In this episode, I dive deep into the ongoing debate surrounding Rings of Power and respond to the popular sentiment: "If you don’t like it, don’t watch it." As a long-time fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, I explain why walking away isn’t an option for those of us who care deeply about the legacy of Middle-earth. We’ll explore how Rings of Power has failed to capture the heart of Tolkien’s world, why thoughtful criticism is essential, and why this show matters for both long-time fans and...

Watched Rings of Power Season 2 and want to go back to "read the book"? Well, it's not so simple! In this episode I outline 7 different sources for you to read the tale of the Second Age, from the quickest reads in the appendices to Lord of the Rings, to newly edited and published resources. Find links to purchase (on Amazon) any of these resources below or at this episode's page: ringspodcast.com/181 Appendix A and B in The Lord of the RingsThe SilmarillionUnfinished Tales of Númenor and...

My unprepared, un-researched thoughts on the opening sequence of Rings of Power season 2, and all of its connections to the Ring Verse printed in JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Find the main Lore of the Rings feed at ringspodcast.com. Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished...

In this special episode, I sit down with Dave from Lorehounds, one of the fellow hosts joining me for The Ultimate Review of Rings of Power Season 2 live event! We chat about what you can expect from the event, how it all came together, and why I wanted to capture the spirit of the Inklings—those rich, thought-provoking conversations—by bringing in a variety of voices and perspectives. Whether you loved or had mixed feelings about Rings of Power, this event promises a deep dive and lively...

The greatest battle. The greatest romance. The greatest deception. The greatest smithying. The greatest of great greats that were ever greated! Yes, today will be another rough one, my fellow wanderer. Together we will explore and review episode 7 “Doomed to Die” from Rings of Power season 2. And surprise, surprise, I am not a fan of this episode. Follow the primary Lore of the Rings podcast feed at ringspodcast.com. Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on...

Find the primary Lore of the Rings podcast feed at ringspodcast.com. Explore Rings of Power season 2 episode 6 "Where is He?" by comparing scene-by-scene with one of J.R.R. Tolkien's core storytelling principles: the "inner consistency of reality." This concept, taken from Tolkien's famous essay "On Fairy Stories," is used as a lens to review an episode of Rings of Power. Analyze inconsistencies in character motivations, plot logic, and the internal rules of Middle-earth as presented in the...

Find the primary Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com Dive deep into the music of The Rings of Power Season 2, focusing on three mystical songs tied to one of the most enigmatic figures in Tolkien's Middle-earth—Tom Bombadil. Discover the rich connection between music and creation in Middle-earth, and explore the lore behind “Old Tom Bombadil,” “The River Daughter,” and a special reprise sung by both Tom and the Stranger. We'll analyze Tolkien’s own lyrics, featured prominently in...

Find the primary Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com Today we are reviewing season 2, episode 5, “Halls of Stone” from Amazon's Rings of Power. We’re going deep into ring lore, Numenor’s religious ceremonies, letters begging for help, and the vastness of Middle-earth as it’s not portrayed in this episode.   Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic...

Find the primary Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com Review for Rings of Power Season 2 episode 4 "Eldest". Elrond and Galadriel lead a band of elves to Eregion, uncovering dark mysteries and the unexpected return of barrow-wights, while The Stranger encounters Tom Bombadil, the enigmatic "Eldest" of Middle-earth, whose peculiar wisdom and detachment from the conflicts of power offer new questions rather than answers. Meanwhile, Nori and Poppy meet a new Halfling friend, and Arondir...

Find the main Lore of the Rings episode at ringspodcast.com. Explore some of the most intriguing scenes and storylines from Rings of Power Season 2 episode 3. From the disturbing revelation that orcs eat horses to the show's new take on Shelob's lair, and from the introduction of new Númenórean characters to the portrayal of ancient Numenor rituals, we dive into how the series aligns with and deviates from Tolkien's legendary lore. We also spotlight Annatar's manipulation in Eregion, Durin...

Find the main podcast feed for Lore of the Rings at ringspodcast.com Dive deep into the mysterious figure of Annatar, the "Lord of Gifts," whose true identity is set to be revealed in the most shocking twist yet. Join us as we explore Annatar's deceptive schemes, his manipulation of the Elves, and the looming threat that could change the fate of Middle-earth forever. From his enchanting promises to the sinister reality behind his intentions, discover how Annatar's revelation could unravel the...

Rings of Power is back! Today, I'm breaking down the good, the bad, the lore faithfulness, and all the little Easter egg connections in Episode 1 of Season 2, titled 'Elven Kings Under the Sky.' From light to darkness, good to bad, we'll explore it all. Plus, I've got a few spots where ChatGPT could have given the screenwriters a hand! Stick around to the end to hear my scoring on this episode—it may surprise you! Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com Embark on an...

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com In this episode, we take a moment to address a growing concern within the Tolkien fandom as Amazon’s Rings of Power Season 2 premieres today. While excitement is high, the online discourse has revealed a troubling trend of negativity and division among fans. Join me as I explore how we can critique thoughtfully, stay true to Tolkien’s values, and, above all, strive to kindle a new light in our shared love for Middle-earth.

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com My guest today is Marilyn R. Pukkila: academic, author, and prolific podcaster. My introduction to her was through her podcast, called Rings and Rituals. There, she seeks to uncover what the various rituals can reveal about the different cultures portrayed in the Amazon Prime show Rings of Power.

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com. Ready for more Rings of Power? Let's hope Amazon has been able to turn the story around! I give you my reactions to the first teaser trailer for season 2, including some good points and what's making me nervous. Can Rings of Power adapt JRR Tolkien's works in an enchanting story? I'm not convinced.

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com In this episode, we dive deep into the dramatic finale of "The Rings of Power" Season 1. We explore Galadriel's pivotal choices, including the sacrifice of her treasured dagger, which symbolizes a profound shift from vengeance to creation. We'll discuss the forging of the Three Elven Rings, their significance, and how they connect to Tolkien's broader lore. We'll also say farewell to the Harfoots as the Stranger reveals more about...

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com In today's episode, we dive back into Eregion, where Celebrimbor and Halbrand attempt to alloy mithril, while Galadriel starts to uncover Halbrand's true identity. As the story unfolds, tensions rise between Galadriel and Halbrand, leading to a shocking revelation. We also explore the mysterious cultists and their connection to the Stranger, touching on themes of choice, power, and ancient lore from Tolkien's writings. Join us as we...

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com In this episode, we dive into the season finale of "Rings of Power", titled "Alloyed." We explore the concept of alloying, both in the literal creation of the Rings and in the deeper, symbolic meaning behind the title. We analyze the significant events, including the mysterious identity of the Stranger, the questionable timeline of Galadriel and Halbrand's journey, and the perplexing moments in Eregion as Celebrimbor works to save...

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com In Episode 7 of Rings of Power, the spell of enchantment seems broken. Before diving into the episode’s specifics, we explore Tolkien's essay "On Fairy Stories," where he discusses the essence of great fantasy as something that transcends the "willing suspension of disbelief" to achieve true enchantment. Unfortunately, this episode falls short of that mark. We'll examine where the series stumbles—particularly in the inconsistent...

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com This episode stands out as my favorite so far, filled with emotional highs and some fascinating easter eggs. While not without flaws like unclear character motivations and continuity issues, the episode offers moments of laughter, tears, and joy. I dive into the clever inversions of iconic scenes from The Lord of the Rings, explore hidden references, and discuss Sauron's possible motivations as hinted at by Adar. Join me as I unpack...

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com Explore the mysterious characters and controversial lore introduced in Rings of Power. We delve into the true identity of Adar, the enigmatic Stranger, and discuss the new mithril origin story. Is Adar really Sauron? Could the Stranger be Gandalf? And does the controversial mithril tale align with Tolkien's themes? Join us as we unpack these questions, critique the portrayal of Númenor, and consider the deeper implications for...

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com We explore the lore in Amazon's Rings of Power episode 4: The Great Wave. Númenor's White Tree Nimloth, the mysterious sword hilt, Orcish emotions, mithril, and more! With a bonus: is Halbrand connected to Aragorn?

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com Rings of Power Season 1, Episode 3 "Adar". We dive deep into the rich lore of Númenor, one of the most iconic realms in Tolkien’s legendarium. Númenor, often called the “Land of the Star,” is a powerful island kingdom gifted to the Edain for their service to the Elves in the First Age. We explore its fascinating history, from its founding by Elros, the brother of Elrond, to its tragic downfall. Learn about the unique geography of the...

Find the main Lore of the Rings podcast at ringspodcast.com The much-anticipated Rings of Power has finally arrived, and today we dive into the first episode of season 1, “A Shadow of the Past.” Join us as we explore the lore and Easter eggs hidden throughout the premiere, from the echoes of Tolkien's world to the subtle nods that true fans will appreciate. Whether you're familiar with the stories of Middle-earth or just beginning your journey, this episode will enrich your understanding of...