In episode 261, we're discussing Tolkien's ORIGINAL and far more detailed ending to The Silmarillion. We're delighted to be joined once again by Keith Mathison. read The Silmarillion - A Tale of Two Endings  WATCH THE EPISODE  EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk ***THIS EPISODE WAS RELEASED 3 DAYS EARLY AND AD-FREE FOR OUR PATRONS!*** CONTENTS:- Christopher Tolkien's dilemma » 3:20 - A Tale of Two Endings? » 5:30 - The published ending » 10:58 - The other ending » The Second Prophecy of Mandos » 13:02 - Why did Christopher go with the published version? » 18:40 - 7 Reasons why the other version is better » 23:16 (Eucatastrophe, On Fairy-stories, The Waldman Letter, Tom Bombadil, Galadriel, Athrabeth, etc) LINKS:- What Did Gandalf REALLY Look Like? Here's What JRR Tolkien Says In The Nature Of Middle-earth » https://youtu.be/v0ejOhONshg - buy Tolkien's Requiem: https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ - buy Tolkien's Overture: https://tolkiensoverture.com/ SPECIAL THANKS: - Andrew T - John R - Ms. Anonymous - Redhawk - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - Shannon S - Brian O - Emilio P - Zeke F - James A - James L - Chris L - Chuck F - Asya V - Ish of the Hammer - Teresa C - David of Pints with Jack - Jonathan D - Eric S - Joey S - Eric B - Johanna T - Mike M - Robert H - Paul D - Julia - Werty

The Tolkien Road

0261 » The Silmarillion » A Tale of Two Endings » Keith Mathison » Middle-earth Eschatology

In episode 260, we discuss Gandalf's famous characterization of Frodo's quest: "a fool's hope". Why did he say that? Why is it significant he was saying that to Pippin? What is the broader significance of that line for the work and for Middle-earth (and our reality) in general?  Here's the passage: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/796083-all-now-took-leave-of-the-lord-of-the-city Join us! WATCH THE VIDEO  ***This episode was released Ad-Free and 3 Days Early for Our BELOVED Fellowship of Patrons - LEARN MORE*** EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous, Redhawk CONTENTS- The Passage » 4:22 - "The starless blackness" and the Shadow » 9:35 - "Fool of a Took!" » 10:30 - Cirith Ungol: Why would he go THAT way? » St. Paul and the Fool's Hope » 16:05 - The role of hobbits in Gandalf's life and mission » 21:12 - Is Nature of Middle-earth good for someone who hasn't read The History of Middle-earth? » 24:40 - Understanding Catholicism Through Tolkien & Conversion » 26:30 - Shakespeare & Tolkien » 27:28 - The Ride of the Rohirrim and Speeding » 30:00 - Eru's Will? » 33:20 - Gandalf's Appearance and Tolkien's Care Factor » 42:50 LINKS - What Did Gandalf REALLY Look Like? Here's What JRR Tolkien Says In The Nature Of Middle-earth » https://youtu.be/v0ejOhONshg - buy Tolkien's Requiem: https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ - buy Tolkien's Overture: https://tolkiensoverture.com/ SPECIAL THANKS: - Andrew T - John R - Ms. Anonymous - Redhawk - Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien - Shannon S - Brian O - Emilio P - Zeke F - James A - James L - Chris L - Chuck F - Asya V - Ish of the Hammer - Teresa C - David of Pints with Jack - Jonathan D - Eric S - Joey S - Eric B - Johanna T - Mike M - Robert H - Paul D - Julia - Werty

Ep 260 » The Fool's Hope » Of Gandalf and Pippin in Minas Tirith

In episode 259, we sit down once again with Carl Hostetter, editor of the latest volume of JRR Tolkien's writings, The Nature of Middle-earth. We focus our attention on Appendix I: Metaphysical and Theological Themes. CONTENTS: - How has the response been to The Nature of Middle-earth? » 3:38 - What inspired this appendix on the "religious and Catholic" question? 9:50 - Ages of the World » 13:19 - Body (Hröa) and Spirit (Feä) » 21:50 - Evil as Lack of Perfection » 24:20 - Contingency of Existence » 32:35 - Theistic Evolution » 40:53 - Hylomorphism » 45:55 - The Fall of Man, The Elves, and the Númenoreans (and Mary) » 52:50 - Incorruptibility of Saints, Odour of Sanctity » 1:03:40 - Marriage » 1:08:30 - Christ's Incarnation and Middle-earth » 1:12:25 EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous LINKS: - buy The Nature of Middle-earth: https://amzn.to/3Fbz5Ki - listen to Episode 251, our first interview with Carl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-raT... - Tolkien's New Book » REACTION » The Nature of Middle-earth » Reincarnation, Beards, and more: https://youtu.be/1yykDzgEnpM SPECIAL THANKS:Andrew T John R Ms. Anonymous Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien Shannon S Brian O Emilio P Zeke F James A James L Chris L Chuck F Asya V Ish of the Hammer Teresa C David of Pints with Jack Jonathan D Eric S Joey S Eric B Johanna T Mike M Robert H Paul D Julia Werty

0259 » Carl Hostetter » The Nature of Middle-earth » Theological and Metaphysical Themes

In episode 258, we continue our exploration of what Tolkien meant by Lord of the Rings being “fundamentally religious and Catholic” as we explore the connection between Middle-earth mythology and key Christian ideas.   Also, we're joined by Michael Jahosky as our guest co-host! You can learn more about all of Michael's work at MythicMission.com.   Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous WATCH THE VIDEO  SPECIAL THANKS:Andrew T John R Ms. Anonymous Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien Shannon S Brian O Emilio P Zeke F James A James L Chris L Chuck F Asya V Ish of the Hammer Teresa C David of Pints with Jack Jonathan D Eric S Joey S Eric B Johanna T Mike M Robert H Paul D Julia Werty  

0258 - Defeating Evil » A Middle-earth Guide

In episode 257, we discuss: - The wisdom of Tolkien - Athrabeth / Estel - The Power of Enya - Guilty Pleasures - Tolkien Was Racist??? - Praise for Tolkien's Overture - and more! Join us! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous WATCH THE VIDEO SPECIAL THANKS: Andrew T John R Ms. Anonymous Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien Shannon S Brian O Emilio P Zeke F James A James L Chris L Chuck F Asya V Ish of the Hammer Teresa C David of Pints with Jack Jonathan D Eric S Joey S Eric B Johanna T Mike M Robert H Paul D Julia Werty

0257 - Guilty Pleasures » Athrabeth, Enya, Estel, The Shadow, Consolation, and more!

Concerning "The Mirror of Galadriel", from the heart of Lothlórien to the temptation of the Noldorin Queen... In episode 69, we discuss "The Mirror of Galadriel", Book 2, Chapter 7 of The Lord of the Rings. Join us! For more on this episode or The Tolkien Road podcast, please visit TolkienRoad.com. Originally released July 23, 2016.

0069 - The Lord of the Rings - Bk2 - Ch7 - The Mirror of Galadriel

In episode 256, we discuss: - The Nature of Middle-earth - The Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan / Carl Hostetter resemblance - LOTRonPrime theories - LOTR films criticisms - The Council of Elrond - and more! Join us! ***Ad-Free and 2 Days Early for Our Patrons*** EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous WATCH THE VIDEO LINKS - Wheel of Time trailer - Robert Jordan images - Carl Hostetter image - Telperion and Laurelin by mrsvein72 - "The Swan of Tuonela" music SPECIAL THANKS: Andrew T John R Ms. Anonymous Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien Shannon S Brian O Emilio P Zeke F James A James L Chris L Chuck F Asya V Ish of the Hammer Teresa C David of Pints with Jack Jonathan D Eric S Joey S Eric B Johanna T Mike M Robert H Paul D Julia Werty

0256 - The Nature of Middle-earth, The Wheel of Time, LOTRonPrime, LOTR film flaws, Verisimilitude, Elendil, etc

Did Tolkien really say that the Lord of the Rings is “fundamentally religious and Catholic”? Just what did he mean by that? How much does it matter for deepening our appreciation of Lord of the Rings and of Middle-earth? Join us as we explore the issue! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous WATCH THE VIDEO  CONTENTS - Disclaimer for the Non-Religious » 1:55 - Fr Robert Murray » 6:25 - The Letter » 12:26 - "The order of Grace" » 21:14 - Mary = "All my perception of beauty" » 29:28 - "A fundamentally religious and Catholic work" » 32:19 - "Unconsciously at first / Consciously in the revision" » 36:27 LINKS- Obituary for Fr Robert Murray, SJ » https://www.thetablet.co.uk/texts-speeches-homilies/4/1160/obituary-robert-murray-sj - James Murray, Founding Editor of Oxford English Dictionary » https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Murray_(lexicographer) - Metaphysics » https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphysics - The Nature of Middle-earth » https://amzn.to/2WTzbVB SPECIAL THANKS: Andrew T John R Ms. Anonymous Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien Shannon S Brian O Emilio P Zeke F James A James L Chris L Chuck F Asya V Ish of the Hammer Teresa C David of Pints with Jack Jonathan D Eric S Joey S Eric B Johanna T Mike M Robert H Paul D Julia Werty

0255 - Lord of the Rings "Religious and Catholic" » What Did Tolkien Mean?

Why did Númenor exist? Was it simply to reward the Edain and their descendants? Or was there some greater purpose that impacted the rest of Arda, and perhaps even the Cosmos? In this episode, we are focusing on The Religion of Númenor, per a passage from Unfinished Tales' "A Description of Númenor". This is a very important topic for a number of reasons, but I want to highlight two specifically.   First of all, Tolkien famously (and as it turns out controversially) called Lord of the Rings a “fundamentally religious and Catholic work”. What exactly he meant by this is a subject of much debate, and likely key to understanding what he meant to do with the work.  Second of all, religion is a subject that has been of foundational importance in every human civilization in recorded history. Religion informs how we see ourselves and the meaning of our lives. Therefore, to know that Númenor had an actual religion is key to understanding what Númenor was all about. Indeed, there may be no more important topic for the producers of LOTR on Prime to think about and incorporate into the show if they want to make it truly worthy of Tolkien’s name. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous WATCH THE VIDEO  CONTENTS  - Why Discuss Númenor's Religion? »  2:42 - The Religion of Númenor per Unfinished Tales » 4:50 - Discussion of the passage » 7:50 - Connection to the Ban » 16:00 - "Fundamentally Religious and Catholic" » 27:45 - Mailbag » 31:15 LINKS  - The Three Prayers » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Three_Prayers - Erukyermeë » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Erukyerm%C3%AB - Erulaitalë » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Erulaital%C3%AB - Erulaitalë » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Eruhantal%C3%AB - The Banner Saga » https://bannersaga.com/ - Referenced Emma Thompson Quote » https://www.eviemagazine.com/post/emma-thompson-criticizes-hollywood-for-failing-to-portray-authentic SPECIAL THANKS: Andrew T John R Ms. Anonymous Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien Shannon S Brian O Emilio P Zeke F James A James L Chris L Chuck F Asya V Ish of the Hammer Teresa C David of Pints with Jack Jonathan D Eric S Joey S Eric B Johanna T Mike M Robert H Paul D Julia Werty

0254 - Númenor's Religion (and Purpose)

In early July, I published an 8 minute video on our YouTube channel titled The Silmarillion: 3 Big Problems (and How to Fix Them). For many Tolkien fans, even asserting that there are problems with a work like The Silmarillion might be considered borderline blasphemy. I might have even said the same thing several years ago! However, after our survey of Unfinished Tales and The History of Middle-earth, I’m convinced that Christopher Tolkien himself came to view The Silmarillion as a flawed work. In episode 253, Greta and I discuss these problems in depth. We also catch up on correspondence, with topics ranging from the Valar to the flame of Udun to feedback on our recent discussion with Carl Hostetter. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous WATCH THE VIDEO  CONTENTS  - What We're Criticizing » 4:43 - Fix #1: Better Maps » 11:13 - Fix #2: Narrative Style » 23:20 - Fix #3: Timetables » 28:56 - Mailbag » 33:35  LINKS  - VIDEO: "The Silmarillion - 3 Big Problems (and How to Fix Them)" - ARTICLE: "The Silmarillion - A Tale of Two Endings" by Keith Mathison - PATRON-ONLY BONUS EPISODE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/55171119  SPECIAL THANKS: Andrew T John R Ms. Anonymous Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien Shannon S Brian O Emilio P Zeke F James A James L Chris L Chuck F Asya V Ish of the Hammer Teresa C David of Pints with Jack Jonathan D Eric S Joey S Eric B Johanna T Mike M Robert H Paul D Julia Werty

0253 - The Silmarillion: 3 Major Problems

Birds play a massive, iconic role in the legendarium of Middle-earth. From the great Eagles that always seem to appear at the most eucatastrophic moments to the tiny Thrush that proves the downfall of Smaug, Tolkien's love for birds seems to rise to the level of his love for languages and trees! A few months ago, long-time listener, patron, and ornithologist Jonathan Rice sent us a lengthy email about swans, crows, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. It was so interesting that we decided to have Jonathan join us and discuss the role of birds in Middle-earth as well as the accuracy of Tolkien's depictions of birds. This is a fascinating interview, so do yourself a favor and join us! ARTWORK Fingon rescues Maedhros by rinthcog: https://www.deviantart.com/rinthcog/art/Fingon-rescues-Maedhros-252351769 EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: - Andrew T - John R - Ms. Anonymous CONTENTS - How Jonathan became an Ornithologist - Swans, Ulmo, the Teleri - Black Swan Theory - Crows / Crebain - Seagulls, Thrushes, Dragons, Fellbeasts (patron-only) LINKS - Ornithology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornithology - Black Swan Theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_swan_theory - Kingfisher: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingfisher SPECIAL THANKS: Andrew T John R Ms. Anonymous Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien Shannon S Brian O Emilio P Zeke F James A James L Chris L Chuck F Asya V Ish of the Hammer Teresa C David of Pints with Jack Jonathan D Eric S Joey S Eric B Johanna T Mike M Robert H Paul D Julia Werty

0252 - Birds of Middle-earth: Swans, Eagles, Crows, Thrushes - Interview with Ornithologist Jon Rice

Hey there, fellow travelers!   What you're about to listen to is the audio from our latest video, in which we reacted to last week's big LOTRonPrime news from Amazon. We're talking about this: https://twitter.com/LOTRonPrime/status/1422255647106617359   In order to get the full effect, you should probably head on over to YouTube and watch this.   Here's the video »» https://youtu.be/InRr7N7YVEY   However, if you'd prefer just the audio, I've provided it here in its entirety.   Thanks for watching and / or listening, and enjoy!

LOTR on Prime & the TWO TREES???

We are delighted to welcome Carl Hostetter to The Tolkien Road! Carl is the editor of the forthcoming book The Nature of Middle-earth, the latest collection of previously unpublished writings from JRR Tolkien. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous By the way, here's that preview we discussed: https://preview.aer.io/The_Nature_of_Middleearth-NDAxNzU2 Pre-order The Nature of Middle-earth: https://amzn.to/3CjmfbE Get the bonus episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/0251-patron-only-54569705 This was a wide-ranging discussion! We covered topics like Tolkien's final word on the length of Valian Years, Elrond's "Man-equivalent" age, Carl's involvement in the study of Quenya and Sindarin, how he came to write this book, and so much more! Be sure to check out the patron-only bonus discussion we had with Carl, in which we discuss his views of Peter Jackson's films, what he's expecting from LOTR on Prime, and his opinion on the ever-controversial question of Tolkien and religion. Special thanks to these amazing patrons: Andrew T John R Ms. Anonymous Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien Shannon S Brian O Emilio P Zeke F James A James L Chris L Chuck F Asya V Ish of the Hammer Teresa C David of Pints with Jack Jonathan D Eric S Joey S Eric B Johanna T Mike M Robert H Paul D Julia Werty Become a patron: https://patreon.com/tolkienroad  

0251 - The Nature of Middle-earth: An Interview with Carl Hostetter

This week, we treat you to the first chapter of John's book, Tolkien's Overture: Concerning the Music of the Ainur. To listen to the whole thing, head on over to Audible. You can also get the audiobook by supporting us on Patreon! For other ways to read Tolkien's Overture (including signed paperback), visit TolkiensOverture.com.

The Music of the Ainur

A ton of big news about Amazon's LOTR on Prime dropped on Tuesday (7/20/2021). In Episode 250, we discuss all of it, where it came from, how accurate it might be, and what it all means! Topics include the Tolkien Estate, Tolkien experts, nudity, Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales rights, hobbits in the Second Age, and whole lot more! EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Liis U, Andrew T, John R, Ms. Anonymous SOURCE The news comes via TheOneRing.net: https://www.theonering.net/torwp/2021/07/20/110907-spy-report-incredible-details-from-amazons-lord-of-the-rings-characters-sexless-nudity-halflings/ LINKS Sir Lenny Henry on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0377901/ LOTR TV - Tom Budge Leaves: https://youtu.be/ovOQMNH7O58 LOTR TV & Nudity Discussion with Clifford Broadway: https://youtu.be/yMu4bhj3jis Special thanks to these amazing patrons: Liis U Andrew T John R Ms. Anonymous Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien Shannon S Brian O Emilio P Zeke F James A James L Chris L Chuck F Asya V Ish of the Hammer Teresa C David of Pints with Jack Jonathan D Eric S Joey S Eric B Johanna T Mike M Robert H Paul D Julia Werty Become a patron: https://patreon.com/tolkienroad  

0250 - LOTR TV: Hobbits, Nudity, Silmarillion Rights, and more!

A long walk through Middle-earth! Join co-hosts John & Greta as they go chapter-by-chapter through The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and all of Tolkien's other works.

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The Tolkien Road

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