In the final pages of Book I, Chapter 2, “The Shadow of the Past”, Gandalf recounts how he found Gollum and filled in the gaps in the Ring’s history. Frodo begins to understand what he must do; and while he’s not exactly eager to do it, he won’t have to do it alone. We spend some time on Gandalf’s words to Frodo about the importance of pity, and flip ahead t ... Show More
Apr 26
410 – You Got Lucky, Gollum
Christopher Tolkien tells us that the manuscripts for this story are “in great, though hardly exceptional, confusion” — so it seems this podcast is in good company. Join The Man of the West and The Nerd of the Rings as we begin to sort through the various versions of the story of ... Show More
1h 52m
Jan 2025
001 A Long-expected Party – Book I, Chapter I, Fellowship of the Ring
<p>Join Zach & Logan as they read Book I, Chapter I of Fellowship of the Ring, A Long-expected Party. We explore the significance of Bilbo's birthday celebration, the nature of the One Ring, and the cultural nuances of Hobbiton. The conversation highlights the humor in Tolkie ... Show More
1h 8m
Dec 2024
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Caravan Of Garbage
<p>A mere year after the first entry in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy came The Two Towers, not simply a rehash of what came before but a vastly different continuation of the story. With the fellowship split up, Frodo and Sam making for Mordor with the one ring, Merry and Pippin ... Show More
27m 50s
Jun 2024
116: The Hobbit Close Reading 2 - Baggins vs Took
Tolkien, in his masterful way, reveals so much about Bilbo through a quick description of Bilbo's parents, and a short conversation with Gandalf. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecastOn Youtube: https ... Show More
36m 14s
Sep 2025
What the right gets wrong about Tolkien
Many far-right conservatives think The Lord of the Rings is about them. They may love Tolkien, but it's very possible Tolkien would not have loved them back. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen with help from Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laur ... Show More
25m 57s