The Last Homely House

Building off our discussion last time on good doing evil and evil doing good, our hosts ask the question "Who in Middle Earth is Truly Irredeemable?" Is anyone ever truly too far gone? Or is there always a possibility for redemption?

We talk about a recently released (or re-released) interview with Tolkien in which he talk about "the most tragic moment" in the Lord of the Rings. This leads into discussion about good doing evil (and evil doing good).

There's more Season 3 to talk about and we're focusing on Sauron, his battle with the Balrog, and his continued (and varied) relationships with Celebrimbor and Galadriel.

We've already talked about the teaser trailer that dropped at SDCC. But there have been a few more behind-the-scenes looks at TRoP season 3. We chat about a few of them this week and (try to) ask "How could they do this well?"

We wrap up our short series on characterized forests in Middle Earth with a little jaunt through Lothlorien, a perilous slice of Valinor preserved in Middle Earth.

Last week we talked about the Old Forest and Ron suggested that maybe trees are just bad by nature. This week, we take a look at a few other forests (Mirkwood/Greenwood and Fangorn) and consider what makes those forests unique from one another (and from the Old Forest).

Our recent conversation about Ents has us thinking about the trees and forests of Middle-Earth. In this episode, we talk about the Old Forest, its characterization by Tolkien, and how it got so bad.

Wrapping up our economics series, we move to the northern kingdom of Arnor, talking about how it differed from Gondor and how we might see links between Arnor and other northern towns (like Bree). We then conclude with the economics of Rohan. (spoiler: they like horses!)

We pick back up with our series on vocation in Middle Earth by talking about the economics of Numenor and about what changed when the people of Numenor established Gondor.

One episode just wasn't enought! We continue our discussion about the TRoP season 3 teaser trailer. (With our apologies for the delayed release!)

Our hosts take ANOTHER break from our current series to talk about the new Rings of Power teaser trailer that dropped at San Diego ComicCon this week. What stood out to you the most? What are you the most excited to see this season?

A previously unreleased letter from Tolkien was recently made public that, among other things, confirms that there were Ents in the Shire (at Gandalf's request). Our hosts talk about this new letter and how it helps us appreciate Tolkien's characters and stories in new ways.

Continuing our series (and picking up on the discussion of Shire economics) our hosts venture under the mountains to discuss what sorts of jobs might be prominant in Dwarven society (and what might motivate the differences between dwarves and hobbits). After this, we shift our focus (and the meaning of "vocation") as we discuss the Elves and their callings.

Getting a little more serious on the topic of vocation, we try to actually answer the listener-submitted question: where did Bilbo (and his family) get their money from? What did he do for work (if anything)? This leads us into broader questions about the nature of the whole Shire economy and what sorts of jobs other Hobbits might be found doing.

In response to a listen question (submitted over a year ago...our bad), we begin a series of episodes exploring vocation in Middle-Earth. We start off with a (fairly unserious) look at how a few members of the Fellowship might fair in an interview. Who do you think would get the job? Let us know in the comments!

A few weeks ago (in an official document on AI and Human Dignity) Pope Leo XIV quoted Gandalf. Our hosts talk a little bit about this quote, about how Tolkien might have felt about AI, and then more broadly about how Tolkien's works continue to inform and influence our world (and our lives).

Sometimes the strongest and safest places in Middle Earth aren't its grand towers and fortresses, but instead are hidden places, secluded woods, and the like. What makes these places special? How are they distinct from the fortresses where evil lurks and the strongholds of men?

Continuing on last week's discussion, we pivot to talk about the Strongholds that are built to defy evil lords, to defend the free people, and as bastions of hope in Middle Earth.

Our hosts begin a three week series on fortresses, strongholds, and safe havens in Middle Earth. This week, the Dark Fortresses where evil hides and plots.

We kick off this episode with an exciting announcement (!!!) and then move into a chat about notable second-borns in Tolkien's world.