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
October 20, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor as we explore “The Life of Númenoreans.” In this section, we’ll learn about the every day life of the men and women of the Star-Land, according to Tolkien! Join us!
And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe it’ll change...
And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe it’ll change...
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October 13, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor as we explore “The Natural Life of Númenor.” In this section, we’ll learn about the beasts, birds, plants, and other natural phenomena of Númenor, according to Tolkien! Join us!
And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe...
And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe...
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October 6, 2025 • 29 mins
In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "The Geography of Númenor". How big was the Land of Gift? What was it like? Did it have any cities? In the latest episode, we’re going to cover everything you ever wanted to know about the Star-Land itself. Join us!
And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Seco...
And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Seco...
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September 29, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "SA32 » The Edain Reach Númenor", in whch we’ll learn about the people who became Númenoreans, the various figures that aided them in establishing Númenor, and how they came to Númenor in the first place. Join us!
If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic ...
If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic ...
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September 22, 2025 • 26 mins
In this episode, we’ll be exploring the “Foundation of the Grey Havens and of Lindon” in Year 1 of the Second Age. Topics include the overthrow of Morgoth, Thranduil (father of Legolas), Gil-galad, Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond, and Elros. Join us!
If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want ...
If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want ...
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September 16, 2025 • 27 mins
In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "Before the Second Age", a summary of the major events leading up to the story of Númenor.
If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this.
And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the...
If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this.
And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the...
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September 8, 2025 • 26 mins
In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with the volume's introduction, titled "The Saga of a Dark Age".
If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this.
And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concer...
If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this.
And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concer...
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September 1, 2025 • 30 mins
We’re bringing back one of our most popular journeys: our series on The Fall of Númenor! If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this.
And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Se...
And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Se...
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August 25, 2025 • 11 mins
Hey there, fellow travelers! I’ve got some exciting news: my new book Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age is finally here.
This has been years in the making. In fact, when I first started outlining it, Amazon’s Rings of Power series hadn’t even been announced. Now we’re two seasons in, and I think this book offers insights that are more timely than ever.
The full text is almost finished, but ...
This has been years in the making. In fact, when I first started outlining it, Amazon’s Rings of Power series hadn’t even been announced. Now we’re two seasons in, and I think this book offers insights that are more timely than ever.
The full text is almost finished, but ...
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August 18, 2025 • 72 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey concludes with Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age!
The last chapter of The Silmarillion is a synoptic account of the Second and Third Ages which focuses upon the legends of the Rings of Power, all the way through the events of the late Third Age depicted in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It's something like a 50,000 foot view of the whole mass of Middle-earth's history after the First Age, r...
The last chapter of The Silmarillion is a synoptic account of the Second and Third Ages which focuses upon the legends of the Rings of Power, all the way through the events of the late Third Age depicted in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It's something like a 50,000 foot view of the whole mass of Middle-earth's history after the First Age, r...
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August 11, 2025 • 74 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Akallabêth - the Downfall of Númenor!
“Akallabêth” is the synoptic account of Númenor in the Second Age of Middle-earth. This account spans almost 3500 years of history. It begins with the establishment of Númenor by Elros (brother of Elrond), and ends with the destruction of the island kingdom when its last king attempts to assail The Blessed Realm.
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroa...
“Akallabêth” is the synoptic account of Númenor in the Second Age of Middle-earth. This account spans almost 3500 years of history. It begins with the establishment of Númenor by Elros (brother of Elrond), and ends with the destruction of the island kingdom when its last king attempts to assail The Blessed Realm.
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroa...
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August 4, 2025 • 62 mins
Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 24 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath!
In Chapter 24, the First Age comes to a cataclysmic end, as a hero undertakes a desperate journey to Valinor, and the powers of Aman gather for a transoceanic assault on the forces and strongholds of Morgoth!
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg27/
To support our work here, please visit ...
In Chapter 24, the First Age comes to a cataclysmic end, as a hero undertakes a desperate journey to Valinor, and the powers of Aman gather for a transoceanic assault on the forces and strongholds of Morgoth!
Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmguide/sg27/
To support our work here, please visit ...
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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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