153. The Christmas Eucatastrophe (and is The Lord of the Rings a Christmas movie?)

153. The Christmas Eucatastrophe (and is The Lord of the Rings a Christmas movie?)

We turn our attention from The Hobbit to a long-hidden Tolkien gem: his 1936 Christmas poem, “Noel.” We take a look at the history of the poem’s rediscovery, its deep-rooted Tolkien-esque imagery, and why its message of hope stands uniquely in Tolkien’s literary career.

We discuss:

  • The surprising 2013 rediscovery of “Noel” and how Tolkien scholars tracked it down through forgotten school annuals and convent archives.
  • The poem’s Nordic and Middle-earth flavor in the early stanzas—and the “eucatastrophic” shift when a child is born.
  • Song and music as markers of Tolkien’s poetic voice, the emphasis on Mary’s song, and what it means for the joy of the world.
  • Why “Noel” is a rare example of Tolkien writing an explicitly Christ-centered poem, and how it stands apart from his other work.
  • The unmistakable hope and gladness that “Noel” brings to the weary, gray world.
  • The craft and subtlety Tolkien brings, never over-explaining the mystery—just inviting us to imagine, wonder, and rejoice.

In our extended episode (available for EVERYONE this week! :D. Merry Christmas! Become a member or a patron!), we tackle one of the greatest Christmas questions… is Lord of the Rings a Christmas film!?

  • Does simply watching a film at Christmas imbue it with holiday status, or must its core message embody the “eucatastrophe” of the season?
  • The surprisingly non-Christmas nature of Die Hard and Gremlins.
  • Our favorite Christmas movies, from It’s a Wonderful Life to Home Alone, and what really makes a story Christmas-worthy.

🔗 Episode Links
Noel – Tolkien’s Lost Christmas Poem (YouTube)
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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
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🔍 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

Episoder(164)

91. Finishing Tolkien’s Unfinished Tale – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 7

91. Finishing Tolkien’s Unfinished Tale – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 7

Join our Discord Channel! We don’t know if Tolkien intended on ever finishing this story of Aldarion and Erendis. Written later in life, it is perhaps his most emotionally gut wrenching tale…. and it ...

5 Mar 202453min

90. A Spiteful Marriage, a New Enemy, and a Watery End – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 6

90. A Spiteful Marriage, a New Enemy, and a Watery End – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 6

Michael and I talk about “The Further Course of the Narrative” in Aldarion and Erendis. Tolkien made some notes about where the story would go, but at times they’re contradictory, and there’s no cohes...

27 Feb 202450min

89. The Sacrificial King and the Fallen Queen – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 5

89. The Sacrificial King and the Fallen Queen – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 5

As we close out the prose of this story, the king makes a great sacrifice for the greater good of Númenor, and the new queen becomes a pitiable creature with no hope for her own future. We look at: * ...

20 Feb 202446min

88. Middle-earth’s Worst Dad – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 4

88. Middle-earth’s Worst Dad – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 4

Aldarion gets married and is able to stay on land for a few years… up until his daughter turns 4, and then he just can’t stay away from the sea anymore. We look at: * Does Tolkien hate Aldarion? * Wha...

13 Feb 202447min

87. Mariner, King, or Husband? – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 3

87. Mariner, King, or Husband? – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 3

Join our Discord Community (for free)! In this episode we learn when Tolkien wrote this story, as well as what might have inspired him to put this to paper. Then, Aldarion and Erendis FINALLY get marr...

6 Feb 202453min

86. Men are from Mars, Women Hate the Ocean – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 2

86. Men are from Mars, Women Hate the Ocean – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 2

Join our Discord Community (for free)! Jonathan and Michael continue their analysis of “Aldarion and Erendis”.  These two aren’t exactly star-crossed lovers–their complicated and long-gestating relati...

30 Jan 20240s

85. This Sea is NOT Always Right – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 1

85. This Sea is NOT Always Right – Aldarion and Erendis – Part 1

Join our Discord Community (for free)! After Christopher Tolkien published The Silmarillion, he looked in his father’s notes for more works… and then published Unfinished Tales. This week, Jonathan, M...

23 Jan 20240s

84. Removing Radagast and Hobbit Thieves : Film Changes #27 and #28

84. Removing Radagast and Hobbit Thieves : Film Changes #27 and #28

Join our free Discord community! These are our last 2 changes for awhile — listen to hear what we’ll be reading next! Radagast is completely excised from the film… which might just have been a good d...

16 Jan 202433min

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