We discuss Tolkien’s attitudes about his fans, critical interpretation & reader response to his works, and adaptation.
Episodes
New episodes semi-monthly!
Find us on Spotify
Find us on Apple Podcasts
Find us on Google Podcasts
Latest Episode
Queer Readings: Eowyn & Faramir Part 2 – Faramir
Episode 10.5 – Tolkien Reading Day 2023 Bonus Episode
Reading some of our favourite Tolkien poems: ‘The Mewlips’ (1962), ‘Progress in Bimble Town’ (1931), and ‘Errantry’ (1933).
Episode 10 – Masculinities of Middle-earth
Masculinity, patriarchy, and gender roles in Middle-earth, with a specific focus on Aldarion, Faramir, Aragorn, and Elrond.
Episode 9 – ‘Black Fingon’ with Megan B. Abrahamson & Maria K. Alberto
Megan Abrahamson and Maria Alberto discuss their in-progress research into Black fan art depictions of the elf Fingon
Episode 8 – Special Guest Taylor Driggers
We welcome Taylor Driggers, author and scholar, to discuss the intersections between christian faith, fantasy, and queerness.
Episode 7 – Silvergifting
We look at ‘ Silvergifting’ (Sauron/Celebrimbor) fan fiction. After an intro to fan fiction and its history, we do a few readings of fics.
Episode 6 – Queer Readings: Galadriel Part 2
A deep-dive discussion of Galadriels’s flaws and journey to redemption. Pride, colonialism, revenge, sub-creation, and kinship with Feanor.
Episode 5 – Rings of Power Season 1 Discussion, Part 2
Part 2 of Season 1 of ‘Rings of Power’. We examine how the series depicts elves & gender roles, “Incel Sauron”, and Queer representation.
Episode 4 – Rings of Power Season 1 Discussion, Part 1
Finally discussing the Tolkien event of the year – the first season of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’. We start by giving each of our wide-ranging reviews of the series, then get into the divisive fan response and resulting challenges with talking about the series in public spaces. And we analyze how the series depicts race, gender, disability, and their intersection, as well as representations of ‘the other’.
Start Listening Today!
Check out our archive of previous episodes and subscribe on your favorite podcast distributor. Join us on social media for sneak peeks at upcoming episodes and Tolkien memes.