0252 - Birds of Middle-earth: Swans, Eagles, Crows, Thrushes - Interview with Ornithologist Jon Rice
Release Date: 08/16/2021
0264 » Shocking Surprises from The Nature of Middle-earth » Gandalf, Hobbits, Eagles, Beards, more
The Tolkien Road
In episode 264, we discuss some truly surprising new details from The Nature of Middle-earth. Seriously mind-blowing stuff here, including Gandalf's appearance, the race of hobbits, Aragorn's beard, the nature of Eagles, and more!
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0263 » LOTR on Prime » The Most Important Question (Also, Our 2022 Plan!)
The Tolkien Road
At the end of the day, ONE thing matters more than anything else when it comes to LOTR on Prime...
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0262 » The Kings of Númenor » Unfinished Tales » The Line of Elros » LOTR on Prime » Ar-Pharazôn
The Tolkien Road
In this episode, we take a close look at "The Line of Elros: Kings of Númenor" from Unfinished Tales! It’s a brief and fascinating account of the 3000 year history of Númenor, and contains a lot that needs to be unpacked! Join us!
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0261 » The Silmarillion » A Tale of Two Endings » Keith Mathison » Middle-earth Eschatology
The Tolkien Road
In episode 261, we're discussing Tolkien's ORIGINAL and far more detailed ending to The Silmarillion. We're delighted to be joined once again by Keith Mathison!
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0260 » The Fool's Hope » Of Gandalf and Pippin in Minas Tirith
The Tolkien Road
In episode 260, we discuss Gandalf's famous characterization of Frodo's quest: "a fool's hope". Why did he say that? Why is it significant he was saying that to Pippin? What is the broader significance of that line for the work and for Middle-earth (and our reality) in general?
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0259 » Carl Hostetter » The Nature of Middle-earth » Theological and Metaphysical Themes
The Tolkien Road
In episode 259, we sit down once again with Carl Hostetter, editor of the latest volume of JRR Tolkien's writings, The Nature of Middle-earth.
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0258 - Defeating Evil » A Middle-earth Guide
The Tolkien Road
So Lord of the Rings, according to Tolkien, is Catholic. SO WHAT??? On this episode, we explain why this matters, and what Tolkien was getting at...
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0257 - Guilty Pleasures » Athrabeth, Enya, Estel, The Shadow, Consolation, and more!
The Tolkien Road
In episode 257, we discuss Athrabeth, Enya, Estel, The Shadow, Consolation, and more! Join us!
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0256 - The Nature of Middle-earth, The Wheel of Time, LOTRonPrime, LOTR film flaws, Verisimilitude, Elendil, etc
The Tolkien Road
In episode 256, we discuss The Nature of Middle-earth, The Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan / Carl Hostetter resemblance, LOTRonPrime theories, LOTR films criticisms, The Council of Elrond, and more!
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0255 - Lord of the Rings "Religious and Catholic" » What Did Tolkien Mean?
The Tolkien Road
Did Tolkien really say that the Lord of the Rings is “fundamentally religious and Catholic”? What did he mean by that? Join us as we explore the topic.
info_outlineBirds play a massive, iconic role in the legendarium of Middle-earth. From the great Eagles that always seem to appear at the most eucatastrophic moments to the tiny Thrush that proves the downfall of Smaug, Tolkien's love for birds seems to rise to the level of his love for languages and trees!
A few months ago, long-time listener, patron, and ornithologist Jonathan Rice sent us a lengthy email about swans, crows, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. It was so interesting that we decided to have Jonathan join us and discuss the role of birds in Middle-earth as well as the accuracy of Tolkien's depictions of birds. This is a fascinating interview, so do yourself a favor and join us!
ARTWORK Fingon rescues Maedhros by rinthcog: https://www.deviantart.com/rinthcog/art/Fingon-rescues-Maedhros-252351769
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:
- Andrew T
- John R
- Ms. Anonymous
CONTENTS
- How Jonathan became an Ornithologist
- Swans, Ulmo, the Teleri
- Black Swan Theory
- Crows / Crebain
- Seagulls, Thrushes, Dragons, Fellbeasts (patron-only)
LINKS
- Ornithology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornithology
- Black Swan Theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_swan_theory
- Kingfisher: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingfisher
SPECIAL THANKS:
Andrew T
John R
Ms. Anonymous
Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
Shannon S
Brian O
Emilio P
Zeke F
James A
James L
Chris L
Chuck F
Asya V
Ish of the Hammer
Teresa C
David of Pints with Jack
Jonathan D
Eric S
Joey S
Eric B
Johanna T
Mike M
Robert H
Paul D
Julia
Werty