Rings and Rituals

Sep 10 2024 14 ep. 65 mins 35
Rings and Rituals Podcast artwork

Tolkien scholars Marilyn R. Pukkila and Sara Brown analyze the rituals presented in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

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Meet Nevermind the Music

Sep 10 2024 6 mins  
Calling all music fans! The Lorehounds network’s first music podcast, Nevermind the Music, is officially launching on September 10 – where two friends and academics filter their appreciation of music through the frameworks of psychology, music theory, and irreverent humor.Check out Nevermind the Music https://thelorehounds.com/podcast/nevermind-the-musicGet in touch: NeverMusic

The Rings of Power - S01E01 - A Shadow of the Past - Rerelease

Jul 30 2024 72 mins  
Marilyn and Sara spend time with the Noldor, comparing the ritual of the warrior Elves returning home to Valinor with Arthurian imagery, questioning the practice of carving memorials on living trees, and noting contrasts between Elves and Harfoots.Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to

Season 1 Feedback

Jul 24 2024 78 mins  
Sara and Marilyn respond to the many notes, observations, queries, and compliments (yes, we did leave those in!) from listeners which hadn’t yet been addressed.Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to [email protected] to Network Affiliates and Discordlinktr.ee/thelor

BONUS: The Music of The Rings of Power with John Lorehound

Jul 10 2024 57 mins  
Marilyn is joined by John from the Lorehounds Podcast to analyze the music of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. They discuss the powerful motifs of Bear McCreary, the influence of Howard Shore over the Middle-earth universe on screen, and the various ancient music traditions the show uses to differentiate the peoples of Middle-earth.Questions or comments? Visit us at our w

Ch. 8 - Alloyed

Jun 26 2024 101 mins  
Sara and Marilyn discuss the recent teaser for season two and the announcement that a certain actor won’t be returning for it, compare the Harfoot and Númenorean conceptions of death, celebrate the powers of libraries and archives, and ponder the nature of a certain gift–giver. And a special delight: Sara discusses alchemy in the making of the Elven rings.Questions or comments

Ch. 7 - The Eye

Jun 12 2024 85 mins  
Marilyn and Sara note that Poppy has a new song, Galadriel has some new introspection (and a big reveal about her past), Elrond introduces a new concept: “save it for the other side“, and Theo has a new crush. They also request listener feedback before July 9 for the series’ final episode of Feedback.Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact

Ch. 6 - Udûn

May 29 2024 86 mins  
Sara and Marilyn put a few pins in some key conversations and ask: Do Elves chant on their way to battles? How different are Orcs from Humans? And which kingdoms were, according to Galadriel, saved by humility?Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to [email protected] t

Ch. 5 - Partings

May 15 2024 86 mins  
Marilyn and Sara discuss Númenorean military rituals and speculate on their expandable “just add water” horses which pack the holds of their ships so nicely. They also do a deep dive into Tolkien’s conceptions of magic (magia and goetia) in honor of the Hissy Sisters, who are quite difficult to define.Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the conta

Ch. 4 - The Great Wave

May 01 2024 64 mins  
Sara and Marilyn marvel over the voice of Disa, which can make even stone weep, the ritual culture of Orcs (who usually make others weep for rather different reasons), and the ways that contrasting oaths may reveal what is sacred to a person or a culture. And they have even more feedback!

Ch. 3 - Adar

Apr 17 2024 87 mins  
Marilyn and Sara ponder the absolutes in cultural affirmations, the transformations of symbol systems as cultures change, and the astonishing appearance of ritual behavior in Orcs. Marilyn points out the ritual which inspired this entire podcast project, and Sara (unwisely?) encourages her to wax enthusiastically about Nienna. And we have feedback – yay!