In this minisode, cut from our Feanor episode, we discuss Melkor and the Vala. We talk about the creation story of Eä (the world is not called Middle Earth, that’s the continent). We have a brief interruption in the middle... Read moreMelkor and the Vala ..read more

In this episode, we discuss Feanor and how he messed things up a lot for everyone. Also, we decide that the Lord of the Balrogs is Krampus.   0:53 Oath 1:27 The Darkening of Valinor 2:16 Morgoth is rescued from... Read moreThe Life of Fëanor ..read more

This is the first part of a long conversation about the First Age elvish craftsman Fëanor. We discuss background information about who he is and why he is important to talk about. It will give a lot of context to... Read moreIntro to Fëanor ..read more

In this minisode cut from the end of our upcoming Fëanor episodes, we cover a lot of ground pretty quickly. We discuss whether or not Sauron’s love of crafts and his creative vs. dominant nature, Galadriel’s hair, the work of... Read moreFëanor minisode ..read more

In this minisode, cut from our Feanor episode, we discuss light and how it relates to the Silmarils. We talk about the history of Earendil. He ended up with a Silmaril which was placed in the sky and became the star that was used to create the phial of Galadriel, which Frodo used to burn Shelob. Dan talks about stars granting power to the British in naval history. It all ties together in a neat little package. References: All music is courtesy of Doctor Turtle ..read more

In this minsode cut from our discussion of Feanor, we talk about the differences in writing between the Books of Lost Tales and the Silmarillion. We discuss how mythology is filled with the passion that a culture with language instills, but history is drier, even if it is consistent. References: All music is courtesy of Doctor Turtle ..read more

In this minisode, cut from our Feanor episode, we discuss Melkor and the Vala. We talk about the creation story of Eä (the world is not called Middle Earth, that’s the continent). We have a brief interruption in the middle from some wildlife. We talk about the creation of the dwarves, elves, and orcs and how frustrating it must be to be Melkor. References: All music is courtesy of Doctor Turtle ..read more

In this episode, we discuss Feanor and how he messed things up a lot for everyone. Also, we decide that the Lord of the Balrogs is Krampus.   0:53 Oath 1:27 The Darkening of Valinor 2:16 Morgoth is rescued from Ungoliant by Balrogs 2:40 Send us art! 3:05 Fëanor gives a speech blaming the Vala 3:30 Galadriel and Fingolfin’s family followed 3:45 Teleri = sea elves… Fëanor wants their boats 4:20 What happens when the Teleri say no to Fëanor 5:00 Some elves do not take part in kinslaying and some fight against Fëanor with Teleri 5:35 Not enough boats! 6:05 Why did elves leave at the end of LO ..read more

This is the first part of a long conversation about the First Age elvish craftsman Fëanor. We discuss background information about who he is and why he is important to talk about. It will give a lot of context to some other topics in Middle Earth. This was recorded a couple of years ago in the summer. We’re outside, there will be noises!    2:24 What is it about Fëanor that is worth discussing? 3:30 Dan keeps saying Ga-laid-riel 3:51 Fëanor is not mentioned in LOTR, but his influence is enormous 4:30 Dan hasn’t read the Silmarillion 4:43 Who is this Fëanor guy? 5:00 Noldorian craftsm ..read more

In this minisode cut from the end of our upcoming Fëanor episodes, we cover a lot of ground pretty quickly. We discuss whether or not Sauron’s love of crafts and his creative vs. dominant nature, Galadriel’s hair, the work of the Noldo elves, whether or not Frodo had a choice to destroy the ring in the end, if Elrond could have done any better, and how Isildur’s failure to destroy the ring affected Elrond. The reference to Shippey in this minisode is a reference to a part of his book Author of the Century, where he talks about the ring and evil.   References: All music is courtesy of  ..read more