Exploring Tolkien

Exploring Tolkien


Latest Episodes

116. Hollywood Doesn’t Understand the Númenoreans’ Faith
September 17, 2024

It was disappointing but not surprising to see how badly Hollywood writers treat the Nmenorean's faith. We take a deep look at episode 5 of season 2 of The Rings of Power

115. Tom Bombadil has Become Obi-Wan in The Rings of Power
September 10, 2024

Not sure how this Tom Bombadil came into existence--but he's definitely incredibly different from Tolkien's Bombadil.

114. Rings of Power Returns - Episode 1 Review
September 03, 2024

Season 2 of The Rings of Power is here! And with it comes new hackneyed phrases, ridiculous contrivances, and incredible coincidences.

113. Looking at the War of the Rohirrim Trailer (and Rings of Power clips)
August 27, 2024

We discuss the the latest visions of Middle-earth by Amazon and Warner Bros.

112. Are these Really the Same Elves from The Lord of the Rings? : The Hobbit #8
August 20, 2024

In Chapter 3, A Short Rest, for the first time we meet the elves of Rivendell... and they certainly seem different than the same characters in The Lord of the Rings.

111. This is why Tolkien SHOULD have rewritten The Hobbit : The Hobbit #7
August 13, 2024

We weren't huge fans of Tolkien's changes to chapter 1 of The Hobbit in his abandoned 1960 rewrite--but chapter 2 surprised us with its pitch perfect changes!

110. A Brave Burglar and Deficient Dwarves : The Hobbit #6
August 04, 2024

In this episode we get into how the trolls find a balance, of sorts, between, fear and goofiness--and maybe it all starts with their accents.

109. Gandalf Gets Pushy : The Hobbit #5
July 29, 2024

Bilibo finally makes his way out the door--but was it his decision or did Gandalf force him out? And what is "the king" that's mentioned?

108. What Went Wrong with Tolkien's 1960 Hobbit Rewrite : The Hobbit #4
July 22, 2024

When Tolkien set out to rewrite The Hobbit in 1960, much was lost, but much was gained. In the end, do the gains outweigh the losses?

107. How the Baggins Side of Bilbo Lost : The Hobbit #3
July 15, 2024

Bilbo loses the comfort of his home and finds that the Tookish side of his mind is starting to overcome the Baggins side