The time has come to say farewell to Lorien. The Company is summoned to the chamber of Celeborn where they are told that the time has come for each to choose whether to continue the Quest, or remain for a time in Lothlorien. There are consequences for each choice. We explore those as we continue […]

We finally make our way with Frodo and Sam to peer into the Mirror of Galadriel. What do each see in the still waters? What do their visions portend? Sam must also make the hardest decision of his life in a drama which reminds us of the Parable of the Two Sons. Join us as […]

The Elf Haldir leads the Company from the hill of Cerin Amroth to the city of the Galadhrim, Caras Galadhon, where dwell the Lord Celeborn and Galadriel the Lady of Lorien. In the house of Celeborn they were greeted as friends. Yet one of the Company was missing. Join us as we continue our journeys […]

Frodo, Sam, and Legolas are on a talan in a mallorn tree at the biding Haldir the Elf of Lothlorien. Messengers of Elrond had given news of the travellers. When it is revealed that a dwarf is with them the Elves make it clear that he cannot pass through the Golden Wood. But Gimli is […]

The company has reached the eaves of Lothlorien – the Golden Wood – home to the Galadhrim. After traveling little more than a mile into the forest they came upon the Nimrodel, a stream with healing powers, named for the Elven-maid who lived beside it long ago. Join us as we continue our adventures through […]

Gandalf has fallen during his battle with the Balrog. The rest of the Company has been scattered – running out of the Gates and down the age-worn steps of the threshold of Moria. Beyond hope, they reached open skies. On this episode of the Secret Fire Podcast we begin the journey to Lothlorien in The Lord of the Rings.

On The Road To Lothlorien

We leave Gandalf – the prophet of the prophet, priest and king motif – and now focus on Aragorn, the king. He is full of compassion, mercy, lovingkindness – the Greek word eleos. The Ranger of the North who could smite an orc captain and cause others to flee the terror of his wrath, has a remarkable capacity for tender-loving care of Frodo and Sam.

‘I am sorry, Frodo!’ he cried, full of concern. ‘So much has happened this day and we have such need of haste, that I have forgotten that you were hurt; and Sam too. You should have spoken. We have done nothing to ease you, as we ought, though all the orcs of Moria were after us.’

The Lord of the Rings: One Volume, p. 335

I Desire Compassion

Aragorn is a picture of the Good Samaritan. The Good Samaritan is a picture of Jesus. Consider the time that Jesus was sharing a table in a house full of “tax collectors and sinners” and the Pharisees questioned what kind of rabbi would keep such company.

Matthew 9:12-13 (NASB)

But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

I desire compassion; eleos in the Greek. Strong’s describes it as:

mercy: kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them

Let us learn compassion from Aragorn – a picture of Christ Jesus.

Gold And Silver Trees

Legolas is excited at the prospect of entering Lothlorien. The inhabitants are his kin, yet it has been long since any of his folk have journeyed to the land they had wandered in ages past. And he longs for the trees there.

‘There lie the woods of Lothlórien!’ said Legolas. ‘That is the fairest of all the dwellings of my people. There are no trees like the trees of that land.’

The Lord of the Rings: One Volume, p. 335

In honor of the Silvan Elves we are pleased to share with you the song “Gold and Silver Trees” by Lonely Mountain Band, from the album Second Breakfast. We are sure you will enjoy it.

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Man

We have begun a new video series exploring the letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. It is our belief that the more we know about Tolkien, the man, the more we learn about Middle-earth and the entire Legendarium.

What stood out to you in Lothlorien Pt. 1? Let us know in the comments below.

At the Bridge of Khazad-dum the Company comes face-to-face with a power-terror, a demon of might: a Balrog! Once a Maia corrupted by Melkor, this foe is any in the Fellowship save Gandalf. Gandalf, as a member of the Istari, is of the Maiar too. But he has the Secret Fire on his side. Join us as we continue to read through The Lord of the Rings.

The Secret Fire at the Bridge of Khazad-dum

Therefore Ilúvatar gave to their vision Being, and set it amid the Void, and the Secret Fire was sent to burn at the heart of the World; and it was called Eä.

― Valaquenta

As the Balrog reached the bridge Gandalf stood in the middle of the span. He was leaning on his staff, small in comparison to this monster of shadow and flame. What defense could he possibly muster against such a force? The enemy halted and faced him. It raised its whip and the thongs cracked. But Gandalf stood firm.

You cannot pass,’ he said. The orcs stood still, and a dead silence fell. ‘I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn.

The Lord of the Rings: One Volume, p. 330

The Secret Fire is Upon Him

On page 59 of Tolkien and the Silmarillion, author Clyde S. Kilby recounts a discussion he had with J.R.R. Tolkien:

Professor Tolkien talked to me at some length about the use of the word ‘holy’ in The Silmarillion. Very specifically he told me that the ‘Secret Fire sent to burn at the heart of the World’ in the beginning was the Holy Spirit.

The Secret Fire is the Holy Spirit. All along on the Secret Fire Podcast (wherever did we get that name!) we have appealed to Dr. Peter Kreeft and his Prophet, Priest, and King motif found in the Holy Bible, and reflected in the characters of Gandalf, Frodo, and Aragorn respectively. If Gandalf – who is a servant of the Secret Fire – fulfills the prophet role, then he is also a signpost that points readers to Christ Jesus:

Luke 4:16-21 (NASB)

And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.

He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set free those who are oppressed,

To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

What stood out to you in The Bridge of Khazad-dum Pt. 2? Let us know in the comments below.

In the Chamber of Mazarbul, where the Company of the Ring discovered the tomb of Balin son of Fundin, the stakes are about to become the highest that the Fellowship has yet experienced. The fierceness and the love of hobbits is striking as we make our way to the Bridge of Khazad-dum.

The Fierceness of Hobbits on the Way to the Bridge of Khazad-dum

In this episode of the Secret Fire Podcast we see Frodo and Samwise in a much clearer light in the dim, dusty Chamber of Mazarbul – the old chamber of records of Khazad-dum. As a great, flat, toeless foot forced its way through the western door of the chamber, Boromir hewed at the great Cave Troll only to have his sword deflected. Then, something Tookish awoke in Frodo:

Suddenly, and to his own surprise, Frodo felt a hot wrath blaze up in his heart. ‘The Shire!’ he cried, and springing beside Boromir, he stooped, and stabbed with Sting at the hideous foot.

The Lord of the Rings: One Volume p. 324

Sam, too, in the great rush of orcs, displayed a fierceness previously unknown to anyone – let alone himself:

A quick duck had saved him; and he had felled his orc: a sturdy thrust with his Barrow-blade. A fire was smouldering in his brown eyes that would have made Ted Sandyman step backwards, if he had seen it.

ibid.

And The Love of Hobbits

Frodo was felled by the orc chieftain’s spear a moment before Aragorn and Anduril dispatched the terrible creature. This was their opportunity to escape out the east door of the chamber in Khazad-dum. Aragorn picked up Frodo where he lay and made for the stair. Once out of the chamber they discovered that Frodo survived a spear-thrust that would have “skewered a wild boar!”

And then this simple, yet deeply touching statement:

Frodo breathed heavily and leaned against Sam, who put his arms about him.

ibid.

We discuss this and much more in this episode as we make our way to the Bridge of Khazad-dum. Join us for the adventure!

Brobdingnagian Bards in Moria

In order to get us in the mood for Khazad-dum we listen to “Moria” by Brobdingnagian Bards from their album, Memories of Middle Earth. We continue to be grateful that the Bards have allowed us to share their wonderful music with the Fellowship of the Secret Fire Podcast.

Update Video

A couple week ago we produced a quick video to let the Fellowship know what has been happening with your hosts. We include that here for those who have not seen it. Or perhaps you’d rather watch it on the Secret Fire Podcast YouTube channel.

Additional Resources:

After a night spent in the great cavernous hall in Moria, oppressed by the chill air and darkness all about, Sam wondered what could drive the dwarves to make such holes. Gimli, slighted at the insult, rose and began to chant the Song of Durin. Join us as we continue our adventure through the Lord of the Rings, A Journey in the Dark.

A Journey In The Dark, Pt. 3

Holes! “These are not holes,” said Gimli. “This is the great realm and city of the Dwarrowdelf.” And in the olden times it was not dark. It was full of light and splendor. And Durin’s Folk remember it through songs. Gimli began to chant while the echoes ran away into the roof.

The world was young, the mountains green,

No stain yet on the Moon was seen,

No words were laid on stream or stone

When Durin woke and walked alone.

He named the nameless hills and dells;

He drank from yet untasted wells;

He stooped and looked in Mirrormere,

And saw a crown of stars appear,

As gems upon a silver thread,

Above the shadow of his head.

The Lord of the Rings, A Journey in the Dark, p. 315

Mithril and The Law

Once Gimli finished the Song of Durin, Sam – after expressing his appreciation – wondered if there were still piles of jewels and gold to be found in Khazad-dûm. The dwarf remained silent, but Gandalf answered. No, the gold had been plundered. It is Mithril that the dwarves want: true-silver, some have called it. It was the foundation of their wealth – and their destruction.

How is the tale of the dwarves like the Israelites in the days of King Josiah? During his reformation in Judah the high priest found the lost book of the Law in the dilapidated Temple in Jerusalem. How could they have lost the Law? The connection may be in the regard that each had for their respective treasure. We look deeper into each on this episode of the Secret Fire Podcast.

Middle-earth Music

In this episode we play two musical interpretations of the Song of Durin. We believe that you will enjoy both, and will want to have them in your collection of Tolkien and Middle-earth inspired music.

* Song of Durin’s Awakening by Lonely Mountain Band, from the album Beyond The Western Seas

* In Durin’s Day by Broceliande, from the album The Starlit Jewel

We also include a third version here for your enjoyment by Clamavi de Profundis

Additional Resources:

* The Complete Guide to Middle-earth,...

The Gates of Moria have been opened. But as Frodo strode forward to enter he felt something seize him. As the others were seemingly fixed in place, Sam took action. Yet, at the same time, Bill the pony dashed away into the darkness. Samwise Gamgee had to make a decision. We discuss his choice and much more as we continue A Journey In The Dark as we read through The Lord of the Rings.

I Had To Choose, Mr. Frodo

Sam loves Bill the pony. The beast is dear to him. But at the moment that Sam must chose to chase after Bill, or to come to the aid of Frodo, he does not hesitate; he chooses his master, Frodo. We have discussed Sam in the past. He is one of our favorite characters in the Lord of the Rings. In fact, J.R.R. Tolkien referred to him as “the chief hero” [Letter 131]. And his devotion and loyalty to Frodo speaks volumes to us as followers of Christs Jesus. He is much like the apostle Peter.

You Have The Words Of Eternal Life

During the early ministry of Jesus, He was truly a superstar. People were following Him in droves. But in John chapter six, when He began speaking of deeper things – things which were hard to hear – such as:

John 6:53-56 (NASB)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.

Many of His disciples began to desert Him. “This is a difficult statement,” they said. “Who can listen to it?” Then Jesus said to the twelve – His inner circle – “You do no want to go away also, do you?” At this, Peter gave his great confession of faith:

John 6:68-69 (NASB)

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”

A Journey In The Dark

Peter had to choose, just as Sam had to choose. Peter chose to follow Jesus, the lamb that takes away the sin of the world; Sam chose to follow Frodo, the scapehobbit who takes away the burden of Middle-earth.

Sam, clinging to Frodo’s arm, collapsed on a step in the black darkness. ‘Poor old Bill!’ he said in a choking voice. ‘Poor old Bill! Wolves and snakes! But the snakes were too much for him. I had to choose, Mr. Frodo. I had to come with you.’

The Lord of the Rings: One Volume, p. 309

Additional Resources:

* The Complete Guide to Middle-earth, by Robert Foster

* Christianity in Lord of the Rings, by Peter Kreeft

* The Fellowship of the Ring Audiobook read by Rob Inglis

* The Lord of the Rings 1981 Radio Dramatization by BBC

What stood out to you in A Journey In The Dark Pt. 2? Let us know in the comments below.

On The Secret Fire Podcast we travel chapter-by-chapter and book-by-book through J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth viewing it through Christian lenses. We invite you to join us each week as we continue the adventure on the Arkenstone server in Lord Of The Rings Online.

Please join our Fellowship on our Facebook and Twitter pages for even more fun from Tolkien’s Legendarium.

Support the Secret Fire Podcast and the GCTNetwork on our