Mythgard's Exploring The Lord of the Rings
Join Dr. Corey Olsen, the Tolkien Professor, as he guides listeners through a detailed, sentence-by-sentence reading of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. The podcast also explores Middle-earth through the world of the Lord of the Rings Online game. Perfect for both first-time readers and devoted Tolkien fans, this series offers deep literary analysis in an engaging, conversational format.
Episodes
Session 379: The Quest of the Ring-Taker
Tonight we rejoin Frodo in the darkness, listening for pursuing feet.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 378: The Hammer and the Anvil
Frodo's wound is actually treated, and the Company gets ready to continue their escape from the orcs.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 377: Frodo's Secret
As we go to examine Frodo's wound, Bilbo's secret is discovered! Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Mythmoot XIII: June 25-28, 2026
https://signumuniversity.org/event/mythmoot-xiii-june-25-28-2026/
Session 376: Concerning Whortle-Berries
Today we consider Aragorn considering Sam's scalp wound. And whortle-berries.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will meet once per
Session 375: The Hands of the King
Tonight we begin the Health Care for Hobbits portion of the dash from Moria to Lothlorien. Can the hands of the king cure a septic scalp wound?
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https
Session 374: Legolas Lingers on Local Legends
Join us tonight, when Legolas pipes up to ruin Aragorn's carefully circumspect description of their path.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). G
Session 373: Aragorn Speaks with Skill in a Hard Place
Having completed the side trip to the Mere, we now set off south, under Aragorn's careful leadership.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 372: Stooping and Looking in Mirrormere
This evening we will stoop and look in Mirrormere and see what, if anything, appears.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will meet once
Session 371: Pausing for Wonder
Tonight we join Gimli on a brief sight-seeing expedition in the Dimrill Dale.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will meet once per mo
Session 370: Dwarven Tourism
Now that Aragorn has stepped up as leader of the Company, let's look around Azanulbizar.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will meet
Session 369: Aragorn's Leadership
Time to begin a new chapter. Today we start wandering towards Lothlorien, where we might possibly lose track of time...
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuni
Session 368: Grief in the Sunlight
We have come at last the end of the chapter, and a pause in the hectic escape from Moria.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Interested in discussing Dr. Corey Olsen's ExLoTR podcast? Signum University is hosting live Discussion Groups via Zoom through our Blackberry platform ( https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/ ). Groups will mee
Session 367: Flying Fools
Tonight we watch as the Company continues to obey Gandalf's last command and sees the sunlight again.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 365: His Staff Was Broken on the Stone
Tonight we discuss the final action in Gandalf's confrontation with the Balrog, as things take a sharp downward turn.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 366: Aftermath
Doom has come, and Gandalf has fallen. What do we do now?
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 364: The Balrog Attacks
Tonight, the conflict between Gandalf and the Balrog gets physical. Probably.
Session 363: The Fight on the Bridge
We return to the epic conflict on the Bridge of Khazad-dum, already in progress.
Session 362: Gandalf on the Bridge
We have arrived, on our 9th Anniversary Class, at Gandalf's speech on the Bridge of Khazad-dum!
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 361: The Confrontation
Tonight we discuss the (first) description that has led so many readers to think that Balrogs have wings.
Session 360: Crossing That Bridge
Tonight we examine the crossing of the Bridge of Khazad-dum, as the Balrog approaches.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 359: Boromir's Response to the Balrog
We've seen Legolas's terror, Gimli's grief, and Gandalf's resignation. But how does Boromir respond to the Balrog?
Interest Form on Exploring the Lord of the Rings Discussion Groups
https://forms.gle/9s94eyrpWnHaW3xu7
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 357: Doom, Doom
Join Corey as we discuss approaching Doom: Durin's Bane appears at last.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 358: Recognizing Doom
Join Corey tonight, for "A Balrog! A Balrog is come!"
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 356: The Bridge of Khazad-dûm
Tonight we actually arrive at the Bridge of Khazad-dum.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 353: Maybe We Can Get Out After All
In which Gandalf opines that they might get out after all, for all the Drums in the Deep.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 355: Looking Behind
This evening we will look over the Company's shoulders as the orcs catch up to them in the Second Hall, at the edge of the Bridge of Khazad-dûm.
https://signumuniversity.org/news/annual-fundraising-campaign-2025/
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 354: The Floor is Ghâsh
Tonight we join the Company of the Ring in peering out into the Second Hall of Old Moria to discover what, exactly, is on fire.
https://signumuniversity.org/news/annual-fundraising-campaign-2025/
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 352: On the Skewering of Hobbits
Join Corey for some final reflections on the confrontation in the Chamber, followed by some commentary on the skewering of hobbits.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 351: The Beater of the Drums
Join us as we finally hear from Gandalf about his encounter at the door of the Chamber of Mazarbul.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 350: The Final Darkness
Join us while we grope our way in the dark with Gandalf and the Company.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 346: Frodo Is Injured Again
In which Corey returns to the Chamber of Mazarbul for the penultimate time, and in which Frodo is skewered like a wild boar.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 349: Gandalf Returns
In which Gandalf faces a deadly opponent and falls ... down the stairs.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 347: Gandalf Proposes a Solution
In which Gandalf reveals his plan for enabling the Company to escape their predicament.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 348: He “Sang in Answer a Song of Staying”
In which a real magical duel is fought, though we can't quite tell what is happening.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 344: Frodo's One Moment of Martial Glory
Tonight we return to the cave-troll attack, already in progress. Let's watch as Frodo achieves the acme of his combat career.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 345: They Have Come
Tonight we discuss the fight by Balin's tomb, in which Sam experiences his first combat.
Session 343: The Cave Troll Cameo
Tonight we get more up close and personal with a troll since anyone since Bilbo, and this one is all out of talking purses. Probably.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 341: Defiance Rather than Hope
Corey returns from Mythmoot to discuss how Gandalf defies the horde of orcs outside the chamber and assesses their odds -- which are not great.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 342: Resolution
The Company of the Rings resolves to make a stand against overwhelming odds.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 340: The Company is Startled into Action
They are coming! But who is coming, and how? And what can we learn from the actions of the company as Doom drives them into action?
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 339: Drums in the Deep
Tonight we are catapulted back into action as the words of the long-studied Book of Mazarbul now spring to life and relevance for the Company.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 337: Re-Entry
It's time at last to turn from Tolkien's images of the Book of Mazarbul and remember where we are.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 338: Gandalf Sees the Path Clearly
Join us as we watch Gandalf casually figure how to get out from the Chamber of Mazarbul.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 336: The Last Page
Tonight we turn to the last page of Tolkien's illustration of the Book of Mazarbul, and Chad helps Corey interpret the final words of Balin's companions.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 335: What Gandalf Spared Them
We return to the book and Ori's beautiful Tengwar, only to read the most grim passage that Gandalf skimmed over.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLasM
Session 334: The Orthography of Ori
Corey returns, once more with the assistance and advice of the inimitable Chad Bornholdt, to the Book of Mazarbul. Tonight, we examine Ori's script!
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
https://www
Session 333: More Cirth! The Real Book of Mazarbul Continues...
Tonight, Corey continues to learn the Cirth with Chad Bornholdt's help, and we read more of what Gandalf did not.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLas
Session 332: The Rosetta Stone of Mazarbul
Tonight we look at Tolkien's Book of Mazarbul illustrations, putting ourselves in Gandalf's shoes and puzzling out the text, with the help of special guest Chad Bornholdt!
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the record
Session 329: Storytime with Gandalf
Tonight we begin our discussion of Gandalf's reading from the Book of Mazarbul!
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLasMbZ4s5vIW4X_6biE7MLLGssLtApH8P
Tha
Session 331: Balin's End
Tonight we discuss the end of the Book of Mazarbul, and Balin's end.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLasMbZ4s5vIW4X_6biE7MLLGssLtApH8P
Thank you for
Session 330: A Great Work is Begun
Happy Gondorian New Year! In our second session on the Book of Mazarbul, we will get to the high water mark of Balin's expedition.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtube.com/pl
Session 327: The Mournful Inscription
It's time to start a new chapter, and one we've been excitedly waiting for: The Bridge of Khazad-dum. Let's start by learning about runes!
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtub
Session 328: The Chamber of Records
Tonight we discuss (at least!) our first slide of the new chapter, examining the Chamber of Mazarbul.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLasMbZ4s5vIW4X_
Session 324: A Chance Meeting
Corey returns just in time for the introduction of central character in the LOTR!
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLasMbZ4s5vIW4X_6biE7MLLGssLtApH8P
T
Session 325: The Beginning of the Last Day
Tonight, let's check in with Boromir and see what his current assessment of Gandalf's leadership is.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLasMbZ4s5vIW4X_6
Session 326: What the Daylight Reveals
Join Corey as he joins the Company is seeing what there is to be seen in the early light of the new day in Moria.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLas
Session 323: Bilbo's Gifts
We discuss Gimli and Frodo's very different reactions to Gandalf's download of mithril lore.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts, you can watch the recordings here.
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLasMbZ4s5vIW4X_6biE7MLLG
Session 322: Gandalf's Mithril-Lore
Tonight Corey looks at what Gandalf emphasizes about Moria-silver.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Annual Fundraising Campaign started. https://youtube.com/live/6F9RlxP9ljQ
Signum Studios just launched another Kickstarter for a new project:
Rings & Realms:The Lord of the Rings-The War of the Rohirrim
https://www.kickstarter.com/pro
Session 320: Poetry Appreciation
Corey returns to the world of prose to discuss Sam's response to Gimli's song and the overall shift towards practical application.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Annual Fundraising Campaign started. https://youtube.com/live/6F9RlxP9ljQ
Session 319: Finding the Third Dimension: the Antepenultimate Stanza
The poetic experiment continues as we examine the last monochrome stanzas of Gimli's poem.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 321: What We Know About Mithril
What does Tolkien tell us about mithril? Tonight we discuss the passage that contains about 80-90% of what we know.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Annual Fundraising Campaign started. https://youtube.com/live/6F9RlxP9ljQ
Session 317: The End of Gimli's Song
Corey discusses the ending of Gimli’s song and then presents his observations on what makes this poem not at all boring.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 318: Finding the Third Dimension: the Middle Stanzas
Tonight we return to Gimli's poem one more time, finding the third poetic dimension in the middle stanzas.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 316: The Second Half of the Song
Tonight we continue with our initial pass through Gimli's Khazad-dum poem!
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 315: The Dwarves' World
We are back and ready for some poetry. Are you prepared for one of our three biggest glimpses into dwarfdom in all of the LOTR?
Thank you for all your help in funding Rings and Realms Season Two.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/rings-and-realms-season-2
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 314: The Dwarf Perspective At Last
Tonight, we hear from Gimli at last, and get a glimpse of his experience. And we prepare for the poem!
Please help us reach our goal to fund Rings and Realms Season Two.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/rings-and-realms-season-2
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 313: Uptown Moria
Tonight we come to the end of the second Moria March in comparative comfort, underneath the unseen sky.
Please help us reach our goal to fund Rings and Realms Season Two.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/rings-and-realms-season-2
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 312: The Second March
It is time for the Second March of the Company through Moria. Things are trending up in the deadly dark.
Please help us reach our goal to fund Rings and Realms Season Two.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/signumu/rings-and-realms-season-2
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 311: A Humanizing Interlude
Tonight we examine Gandalf and his benevolent nicotine addiction.
Please help us reach our goal to fund Rings and Realms Season Two.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 310: The Fallout from the Stone
Tonight we return to Pippin by the unnerving hole in the floor, and we join him in listening to echoes.
Please help us reach our goal to fund Rings and Realms Season Two.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 309: Pippin Drops a Stone
Tonight, Pippin will throw a stone down a well. Admit it: you would do it too.
Please help us reach our goal to fund Rings and Realms Season Two.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 308: The Guardroom
Tonight we remember Bill the Pony and discover the Hole in the Floor, disappearing into darkness.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 307: A Point of Decision
Tonight we continue our journey through the dark, listening to noises and thinking about the sunlit lands.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 305: Gandalf's Guidance
Tonight we will learn about Gandalf's accomplishments as a guide, and we will discuss the most mysterious simile in the entire Lord of the Rings.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 306: Sounds in the Darkness
Tonight we look at Frodo's description of the darkness around them, and the obstacles and noises that fill it.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 303: Through the Deadly Dark
The journey through the long dark of Moria finally begins -- after a stiff drink!
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 304: The Journey Continues
Tonight we set off and begin the actual traveling through Moria. Let's listen and see what we hear!
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 302: Gandalf Takes the Lead
Gandalf proceeds, through word and deed, to answer the question that Boromir mutters to himself.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 301: The Beginning of the Long Dark
As of last week, our discussion has officially entered Moria. But before we set out, we look back at the tentacular Thing in the water one more time.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Session 300: Crossing the Threshold
It's episode 300 of Exploring the Lord of the Rings! Let's celebrate by actually entering Moria.
Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv
Recommended
The Young and Called Podcast .
Jubal Phone Pranks from The Jubal Show
پلی لیست | PlayList
English with Olivia | Slow Conversations & Vocabulary
Bible Tea
TED Talks Daily
Pod Save America
Dateline NBC
صداستان: ساعتی با موسیقی
Becoming: HER with Nikki Spoelstra
Exposing Workplace Bullying
Everyday AI Made Simple - AI For Everyday Tasks
