Exploring Tolkien

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Exploring Tolkien episodes

October 14173. Tolkien’s Collected Poems and Tolkiens Letters (replay)
Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!
In this episode (a replay of an episode from 2024) we discuss that renowned Tolkien scholars Christina Scull and Wayne Hammond published a new book with NEW content by Tolkien–The Collected Poems of JRR Tolkien. I take a look at their announcement, highlighting some of the details they mentioned.
I also take a bit of time to discuss therevised and expanded version of Tolkien’s letters.
In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://theonering.com/members), we get into:
An old Tolkien commentary published in 1969!
Why I have a couple of “Middle-earth for Dummies”!
Why the Tolkien Estate threatened us legally in 2005!
🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast
🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
24 min
September 29172. Morgoth’s Curse was the FIRST Ring of Power : Children of Húrin #9
Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!
This week, we look at the second half of The Children of Húrin Chapter 6 and discuss the manifestation of Morgoth’s curse. We discuss Morgoth’s shadow… this “mist” that operates curiously like the One Ring, weaponizing Túrin’s pride against him right when he has the chance to accept grace and redemption. We also look at:
Why Beleg is the only messenger to keep searching for Túrin when all others gave up, and the true power of his friendship.
The moment Túrin realizes his own pride and shortcomings… and does nothing about it.
The points where Tolkien reveals Morgoth’s shadow taking over Túrin right when he is about to repent.
How Túrin’s own pride creates the open wound that Morgoth’s curse infects and manipulates.
In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://theonering.com/members), we get into:
The Rings of Power rumor that Sauron needs a Balrog to forge the One Ring completely misunderstands Tolkien’s lore and the true nature of Balrogs.
🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast
🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
56 min
September 17171. Forsaking Elves for Outlaws : Children of Húrin #8
Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!
Túrin Turambar has officially abandoned the protection of Doriath, choosing instead to live as an outlaw among murderers and cutthroats. In our breakdown of the first part of Chapter 6 of The Children of Húrin, we explore Túrin’s tragic descent into darkness, his absolute refusal to live under anyone else’s law, and how a deadly “accident” turns him into the captain of the Wolf-Men.
We also look at:
How Túrin’s slaying of Forwëg perfectly mirrors the tragedy of Saeros in Doriath. Ú
The fascinating real-world Anglo-Saxon history behind Tolkien’s “Wolf-Heads.”
The exact moment in the lore where Tolkien paused writing The Silmarillion to start The Lord of the Rings.
Túrin’s Toll & Titles: Adding new names and fresh victims to our running tally!
Plus, a quick “look” of the Rings of Power DVD release and great news about J.R.R. Tolkien’s favorite pub reopening.
In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://theonering.com/members), we get into:
Is Túrin good? We debate his morality and choices
🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast
🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
1 hr 4 min
September 02170. Tolkien’s Only Courtroom Drama : Children of Húrin #7
Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!
In this episode, we explore an incredibly rare event in Tolkien’s legendarium: a formal Elven trial. We examine King Thingol’s judgment of Túrin after the death of Saeros, uncovering how law, evidence, and mercy operate in Doriath. We also look at:
How Mablung’s testimony and Nellas’s surprise appearance shifted the king’s verdict.
The evolution of Thingol’s character since his harsh treatment of Beren.
Túrin’s growing list of titles and his first official toll.
Why The Rings of Power repeating “the very” over 30 times highlights poor writing.
In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://theonering.com/members), we get into:
User comments on Beleg’s sword choice
Son of Mowen vs Son of Húrin
Why writers like Damon Lindelof fundamentally misunderstand how to adapt source material — particularly when it comes to what fans ACTUALLY want.
🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast
🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
54 min
August 18169. Túrin’s Fatal Arrogance : Children of Húrin #6
Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives! Túrin Turambar in Doriath transitions from Thingol’s foster son to a hunted outlaw. Does the fatal insult from Saeros, Túrin’s explosive reaction, and the brutal, naked chase through the woods change his destiny forever? Or is this Morgoth’s curse at work? We also discuss:
The litany of imprudent choices as Túrin (and others) ignore the advice of those around them.
The stark contrast between how Elves and Men process grief, maturity, and the passage of time.
Saeros’s unprovoked ambush in the woods and his ultimate, fatal leap into the rocky stream. Is Mablung to blame?
In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://theonering.com/members), we get into:
Maybe the Orcs DID actually write poetry (in the Hobbit)?
Does the Balrog ACTUALLY speak?
Maybe Rings of Power’s Nazgnagols are right?
🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month). 🔗 Episode Links Get the Exploring Tolkien App! The Children of Húrin The Story of Kullervo The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Get the Exploring Tolkien App Get the Extended Podcast 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Húrin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
54 min
August 05168. Orcs Writing Poetry and Galadriel’s Love Triangle – The Rings of Power News
Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!
Is The Rings of Power Season 3 course-correcting—or just running out the clock? In this episode, we wade through two weeks of Comic-Con news and leaks, catching all the ways Amazon’s show is retooling, rewriting, and ruining Tolkien’s world. From the much-maligned Harfoots’ quiet removal to a new class of “Nazgnagol” proto-wraiths and the baffling “Balrog teaches Sauron” rumor, we break down what’s actually changing (and what’s still totally bonkers).
We also look at:
The accelerated release schedule and what it means for viewers (and podcasters)
The “dismal retreat” – showrunners’ subtle admissions about failed seasons
The orc who writes poetry and the continued humanizing of evil that breaks Tolkien’s world
Galadriel’s love triangle with Sauron and Celeborn—officially confirmed. Good lord.
How the focus on spectacle and “member berries” misses Tolkien’s core themes
In our extended episode (available for members at https://theonering.com/members), we dig into:
Why blurring good and evil undermines Tolkien’s moral universe
🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month) or download the app!
🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast
🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
57 min
July 21167. Pride Comes Before the Thrall : Children of Húrin #5
Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!
Is Morwen heroic, tragic, or just stubborn to a fault? We’re on to chapter 4 of The Children of Húrin, exploring how pride, fate, and Morgoths curses shape the next generation after the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. We unpack why Morwen refuses help, howt fate and free work in tandem, and how Túrin’s story is already marked by sorrow and legacy.
We also discuss:
Whether Morwen’s choices are shaped by pride or the curse of Morgoth—or both
Why Tolkien spends so much time on the theme of charity and nobility in hard times
The meaning of the Helm of Hador and why Thingol reveres it
Sador’s role as a substitute father and teacher for Túrin when Morwen won’t speak
In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the Exploring Tolkien app and at https://theonering.com/members), we get into:
Andy Serkis’s defense of The Hunt for Gollum’s casting and the use of AI on set
First glimpses of the new Gandalf in The Rings of Power—and what we make of it
How modern adaptations handle mythology, diversity, and audience immersion
Tolkienian pride—from Morwen to modern filmmakers
🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).
🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast
🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
53 min
July 07166. Is Evil Really in Control? : Children of Húrin #4
Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!
Is evil REALLY in control? Tolkien pursues this in this chapter–for the first and only time Morgoth reveals himself in a long discussion… and the results are….? We dissect this showdown on a hill of bones and discover why it is unlike anything else in Tolkien’s works, what it reveals about free will, evil, and despair, and how Húrin’s stubborn defiance sets the stage for all the tragedy to follow.
We also cover:
Brandon Sanderson’s “five ingredients” for epic fantasy
The real meaning behind Morgoth’s boasts about fate and power
Where Tolkien slips myth, theology, and “eucatastrophe” right into the dialogue
Free will or predestination… is there an answer here?
In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on:
Did Tolkien “ruin” fantasy by setting too high a bar? Why so much modern fantasy struggles in his shadow
How much control did Morgoth really have over Húrin (and Turin)?
More listener questions: the flame from Fingon’s helm, the Doom of Mandos, and the limits of fantasy as a genre
🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).
Image Credit: The Words of Húrin and Morgoth by Alan Lee
🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast
🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
51 min
June 25165. An Interview with Bernard Hill (Théoden)
Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exlcusives!
This is my favorite interview from the December 2, 2003 roundtable discussions for The Return of the King! Bernard Hill was such a real, genuine, and engaged personality. He had great stories from the set, from time spent with James Cameron, and how much he found joy in his home and horses. And he really like the iPod I used to record this interview! 😂
He also discusses:
How he helped shape iconic scenes, including the “spears” charge at Pelennor Fields
The collaborative script process and what it revealed about the making of LOTR
Bernard’s own shire: restoring a wildflower meadow and building his haven in Suffolk
In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on:
New app features–including Word of the Day feature and trivia
How you can join the conversation, give feedback, and win giveaways
🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).
🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast
🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
33 min
June 09164. A Glimmer of Hope Through the Eyes of Death : Children of Húrin #3
Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exlcusives!
“Day shall come again”–but for now, it’s the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. In this episode, we walk through Chapter 2 of The Children of Húrin a breaking down Tolkien’s bloodiest, most tragic battle. We cover the epic (and doomed) alliance of elves, men, and dwarves, the double-cross by the Easterlings, and why Morgoth’s victory still leaves him filled with dread. And we even get the Pope involved!
We also look at:
Why the elves’ greatest host could never stand against Morgoth—and what the battle’s tactics reveal about Tolkien’s “epic history” mindset
The legendary valor (and fate) of Húrin and Huor—plus the prophecy that links Gondolin to Morgoth’s ruin
Tolkien’s use of prophecy, fate, and heroism: why the darkest chapter is full of hope for the future
The difference between Tolkien’s approach to battles and the modern appetite for nonstop action
In our extended episode (available via our Exploring Tolkien App or for our site’s members–), we go deeper on:
Listener comments about tragic foreshadowing, and Turin’s nature.
More LEGO Lord of the Rings
Why pop culture’s take on Tolkien struggles with the deeper logic of Middle-earth
🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member using our Exploring Tolkien app, or become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month).
🔗 Episode Links
Get the Exploring Tolkien App!
The Children of Húrin
The Story of Kullervo
The Silmarillion
Unfinished Tales
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify
Get the Exploring Tolkien App
Get the Extended Podcast
🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Húrin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat
53 min

About Exploring Tolkien

From the publisher's feed

The bi-weekly podcast for serious Tolkien fans. Hosts Jonathan Watson and Michael Grumbine of TheOneRing.com (the internet’s longest Tolkien community since 1999) read through The Hobbit, The Lord of…