135. The Greedy and Petty Elves of Mirkwood – The Hobbit #22
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
134. When Bilbo Became the Hero – The Hobbit #21
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
133. Ainulindalë – A Reading in JRR Tolkien’s Voice
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
132. Evil or Elves or Both… Terror in Mirkwood : The Hobbit #20
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
131. The Weirdest Chapter in Middle-earth (with dancing bears!?) : The Hobbit #19
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
130. Where did Beorn Originate (and what was Tolkien’s inspiration)? : The Hobbit #18
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
129. Tolkien Loved Eagles (too much?) : The Hobbit #17
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
A Song of Ice and Fire
Life took an unexpected turn this week with the fires in southern California.
15 Jan 20250s
