The Extra Curricular

Our hobbits, now in the company of Strider, wake up the next morning in Bree at the Inn of the Prancing Pony to discover that their fear of the dark riders is too close for comfort. Together they set off for Rivendell but make it no farther than Weathertop before danger strikes. That and more on this week's Talking Tolkien with Jonathan, Katie and Chase.

The troop of hobbits have finally reached the town of Bree and plan to rest in the Inn of the Prancing Pony. However, a dark figure is already there to meet with them and discuss the future of their journey. That and more on this week's Talking Tolkien with Jonathan, Katie and Chase.

Once again, Frodo and his merry band of hobbits can not seem to stay out of trouble on this week's episode! Jonathan, Katie and Chase follow the troop into a weird hidden realm and Tom Bombadil unveils his ultimate surprise: Fatty Lumpkin! That and more on this week's Talking Tolkien! 

Tom Bombadil is a fascinating weirdo, but he sure is lovable. This week, Jonathan, Chase and Katie spend the entire episode talking about this odd figure in the Lord of the Rings and his impact on Middle-Earth. Who is Tom Bombadil? Who is Goldberry? Those questions and more on this week's Talking Tolkien! 

Happy Tolkien Week! This week we celebrate the publication of The Hobbit as well as Bilbo and Frodo's birthdays. Our hobbits continue their journey after a scary midnight run-in with Merry. However, they get lost in the Old Forest and trapped by a tree. They're saved by none other than Tom Bombadil, who we meet for the first time. Jonathan, Katie and Chase leave the Shire on this week's episode of Talking Tolkien. 

The journey of Frodo and Sam to the cracks of Mt. Doom has begun...with a seemingly delightful night walk through the forests of the Shire with their friend Pippin. However, a dark figure or figures looms behind them. Jonathan, Katie and Chase explore the outer edges of the Shire on this week's episode of Talking Tolkien. 

This week is the return of the lore of the ring as Frodo is informed by Gandalf about his mystical ring of power. Jonathan, Katie and Chase discuss foreshadowing and the prospect of deal a stupidly powerful conscious ring on this week's Talking Tolkien. 

Nearly nine months of Talking Tolkien have finally led us to The Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring! Jonathan, Katie and Chase kick off a new book with facts about book editions, some more lore of the rings of power and Hobbits' love of pipe weed. Those topics and more on this week's Talking Tolkien!

This week on Talking Tolkien, Jonathan, Katie and Chase wasted an evening and watched The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies. They spent 24 minutes in depression and sorrow for having to watch such a dismal movie. Enjoy! 

If you're looking for the video version of our commentary, this is no longer available. The files were unfortunately lost when migrating our Google Apps account.

This is the final episode of Talking Tolkien that involves the wonderful book, The Hobbit. Jonathan, Katie and Chase reminiscence on the experience of re-reading and reading the book for the first time. The Battle of Five Armies is over and Bilbo makes his way back home. We loved this book and hope you enjoy this final episode on the Hobbit.