from "The Hobbit" titled "The Clouds Burst." We'll be comparing this chapter's portrayal in J.R.R. Tolkien's original text with its on-screen adaptation in Peter Jacks…
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119: From Greed to Glory: Thorin's Redemption Journey in Peter Jackson’s Film Adaption of “The Clouds Burst"
Today, we delve into the complexity of Thorin Oakenshield, a character whose layers unravel to reveal unexpected dimensions. We'll uncover the differences between Men and Elves, examining how their contrasting natures shape …
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118: Battles and Bonds: Exploring “The Clouds Burst” from JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit
Today we explore how Peter Jackson adapted the chapter "A Thief in the Night" from JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit. We wander through some subtle yet significant changes from the source, and I'll pose an interesting question that I…
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117: Bilbo's Unique Daring Gesture: Exploring the On-screen Adaptation of “A Thief in the Night” from The Hobbit
Today we explore three courageous decisions that show just how unexpected Bilbo Baggins can be, as he shatters all low expectations and inspires all of us, no matter how small, to be courageous. We wander chapter 16 of JRR T…
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116: Expect the Unexpected: Exploring "A Thief in the Night" in JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit
Today we explore how the chapter “The Gathering of the Clouds” from JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit was adapted in the third Hobbit film: The Battle of Five Armies. We explore the thrilling events surrounding the White Council's at…
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115: Banishing Darkness and Converging Armies: Exploring the On-screen Adaptation of The Hobbit’s “The Gathering of the Clouds”
