Advertise on podcast: Exploring Tolkien

In this episode, we look at two of the most unloved film changes from Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings: Arwen replacing Glorfindel and making Arwen the only one with power and agency in The Flight to the Ford.. Michael and Jonathan break down why these choices set off so many Tolkien fans, how they impact the agency of Aragorn and Frodo, and whether these moments actually improve the movies. Why losing Glorfindel means losing a key link to Middle-earth’s ancient history The movie’s “girl boss” approach to Arwen’s character—and what it does to the story Frodo’s lost agency at the ford, and the difference between book and film The most “cringeworthy” line in Lord of the Rings Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on: The re-release box office numbers for The Lord of the Rings trilogy (any why were they so low) Viewer comments on our last video (were we wrong?) Michael reviews the new Rise of the Merlin show based on Stephen R. Lawhead’s Pendragon Cycle BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for $5 a month on Patreon 🔗 Episode Links Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Fall of Gondolin The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

We’re back to going through ALL the changes in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings!  This week we discuss Aragorn’s sword substitions, changes at Weathertop, and that infamous messenger moth: Was Aragorn really just carrying around a package of small swords the entire time? Was the battle at Weathertop lore-friendly? The messenger moth replaces Radagast… and Jonathan can’t get over it. Become a member at https://theonering.com/members or https://theonering.com/patreon to hear our thoughts on: The Rings of Power will now include a blue wizard — a surprise no one was asking for. BECOME A MEMBER! Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. You can also join for $5 a month on Patreon 🔗 Episode Links Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Fall of Gondolin The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Most people haven’t read how Tolkien actually wrote how The Hobbit precisely connects to The Lord of the Rings.  In The Quest of Erebor (first published in Unfinished Tales) Tolkien explains precisely how every major event in The Hobbit is connected to the greater story in The Lord of the Rings. And it’s not only the historical/factual connections–Tolkien clearly connects the philosophical underpinnings of Middle-earth more clearly into The Hobbit too! We take a look at: The three published versions of the Quest for Erebor—and why the Annotated Hobbit’s is the longest and most complete Gandalf’s “absurd” commitment to Bilbo, and why he pushes for a stealthy quest instead of open war Why Gandalf was concerned about the Hobbits forgetting the  “high and perilous” figures of legend. The crucial role of Smaug as the north’s wild card, and why Gandalf fears a Sauron-Smaug alliance In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: How Tolkien could have retconned: stone giants, Beorn’s descendants, Gundabad orcs, and trala-lally elves into The Lord of the Rings How Gandalf’s mysterious “waking mind” connects to fate and agency in Tolkien’s world Listener corrections and deep-dives into Hobbit trivia 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

We turn our attention from The Hobbit to a long-hidden Tolkien gem: his 1936 Christmas poem, “Noel.”  We take a look at the history of the poem’s rediscovery, its deep-rooted Tolkien-esque imagery, and why its message of hope stands uniquely in Tolkien’s literary career. We discuss: The surprising 2013 rediscovery of “Noel” and how Tolkien scholars tracked it down through forgotten school annuals and convent archives. The poem’s Nordic and Middle-earth flavor in the early stanzas—and the “eucatastrophic” shift when a child is born. Song and music as markers of Tolkien’s poetic voice, the emphasis on Mary’s song, and what it means for the joy of the world. Why “Noel” is a rare example of Tolkien writing an explicitly Christ-centered poem, and how it stands apart from his other work. The unmistakable hope and gladness that “Noel” brings to the weary, gray world. The craft and subtlety Tolkien brings, never over-explaining the mystery—just inviting us to imagine, wonder, and rejoice. In our extended episode (available for EVERYONE this week! :D. Merry Christmas! Become a member or a patron!), we tackle one of the greatest Christmas questions… is Lord of the Rings a Christmas film!? Does simply watching a film at Christmas imbue it with holiday status, or must its core message embody the “eucatastrophe” of the season? The surprisingly non-Christmas nature of Die Hard and Gremlins. Our favorite Christmas movies, from It’s a Wonderful Life to Home Alone, and what really makes a story Christmas-worthy. 🔗 Episode Links Noel – Tolkien’s Lost Christmas Poem (YouTube) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat  

In this episode, we wrap up The Hobbit with “The Last Stage” and reflect on Bilbo’s road home, the petty (now less petty?) Rivendell elves, the unexpected return to Bag End, and how Tolkien so thoroughly captures the meaning of “home.” We also take an extended look at Tolkien’s 3 (THREE!) songs in this final chapter. Then, we examine why Tolkien might give so much attention to the aftermath and how Bilbo is changed forever (or maybe it’s just a bigger stronger Tookish side?). We also cover: The Hobbit doesn’t even use the word “Shire” Fixing our capitalization 🙂 Are the elves’ final songs belittling Bilbo’s journey, or highlighting true riches? The fate of Lake-town’s Master: Tolkien’s take on dragon-sickness and political corruption How Tolkien leaves almost no loose ends in this tale. Even in the penultimate paragraph, Tolkien nods at Bilbo’s luck… if luck you call it! In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Member comment: Maybe the Arkenstone’s DID influence the Battle of Five Armies? Member comment: The deeper meaning of “Bilbo the Magnificent”. What one thing did we discover in this extremely deliberate reading of The Hobbit? 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Three dwarves lost and a shape-shifting berserking bear unleashed—the aftermath of the Battle of the Five Armies reconciles Bilbo to Thorin and gives us a completely different Elvenking than what you saw in the movies. In this episode, we dig into Tolkien’s penultimate chapter, “The Return Journey,” unpacking the emotional aftermath and story-shaping consequences of the war that changed Middle-earth. We also explore: Why Beorn’s sudden intervention was more than just another “eagle rescue”—and what Tolkien draws from the real definition of berserkers”. Thorin’s final moments and his transformation from gold-obsessed king to the Dwarf who names Bilbo “child of the kindly West” — did he earn that change? The fate of Fili and Kili—Tolkien originally spared them in his draft… and why he changed that. What the actual division of treasure reveals about Dwarven honor, claims, and leadership How Tolkien uses this chapter to quietly set the stage for The Lord of the Rings and fill out the wider world of Middle-earth Plus, we tackle the bigger questions: Did Bilbo’s “betrayal” actually make things worse? Why is Bilbo so eager to leave—has the Baggins/Took conflict finally resolved? And what’s up with the mysterious “three parts” of the goblins wiped out in battle? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: What the untold story of Beorn’s descendants and their wild realm could have been—and how Tolkien left open the door for new adventures The evolution of Bilbo as a character: has he truly found peace between Took and Baggins? 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Did Tolkien “earn” The Battle of the Five Armies, or is the surprise enough to justify its existence? In this episode, we look at Tolkien’s climactic battle from The Hobbit, comparing how it unfolds on the page to its chaotic portrayal in the extended film edition. How do armies materialize so suddenly, and does Tolkien set the stage well enough for the goblin onslaught? Check out the Battle of the Five Armies Map! We also explore: Tolkien’s battle tactics vs Peter Jackson’s video game tactics. Why did Bilbo chooses the Elven King’s side? Trying to make sense of Peter Jackson’s battle map vs Tolkien’s map. Tolkien’s knowledge of medieval warfare. Is Thorin’s charge from the gate truly enough to change the tide of battle? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Whether the goblin army’s sudden arrival is really “earned” in the story, or if Tolkien’s plotting gives us room to quibble. How small additions could have made the battle less sudden—should there have been hints via raven messenger? Where would a talking Raven fit into The Lord of the Rings. 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Bilbo owns up to his burgling — a betrayal that drives Thorin to the brink of killing him.  But Bilbo isn’t cowed… and the armies of elves and men aren’t cowed by Dain’s special forces.  But maybe they should be! We also explore: Bilbo’s crowning “honest” achievement. Bard as Faramir? Dain’s Dwarven special forces arrive! What exactly were those dark clouds that shadowed the commencement of battle. In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: What “going home” for Bilbo may really entail. We count the amount of talking animals in Lord of the Rings vs. The Hobbit. Where would a talking Raven fit into The Lord of the Rings — we give our detailed thoughts. 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

We look at Chapter 16 of The Hobbit, where Bilbo makes his most controversial choice-—handing the Arkenstone over to Bard and the Elvenking. Is Bilbo a traitor to the dwarves, or the only one thinking clearly as war looms? Or maybe he just wants to get home! We also explore: Did you know this chapter originally had a different title? Why EXACTLY did Bilbo give up the Arkenstone (and his part of the Treasure)? The morality of giving away the Arkenstone: is it just, betrayl, or is there a greater good? Gandalf’s ability to say enough to encourage and hope, but not let them off the hook for their involvement. In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: The most satisfying way to read The Hobbit: as it’s own non-Middle-earth story, as a LOTR prequel, or somewhere in the middle? How annoyed Jonathan is when fans force The Hobbit into precise MIddle-earth lore. 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

The talking birds bring news of the dragon’s demise to the dwarves–only to find a host of elves and men are coming to the mountain’s gate. Bard makes his claim for a portion of the treasure, but Thorin finds his reasons lacking–or is it just his lust for the treasure overtaking him? This episode, we look at: More (very old) talking birds Thorin’s “dragon sickness” — or is it his dwarven heart? Bard’s three reasons for having a claim to the treasure Who’s at fault for starting the battle?df What effect does the elves’ presence have on Thorin’s response? In our extended episode (available for our members) we talk about: Are we warming up to how Peter Jackson portrayed Thorin’s dragon sickness? Well…. How Thorin’s change in the films lessens his deathbed turn in the books. The most egregious change in The Hobbit films is… 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

You’d think the death of the dragon is is the climax of The Hobbit… right? In this chapter, Tolkien gives us action, destruction, and the rise of a new unlikely hero. We look at Bard’s big moment, the politics of Laketown in crisis, and what Tolkien’s original idea for Smaug’s demise actually entailed. , we geek out on Hobbit facts, Tolkien’s fondness for enchanted gems, and the curious significance of talking birds. We also look at: How Bard came out of nowhere, and whether the films were right to introduce him sooner All those talking birds! Smaug’s hydrophobia Why the old black arrow is the best arrow–and why might it be black? Tolkien’s love for alliteration, and the details that make this chapter so satisfying How the Elvenking is more like the elves of Middle-earth now. In our extended episode (available for our members), we discuss: Comments and feedback from our listeners on the Arkenstone How Tolkien’s distinction between magic and enchantment shapes the whole story If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Smaug is gone, so the Bilbo and the dwarves… just sit there?!  For a couple of days they do–and eventually they reach the treasures.  Bilbo, though, makes a choice to REALLY become the burglar when he sees the Arkenstone. We explore: The deep lore connection between the Arkenstone and the Silmarils. Bilbo’s big “burglar” moment—what are the moral implications of his decision to pocket the Arkenstone? How getting a glimpse of treasure suddenly fills the dwarves with unexpected courage (or maybe just classic dwarvish greed). Why Tolkien’s details about mithril, ancient armor, enchanted harps, and precious gems make Middle Earth feel so real. All the little moments and missed opportunities in Peter Jackson’s movie adaptation—what did the films completely mess up in this part of the story? In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into: Was the Arkenstone ever meant to be a Silmaril? We look deeper into Tolkien’s drafts and unique connections between Fëanors gems and the Dwarves greatest gem. If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Smaug is finally fully revealed! This week, we finish “Inside Information”, where Bilbo finally comes face-to-face with the unassessably wealthy dragon. We break down the wordplay Bilbo engages in as he denies Smaug his real name, Smaug’s memorable boasts, and how Bilbo manages to outwit Middle-earth’s greatest dragon (or maybe it’s just… luck?). We explore: Why names and riddles matter so much in Middle-earth (and how they protect Bilbo) How Tolkien redefined dragons for fantasy—leaving old fairy tale clichés behind The thrush’s “snail anvil,” Bilbo’s lucky break, and whether Tolkien’s worldbuilding is brilliant…or just a little too convenient Dwarven treasure: legendary loot or worldbuilding gold? In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into: The mystery of Erebor’s “most useless” door—and why it locks the party inside King Bladorthin: a video-game waiting to happen Tolkien video game adaptations: what works, what flops, and our dream Middle-earth game The famous Samwise monologue in Peter Jackson’s films—does it live up to Tolkien’s original? Here are the images we discussed in this episode: Mt Rainier The Lonely Mountain – Tolkien Conversation with Smaug – Tolkien Peter Jackson’s 2 Legged Smaug Dragonheart’s 4 Legged Dragon If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

The new game, Tales of the Shire was released last month after numerous delays… so, I took a bullet for the team and bought the game.  I livestreamed playing the game for the very first time earlier this week–and it was everything I thought it would be! Here’s the YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/HsU4yfM4g7U I review the game early in the review… but you can listen to the whole thing as “enjoy” this new experience after that. Make sure to become a member and join us for our monthly chats (membership is free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

Bilbo finally becomes a real burglar in this chapter, venturing alone into the heart of the Lonely Mountain as Thorin and company are once again exposed for the unprepared adventurers they are. Meanwhile, And Smaug the possessive is finally revealed. We also discuss: Our Hobbit Fact: The Lonely Mountain is a… Thorin’s continued lack of a plan Tolkien’s precise definition of dwarves–exactly what we’ve been looking for for a long time! The dwarves’ not-so-complicated relationship with heroism and treasure The intoxicating allure of Smaug’s hoard and its effect on dwarves… AND hobbits In our extended episode (available for our members), we dive deeper into: How much treasure did Smaug really have? Did Peter Jackson get it right? The dragon debate over two legs or four, and how Peter Jackson changed his mind (for the better?) We examine Tolkien’s depiction of smaug (linked below) in detail. Here are the images we discussed in this episode: Mt Rainier The Lonely Mountain – Tolkien Conversation with Smaug – Tolkien Peter Jackson’s 2 Legged Smaug Dragonheart’s 4 Legged Dragon If you’d like to hear the extended conversation and join upcoming live chats, become a member today (free for the first month)! 🔗 Episode Links The History of The Hobbit The Annotated Hobbit Join our Discord Community (for free) Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast Get the Extended Podcast Become a Patreon Member Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify 🔍 If You Like Tolkien The History of The Hobbit The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (audiobook) The Expanded Letters of JRR Tolkien (book) The Silmarillion The Children of Hurin The Atlas of Middle-earth Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat