The Tolkien Road
A long walk through Middle-earth! Join co-hosts John & Greta as they go chapter-by-chapter through The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and all of Tolkien's other works.
Episodes
July 28, 2025 • 40 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 23 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin.
With Doriath having fallen in Chapter 22, the remaining Elvish enclaves of Beleriand face increasing peril, and not even Gondolin can remain hidden from the forces of Morgoth forever!
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg26/
To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.
Also, I've just...
With Doriath having fallen in Chapter 22, the remaining Elvish enclaves of Beleriand face increasing peril, and not even Gondolin can remain hidden from the forces of Morgoth forever!
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg26/
To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.
Also, I've just...
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July 21, 2025 • 54 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 22 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Doriath!
“Of the Ruin of Doriath” is not one of the longer chapters in The Silmarillion, but it is packed with hugely significant events as we rapidly approach the climactic catastrophes of the First Age! It all picks up after the death of Túrin and Nienor, Húrin’s children.
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg25/
To su...
“Of the Ruin of Doriath” is not one of the longer chapters in The Silmarillion, but it is packed with hugely significant events as we rapidly approach the climactic catastrophes of the First Age! It all picks up after the death of Túrin and Nienor, Húrin’s children.
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg25/
To su...
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July 14, 2025 • 48 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 21 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Túrin Turambar.
The tale of Túrin Turambar is a long one, rivaling “Of Beren and Lúthien” and “Akallabêth” as the longest chapter in The Silmarillion. It is also quite tragic, as we shall see. After giving a bit of background on Túrin’s ancestry, it picks up where the last chapter left off, with Túrin’s father Húrin imprisoned in Angband. The chapter...
The tale of Túrin Turambar is a long one, rivaling “Of Beren and Lúthien” and “Akallabêth” as the longest chapter in The Silmarillion. It is also quite tragic, as we shall see. After giving a bit of background on Túrin’s ancestry, it picks up where the last chapter left off, with Túrin’s father Húrin imprisoned in Angband. The chapter...
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July 7, 2025 • 44 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 20 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad!After Beren and Lúthien’s excellent adventure, what could possibly come next? Only a great battle brimming with bloodshed and “Unnumbered Tears” of course! First though, Tolkien provides a brief epilogue for Beren and Lúthien, giving them a happy ending, though, in true Tolkienian fashion, leaving Melian with a “...
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June 30, 2025 • 98 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 19 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Beren and Lúthien.
In my view, “Of Beren and Lúthien” is the crown jewel of The Silmarillion. I love it so much I wrote a book about it. It was one of Tolkien’s favorites too, and it’s one of the longest chapters in The Silmarillion. It picks up where the last chapter left off, in the aftermath of the Battle of Sudden Flame.
Silm Guide Link: https://w...
In my view, “Of Beren and Lúthien” is the crown jewel of The Silmarillion. I love it so much I wrote a book about it. It was one of Tolkien’s favorites too, and it’s one of the longest chapters in The Silmarillion. It picks up where the last chapter left off, in the aftermath of the Battle of Sudden Flame.
Silm Guide Link: https://w...
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June 23, 2025 • 55 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 18 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin.
In Chapter 18, Angband breaks loose upon Beleriand. What ensues is the The Battle of Sudden Flame and its terrible aftermath.
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg21/
To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.
Enjoy!
OTHER LINKS:
Video of this episode: https://youtu....
In Chapter 18, Angband breaks loose upon Beleriand. What ensues is the The Battle of Sudden Flame and its terrible aftermath.
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg21/
To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.
Enjoy!
OTHER LINKS:
Video of this episode: https://youtu....
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June 17, 2025 • 63 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 17 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Coming of Men Into the West.
In Chapter 17, we learn of the first Men to enter into Beleriand. Furthermore, we learn about the beginnings of their relationship with the Elves, and what the term Edain means. By the way, this is the last relatively calm chapter in The Silmarillion. The stage has been set, and a lot of adventure, war, and destructio...
In Chapter 17, we learn of the first Men to enter into Beleriand. Furthermore, we learn about the beginnings of their relationship with the Elves, and what the term Edain means. By the way, this is the last relatively calm chapter in The Silmarillion. The stage has been set, and a lot of adventure, war, and destructio...
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June 2, 2025 • 52 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 16 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Maeglin.
“Of Maeglin” represents a shift in the style of The Silmarillion. While we had previously been dealing in something like a chronicle of the various Elves in Beleriand, with this chapter the scope becomes much narrower, and we focus in on the story of Aredhel, the sister of Turgon, and on the hidden city of Gondolin. “Of Maeglin” is one of th...
“Of Maeglin” represents a shift in the style of The Silmarillion. While we had previously been dealing in something like a chronicle of the various Elves in Beleriand, with this chapter the scope becomes much narrower, and we focus in on the story of Aredhel, the sister of Turgon, and on the hidden city of Gondolin. “Of Maeglin” is one of th...
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May 26, 2025 • 42 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 15 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Noldor in Beleriand.
In Chapter 15, Turgon establishes the secret and glorious realm of Gondolin, Galadriel becomes a handmaiden of Melian, and Thingol learns of the kinslaying!
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg18/
To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.
Enjoy!
OTHER LINKS:
Video of this episode: https:/...
In Chapter 15, Turgon establishes the secret and glorious realm of Gondolin, Galadriel becomes a handmaiden of Melian, and Thingol learns of the kinslaying!
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg18/
To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.
Enjoy!
OTHER LINKS:
Video of this episode: https:/...
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May 19, 2025 • 39 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 14 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Beleriand and Its Realms.
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg17/
To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.
Enjoy!
OTHER LINKS:
Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/AQCD0gBtfoE
Watch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/129220734/
Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/66825891/
Buy Tolkien Road merch @...
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg17/
To support our work here, please visit Patreon.com/TolkienRoad.
Enjoy!
OTHER LINKS:
Video of this episode: https://youtu.be/AQCD0gBtfoE
Watch AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/129220734/
Listen AD-FREE: https://www.patreon.com/posts/66825891/
Buy Tolkien Road merch @...
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May 12, 2025 • 53 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 13 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Return of the Noldor.
The action really picks back up in Chapter 13: a faceoff between Fëanor and Balrogs, the capture and torment of Maedhros, a confrontation with Thingol, and to top it all, Melkor introduces a dragon into the mix!
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta a...
The action really picks back up in Chapter 13: a faceoff between Fëanor and Balrogs, the capture and torment of Maedhros, a confrontation with Thingol, and to top it all, Melkor introduces a dragon into the mix!
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta a...
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May 5, 2025 • 43 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 12 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Men.
Yes, Chapter 12 introduces a mysterious new intelligent species to Middle-earth - the Atani, that is, the mortal people of mankind - and speaks of their first contact with the Elves of Beleriand.
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022.
While you...
Yes, Chapter 12 introduces a mysterious new intelligent species to Middle-earth - the Atani, that is, the mortal people of mankind - and speaks of their first contact with the Elves of Beleriand.
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022.
While you...
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April 28, 2025 • 60 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 11 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor.
With the hurricane of catastrophes brought on by Morgoth’s murder of the Two Trees subsiding, the dust is settling, and the Valar have some decisions to make. Chapter 11 of The Silmarillion deals with the creation of the Sun and the Moon following the disasters in the Blessed Realm, as well as the hiding of...
With the hurricane of catastrophes brought on by Morgoth’s murder of the Two Trees subsiding, the dust is settling, and the Valar have some decisions to make. Chapter 11 of The Silmarillion deals with the creation of the Sun and the Moon following the disasters in the Blessed Realm, as well as the hiding of...
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April 21, 2025 • 53 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 10 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Sindar.
The Noldor, led by Fëanor, have re-entered Beleriand in pursuit of Morgoth and the Silmarils. This chapter brings us up to speed with the Elves that already inhabit Beleriand, especially the people of King Elwë Thingol (a.k.a. the Sindar) and what has transpired in the long span of years since their brethren departed Beleriand for the Ble...
The Noldor, led by Fëanor, have re-entered Beleriand in pursuit of Morgoth and the Silmarils. This chapter brings us up to speed with the Elves that already inhabit Beleriand, especially the people of King Elwë Thingol (a.k.a. the Sindar) and what has transpired in the long span of years since their brethren departed Beleriand for the Ble...
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April 14, 2025 • 81 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 9 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of The Flight Of The Noldor.
With Melkor and Ungoliant having slain the Two Trees and stolen the Silmarils, Chapter 9 concerns the consequences of these actions for the Valar and the Elves, as well as the fate of Ungoliant.
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back...
With Melkor and Ungoliant having slain the Two Trees and stolen the Silmarils, Chapter 9 concerns the consequences of these actions for the Valar and the Elves, as well as the fate of Ungoliant.
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back...
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April 7, 2025 • 53 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 8 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Darkening of Valinor.
In Chapter 8, the bliss of Valinor comes to a sudden end as Melkor unleashes his sinister plot with the aid of the horrifying monster Ungoliant.
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022.
While you're listening, check out SilmGu...
In Chapter 8, the bliss of Valinor comes to a sudden end as Melkor unleashes his sinister plot with the aid of the horrifying monster Ungoliant.
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022.
While you're listening, check out SilmGu...
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March 31, 2025 • 67 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 7 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor.
In Chapter 7, we learn what the Silmarils are, where they came from, and how clouds begin to gather over the blessed realm of Valinor.
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022.
While you're listening, check ou...
In Chapter 7, we learn what the Silmarils are, where they came from, and how clouds begin to gather over the blessed realm of Valinor.
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022.
While you're listening, check ou...
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March 24, 2025 • 65 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 6 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor.
Chapter 6 is really the quiet calm before the storm. All hell is about to break loose. Yet first, we must become acquainted with the great Fëanor, one of the most significant characters in the whole Middle-earth legedarium, and also understand how Melkor escapes bondage and comes once again to freedom.
Over the next...
Chapter 6 is really the quiet calm before the storm. All hell is about to break loose. Yet first, we must become acquainted with the great Fëanor, one of the most significant characters in the whole Middle-earth legedarium, and also understand how Melkor escapes bondage and comes once again to freedom.
Over the next...
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March 17, 2025 • 55 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 5 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië.
In Chapter 5, we come to find out how the three Elvish peoples (the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri) came to Aman, the Blessed Realm. We also learn a great deal more about the Noldor and the Teleri, and about the personalities of these groups of Elves. The princes of the Noldor, in particular, start to come i...
In Chapter 5, we come to find out how the three Elvish peoples (the Vanyar, the Noldor, and the Teleri) came to Aman, the Blessed Realm. We also learn a great deal more about the Noldor and the Teleri, and about the personalities of these groups of Elves. The princes of the Noldor, in particular, start to come i...
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March 10, 2025 • 49 mins
Hey there, fellow travelers!
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 4 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Thingol and Melian!
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022.
And while you're listening, check out SilmGuide.com for guides to individual chapters.
Chapter 4 of The Silmarillion is a short and succinct “boy-meets-girl” story...
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 4 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Thingol and Melian!
Over the next several months, we'll be continuing to revisit the entire 30-episode Silmarillion series that Greta and I recorded back in 2022.
And while you're listening, check out SilmGuide.com for guides to individual chapters.
Chapter 4 of The Silmarillion is a short and succinct “boy-meets-girl” story...
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