Glittering Caves

Patrick and Andrew discuss the sense of despair that Tolkien leaves us with at the end of Book V and how it seems to undo the hope that had come from victory and healing. Merry struggles with being left behind while Pippin goes to face his death. Aragorn treats the terror of raw recruits with mercy, while the Mouth of Sauron appears as an empty bully.

Submit your questions and comments at adeoatus.com/podcast.

Support the show at adeodatus.com/donate.

Andrew and Patrick highlight the differences that make the friendship of Legolas and Gimli so unique, discuss the power of terror that the Dead have and of leadership that allows Aragorn to control them, and explore the role that Aragorn and Gandalf play in helping Frodo and Sam on the quest to destroy the Ring.

Submit your questions and comments at adeoatus.com/podcast.

Support the show at adeodatus.com/donate.

Merry and Pippin each exhibit the maturity their adventures have brought them. Patrick and Andrew liken the effects of the Black Breath to the sufferings of chronic illness, admire how Aragorn's political humility brings about a new order of unity under Gandalf, and note how Faramir, Eowyn, and Merry each respond differently to the healing authority of Aragorn.

Submit your questions and comments at adeoatus.com/podcast.

Support the show at adeodatus.com/donate.

Andrew and Patrick marvel at the gamut of emotions in this chapter, from the triumphant hope of the horns of the Rohirrim and the eruption of sunlight to the dark despair and terror of being burnt alive. Gandalf's Providential prudence, his pity, and respect for human dignity come out in his intense dialogue with Denethor, who has been led to proud despair by the half-truths of the Enemy.

Submit your questions and comments at adeoatus.com/podcast.

Support the show at adeodatus.com/donate.

The Rohirrim are aided by the strange, secretive Wild Men of the Woods, to reach the Pelennor Fields in time to save Minas Tirith. The Rohirrim are in their glory - Theoden leads the charge, Eowyn defies the Lord of the Nazgul, Eomer brazenly defies death. Merry rallies to protect Eowyn and Aragorn returns triumphantly from the Paths of the Dead.

Submit your questions and comments at adeoatus.com/podcast.

Support the show at adeodatus.com/donate.

In this episode, Pippin shows courage in the face of Denethor's mad choice to burn himself and his son, Faramir. Patrick and Andrew reflect on the power of leaders like Faramir and Gandalf to elevate the courage of those who follow them and the power of the Enemy's psychological warfare to destroy it. Finally they explore how Denethor's character corrupted in spite of years of faithful leadership.

Submit your questions and comments at adeoatus.com/podcast.

Support the show at adeodatus.com/donate.

In this session, we experience the mountains and strongholds of Rohan through Merry's eyes as he learns the disturbing news about his friends taking the Paths of the Dead. We marvel at the character of the Rohirrim, especially their stern loyalty as they face the possible destruction of their people. Patrick can hardly wait to read on!

Submit your questions and comments at adeoatus.com/podcast.

Support the show at adeodatus.com/donate.

Patrick and Andrew marvel at Aragorn as the hour begins for him to confront Sauron, a  battle he has prepared for throughout his life. They feel Eowyn's pain at being denied the only life of greatness she can imagine and Merry's gratitude to Theoden for giving him a role to play.

Submit your questions and comments at adeoatus.com/podcast.

Support the show at adeodatus.com/donate.

In this episode we begin the final volume of the Lord of the Rings, following Gandalf and Pippin into the great but decaying city of Minas Tirith. Pippin and his new friend, Beregond of the Tower Guard, look for hope in the face of despair, while Gandalf faces off with Denethor, the powerful but proud Ruling Steward of Gondor.

Submit your questions and comments at adeoatus.com/podcast.

Support the show at adeodatus.com/donate.

Andrew proclaims these past two chapters his most exciting reading experience ever. Patrick is delighted at how the fight with Shelob glorifies all of Sam’s Samness. Andrew follows the track that leads from Sam’s despair through a mystical experience back to being himself again. They follow Sam from passion for revenge and thoughts of suicide back to clarity about what he must do - and the turn that follows after.

Submit your questions and comments at adeoatus.com/podcast.

Support the show at adeodatus.com/donate.