PODCAST · arts
A Sacred Fellowship
Two friends and the occasional guest take listeners on a chapter-by-chapter exploration of the stories of J.R.R. Tolkien by treating them as sacred texts worthy of close study. One is a relative newcomer and one has been calling herself a hobbit since the age of 8. Each week, we will cover a chapter through a different motif and use sacred practices to dive deep into the lore of Middle Earth.
Episodes
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Episode 194: Ep. 189, Tolkien Reading Day 2025
Kathryn and Lorienne celebrate the theme of Fellowship with an excerpt from Chapter VI of the Hobbit. What is the "economy" of fellowship, in other words, how do we value the people we are in fellowship with? Do they have to earn it? What work do we need to do?
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Episode 193: Ep. 188 Poetry of Tolkien for the Season
Lorienne and Kathryn read three poems written by JRR Tolkien and discuss what comes up for us from other cultural sources. Happy New Year.
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Episode 192: Ep. 187, SPBMI in Episodes 6, 7, and 8 of ROP, Season 2
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the last three episodes of Rings of Power and how they fit with general Tolkien themes, especially SPBMI: Shall Prove but Mine Instrument. In other words, how does tragedy or grief become a gift for us? Please share your own stories as you reflect on the theme and…
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Episode 191: Ep. 186, At the Corner of Fourth and Walnut
Escape, Recovery, Consolation, and Joy. Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the essay On Fairy Stories and especially eucatastrophe.
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Episode 190: Ep. 185, On Fairy Stories, Part II
Lorienne and Kathryn resume the conversation about Tolkien's essay entitled On Fairy Stories. Tolkien's deep respect for children is awe inspiring. What modern stories are Faerie to you?
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Episode 189: Ep. 184, Rings of Power Season 2
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the first five episodes from Rings of Power, Season 2. Looking for some genuine laughter and a non-toxic conversation, this is it! To help support Kathryn's marathon fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund, please click HERE.
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Episode 188: Ep. 183, On Fairy Stories, Part 1
Kathryn and Lorienne are back together at last and talking Tolkien and faërie. We begin our conversation on Tolkien's essay, On Fairy Stories and find there is much to discuss! Support Kathryn's walk on October 6 HERE.
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Episode 187: Ep. 182, Commencement and Doors
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the final chapter of Prince Caspian through the theme of Commencement.
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Episode 186: Ep. 181, Spectacle in Prince Caspian
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the penultimate chapter of Prince Caspian and listener Phil raises the terrifying spectacle two Loriennes.
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Episode 185: Episode 180, The Ten Duel Commandments
In which Prince Caspian and the High Kings arrange their duel with King Miraz while the Lords G & S have something else in mind for Miraz. Our theme is RESTORATION and we find much to admire in the leadership of King Peter.
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Episode 184: Ep. 179, Satisfaction
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the confrontation in Prince Caspian between Nikabrik, the hag, and the werewolf with Caspian, Doctor Cornelius, and Trufflehunter. Satisfaction has legal, religious, and emotional meanings and the lack of it can be jarring.
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Episode 183: Ep. 178, I once was blind but now I see
Kathryn and Lorienne reviews Chapters 10 & 11 in Prince Caspian through the theme of blindness. The term blindness has had metaphorical meaning for centuries. Where do you see blindness, confusion, obstacles? Why can't the children see Aslan?
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Episode 182: Ep. 177, What did Desi Arnaz say?
We love Lucy! Belief is our theme, as in trusting when you don't know, having faith when you are not certain. Let's here it for the thin places where we are off balance and have to trust what comes next. “Psalm 131 Song of Quiet Trust A Song of Ascents. Of David. 1 O LORD, my heart is not lifted...
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Episode 181: Ep. 176 Booker T Washington and Queen Ester
Kathryn and Lorienne take on Chapter 8 of Prince Caspian. In a chapter Lorienne thought was unnecessary, we find great examples of equity, justice, and righteousness. Kathryn was reminded of this speech here. Lorienne had very strong feelings about expectations and the phrase "no offense."
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Episode 180: Ep. 176 Danger and Flexibility
Lorienne raves connects and confuses Doctor Constantine and Doctor Cornelius. Kathryn helps us feel empathy for a clumsy giant. Caspian is clearly the right king for the job.
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Episode 179: Ep. 174, Found Family in Prince Caspian
Kathryn and Lorienne look at how Prince Caspian begins to form found family around him among various beings in the woods from Old Narnia. From Bulgy Bears to a mouse, there are customs, cultures, mores, and even prejudice to fold into this new family. Kind of like a dreamy dance.
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Episode 178: Ep. 173, Caspian gets away!
Kathryn muscles through a cold while she and Lorienne discuss Chapter 5 of Prince Caspian. Our orphan gets away from his abusers and runs into a very interesting trio.
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Episode 177: Ep. 172, Alienation in Prince Caspian
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss alienation in Chapter 4 of Prince Caspian. Kathryn sees Huckleberry Finn and David Tennant, Lorienne sees Harry Potter and Hamlet. We both see the call to celebrate diversity, own the past, and move toward greater unity. Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave...
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Episode 176: Ep. 171, Mystery in Chapter Three of Prince Caspian
The four children meet a dwarf! Kathryn is walking a marathon in October to support the Jimmy Fund. If you'd like to support her, reach out at [email protected]. Lorienne recommends Too Big for A Single Mind. A true page turner. Everybody: Watch Blink!
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Episode 175: Ep. 170, We Must Take The Gifts
Coming Home is our theme for Chapter Two of Prince Caspian. As we stroll the apple orchard with the four Pevensies, we see different kinds of coming home, Lorienne just says the word carbuncle a bunch of times, and Kathryn bats a thousand with french and greek pronunciation.
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Episode 174: Ep. 169, An UnExpected Party
Lorienne and Kathryn rejoin the Pevensies as they are pulled back to Narnia. Our theme is Welcome What Comes and enjoy as we follow the various characters as they respond to their return.
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Episode 173: Ep. 168 Tolkien Reading Day 2024
Kathryn and Lorienne honor Tolkien reading day with Holly Ordway's book "Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography." We look at 4 chapters dealing with choice, fellowship, loss, and the tree itself.
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Episode 172: Ep. 167, The White Stag in the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
In which Kathryn and Lorienne reach the end of the LWW. Our last chapter theme is fellowship and it abounds in this final chapter. Are you satisfied by the ending? Let us know. One person who is not has an article HERE.
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Episode 171: Ep. 166, Spring in Narnia
Kathryn and Lorienne bound and romp through a thrilling chapter of the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Mr. Tumnus is back and we meet all the other statues as they spring back to life. Oh, and the witch takes a dirt nap.
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Episode 170: Ep. 165, Chapter 15 of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Aslan lives! Lorienne and Kathryn review this dramatic chapter through the theme of foresight. Have you ever played with a thunderstorm?
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Episode 169: Ep. 164, Promise in the Triumph of the Witch
In which Lorienne and Kathryn grapple with one of the toughest chapters in all children's literature. Tears were shed. CW--Lorienne mentions her mother, mental illness, and suicide. We quote 2 Nephi 5-7 which is also Isaiah 50: 5-7. And that makes us quote lots of Handel.
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Episode 168: Ep. 163, Chapter 13 of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Kathryn and Lorienne give in fully to allegory and ponder Edmund's undocumented conversation with Aslan. Lorienne recommends The Peacock's Tail Feathers, by Kenneth McIntosh.
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Episode 167: Ep. 162, The Lion Rampant and the Wolfsbane
Chapter 12 of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe through the theme of recognition. Lorienne gets really hung up on Susan's blister and Kathryn brilliantly steers us through this short and rich chapter.
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Episode 166: Ep. 161, Hope is the Thing with Feathers, Chapter 11 of LWW
What does Edmund SEE? Kathryn and Lorienne discuss SPITE in Chapter 11 of the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Kathryn shared the great example of Antigone written in 1944 in occupied France. Read about it HERE. We also mention the great Trevor Project again.
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Episode 165: Ep. 160, Movement in Chapter 10 of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Kathryn and Lorienne explore the theme of movement through Chapter 10 with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver and three of the Pevensies. We grapple briefly with Jack's sexist comment and ponder whether the cordial from Mrs. Beaver is licorice-y or liquorishy.
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Episode 164: Ep. 159, Projections and Edmund and it's all Peter's Fault
Lorienne and Kathryn discuss projection in Chapter 9 of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. We find Edmund working over time with his schemes and twisted logic to do anything he can to avoid blame. Lorienne shudders over a child being treated so cruelly by his author. And Kathryn says "In a...
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Episode 163: Ep. 158, Who is the White Witch?
Kathryn and Lorienne stick their toes into the historical pools of Lilith, Genesis Giants, and Stone Lions. Chapter 8 of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe sees the full truth about Edmund and the rest of the fellowship begins to head to the meeting with Aslan.
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Episode 162: Ep. 7, Hospitality in A Day with the Beavers
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss hospitality as a two way street and get really hungry thinking about fresh fish. And we say SHIBBOLETH way more than we ever have in our lives, probably. Interesting article about language HERE. Interesting article about PIE HERE.
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Episode 161: Ep. 156 Into the Forest
Kathryn and Lorienne find TRUTH in Chapter Six of the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Please leave a review!
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Episode 160: Ep. 155, On the Feast of Stephen
Kathryn and Lorienne offer a little gift of some great writing that should be heard, not just read. Enjoy this darling story from Dylan Thomas, A Child's Christmas in Wales. See you in 2024 dear fellowship!
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Episode 159: Ep. 154, Edmund is such a Brat!
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss Chapter 5 of LWW, On the Other Side of the Door, through the theme of intuition. What is it about Chapter 5 in so many books? Intuition is our theme and we ponder who the Professor is and whose house this is with so many secrets. If you have a secret and you need to...
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Episode 158: Ep. 153, Cunning & Self-Interest in Narnia
In which Kathryn and Lorienne recoil at the culture of grooming and the surveillance state in Narnia. The White Witch finds an easy target in Edmund and we all get introduced to Turkish Delight. We discuss the adult themes behind the child-like tale and we want anyone listening to feel safe.…
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Episode 157: Ep. 152, What Lucy Found There
Chapter Two of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe through the theme of Integrity. Kathryn and Lorienne plumb the depths of Lucy's first encounter in the Land of Winter with no Christmas.
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Episode 156: Ep. 151, Refuge in Chapter One of the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Kathryn and Lorienne begin our deep dive into Narnia from high above the world of the books and finally zoom into the delicate lace fabric that is the first chapter. We find refuge in these three pages that surprise us and we hope delight you. We refer again to The Trevor Project. Please read…
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Episode 155: Ep. 150 The Grey Havens
The Hero's Journey ends with a return to status quo and a call to the next adventure. Kathryn and Lorienne discuss various ways that is shown in this final chapter of the Lord of the Rings. Who do you think is the hero of the Lord of the Rings? Kathryn mentioned The Trevor Project. And we honor…
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Episode 154: Ep. 149.5 That was a long cliffhanger!
Kathryn and Lorienne get caught up after our long break. We have announcements and a special treat! Enjoy.
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Episode 153: Ep. 149: Return and Resolution
Three years and one day after we began, Kathryn and Lorienne approach the end again of Lord of the Rings. We look at return and resolution in the hero's journey and how they are manifest in Many Partings, Homeward Bound, and Scouring of the Shire. A good article on the return in the hero's…
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Episode 152: Ep. 148, Resurrection
Kathryn and Lorienne linger in the Field of Cormallan and spend time with the Steward and the King to look for new life. Meet us in the City of the Tower of the Sun.
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Episode 151: Ep. 147, Crossing the Threshold
Kathryn and Lorienne discuss Crossing the Threshold as part of the Hero's Journey. We look at the Chapters Mount Doom, The Last Debate, and The Black Gate Opens. There are metaphorical and actual thresholds to cross in these chapters as we approach the end of the Quest. The armies race north and...
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Episode 150: Ep. 146, DEATH in The Tower of Cirith Ungol and the Land of Shadow
Kathryn and Lorienne speak of death as real and as metaphor is two of the most difficult chapters we've ever read in terms of what the characters are experiencing. Join us and look for that star in the night!
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Episode 149: Ep. 145, The Road of Trial in the Pyre of Denethor and the Houses of Healing
Kathryn and Lorienne face two fabulous chapters with the help of the hero's journey. Wouldn't it be a lovely world if we all acknowledged that we are always on the road of trial, or have been, or will be again?
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Episode 148: Ep. 144, Supernatural Aid
How fitting that for our "gross" episode, Kathryn and Lorienne get to the greatest "not-men" in the book and their spine tingling encounter on the fields of the Pelennor. We look at all kinds of supernatural aid, from weapons, to advice, knowledge, assistance, darkness, weather, to the appearance...
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Episode 147: Ep. 143, The Call to Adventure
Kathryn and Lorienne go through all (most) the characters in The Grey Company, The Muster of Rohan, and the Siege of Gondor. Looking through the lens of the Call to Adventure brings out so much that might be missed on a first reading. Eowyn and Merry and their shared fellowship. Gandalf and…
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Episode 146: Ep. 142, ORDEAL in the last four chapters of Book IV
Remember, you are a small AND significant part of the larger story going around you. Kathryn and Lorienne discuss the theme ORDEAL from the hero's journey and how it relates to Sam, Frodo, Sméagol, Shelob, Shagrat, and Gorbag. Leave us a review!
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Episode 145: Ep. 141B--The rest of the story
Sorry about the split episode. We pick up Episode 141 (REWARDS) with our sacred practice and Katherine picked a great passage to discuss. Write us a review please!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Two friends and the occasional guest take listeners on a chapter-by-chapter exploration of the stories of J.R.R. Tolkien by treating them as sacred texts worthy of close study. One is a relative newcomer and one has been calling herself a hobbit since the age of 8. Each week, we will cover a chapter through a different motif and use sacred practices to dive deep into the lore of Middle Earth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does A Sacred Fellowship have?
A Sacred Fellowship currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is A Sacred Fellowship about?
Two friends and the occasional guest take listeners on a chapter-by-chapter exploration of the stories of J.R.R. Tolkien by treating them as sacred texts worthy of close study. One is a relative newcomer and one has been calling herself a hobbit since the age of 8. Each week, we will cover a...
How often does A Sacred Fellowship release new episodes?
A Sacred Fellowship has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to A Sacred Fellowship?
You can listen to A Sacred Fellowship on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts A Sacred Fellowship?
A Sacred Fellowship is created and hosted by [email protected].
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