Exploring Tolkien24 Kesä 2025

140. Into the Mountain’s Throat – The Hobbit #27

Erebor’s secret door: clever storytelling or a bit too convenient? In this episode, we discuss one of The Hobbit’s quieter chapters, where Bilbo and the dwarves finally reach Erebor’s hidden entrance. We break down why the dwarves seem at a loss, how Bilbo’s perspective has shifted on the journey, and whether this chapter signals Tolkien’s move from fairy tale logic toward a more realistic fantasy world.

We also look at:

Why the thrush and its “snail anvil” are more than just a quirky detail
What the dwarves’ lack of a plan says about their role in the story
The line between chance events and plot devices in Tolkien’s writing
Bilbo’s all-important homesick mindset

In our extended episode (available for members), we talk about:

How Tolkien’s view of dwarves changed over time—and what inspired it
The first mentions of dwarves in Tolkien’s legendarium
Warhammer armies, 3D printing, and tabletop gaming
Answering listener questions from YouTube and Discord

If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)!

🔗 Episode Links
The History of The Hobbit
The Annotated Hobbit
Join our Discord Community (for free)
Get the Extended Podcast
Become a Patreon Member

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
Become a Patreon Member
Subscribe on Apple
Subscribe on Spotify

🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The History of The Hobbit
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook)
The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book)
The Silmarillion
The Children of Hurin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(166)

13. Burn the Ships – Of the Flight of the Noldor – The Silmarillion – 10

We tackle one of our favorite chapters in The Silmarillion: “Of the Flight of the Noldor”. Finally the ill choices of Fëanor are brought to bear as we watch the grievous opening to a long tale that in...

23 Elo 202250min

12. Morgoth’s Arachnophobia – Of the Darkening of Valinor – The Silmarillion – 9

This week we dive right in and get deep into Ungoliant, what she does, who she might be, and how even Morgoth fears her. Episode 11 Links The Book of Lost Tales Subscribe to our Podcast Apple Google I...

16 Elo 202241min

11. The Road to Hell – Of the Silmarils – The Silmarillion – 8

Michael tries to stump Jonathan and Dan with “All That is Gold Does Not Glitter”… As we dive further into Fēanor’s story, Dan realizes that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, while Michae...

9 Elo 202240min

10. Fire and Greed – Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor – The Silmarillion – 7

This week, Jonathan quizzes Dan and Michael on some important numbers, Dan sees similarities between the two big characters, Jonathan realizes Melkor was a nice guy, and Michael takes a deeper look at...

2 Elo 202234min

9. Love Makes You do Stupid Things – Of Thingol & Melian / Of Eldamar – The Silmarillion – 6

Dan gets TWO big thoughts this week as we review both Of Thingol and Melian, and Of Eldamar and the coming of the Eldaliē. He realizes that love can make you do stupid things–like gaze into each othe...

19 Heinä 202236min

8. An Analysis of The Rings of Power Trailer

Michael and Jonathan review the new Rings of Power teaser trailer, looking through the entire 2+ minutes, and discussing what is Tolkien (a little), what isn’t Tolkien (a lot), and why the Hobbits are...

15 Heinä 202243min

7. Of the Coming of the Elves – The Silmarillion – 5

In this week's episode, Jonathan poses some trivia questions to Michael and Dan, Michael puts together a great diagram to explain ALL the different types of elves, and we confirm the existence of fema...

12 Heinä 202254min

Independence Day Break

Dan, Jonathan, and Michael are taking the week off to be with friends and family. So if you're looking for a little more Tolkien commentary this week, be sure to checkout our YouTube channel at https...

5 Heinä 20222min