Reading Tolkien

Jul 01 2023 25 ep. 72 mins 36
Reading Tolkien Podcast artwork

This show examines Tolkien's work from a variety of literary perspectives. We examine Tolkien's lesser known works, his well known novels and his thematic and philosophical preoccupations and sentiments. Please join us!

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The Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 11 - Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor

Jul 01 2023 9 mins  
In this minisode I discuss the myth of the Sun and the Moon in The Silmarillion. I jump right into my thoughts so it is recommended that you have read the chapter recently.

The Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 10 - Of the Sindar

May 26 2023 16 mins  
In this episode I discuss the Sindar in Chapter 10 of The Silmarillion, and offer brief thoughts on my recent re-read of The Lord of the Rings.

Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 7, 8 & 9

Jan 28 2023 75 mins  
We discuss Fëanor (somewhat drunkenly!) in this new podcast, our first for 2023! For those who think Fëanor 'did nothing wrong' this is the podcast for you! We defend the great Elf's actions and discuss the bias of The Silmarillion narrator at this part of the story. But did Tolkien intend us to read his 'Bible' in this way! For answers to these and other questions please join us

The Rings of Power discussion: Episodes 1 & 2

Sep 07 2022 35 mins  
Sridhar and Ben discuss the first two episodes of the new Amazon series, The Rings of Power.

JRR Tolkien, George RR Martin, and writing morally dubious characters

May 07 2022 126 mins  
In this episode Sridhar and I discuss the upcoming Amazon show, Rings of Power, and the prequel to Game of Thrones - House of the Dragon. The discussion turns to the variant means by which Tolkien and Martin approach morally dubious characters like Gollum, or the Lannisters. Both of us are unrepentent in our bias to Tolkien, and I frequently argue that much of what is said to const

Silmarillion Sessions 2: Chapters 1-4

Mar 12 2022 62 mins  
Join Ben and Sridhar as they discuss Chapters 1-4 of the Quenta Silmarillion. They touch on the nature of the Valar, the status of The Silmarillion as a text within the world of The Lord of the Rings, the various theodicies presented in the text, and the efficacy of mythological vs. theological approaches to the text.

Interview: Brian Rosebury

Mar 05 2022 46 mins  
Join Professor Brian Rosebury (Tolkien: A Cultural Phenomenon) and myself as we discuss Tolkien and tragedy, morality and moral judgement. Brian's details can be found here: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/academics/dr-brian-rosebury

The Nature of Middle-earth with Daniel Stride

Jan 09 2022 94 mins  
Join us for a new episode in which we review the Nature of Middle-earth with Daniel Stride. Daniel's blog may be found at https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/

Silmarillion Sessions 1

Dec 12 2021 102 mins  
Join us for the inaugural episode of the Silmarillion Sessions. We begin with the myth of Creation, the Ainulindalë. We touch on the importance of beauty and goodness, and ask whether these two concepts can be equated in the story, and we consider the role that Plato’s ideas about the Forms might play in comprehending the nature of Tolkien’s creation myth. We also discuss the

Interview: Tom Emanuel

Sep 04 2021 61 mins  
Here I discuss Tolkien with @RealTomEmanuel, a minister and Tolkien Scholar. We touch on recent trends in the reception of Tolkien, Tolkien studies, and beauty of The Lord of the Rings. Please join us for a great discussion!