Speak Friend and Enter

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the differences between men and elves, and the awakening of men.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss how our non-hobbit main characters find themselves at the Council of Elrond; and the whos, whats, and whys of the line of ruling stewards of Gondor.

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the final fate of the two trees of Valinor, and the Valar's very ambitious remodeling project.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss why Boromir and Aragorn are so weird with each other, and the significance of the evenstar.

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss Legolas' kin, the Sindar, and the first of the open wars between elves and orcs.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the ancient elven magic of summoning water horses, and why Elrond didn't force Isildur to destroy the one ring.

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss Feanor's rather inconsistent people skills, and the all-consuming power of any oath sworn by the name of Iluvatar.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the vagaries of kingsfoil, and the very cool elf whose character was folded into Arwen's.

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the ruinous fate of the two trees of Valinor, and Shelob's even nastier mother Ungoliant.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss what Elvish medicine actually is, where little Uruk-hai come from, and how maybe Lurtz the Uruk-hai captain is a little bit hot? VFX Artists React to Lord of the Rings (part 1) is here.

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the creation of the Silmarils, and the fallout from Melkor being the most prolific gossip in Arda.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the original purpose of the tower at Weathertop, and how Strider was able to scare off five spooky immortal ghost men.

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we learn more about Fëanor and his family drama, and set the stage for some of Melkor's most evil acts.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the mysterious Rangers of Eriador, Pippin's reveal of Frodo's real name in the Prancing Pony, and Aragorn's favorite depressing bedtime story, the Lay of Luthien.

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the fifth chapter of the Silmarillion, and learn about the lives of the elves in and around Valinor, and some of the major players whose adventures we'll be discussing for the rest of the book.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the major imports and exports of the village of Bree, as well as a brief history of Aragorn's entire bonkers life.

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the fourth chapter of the Silmarillion, and learn about the leaders of one of the most powerful kingdoms of Middle-Earth's elder days, and how falling in love at first sight can seriously sidetrack your plans. If you're looking for tips on what food to serve at a Lord of the Rings marathon, my gdoc is here.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the oddities of Gandalf's confrontation with Saruman, the origins of Frodo's spidey-sense, and everything you ever wanted to know about Tom Bombadil (but were afraid to ask).

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the third chapter of the Silmarillion, and learn of Melkor's defeat at the hands of the Valar, and of the elves' abiding love for two things: categorization, and giving everything multiple names.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the whereabouts of the lost seeing-stones and the details of Gandalf's imprisonment by Saruman.

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, Audrey turns the tables on Leah and asks her to clarify some parts of previous Deep Lore episodes, and gets her mind blown with news of the upcoming Amazon Tolkien series.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the pre-visualization process of filming Lord of the Rings, and the story behind Saruman's general dickishness.

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the second chapter of the Silmarillion, and learn how dwarves came to be the unwanted stepchildren of Middle-Earth.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the complex nature of Frodo's relationship with Sam, how Frodo leaves Hobbiton without attracting notice, and the distinction between wood elves and high elves. The Tolkien Professor's discussion of master-servant relationships in Lord of the Rings is the second discussion on this page, 'On Masters and Servants.'

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the first chapter of the Silmarillion proper, and learn how the Valar shape Arda in its earliest days - and, after 9 episodes of allusions to it, we finally learn what the two trees of Valinor are, and a little of why they are so important.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the aftermath of Bilbo's birthday party, and Gandalf's search for answers about the ring. Talking points: How long does it take for Gandalf to ride to Minas Tirith and back for answers? What does it mean that Frodo is Pippin's first cousin twice removed? How much can we overthink the phrase 'Riddles in the Dark'?

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the Valaquenta, or an account of the Valar and Maiar, their domains and skillsets, and their relationships with one another.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the particulars of how the ring affects different people. Talking points: Why doesn't Bilbo have a panic attack meltdown every time he puts on the ring? How far is it from Hobbiton to Rivendell? Why does every ringbearer insist on calling it precious?

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we continue talking about the Ainulindalë, the creation myth of Middle-Earth. We already covered Eru and the Ainur singing the world into existence, so now let's get into what they do after they get there.

In this episode of SFE, we discuss Hobbiton, and our first listener question! Talking points: What exactly are Sackville-Bagginses? Is Longbottom leaf tobacco or weed? How did Sauron manage to mess up badly enough to allow Isildur to defeat him?

In this first installment of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss Middle-Earth's creation story: the Ainulindalë, or the music of the Ainur. Check out Evan Palmer's comic version of this story here!

In this episode of SFE, we begin to scratch the surface of the Shire, in its bucolic tin-whistle glory. Talking points: How does Gandalf get his scruffy paws on an Elven ring of power? If there's always a Baggins in Bag End, who lives there after Frodo sails to the West? Can we revolutionize Middle-Earth timekeeping in the space of a twenty minute podcast?

In this episode of SFE, we continue discussing Galadriel's opening monologue from Fellowship of the Ring, diving right in to that pure nerd stuff.  Talking points: How does Isildur justify the decision not to destroy the one ring? Was Bilbo fated to find the ring in the Misty Mountains? Do any of us have free will, really?

In the first episode of SFE, we'll be revisiting Galadriel's opening monologue from Fellowship of the Ring, and clarifying some deep lore that the movies simply didn't have the time to delve into. Talking points: What or where is Middle-Earth? What do the rings of power actually do? Why didn't the Witch-King of Angmar read the terms of service on the ring Sauron gave him?