Songs and Tales: A Literary Guide to Middle Earth

Make yourself a mai tai, tuck into a bowl of poi, and settle into island time; we’re taking a trip to Numenor. Aaron and Clara have finally reached the legendary isle of tall men where things are really great, until they really aren’t. They both wish they could’ve spent more time with this chapter - which had shades of Paradise Lost and a possible criticism of Capitalism -  but unfortunately Iluvatar got mad and sucked the island paradise into the sea. Guess we’ll have to vacation in Moria next year.

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Well, folks, much like what's left of the elves and men in Middle Earth by the end of this book, we endured. In this last chapter of The Silmarillion, we fly into the sky with Earendil, our favorite star boy and Clara asks a lot of questions that have really obvious answers. Plus, Meadhros and Maglor get free legal advice.

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Podcast art by Jenny Kalejs @jennycardsandco

Theme music by Joe McHugh

Clara’s mom always said, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say it at all,” but *she's* never read The Fall of Gondolin. Let’s just say, this book didn’t do much for Aaron or Clara – other than bore them to death and make them a little angry. On the bright side, Tolkien presents us with the traditional Christmas gift of seven swans, just in time for the holidays.

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Spoiler alert! A lot more people died in this chapter. Second spoiler alert! One of them is Thingol. Sorry if that ruined the entire episode for you, but Clara and Aaron do talk about way more than just that. Plus, aren’t you a little curious to know how he dies? Your hosts also do a disgustingly deep dive into the economy of Middle Earth, a subject Aaron has been dying to talk about since day one of the podcast (this is not a joke). Plus, Tolkien introduces one of his most cringe-worthy phrases in this chapter and Aaron just can’t help but repeat it … a lot.

What better time of year to talk about a big ol’ curse than spooky season? That’s right, folks, this week Clara and Aaron are discussing how the curse Morgoth placed upon Hurin’s kids plays out in various and increasingly troubling ways. The duo chats about likely inspiration for the story, how it differs from much of the rest of the Silmarillion, and how they feel about this new hero/antihero and his, uh, misadventures, let’s call them. Plus, Clara shares dish soap knowledge.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of incest, suicide, and rape that some listeners may find upsetting. Please proceed with caution.

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Podcast art by Jenny Kalejs @jennycardsandco

Theme music by Joe McHugh

So, you find yourself in the possession of one of these big, shiny gems. Now what? This week, Aaron and Clara seek to answer that question. They also cheer on a group of very helpful dwarves, chat about what it means to see something through the eyes of Morgoth, and grumble a lot about having to read about yet another battle (but at least this one has some blood and guts). Plus, they make a big announcement about a very special upcoming episode!

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Twitter: @songsntalespod

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Podcast art by Jenny Kalejs @jennycardsandco

Theme music by Joe McHugh

How exactly did Luthien get to the Halls of Mandos and what exactly was the song she sang that moved Mandos to release Beren to her? Tolkien, ever the International Man of Mystery, doesn’t exactly tell us. But Clara and Aaron have some ideas. They also discuss how this particular tale marries myth with history and why that makes it so important within the lore of Middle Earth. Plus, Aaron offers to put his body on the line for the good of the pod and Clara sends the souls of several fruit flies zooming to the Halls of Mandos.

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Twitter: @songsntalespod

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Podcast art by Jenny Kalejs @jennycardsandco

Theme music by Joe McHugh

One thing everyone can agree on is that Luthien is pretty hot and a really good dancer and this week Clara and Aaron speculate about the consequences of that. (As if either of them would know.) They also muse upon whether or not the Silmarils are up to any tricks and about the possible significance of Beren and Luthien's outdoor wedding ceremony. Also, Aaron explains the nature of evil by means of radishes.

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Twitter: @songsntalespod

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Podcast art by Jenny Kalejs @jennycardsandco

Theme music by Joe McHugh

Meow, meow, meow! Aaron and Clara are cat lovers now? Not necessarily, but the conversation does turn to felines as they begin their discussion of the tale of Beren and Luthien. If you’re not a cat person, consider listening to hear their in-depth discussion of, well, depth. Or to hear Clara go on and on about John Keats. Plus (as if all of that weren’t enticing enough), Aaron spouts another sexy theory and Clara sports a smile so huge it’s scary. Thank god we're audio media!

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Twitter: @songsntalespod

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Podcast art by Jenny Kalejs @jennycardsandco

Theme music by Joe McHugh

Clara and Aaron do a little chant to kick off this very battle-heavy chapter that - in classic Tolkien fashion - lacks some of the more juicy details traditionally associated with battle scenes. And if that isn’t depressing enough, they also bear witness to the death of one of our more beloved Noldor in what truly turns out to be a victory for nobody. But, it does lead them to a riveting discussion regarding the nature of elven death and reincarnation. Plus, the conversation turns a little timey wimey wibbly wobbly. Because, what is time when you live forever?

Email us! [email protected]

Twitter: @songsntalespod

Instagram: @songsandtalespod

Podcast art by Jenny Kalejs @jennycardsandco