Mythgard's Exploring The Lord of the Rings

As the howls on the wind close in around the hilltop, the hobbits reflect on their history.

Join us as we listed to Gandalf telling Boromir he told him so.

The Council on the Knees of Caradhras approaches its sudden end, amidst portents and people answering the wrong question.

Let's go back to Aragorn's foretelling, and then return to Aragorn's interruption of a tense moment.

The reviews on the Moria Plan are in, and they vary pretty widely.

Compare and contrast: Moria and the Dark Tower. Discuss.

Tonight we return to Boromir's unusually insistent push-back against Gandalf's route suggestion.

It is high time that Boromir had his say at this Council.

The Council Near the Knees of Caradhras continues, and the Vague Fear is revealed!

It is time for the Company to confront their unattractive travel options.

Tonight we begin a new chapter! Let's go to Moria! Or, at least, start talking about it.

What are the consequences of the failure at Caradhras? What does it mean?

Tonight we think through some of the company's final thoughts about the Caradhras incident.

Tonight, we get to see Caradhras's farewell present. (Hint: It isn't spoons.) Esplora il podcast

Great men have no spades. Great men need no spades.

Having thought some about Legolas's abilities, we need to consider his attitude.

In what way, exactly, do you think elves are most like otters?

The Company has survived the snowstorm, but can they escape Caradhras?

It is time to tackle the snow. With wit and panache!

The choice between fire and death quickly approaches. Boromir can't take it anymore.

"I'd like to hear more about Boromir, Dad. He was very wise when the Company was stuck in the snow, wasn't he, Dad?"

Gandalf exposes himself on a mountaintop. We need to discuss this.

The snow is mounting and the Company is beset. Anxiety is intense.

It is time for the first and least desperate remedy against the storm.

Tolkien equals Bilbo himself today, and ExLOTR turns six!

How long has the arm of Sauron actually grown, do we think?

This evening, we get to watch Tolkien reimagine a moment from The Hobbit. Let's see what we notice!

A fine, scenic snowfall graces the Company as they begin their ascent.

So, let's head up the mountai-- INTERRUPTING WARRIOR!

The decision has been made, and it is time to head towards the Redhorn Gate!

What do we learn about how Gandalf and Aragorn are choosing their road? What matters most to them?

As we approach the mountains, we overhear some quiet controversy.

So, what exactly is the shadow in the sky?

Tonight the journey continues South through Hollin.

The journey continues, with hobbit commentary.

So, what's up with the birds? What does it mean?

What is the meaning of the birds? Let's discuss Aragorn's reaction.

Sam and Strider spot a suspicious sight.

Tonight we look at the first of several ominous and mysterious warnings we hear about in Hollin.

Tonight we watch as Strider protects the Company by stalwartly preventing fun.

Legolas speaks to the trees, but the rocks aren't interested.

07/19/2022 ELOTR: EPISODE 233 Announcements: The Tolkien Professor will be a guest at the SDCC panel on the Amazon series: The Rings of Power. Check available listings for con schedules and media releases. Registration for Buckeyemoot in person has expired but you can still go to https://signumuniversity.org/event/ for details on how to attend BuckeyeMoot virtually on MootHub. IN WHICH: We discuss Gimli, son of Gloin a dwarf of honor, and the Misty Mountains that lie ahead. Field Trip: Yondershire Long Cleeve

07/05/2022 ELOTR: EPISODE 232 Announcements: Buckeye Moot will close registration on 07/16, so if you’re planning to attend on 07/30, get your badges and hybrid keys soon! Check https://signumuniversity.org/event/ for details on how to attend live and virtually on MootHub. Also, Professor Olsen has confirmed an upcoming book! Exploring Lord of the Rings Volume 1 (covering Book 1: a Long-Expected Party to Flight to the Ford) will be published through Signum Press here: https://press.signumuniversity.org/. More details as they arise. IN WHICH: Gimli introduces the company to the peaks and we hear some secret Dwarven names. Field Trip: Yondershire Gammich

Tonight we get Gandalf's first official Pippin moment, followed by Gimli's first big speech!

What is the hobbit view of this new road trip? How does it differ from the other two?

We emerge from a long trudge conveyed in few paragraphs to the borders of a new land. What does Tolkien convey about it, and how?

ELOTR: EPISODE 228 Announcements: This years Mythmoot will be at the Dulles Airport Marriot. There is a cap on attendance and a deadline, so please register before June 9th. Check https://signumuniversity.org/event/ for details. IN WHICH: We see our first glimpses outside of Rivendell and discuss the “ticking clock” trope and the importance of the fellowship’s lineup. Field Trip: Angle of Mitheithel, Fernbrake Cot

Tonight we get to the battle of aphorisms between Elrond and Gimli! Free agency? Oaths? What's the best course?

Tonight we depart Rivendell at last. For real! Probably.

ELOTR Episode 225 Announcements: If you are among our listeners who play Lord of the Rings Online, then you don’t want to miss their 15 year anniversary. With a plethora of presents and freebies, there’s too much to post here so check out https://www.lotro.com/news/lotro-15th... for more info. Also, planning is going ahead for more regional moots and Mythmoots. Check https://signumuniversity.org/event/ for details. IN WHICH: Elrond leaves his final words of wisdom with the departing company. Field Trip: Angle of Mitheithel, Thelgarth