The Tolkien Professor
Episodes
351: SilmFilm 3-09: Episode 4 - Khazâd ai-mênu!
08 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 350: Wigand Webathon Special 2017
07 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 349: All About Exploring Lord of the Rings
07 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 348: All About the Signum Academy
07 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
347: The Silmarillion Project Webathon Special 2017
07 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 346: 2017 State of the University Address
06 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
345: SilmFilm 3-08: Episode 4 – Kazhâd a mênu!
02 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 4, we will focus on the dwarves, though there will be some non-dwarf stuff happening as well, including checkins with Eöl, Thingol, Sauron...
344: SilmFilm 3-07: Episode 3 (cont’d) – Meanwhile, (still) in Beleriand…
31 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
There is a lot to be worked out, and after some discussion, a new proposed outline for the season emerges. In Episode 3, we will now see orcs starting...
Episode 343: 2017 Signum Webathon: The Adventures of Tom Bombadil
30 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
342: SilmFilm 3-06: Episode 3 – Meanwhile, in Beleriand…
25 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The beginning of the episode will pick up where we left off with the aftermath of the Kinslaying, before moving on across the ocean to Beleriand.
341: SilmFilm 3-05: Episode 2 – The Kinslaying
25 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In the second episode of the season, we need to reconcile how the Kinslaying and the crisis at the harbor will work with the characterization of Olwë...
Episode 340: Signum Fundraising Campaign Launch Event 2017
22 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
339: SilmFilm 3-04: Episode 1 – The Rebellion of the Noldor
01 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
For the first episode of Season 3, we are going to focus on the rebellion of the Noldor, including the debate in the torch-lit square of Tirion that c...
338: SilmFilm 3-03: Creative Challenges
01 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
As we get closer to discussing the Season 3 episode structure, we need to discuss some of the creative challenges we will face over the upcoming seaso...
337: SilmFilm 3-02: The Season Frame Narrative
01 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Digging deeper into Season 3, we discuss the frame narrative that will surround the primary plot and story arc of the season.
336: SilmFilm 3-01: The Season Story Arc
20 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We begin the third season with the rebellion of the Noldor – but where should we end it? We discuss possible endings and arcs for the new season.
335: SilmFilm 2-24: Music – Scores, Soundtracks and Character Themes
14 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Listener and resident composer Philip Menzies joins the SilmFilm team again to talk about music for Season 2. Also, Tolkien artist Ted Nasmith joins t...
334: SilmFilm 2-23: Creative Input from the Listeners
17 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
333: SilmFilm 2-22: Season 2 Casting
27 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
332: SilmFilm 2-21: Script Outlines (Episodes 9 – 13)
13 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
331: SilmFilm 2-20: Script Outlines (Episodes 5 – 8)
18 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
330: SilmFilm 2-19: Script Outlines (Episodes 1 – 4)
14 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
329: SilmFilm 2-18: The Killing of the Trees, Frame and Bad Guy Subplots
17 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Now that we’ve worked through the details of each episode, we will solidify the season-long arcs, the frame narrative, and the subplots of our major...
328: SilmFilm 2-17: Episode 13 – The Season Finale
12 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In which we discuss the major themes of the show: the tragedy of loss and tragic falls of the main characters we have been developing throughout the l...
327: SilmFilm 2-16: Episode 12
18 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
326: SilmFilm 2-15: Episode 11 – Saga of Feänor at Formenos
05 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
325: SilmFilm 2-14: Episode 10 – The Kinstrife
05 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 10 of the season, we bring Fingolfin and Fëanor into conflict – finally revealing Fëanor for the jerk he really is.
324: SilmFilm: BONUS! SilmFilm Special: The Season 2 Frame
19 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
323: SilmFilm 2-13: Episode 9 – Finally! The Flippin’ Silmarils!
12 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
After a season and a half, we’re finally ready to introduce the things at the center of the story: the Silmarils! Plus, we get ready for the next ep...
322: SilmFilm 2-12: Episode 8 – Everybody Loves Fingolfin
06 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
By the eighth episode of the season, we are getting ready for a bit of a twist as we prepare for the trial of Melkor and shift towards the real confli...
321: SilmFilm 2-11: Episode 7 – Spirit of Fire (aka The Silmarillion needs more Rap Battles)
13 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
This episode focuses on the Noontide of Valinor, and in particular on the growth in Fëanor’s skill as a master smith, with lots of foreshadowing of...
320: SilmFilm 2-10: Episode 6 – Finwë has a lot of reproductive work to do
13 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the sixth episode of Season 2, we work out the details of Fëanor’s birth and the death of his mother Miriel, establishing parallels between the ...
319: SilmFilm 2-09: Episode 5 – The Enemies and The Surfer Elves
12 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this session, we revisit the Thingol and Melian story, take a hard look at Sauron’s posse, and map out the structure of Season 2, Episode 5, whic...
318: SilmFilm 2-08: Episode 4 – The Avari (The Unwilling)
30 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the fourth episode of Season 2, we show the developing power struggle between Gothmog and Mairon, and the return of Lenwë to the Avari.
317: SilmFilm 2-07: Episode 3 - DeGreat DeBate
19 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 3 of Season 2 will focus on the debate amongst the elves about whether to remain in Middle-earth or head over to Valinor.
316: SilmFilm 2-06: Episode 2 – “Don’t Get in the Van, Elwë!”
04 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the second episode of Season 2, the Elvish ambassadors take a trip to Valinor.
315: SilmFilm 2-05: Episode 1 – Crisis in Cuivienen
25 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Discussion and outline of the first episode of Season 2, starting with Arwen’s frame story, which leads into the story of the awakening of the elves...
314: SilmFilm 2-04: Linguistics, etc.
11 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Discussion about the linguistics of the Silmarillion, the continuing the Big Picture stuff for Season 2, and the sundering of races, as well as materi...
313: SilmFilm 2-03: The Elves
27 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Today is the day we talk about the Elves – how they came to be and their divisions.
312: SilmFilm 2-02: Episode Calendar
10 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Deciding on general outline for season 2 – not in detail, as we will map out episode-by-episode plots later.
311: SilmFilm 2-01: Brainstorming
25 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing the big-picture overview of the season, starting with the the awakening of the Elves at Cuivienen (from their point of view) and ending wit...
SilmFilm 1-20: Script Outlines
12 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We bring on some additional panelists this week to discuss script outlines and fill in the holes left in our episodic discussions. Guest panelists inc...
SilmFilm 1-19: Music
27 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Joining us for a discussion of the musical score is John DiBartolo of the Lonely Mountain Band. We also will listen to clips of proposed character the...
SilmFilm 1-18: Casting Poll Results and Costuming
16 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We review the results of our casting poll from Session 16 and discuss what we’d like to see our newly cast … uh, cast … wear.
SilmFilm 1-17: Envisioning Arda - Sets/Locations
03 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Following up on our casting conversation, this time we’re talking about how we want things to look. What type of forests should fill Valinor? What a...
SilmFilm 1-16: Casting
13 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Now that we’ve mapped out the characters, plot and action of the 13-episode first season, we get to decide who we’d like to see play the parts! Th...
SilmFilm 1-15: Episode 13 - The War to Begin All Wars
07 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the 2-hour season finale, the culmination of the strife amongst the Valar comes to a head with three councils, two summonings, and an epic battle t...
SilmFilm 1-14: Episode 12 - Can’t Kick the Orc Can Anymore
18 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve gone too long without discussing the Mûmakil in the room: those darn orcs. In this session, we stop kicking that tin ration packaging down th...
SilmFilm 1-13: Episode 11 - Aulë and the Dwarves
04 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore why Aulë does what he does, showing parallels with Melkor and planting the seeds of impatience for the Coming of the Chil...
Episode 302: The Last (Really!) RITD Episode -- BotFA EE Review
24 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of Riddles in the Dark (really), Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and co-hosts Dave Kale and Trish Lambert go over the extended edit...
SilmFilm 1-12: Episode 10 - Fall of the House of Ainur (Part the Second)
18 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Subtitle: If you have a Balrog, you don’t need a cat. In which we start to link together all of the subplots and develop the first multi-episode sto...
300: SilmFilm 1-11: Episode 9 - The Fall of the House of Ainur (sort of), Part the First
12 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 9, we begin to look at the downfall of various Ainur, setting the stage for the three rebellions that happen over the rest of the season: A...
299: SilmFilm 1-10: Episode 8 - The Two Trees (Aftermath)
09 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In the eighth episode of Season 1, we focus on the Two Trees, showing how they help to beautify Valinor – and instill jealousy and devious plans in ...
298: SilmFilm 1-09: Episode 7 - Finally, Something For The Fëanturi To Do!
05 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s session, we come up with a new tagline for the SilmFilm Project: “It’s better than Jackson could have come up with.” Also, we talk ...
297: SilmFilm: Fantasy Casting for the Silmarillion Film Project
26 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
296: SilmFilm 1-08: Episode 6 - Murder of the Lamps
05 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
After wrapping up some loose ends from the previous session, we shape episode 6 into something of a “whodunit” murder mystery, with the victims be...
295: SilmFilm 1-07: Episode 5 - Creating the Lamps, Distressing the Damsel
05 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 5, we discuss the decision to create the lamps and the introduction of Tulkas
294: SilmFilm 1-06: Episode 4 - Yay Melkor!!
05 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In the fourth episode of Season 1, we determine how Melkor meets the other Valar and focus on the end of the Ainulindalë and Iluvatar’s conversatio...
293: SilmFilm 1-05: Episode 3 - He Who Shall Not Be Named Morgoth
19 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We continue to discuss central themes of the season, in particular focusing on Melkor – including what the heck to call him (as well as others who e...
292: SilmFilm 1-04: Episode 2 - From Chaos to Harmony
19 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are figuring out the content of the frame story and the Silmarillion story for episode 2 and how to tie it all together.
291: SilmFilm 1-03: Episode 1 (Pilot) - The Ainulindalë
02 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time to discuss the Music of the Ainur, one of the most thought-provoking and beautiful stories Tolkien wrote. This is a central core concept t...
290: SilmFilm 1-02: Narrative Overview
02 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We continue our discussion about the overall narrative of Season 1, as well as focus on the elements of the frame story that will encompass the show.
289: SilmFilm 1-01: Plot Overview
26 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We will begin by discussing the overall plot of the first season and the major events that we want to occur during the season, including the Music of ...
Episode 288: Tolkien Chat: Makin’ Movies in Middle-earth
12 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Adaptation has been a topic that has intrigued many Mythgardians, including Signum University President Corey Olsen (also known as The Tolkien Profess...
287: SilmFilm 0-04: Plot Mapping
24 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode in this season, we will attempt to lay out a map for the whole show, season by season.
286: SilmFilm 0-03: Storytelling
13 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We will continue tackling big issues, including chronology, language style and use of narration.
285: SilmFilm 0-02: Big Decisions
20 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We will discuss some of the critical issues that will lay the foundation of the adaptation, including character depiction, music and magic.
284: SilmFilm 0-01: Introducing the Silmarillion Film Project
09 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We will explain what we are doing and what we are not doing in this project. We will explain the general framework of our episodes and give a high lev...
Episode 283: Mythgard Monday at Ales and Tales-Frodo and Sauron: What Were They Thinking?
18 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In the Lord of the Rings Online, Mythgard gathers at Ales and Tales to celebrate Gondorian New Year and the 7th Anniversary of the Lonely Mountain Ban...
Episode 282: Riddles in the Dark, The Ultimate Episode (Really!)
03 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of a long journey there and back again, Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and co-hosts Dave Kale and Trish Lambert wind up the riddle...
Episode 281: Riddles in the Dark, The Penultimate Episode
15 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and co-hosts Trish Lambert and Dave Kale discuss three of the six "leftover" riddles that needed more discussion. Fi...
Episode 280: Riddles in the Dark, The Beginning of the End
04 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and co-hosts Trish Lambert and Dave Kale conduct a lightning round of the Year Three riddles and conundra to arrive ...
Episode 279: The Riddles in the Dark Team Debriefs The Battle of the Five Armies
25 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and co-hosts Trish Lambert and Dave Kale share their thoughts about The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
Episode 278: The Tolkien Professor Debriefs The Battle of the Five Armies
25 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen offers his own reactions, observations and insights about the third installment of Peter Jackson's adaptation of The...
Episode 277: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Postgame Episode 7
24 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In the second ending to the Riddles in the Dark series, The Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and co-hosts Dave Kale and Trish Lambert wrap up their specu...
Episode 276: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Postgame Episode 6
21 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and co-hosts Dave Kale and Trish Lambert go over more of the information that has been released prior to the launch ...
Episode 275: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, DOS Extended Edition Analysis
30 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and co-hosts Dave Kale and Trish Lambert considered the extra footage included in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug Ex...
Episode 274: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Postgame Episode 5
27 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and co-hosts Dave Kale and Trish Lambert are happy to finally be able to dig into material being released for the th...
Episode 273: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Postgame Episode 4
06 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and co-hosts Trish Lambert and Dave Kale are relieved to finally have material to consider for the third Hobbit movie.
Episode 272: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Postgame Episode 3: It's LEGO Time!
21 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Just in time to save us from an episode of wandering speculations in the void created by Warner Brothers and Peter Jackson, the LEGO sets for The Hobb...
Episode 271: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Postgame Episode 2: Not a Banner Episode
05 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Co-hosts and live listeners found it hard to like the promotional banner for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Fortunately, there are some go...
Episode 270: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Postgame Episode 1: On with the Analysis
21 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The analysis phase kicks off by pondering the trailer for the extended edition of The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, among other things
Episode 269: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Episode 3.16: The Riddle Roundup, Time to Vote!
06 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The whole Riddles in the Dark gang races through all 15 riddles and conundra while Corey casts his votes for all to see. Submit your answers by midnig...
Episode 268: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Episode 3.15: The Journey Home
24 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
We wrap up the riddle game with the key question: Will there be a Bag End auction?
Episode 266: Riddles in the Dark Supererogatory Episode 6
19 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Corey and Laura share listener observations and present the final five conundra of the riddle game
Episode 267: Tolkien Chat 19: Mythgard at Mythcon 2014
19 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Corey talks to Mythgard students who joined him at Mythcon 45 in August of 2014, as well as an impressive list of drop-by guests
Episode 265: Tolkien Chat 18: Comments on the release of Tolkien's Beowulf translation
19 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Olsen comments on the release of J.R.R. Tolkien's translation of Beowulf
Episode 264: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Episode 3.14: The Aftermath
09 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when the dust settles after the battle? Corey and Trish ask the tough questions.
Episode 263: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Bonus Episode: Comic-Con and the Teaser Trailer
04 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Dave and guest listener Karen offer up a first hand view of the Comic-Con experience. Then Corey launches into a two-minute-per-second analysis of the...
Episode 262: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Episode 3.13: Farewell to Thorin
28 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Corey and Trish put the "fun" into "funeral" in this installment of Riddles in the Dark, while Dave is off running around San Diego Comic-Con.
Episode 261: Riddles in the Dark Supererogatory Episode 5
19 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Corey and Trish (standing in for Laura) share great listener observations about the Battle of Dol Guldur (RITD Episodes 3.09 and 3.10)
Episode 260: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Episode 3.12: The Battle of Five Armies, Part 2
17 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Who's gonna die? That's the big question in this episode of Riddles in the Dark, as The Tolkien Professor and fellow co-hosts ponder the imponderables...
Episode 259: Riddles in the Dark Bonus: Pronunciation Guide
06 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In response to a listener query, Corey walks through Tolkien's language pronunciation and how the names in The Hobbit films are supposed to be pronoun...
Episode 258: Riddles in the Dark Supererogatory Episode 4
06 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Corey and Trish (standing in for Laura) go over all the riddles covering the Siege (RITD Episodes 3.06, 3.07 and 3.08)
Episode 257: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Episode 3.11: The Battle of Five Armies, Part 1
30 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Why will the Elves march to Erebor? Will Bilbo be conscious for the battle? Does Roac constitute one of the armies? These and other pressing questions...
Episode 256: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Episode 3.10: Dol Guldur Part 2 - The Black Hats
18 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
What is Sauron up to? Where are all those Orcs going anyway? And what's going on with the Nazgul? We don't have the answers, but we have LOTS of theor...
Episode 255: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Episode 3.09: Dol Guldur Part 1 - The White Hats
01 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In a Daveless episode, Trish and Corey consider what will be happening at Dol Guldur in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, with excursions int...
Episode 254: Riddles in the Dark Supererogatory, Episode III
22 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The third episode of the Riddles in the Dark Supererogatory. The Tolkien Professor addresses your comments and questions on RITD 3.04 and RITD 3.05.
Episode 253: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Episode 3.08: The Siege,Thief in the Night
18 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Moving right along toward the Battle of (the) Five Armies, Tolkien Professor Corey Olsen and his Riddles in the Dark co-hosts actually talk about....w...
Episode 252: Riddles in the Dark Year 3, Phase 2, Episode 3.07: The Siege,Laketown View
03 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Our hosts were very talkative in this episode, starting with a rant about the new name for Hobbit Movie 3, then moving on to considering how the Siege...