Smaug is finally fully revealed! This week, we finish “Inside Information”, where Bilbo finally comes face-to-face with the unassessably wealthy dragon. We break down the wordplay Bilbo engages in as he denies Smaug his real name, Smaug’s memorable boasts, and how Bilbo manages to outwit Middle-earth’s greatest dragon (or maybe it’s just… luck?).
Why names and riddles matter so much in Middle-earth (and how they protect Bilbo)How Tolkien redefined dragons for fantasy—leaving old fairy tale clichés behindThe thrush’s “snail anvil,” Bilbo’s lucky break, and whether Tolkien’s worldbuilding is brilliant…or just a little too convenientDwarven treasure: legendary loot or worldbuilding gold?In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into:
The mystery of Erebor’s “most useless” door—and why it locks the party insideKing Bladorthin: a video-game waiting to happenTolkien video game adaptations: what works, what flops, and our dream Middle-earth gameThe famous Samwise monologue in Peter Jackson’s films—does it live up to Tolkien’s original?Here are the images we discussed in this episode:
Mt RainierThe Lonely Mountain – TolkienConversation with Smaug – TolkienPeter Jackson’s 2 Legged SmaugDragonheart’s 4 Legged DragonIf you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)!
The History of The Hobbit
The Annotated Hobbit
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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