5. Of the Beginning of Days – The Silmarillion – 3

Bilbo fully embraces his role as hero and finds a way to save the dwarves — but not before we find out how the Elvenking distrusts the dwarves while comparing himself to the great wealthy kings of old...

15 Apr 202546min

Bilbo is the only one left to save the dwarves–and to his own surprise, he’s up to the task! This week we also look at: Bilbo’s moment of transformation into the hero of the story. The size of these ...

1 Apr 20251h

JRR Tolkien’s voice was, well, unique.  He was notably hard to understand (his students regularly complained that his classes were difficult because they simply couldn’t understand him), and even the ...

18 Mar 20250s

In this first half of chapter 8 of the hobbit–Flies and Spiders–Jonathan and Michael discuss the evil enchantment of Mirkwood, and if the elves might have a small part in it. This week we also look at...

4 Mar 202554min

With talking animals, animals serving food and dancing bears, this may just be the oddest chapter in all of Middle-earth! It kinda feels like it just doesn’t fit. We explore why the animals walk and t...

18 Feb 20251h 4min

Bilbo, Gandalf, and the dwarves are dropped off on the Carrock, and find themselves in the company of a man (so-to-speak) who rather doesn’t like dwarves–but who loves a good story! This week we look ...

4 Feb 20250s

Stuck in trees with fire at their heels, the company find themselves surround by intelligent wolves and taunting orcs… but the eagles notice the commotion and decide to save Gandalf and his friends. T...

21 Jan 202552min

Life took an unexpected turn this week with the fires in southern California.

15 Jan 20250s