The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast
A Tolkien fan named Matthias Austin answers listener questions about The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and the wider Legendarium of J.R.R. Tolkien. Episodes are released weekly and aim to provide in-depth responses to fan inquiries.
Episodes
50 episodes & One Year Anniversary Mailbag!
For our 50th episode, we're opening up the mailbag to answer your questions about Gandalf's Beard, Elven immortality, the correct reading order for Tolkien's works, plus my hot takes and opinions about all sorts of aspects about the world of Middle Earth! Thank you for the incredible support you've given me this past year, here's to 50 more!Our Patreon is live!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 4: The End of the Tale
With Turin trying to live peacefully in Brethil and Morwen and Nienor safely in Doriath, things should be pretty easy going for the family of Hurin, right? It turns out leaving Doriath is a family trait, as Morwen and Nienor set out to find Turin, and along the way meet Glaurung, Father of Dragons, who isn't done yet meddling in Turin Turambar's life. Find out the fate of the Children of Hurin, al
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 3: Enter the Dragon
With Turin captured by Orcs, it’s up to Beleg to rescue his friend. Along the way he discovers a runaway elven Lord, Gwindor of Nargothrond. Events transpire, and Turin winds up in Nargothrond itself where he starts Turining all over the place. With a dragon on the way, will his presence in the hidden kingdom bring victory or disaster? Find out on this week’s episode!Map of BeleriandHurin's Family
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 2
Following on from last week's episode, Turin is now living in Doriath as the foster son of King Thingol, but fate or his bad personality has made him an enemy in Saeros, advisor to the King. Their feud will boil over, and Turin will go on the run, living as an outlaw in the Wild, until his friend Beleg Strongbow finds him and talks some sense into him (but not much). Hear all about it in this week
What is the Tale of the Children of Hurin? Part 1
Doom, Despair, Death, and Dragons. These are the hallmarks of Tolkien's longest and most completed story of the First Age: The Children of Hurin. Find out how Hurin and his family were cursed by Morgoth in this 1st part to the story!Map of BeleriandHurin's Family TreeThe Dragon Helm of Dor-LominPatreon SurveySupport Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You C
What is the History of Rohan?
Upon their trusty steeds, the Rohirrim charge into battle, crying "Death" as the speed towards their foes! The charge at the fields of Pelennor is one of the most striking moments in all of the Lord of the Rings, and their alliance with Gondor turned the tide in the War of the Ring. But who are these strange Northerners? How did the come to be so bonded with their horses? And is Eowyn, shieldmaide
Who are the Nazgûl?
They are Sauron's most loyal servants, evil men enslaved to his will by the Rings of Power they wear. They are the Nazgûl, the Ring Wraiths, and they struck fear into the hearts of the people of Middle Earth for over 4000 years. But who were they in life? And what did they do in the service of the Dark Lord Sauron? Find out all this and more on this week's episode!Patreon SurveySupport Ashley's Go
Things You Can Do and The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast Present: The Hunt for Gollum's Conscience
In today's episode, Peter Owens from the Things You Can Do and I talk about Gollum. What motivates him? What's wrong with him? Should we pity him or fear him? Or something else? Come along for a journey into the ethics of Middle Earth where we'll discuss good and evil, pain and addiction, love and pity, and incontinence. Also, Frodo and Sam's Special Boat for Boys™ .9:30 | Illustrated Hobbit Reddi
Who Are the Northmen?
In the Hobbit, we meet strange men found nowhere else in Middle Earth: The Men of Lake-Town, the Men of Dale, and Beorn, a skin-changer who takes the form of a huge bear. Who are these people? Where do they come from? And are they related to any of the other Men we see throughout Tolkien's stories? Find out in this week's episode!Map of RhovanionSupport Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Bap
The Details of the Devil, Part 2: Morgoth Bauglir
On the run from the Valar, Melkor seeks out a new ally in his quest for revenge against those who imprisoned him. The result of this alliance will be the complete remaking of the world order, and establish him as Morgoth: The Dark Foe of the Earth. Learn about Morgoth, his war with the Noldor, and his influence on early Mankind in this week's episode!Support Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The E
The Details of the Devil, Part 1: Who is Melkor?
Greatest of the Ainur, the bringer of Fire and Ice, He Who Arises In Might: He is Melkor, the source of all evil in Middle Earth. But what motivated him to turn from Eru Iluvatar? And how far will he go in his mission to rule the Arda; or barring that, destroy it? Find out on this week's episode!Support Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponsors: The Ex-Baptist Sister's Podcast and Things You Can DoTo submi
What's the Deal with Dragons?
Smaug, Glaurung, Ancalagon the Black: Names that strike fear throughout the history of Middle Earth. The Dragons were the bane of Elves, Men, and Dwarves from the their first appearances in Beleriand to the Northern Wastes of the Third Age. But what are Dragons? Where do they come from? And are they still alive today? Find out answers to all these questions and more on this week's episode!Support
Why Did Gandalf Choose Bilbo?
Bilbo Baggins: Respectable Hobbit, Resident of Bag End, and... Burglar? How did a upstanding Shire citizen get mixed up in an adventure with dwarves and dragons to begin with? That meddlesome wizard had something to do with it, but what were Gandalf's reasons for choosing Bilbo? And why that particular timing? Find out all that and more on this week's episode!Support Ashley's Go Fund Me!Our Sponso
Mailbag March: Oops All Opinions! Aragorn the Ring Lord, Merry and Pippin's Mordor Adventure, How to Read Tolkien, and The Rings of Power: Good or Bad?
It's the last day Mailbag March! On this mailbag episode, I'm giving my biased opinions on topics such as:What if Aragorn Claimed the One Ring?What if Merry and Pippin Were Tasked with Taking the Ring to Mordor?How to Read Tolkien without Getting Bogged Down in the Details?Is Amazon's "The Rings of Power" Any Good?Find out answers to all this and more on this week's episode!Rings of Power Spoilers
Mailbag March: The Arkenstone, Gandalf the White's New Name, and J. R. R. Tolkien: Author or Historian?
It's Mailbag March! On this mailbag episode, we answer some smaller topics such as:What is the Arkenstone and Why Did Thorin Want It So Badly?Should Gandalf the White Have Been Given A New Name?Did Tolkien View Himself as an Author or Historian?Find out answers to all this and more on this week's episode!MythopoeiaOn Fairy StoriesTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media
Mailbag March: Stone Giants, King Éomer, Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Sequel, and the Proudfoots/Proudfeet Investigation
It's Mailbag March! On this mailbag episode, we answer some smaller topics such as:What are the Stone Giants?Does Éomer Become King?Did Tolkien Consider Writing a Lord of the Rings Sequel?and Why Do They Call Themselves Proudfeet?Find out answers to all this and more on this week's episode!To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comMusic by Michael McBr
Mailbag March: Frodo's Fate, Ecthelion's Reward, Ents & Huorns, and The Eye in the Sky
Welcome to Mailbag March! On this mailbag episode, we answer some smaller topics such as:Why Can Frodo Go to Valinor?Why Didn't Ecthelion Return?What's the Difference Between Ents and Huorns?and Why is Sauron a Giant Eye?Find out answers to all this and more on this week's episode!Jokien with Tolkien's Essay: Wounds That Cannot Be Wholly CuredTo submit a question to the show and to find all of my
Who Are The Wizards?
Some are heroes, some are villains, some are fools, some are mysteries: They are the Wizards, and with their magical powers they either help or hinder the people of Middle Earth. But who are they? Where did they come from? Learn all about them on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comMusic by
What is the Tale of Beren & Luthien? Part 3
On this week's episode, we conclude the Tale of Beren and Luthien, as our heroes descend into the depths of Hell on Middle Earth to claim a Silmaril from Morgoth's crown. Will their tale end in death, or life, or both?To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comMusic by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
What is the Tale of Beren & Luthien? Part 2
On this week's episode, we continue the story of Beren and Luthien as they face off against werewolves, vampires, Sauron, and, perhaps worst of all, the sons of Feanor! But don't worry, they receive help from the best dog in Middle Earth: Huan!To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comMusic by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
What is the Tale of Beren & Luthien? Part 1
Before Sam and Rosie Cotton, before Aragorn and Arwen, well before Tauriel and whichever dwarf from the Hobbit movies, there was one great love story in Middle Earth: The Tale of Beren and Luthien. Join us over the next few weeks as we dive into the first Great Tale of the First Age of Middle Earth!Map of BeleriandNoldor Family TreeHouse of BëorTo submit a question to the show and to find all of m
How Did Tolkien's Catholicism Influence His Writing? An Interview with Dr. Edwin Woodruff Tait
In a letter to Robert Murray in 1953, Tolkien said "The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision." But does that mean only Catholics can enjoy it? This week we are joined by Dr. Edwin Woodruff Tait to discuss how Tolkien's faith influenced his stories and what anyone, whether Catholic or not, can learn fr
What is the History of Númenor? Part II: The Downfall
On this week's episode we conclude the story of Númenor, as its people turn to cruelty and tyranny, and Ar-Pharazon decides to make war with the Valar, as Sauron pulls the strings!To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comCheck out Peter Owens' podcast Things You Can DoMusic by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
What is the History of Númenor? Part I: The Beginning of the Downfall
It is the Atlantis of Arda, the famed lost island that vanished beneath the waves. Númenor, the most advanced Human civilization to ever exist in Middle Earth, where Aragorn's ancestors came from before they founded the Kingdom of Gondor. But what is its history, and what did the Númenoreans do to incur the destruction that came upon them? Find out in part 1 of this two part episode!To submit a qu
Is There Free Will in Middle Earth?
When you think about it, the entire story of The Lord of the Rings seems like one long string of extremely unlikely events. Is this all just a big coincidence, or is Eru Ilúvatar sticking his finger on the scale to make things all shake out the way he wants? We discuss Divine Intervention, Fate, and Free Will in this week's episode!To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Medi
What Are Sauron's Powers?
He's the Big Bad of Middle Earth, his forces spread across the land, he created the One Ring to rule all the others, he is Sauron. But who is Sauron, how did he become the Dark Lord of Mordor, and what can he actually do? We'll talk all about it on this week's episode of the show!To submit a question to the show and to find all of my Social Media go to lotramapod.comMusic by Michael McBrideCover A
Mailbag: Why Didn't They Take the Eagles, Celeborn, Khazad-dûm, and a Fellowship Colosseum Brawl
We're back to the Mailbag this week as we take a look at Galadriel's bae Celeborn, the history of Khazad-dûm, why the Fellowship couldn't have taken the Eagles, and pit our heroes against each other in a winner takes all Colosseum style death match!Clamavi De Profundis' YouTube ChannelPatreon Interest FormFollow me on Social Media:Instagram Threads YouTube Bluesky TikTokGot questions? Email lotram
How Powerful is Galadriel?
She is the Lady of the Golden Wood, the wise Elven Queen who gives the Fellowship words of warning and gifts to aid them on their journey. She is also a member of the White Council, who drove The Necromancer (Sauron) from his fortress of Dol Guldur. She is Galadriel, and on this week's episode we dive into how powerful she actually is, plus take a look at how magic works in Middle Earth!Patreon In
What's Beyond the Map? (and other questions)
The Lord of the Rings is a tale of an epic journey, but just how far did they travel? And how long did it take? And how old is the world? And what lies beyond the edges of the map? All these questions (and not many more) will be answered on this week's episode!Map of the EastMap of the SouthEarly Map Showing the Dark LandKaren Wynn Fonstad Map of the World in the Second AgePatreon Interest FormFol
What are the Origins of Hobbits?
"In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit." And with that single sentence, the modern fantasy genre was born! But what are Hobbits? Where do they come from? Where did they go? We can't ask Cotton Eye Joe, so instead this week we'll do a deep dive into the origins of Hobbits the differences between types of Hobbits, plus some bonus material about other diminutive races in Middle Earth.Patreon
Why Do The Bad Guys Have All The Good Weapons?
Between giant trolls, flaming catapults, and wall demolishing explosives, the Good Guys seem vastly outgunned in their fight against Evil. So what gives? This week we look at the seeming disparity in the weapons of Middle Earth, why that might be, and what Tolkien thought about modern warfare!Patreon Interest FormFollow me on Social Media:Instagram Threads YouTube BlueskyGot questions? Email lotra
What are the Two Trees of Valinor and How do they Relate to the Sun and Moon?
In the beginning, the Valar created Light! But then that Light got destroyed, so they created A Different Kind of Light! But then that also got destroyed, so they created A Third and Fourth Kind of Light! On this episode we'll talk all about that light, in the form of the Two Trees of Valinor and the Sun and Moon.Patreon Interest FormFollow me on Social Media:Instagram Threads YouTube BlueskyGot q
Who are the Army of the Dead?
It's almost Halloween and we're telling ghost stories! All seems lost for our heroes at Minas Tirith when suddenly Aragorn arrives with CGI ghost army that tears through the Orcs and Oliphants that are attacking the city! But who are these spectacular specters? Why do the fight for Aragorn? And what's the difference between the version of them in the movies and in the book? Find out on this week's
What is the Light of Eärendil?
In the depths of Cirith Ungol, our two hobbit heroes almost despair when Frodo remembers something, a gift given to him by the Lady Galadriel in Lothlorien, a small crystal phial containing the Light of Eärendil. Grabbing it, light bursts forward, illuminating the cavern and driving back the mighty spider Shelob! But what is the light of Eärendil, where does it come from, and why is Shelob so afra
What is the Hidden City of Gondolin? Part 2: The Fall
On this week's episode we continue the story of Gondolin as it falls to ruin in the aftermath of treachery and devastating war, as well at looking at the impact the story of Gondolin had on the creation not just of The Silmarillion, but The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit!The House of HadorPatreon Interest FormFollow me on Social Media:Instagram Threads YouTube BlueskyGot questions? Email lotrama
What is the Hidden City of Gondolin? Part 1: The Rise
Hidden deep in the mountains of Beleriand, there is a city. A haven from evil, and a place of beauty and light. This is the City of Gondolin, the hidden realm of King Turgon. On this week's episode, we'll look at the rise of Gondolin and see its glory before its tragic downfall.Noldor Royal Family TreePatreon Interest FormFollow me on Social Media:Instagram Threads YouTubeGot questions? Email lotr
Where are the Dwarves in the Fight Against Sauron?
Humans, Elves, Hobbits, Ents, Eagles, we see all of these groups working together to fight Sauron, but the Dwarves just don't seem to be involved. What gives? What are those Dwarves up to during The War of the Ring? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!The Song of During by Clamavi De ProundisPatreon Interest FormFollow me on Instagram! (and Threads I guess?)Got que
Mailbag: Saruman, Grima, Numenor, The Silmarillion, and Secret Santa presents
On this week's episode we're looking at some questions that require a little less in depth research, including questions on: Saruman, Grima Wormtongue, Numenor, the critical reception to the SIlmarillion, and my favorite Christmas presents (yes, really).Follow me on Instagram! (and Threads I guess?)Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.comMusic by Michael McBrideCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
What's the Difference Between Goblins, Orcs, and Uruk-Hai?
Goblins and Uruks and Orcs, oh my! We hear about all three throughout Tolkien's works, but it's not immediately clear what the difference between them? And, much like Cotton Eye Joe, where did they come from? We'll dive into all of that and more on this episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!Follow me on Instagram! (and Threads I guess?)Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.comMusic by Micha
Who Is Tom Bombadil?
It's a big one today folks, the question people have been asking nonstop since The Fellowship of the Ring was first published. What's the deal with that singing guy with the blue coat and yellow boots? Where did he come from, where did he go, where did he come from Tom Bombadil-o? Find out on this week's episode of the Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!Map of the Shire, Old Forest, and Barrow DownsEnc
Why Did It Take Aragorn So Long To Become King?
Strider, Ranger of the North. Aragorn, son of Arathorn, chief of the Dúnedain. Elessar, heir of Isildur. He has many names and many titles, but he's 87 years old in Lord of the Rings and still not King! What's taking him so long? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!Line of the Kings of ArnorLine of the Kings of Gondor (more detail than you need but, hey check it ou
Why Do Dwarves and Elves Hate Each Other?
Athens and Sparta. Rome and Carthage. England and pretty much everyone. These are the rivalries that have shaped our world, and Middle Earth is no different. The rivalry between the Elves and the Dwarves stretches back to the very beginning of Arda. How did it start? Why do they still no get along? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!Follow me on Instagram! (and Th
Where Do Dwarves Come From?
In Middle Earth, almost all of the focus is on Elves and Men, but relatively little is spent on the third major race: the Dwarves. Who are the Dwarves? Where do they come from? Why do they look similar to, but also very distinct from, Men and Elves? And how does their origin influence the creation of the Ents and the Eagles? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!Foll
Why Do The Elves Live So Far Apart?
Any time someone wants to walk from one Elven city to another in Middle Earth, they have to embark on a trek covering hundreds of miles and vanquishing some combination of Orcs, Balrogs, and Dragons. Why do these Elves live so far away from one another? Find out in this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast! (Psst...you may want to go listen to episode 6 first)Follow me on Instagram!
The Elven Explanation Extravaganza Episode
Six episodes in and we're changing temporarily changing the format from an AMA to a LMTYASYNTKFNWE (let me tell you abut stuff you need to know for next week's episode)! On this week's episode you'll learn all about the different kinds of Elves of Middle Earth so future episodes will hopefully be less confusing!Resources:The Divisions of the ElvesMap of BeleriandFollow me on Instagram!Got question
What are the Main Differences Between the Books and the Movies?
Many people got into The Lord of the Rings thanks to the Peter Jackson films of the early 2000's, but not everyone moved from watching the movies to reading the books. So what exactly are the main differences between the two? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.comCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
Why Wasn't Frodo Able to Destroy the Ring?
Frodo made it all the way to Mount Doom and couldn't even throw the Ring in. Why couldn't he have been like Bilbo and voluntarily gotten rid of the thing? Is he just a weakling compared to the mighty hero of the Hobbit? And what's the deal with the One Ring anyway? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.comCover Art by Lauren Ciat
What's the Creation Mythology of Middle Earth?
In the Beginning...what happened? What's the creation story of Middle Earth, and with Elves, Humans, and Dwarves each having their own culture, does everyone agree how it started and where they all came from? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.comCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
Why Does Denethor Hate Faramir?
In Return of the King, there are two things we know for sure about Denethor: He eats tomatoes in the most upsetting way possible and he HATES his son Faramir. But why exactly does he hate Faramir so much? Find out on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.comCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
Why Did Gandalf Stop to Fight the Balrog?
Why didn't Gandalf and the Fellowship just run? Did Gandalf the Grey know he would become Gandalf the White? We'll answer these questions and more on this week's episode of The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast!Got questions? Email lotramapod@gmail.comCover Art by Lauren Ciatti
2026 Tolkien Reading Day Special
March 25th is the day in Middle Earth when the Ring was destroyed and Sauron was defeated forever. It is also, in our world, Tolkien Reading Day, a day where Tolkien fans all around the world are encouraged to spend some time diving into the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Enjoy this Tolkien Reading Day Special as read from Return of the King and reflect on Eucatastrophe and Unlikely Heroes!Tolkien Socie
The Lord of the Rings AMA Podcast Trailer
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