Speak Friend and Enter Part 8: Saruman the White

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.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of Aulë and Yavanna

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.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 7: Never to return

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.'

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of the beginning of days

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.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 6: Shire! Baggins!

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'?

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: The Valaquenta

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.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 5: It is Precious to me

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?

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Furnishing Middle-Earth

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.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 4: Party business

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?

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: The creation of Middle-Earth

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!