David and John discuss the Valaquenta, Tolkien’s introduction to the pantheon of divine entities that rule his world. After a quick breakdown of which characters to pay attention to, David and John are joined by Tolkien Scholar Marilyn R. Pukkila to discuss the themes of this passage and the Silmarillion as a whole. Finally, they answer listener feedback.
David has returned and his veil has been lifted! David and John discussed their hot takes for Episode 8 and then deep dive into the lore around Sauron’s near redemption, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the coming of the Istari. They tied up the episode with some listener feedback about accents, character motivations, and the reception of the show before discussing the future plans for the Lorehounds.
John was joined by Aron from Bald Move to discuss the whereabouts of Celeborn, the words of Meteor Man, and production updates on Season 2. John received the last audio diary from David before he returns for the season finale next week. Then, Craig from the Legendarium Podcast and John discussed their thoughts on the Silmarillion, Silmaril Trees, and Uncle Benjen’s transformation into an Orc. Finally, Aron and John took on some listener feedback.
John was joined by Aron from Bald Move to discuss orcs, Mount Doom, and their general feelings on the season. John received another audio diary from David with some thoughts on this episode. Then, Tolkien scholar Marilyn R. Pukkila and John discussed the themes of the Second Age and Tolkien’s approach to magic. Finally, Aron and John took on some listener feedback.
John was joined by Jim from Bald Move to discuss Elrond’s father Eärendil the Mariner, the origins of Mithril, and John’s beef about the status of the Silmarils. John received a surprise audio diary from David with some thoughts on this episode. Then, Tolkien scholar Marilyn R. Pukkila and John discussed the Palantíri and their role in Tolkien’s legendarium. Finally, Jim and John took on some listener feedback before John hosted the “Spoilore” feedback segment of the Lorecast.
John was joined by Jim from Bald Move to discuss the Fallen Elves of the First Age and the origins of Dwarves. David made a surprise guest appearance from the Southlands to explain who owns which screen rights to Tolkien’s legendarium. Then, Tolkien scholar Marilyn R. Pukkila and John discussed the first few episodes of the new series. Lastly, Jim and John took on some listener feedback before John hosted the first “Spoilore” feedback segment of the Lorecast.
David and John discuss Tolkien’s concept of “Canons of Literary Art” and discuss how to measure if an adaptation runs true to its source. Then, they play a little catchup on some lore & context from Episodes 1 and 2 and answer a listener question before going in for a deep dive on the Island of Numenor!
David and John explore the history of the Trees of Valinor seen in the prologue to S01E01 of The Rings of Power. The Lorehounds then do a deep dive into the life of Finrod, Galadriel’s brother and her primary motivation in the show. And what in Middle-earth did Meteor Man say to Nori? The guys have some ideas.
David and John take the stage on the Bald Move Discord server to give their hot takes on the premiere of the first two episodes of The Rings of Power. Aron joins the Lorehounds to give some of his opening thoughts on the series, and audience questions lead the conversation into some deep lore territory.
David and John have finished their deep dive into the Second Age in preparation for Season 1 of the Rings of Power. Aron joins them to discuss recent news, answer listener feedback and to talk about what’s next for the Lorehounds. BONUS Segment: David interviews Librarian Emeritus Marilyn R. Pukkila about Tolkien’s fellowship with the TCBS.