Episode 8: On Tolkien's Secondary World
A third informal podcast, in which the Tolkien Professor doesn't exactly answer anybody's questions, but talks about some of the issues involved in doing so
27 Jul 200917min
Episode 7: On Dragons and Orcs
A second informal podcast Q&A, in which the Tolkien Professor discusses Smaug's family history and the social life of orcs
20 Jul 200921min
Episode 6: Tolkien and the Environment
TP Bonus Content: A live recording of a joint lecture I gave in October 2008 with a former student, Shannon Holste, Washington College '07
13 Jul 20091h 4min
Episode 5: On Wingless Balrogs and Tom Bombadil
An informal podcast Q&A, in which the Tolkien Professor discusses his views on the winglessness of Balrogs and the identity of Tom Bombadil
8 Jul 200922min
Episode 4: At the Roots of the Mountain
The Hobbit Series Lecture 3, in which we come to the turning point of Bilbo's career. Containing a discussion of orcs and a careful reading of the Gollum encounter, riddle by riddle. Text: Chapters ...
16 Jun 200949min
Episode 3: The Ridiculous and the Sublime
The Hobbit Series Lecture 2, in which I look at the beginning of Bilbo's burlarious career and examine the natures of trolls and elves. Text: Chapters 2 and 3, "Roast Mutton" and "A Short Rest"
16 Jun 200932min
Episode 2: Took and Baggins
The Hobbit Series Lecture 1, in which I examine how Tolkien introduces his fantasy world through his flustered little protagonist. Text: Chapter 1, "An Unexpected Party"
16 Jun 200937min
Episode 1: How to Read Tolkien and Why
The Intro Lecture, in which I discuss Tolkien's understanding of the nature and importance of storytelling. Primary Text: Tolkien's essay "On Fairy-Stories"
16 Jun 200928min
