<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594">Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!</a>
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:
<ul>
<li>How Túrin’s slaying of Forwëg perfectly mirrors the tragedy of Saeros in Doriath. Ú</li>
<li>The fascinating real-world Anglo-Saxon history behind Tolkien’s “Wolf-Heads.”</li>
<li>The exact moment in the lore where Tolkien paused writing The <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://www.theonering.com/the-silmarillion/" title="Silmarillion" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="96">Silmarillion</a> to start The Lord of the Rings.</li>
<li>Túrin’s Toll & Titles: Adding new names and fresh victims to our running tally!</li>
<li>Plus, a quick “look” of the Rings of Power DVD release and great news about J.R.R. Tolkien’s favorite pub reopening.</li>
</ul>
In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594">Exploring Tolkien app</a> and at <a href="https://theonering.com/members">https://theonering.com/members</a>), we get into:
<ul>
<li>Is Túrin good? We debate his morality and choices</li>
</ul>
🔗 Episode Links 
 <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594">Get the Exploring Tolkien App!</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4vQ6moV">The Children of Húrin</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3P8en81">The Story of Kullervo</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4cMreVg">The Silmarillion</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4u9YzAt">Unfinished Tales</a>
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast 
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455">Subscribe on Apple</a> 
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/053v5PsgtE8TmMiXXAyThG">Subscribe on Spotify</a> 
<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594">Get the Exploring Tolkien App</a> 
<a href="https://www.theonering.com/member">Get the Extended Podcast</a>
🔍 If You Like Tolkien 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3x0kbHh">The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/49ZkSiA">The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3a7wE0k"> The Silmarillion</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3c8R0Ic">The Children of Húrin</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3lzsIIf">The Atlas of Middle-earth</a> 
<a href="https://shop.theonering.com/listing/make-tolkien-great-again-tw">Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat</a>

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

<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!</a>
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:
<ul>
<li>How Túrin’s slaying of Forwëg perfectly mirrors the tragedy of Saeros in Doriath. Ú</li>
<li>The fascinating real-world Anglo-Saxon history behind Tolkien’s “Wolf-Heads.”</li>
<li>The exact moment in the lore where Tolkien paused writing The <a href="https://www.theonering.com/the-silmarillion/" title="Silmarillion" rel="noopener noreferrer">Silmarillion</a> to start The Lord of the Rings.</li>
<li>Túrin’s Toll &amp; Titles: Adding new names and fresh victims to our running tally!</li>
<li>Plus, a quick “look” of the Rings of Power DVD release and great news about J.R.R. Tolkien’s favorite pub reopening.</li>
</ul>
In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594" rel="noopener noreferrer">Exploring Tolkien app</a> and at <a href="https://theonering.com/members" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://theonering.com/members</a>), we get into:
<ul>
<li>Is Túrin good? We debate his morality and choices</li>
</ul>
🔗 Episode Links 
 <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get the Exploring Tolkien App!</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4vQ6moV" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Children of Húrin</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3P8en81" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Story of Kullervo</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4cMreVg" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Silmarillion</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4u9YzAt" rel="noopener noreferrer">Unfinished Tales</a>
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast 
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe on Apple</a> 
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/053v5PsgtE8TmMiXXAyThG" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe on Spotify</a> 
<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get the Exploring Tolkien App</a> 
<a href="https://www.theonering.com/member" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get the Extended Podcast</a>
🔍 If You Like Tolkien 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3x0kbHh" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/49ZkSiA" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3a7wE0k" rel="noopener noreferrer"> The Silmarillion</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3c8R0Ic" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Children of Húrin</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3lzsIIf" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Atlas of Middle-earth</a> 
<a href="https://shop.theonering.com/listing/make-tolkien-great-again-tw" rel="noopener noreferrer">Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat</a>

171. Forsaking Elves for Outlaws : Children of Húrin #8

<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594">Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!</a>
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:
<ul>
<li>How Mablung’s testimony and Nellas’s surprise appearance shifted the king’s verdict.</li>
<li>The evolution of Thingol’s character since his harsh treatment of <a class="wpil_keyword_link" title="Beren" href="https://www.theonering.com/tolkien-encyclopedia/beren/" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="95">Beren</a>.</li>
<li>Túrin’s growing list of titles and his first official toll.</li>
<li>Why The Rings of Power repeating “the very” over 30 times highlights poor writing.</li>
</ul>
In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594">Exploring Tolkien app</a> and at <a href="https://theonering.com/members">https://theonering.com/members</a>), we get into:
<ul>
<li>User comments on Beleg’s sword choice</li>
<li>Son of Mowen vs Son of Húrin</li>
<li>Why writers like Damon Lindelof fundamentally misunderstand how to adapt source material — particularly when it comes to what fans ACTUALLY want.</li>
</ul>
🔗 Episode Links 
 <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594">Get the Exploring Tolkien App!</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4vQ6moV">The Children of Húrin</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3P8en81">The Story of Kullervo</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4cMreVg">The Silmarillion</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4u9YzAt">Unfinished Tales</a>
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast 
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455">Subscribe on Apple</a> 
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/053v5PsgtE8TmMiXXAyThG">Subscribe on Spotify</a> 
<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594">Get the Exploring Tolkien App</a> 
<a href="https://www.theonering.com/member">Get the Extended Podcast</a>
🔍 If You Like Tolkien 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3x0kbHh">The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/49ZkSiA">The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3a7wE0k"> The Silmarillion</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3c8R0Ic">The Children of Húrin</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3lzsIIf">The Atlas of Middle-earth</a> 
<a href="https://shop.theonering.com/listing/make-tolkien-great-again-tw">Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat</a>

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

<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get the Exploring Tolkien App to listen to every episode, a Tolkien calendar, the latest news, and member exclusives!</a>
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:
<ul>
<li>How Mablung’s testimony and Nellas’s surprise appearance shifted the king’s verdict.</li>
<li>The evolution of Thingol’s character since his harsh treatment of <a title="Beren" href="https://www.theonering.com/tolkien-encyclopedia/beren/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beren</a>.</li>
<li>Túrin’s growing list of titles and his first official toll.</li>
<li>Why The Rings of Power repeating “the very” over 30 times highlights poor writing.</li>
</ul>
In our extended episode (available for members who’ve downloaded the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594" rel="noopener noreferrer">Exploring Tolkien app</a> and at <a href="https://theonering.com/members" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://theonering.com/members</a>), we get into:
<ul>
<li>User comments on Beleg’s sword choice</li>
<li>Son of Mowen vs Son of Húrin</li>
<li>Why writers like Damon Lindelof fundamentally misunderstand how to adapt source material — particularly when it comes to what fans ACTUALLY want.</li>
</ul>
🔗 Episode Links 
 <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get the Exploring Tolkien App!</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4vQ6moV" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Children of Húrin</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3P8en81" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Story of Kullervo</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4cMreVg" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Silmarillion</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/4u9YzAt" rel="noopener noreferrer">Unfinished Tales</a>
🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast 
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe on Apple</a> 
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/053v5PsgtE8TmMiXXAyThG" rel="noopener noreferrer">Subscribe on Spotify</a> 
<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/exploring-tolkien/id6759834594" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get the Exploring Tolkien App</a> 
<a href="https://www.theonering.com/member" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get the Extended Podcast</a>
🔍 If You Like Tolkien 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3x0kbHh" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/49ZkSiA" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3a7wE0k" rel="noopener noreferrer"> The Silmarillion</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3c8R0Ic" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Children of Húrin</a> 
<a href="https://amzn.to/3lzsIIf" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Atlas of Middle-earth</a> 
<a href="https://shop.theonering.com/listing/make-tolkien-great-again-tw" rel="noopener noreferrer">Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat</a>

170. Tolkien’s Only Courtroom Drama : Children of Húrin #7

In this episode, Jonathan is gobsmacked that the dwarves are ACTUALLY the firstborn! Michael, Dan, and Jonathan also discuss the ins and outs of Aulē's relationship with Yavanna, and how Yavanna's hopes for eagles in her trees is dashed by Manwë.

6. Of Aulë and Yavanna   – The Silmarillion – 4

With the stage set for enormous battles between Melkor and the Valar, Jonathan, Michael, and Dan dive into "Of the Beginning of Days" to surface questions like:
Did the color green exist before Varda?
How long is the time of the lamps?
Is the light of the trees physical?
Which Valar long for Middle-earth?

With the stage set for enormous battles between Melkor and the Valar, Jonathan, Michael, and Dan dive into "Of the Beginning of Days" to surface questions like: Did the color green exist before Varda? How long is the time of the lamps? Is the light of the trees physical? Which Valar long for Middle-earth?

5. Of the Beginning of Days  – The Silmarillion – 3

In the second chapter of The Silmarillion, Valaquenta, Michael, Dan, and Jonathan test their knowledge with "All that is Gold, Does Not Glitter", decide that Varda should've dated Melkor, and explain that Tolkien was a true flat-earther!

Listen as we discuss these questions and look to find answers directly in Tolkien's text!

In the second chapter of The Silmarillion, Valaquenta, Michael, Dan, and Jonathan test their knowledge with "All that is Gold, Does Not Glitter", decide that Varda should've dated Melkor, and explain that Tolkien was a true flat-earther! Listen as we discuss these questions and look to find answers directly in Tolkien's text!

4. Valaquenta – The Silmarillion – 2

Join Michael, Dan, and Jonathan as they begin the long journey through The Silmarillion with the first chapter, Ainulindalē.

We tackle questions like... Why is music so important? Is there a direct relationship between the Biblical creation story and Tolkien's? How much do the Valar actually KNOW? Why are Manwé and Melkor "brothers"? Why is water important? Are the Valar really transgender? Listen as we discuss these questions and look to find answers directly in Tolkien's text!

Stay till the end to hear what you should check out if you like Tolkien!

Join Michael, Dan, and Jonathan as they begin the long journey through The Silmarillion with the first chapter, Ainulindalē. We tackle questions like... Why is music so important? Is there a direct relationship between the Biblical creation story and Tolkien's? How much do the Valar actually KNOW? Why are Manwé and Melkor "brothers"? Why is water important? Are the Valar really transgender? Listen as we discuss these questions and look to find answers directly in Tolkien's text! Stay till the end to hear what you should check out if you like Tolkien!

3. Ainulindalë – The Silmarillion – 1

Michael, Dan, and Jonathan offer their thoughts on what we know and what we’ve seen about Amazon’s Rings of Power series, and also talk about what Silmarillion story they would like to see put on film. And Dan just wants bearded dwarf women...

Make sure you read the first part of The Silmarillion, Ainulindalë, as we'll start our read through next week!

Michael, Dan, and Jonathan offer their thoughts on what we know and what we’ve seen about Amazon’s Rings of Power series, and also talk about what Silmarillion story they would like to see put on film. And Dan just wants bearded dwarf women... Make sure you read the first part of The Silmarillion, Ainulindalë, as we'll start our read through next week!

2. Thoughts on Amazon’s Rings of Power

Who are these guys? Why are they doing a podcast?  When did they read the Lord of the Rings?  How do they know each other?

Who are these guys? Why are they doing a podcast? When did they read the Lord of the Rings? How do they know each other?

Who are these guys? Why are they doing a podcast?&nbsp; When did they read the Lord of the Rings?&nbsp; How do they know each other?

1. An Introduction to Window on the West

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 the Rings, The Silmarillion, and every Age of Middle-earth — chapter by chapter. Plus conversations with artists, creators, and scholars–and honest commentary on what Hollywood keeps getting wrong about Tolkien’s legacy. 160+ episodes.

Share Exploring Tolkien

Sign up to save your podcasts

Exploring Tolkien

Exploring Tolkien episodes

About Exploring Tolkien

More shows like Exploring Tolkien

The Tom Woods Show

The Tolkien Road

The Andrew Klavan Show

The Ancients

Gone Medieval

Morning Wire