Today's Tolkien Times

Week 095 - Tolkien Tuesday: Neither ‘Foolhardy’ Nor German

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Man of the West isn’t German either, but he might not have much to say on the ‘foolhardy’ front. Join him as we take a look at Tolkien’s s...

Week 095 - Middle-earth Map Monday: A Thousand Feet Above the Plain

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he begins the last week of Series 12 with a Middle-earth Map Monday exploring the City of Minas Tirith! Learn more about y...

Week 094 - Silmarillion Saturday: Their Roofless Grave

20 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he begins a new chapter on Silmarillion Saturdays, Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin. Learn more about yo...

Week 094 - First Age Friday: Blame Me Not

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Week 094 - First Age Friday: Blame Me Not Voronwë echoes the words of the Man of the West, but sounds so much better doing it. He and Tuor get oh-so...

Week 094 - Third Age Thursday: Treasure Without Price

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At least you know the title isn’t referring to The Man of the West! Join him as we look at the fascinating story behind the two versions of the Elen...

Week 094 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Sounds Like…

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he looks at more words from the chapter Of Maeglin, and decides to fill in the blanks for a name that Tolkien was was “m...

Week 094 - Tolkien Tuesday: What Have Penguins Done to You, Professor?

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Man of the West looks at some more of Tolkien’s letters, discovering that the Professor is overworked, criticizes Lewis’ “ponderous sillines...

Week 094 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Huge Tracts of Land

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he goes inside the Rammas that we visited last week to see the wide tilth and many orchards of the Pelennor on another Mid...

Week 093 - Silmarillion Saturday: Knowing That He Was Perilous

13 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for the tragic conclusion to the chapter Of Maeglin as Eöl does the unthinkable, Aredhel protects her son, and Maeglin’s d...

Week 093 - First Age Friday: Short is the Sight of Mortal Men

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At least The Man of the West doesn’t have to do any curvature-of-the-earth calculations in this week’s reading in Of Tuor and His Coming to Gondol...

Week 093 - Third Age Thursday: Yet to Earn It

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for a deep dive into yet another Third Age Artifact in Middle-earth as we look at the nature and history of The Sceptre of An...

Week 093 - Word-nerd Wednesday: An Aberration

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Man of the West fully recognizes his status, but the title actually refers to a possible mixup on Tolkien’s part! Learn more about your ad choic...

Week 093 - Tolkien Tuesday: Not Going Off Exactly as Hot Cakes

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does the title reference episodes of Today’s Tolkien Times? Well, yes… but Tolkien is referring to the Swedish translation of The Lord of the Ring...

Week 093 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Ah, but Which Denethor?

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he asks a question almost no one else would bother asking as we journey with Gandalf (and Pippin) as they pass the wall pr...

Week 092 - Silmarillion Saturday: To Claim My Own

06 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as Eöl proves he’s exactly who we’ve known him to be all along when he finally gets a chance to meet his brother-in-law,...

Week 092 - First Age Friday: Death Walks Between

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we journey with Tuor and Voronwë through the Vale of Sirion; Tuor wants to fight, Voronwë offers better advice, and Ulmo...

Week 092 - Third Age Thursday: Touch It and Die

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Aragorn has strong words for Háma, as The Man of the West continues his look at Third Age artifacts with a study of Andúril, née Narsil, and the Ri...

Week 092 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Well, I’m Back

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we discover that Sam’s statement upon returning home is a lot easier to decipher than Voronwë’s Alae! Ered en Echoria...

Week 092 - Tolkien Tuesday: Fauna of Mordor

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to hear Tolkien tell us what he really thinks about cats (or a breed of them, perhaps) — as well as retirement, vacation, and publishing...

Week 092 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Stone for Food

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we continue our journeys in Anórien, stopping by the pine woods of the Drúadan Foreste, and walking the roads of Stonewa...

Week 091 - Silmarillion Saturday: Knowing His Peril

30 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you ever think Curufin would be a good guy? Yeah, me neither. Of course, the bar’s set pretty low today as he encounters Eöl on his way to seek...

Week 091 - First Age Friday: Only For a Moment

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as Tuor and Voronwë discover the defilement of the springs of Ivrin, and spot a man with woe graven in his face. If only the...

Week 091 - Third Age Thursday: Homebrew

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for more Middle-earth artifacts in the Third Age, as we spend this episode diving deep into the Arkenstone, answering the age-old question...

Week 091 - Word-nerd Wednesday: He Said It Again!

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he walks through a half-dozen words from our journeys with Tuor and Voronwë on First Age Fridays. Learn more about your a...

Week 091 - Tolkien Tuesday: Means ‘No’

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for more subtlety, more reading between the lines, and more inferences… wait, who am I kidding? It’s time for the Letters and some mor...

Week 091 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Less-important Fires

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for an in-depth look at each of the Beacon-hills of Gondor in this Middle-earth Map Monday, as we continue exploring Anórien...

Week 090 - Silmarillion Saturday: Wholly Unwilling

23 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We may have left the tragedy of Túrin behind for now, but troubling Middle-earth moments continue as Eöl stalks, manipulates, coerces, and finally t...

Week 090 - First Age Friday: The Waves Hunted Us

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as Voronwë concludes his sorrowful tale; now we all know why this year’s family vacation will not be a cruise. Learn more ...

Week 090 - Third Age Thursday: Quite Polite

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for a look at one of the more well-known artifacts of the Third Age: and no, it’s not the lead singer of The Police. Learn ...

Week 090 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Redundant Redundancy

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for another dive into (mostly) Sindarin words from our First Age Friday readings in Of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin. Learn more about y...

Week 090 - Tolkien Tuesday: Above Our Measure

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we finish our look at Letter 215, where the Professor offers deep insight on our need for literature and, once again, disc...

Week 090 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Paid Little Attention

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While today’s title could describe The Man of the West’s years in college, it’s actually the narrative calling out a hobbit. Start this week wit...

Week 089 - Silmarillion Saturday: She Was Enmeshed

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he begins the story of Aredhel, the White Lady of the Noldor, and her ill-advised departure from Gondolin. Learn more abou...

Week 089 - First Age Friday: The Cure of All Sea-Longing

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he continues his reading of the story of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin, as today we listen to much of Voronwë’s tale,...

Week 089 - Third Age Thursday: Beater and Biter

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the poetry and songs from The Lord of the Rings in our rear-view mirror here on the TTT, it’s time to spend this series looking at important ar...

Week 089 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Voronwë and the Willow-vale

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for an exploration of several words we’ve encountered in our First Age Friday readings through the story of Tuor and His Co...

Week 089 - Tolkien Tuesday: Among Other Darknesses

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We return to the revised edition of Tolkien’s Letters as we get back to Tolkien Tuesdays for Series 12 of the TTT. Edith’s broken arm and the Prof...

Week 089 - Middle-earth Map Monday: From Erui to Mindolluin

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he begins Series 12 of the TTT with a Middle-earth Map Monday on the region of Gondor known as Anórien. Learn more about ...

Week 088 - Silmarillion Saturday: The Secret Fire Imperishable, Or Something

19 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s discussion and analysis time as The Man of the West looks back over the last six weeks in the Ainulindalë, answers a couple of questions, and ...

Week 088 - First Age Friday: The Hidden Remain Hid

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as Voronwë gets a few surprises from Tuor, and learns that his Spring Break has been cancelled. Learn more about your ad cho...

Week 088 - Third Age Thursday: Tidings Beyond Hope

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Eagles bring a message from the High King of Arda himself as the children of the West sing and rejoice after the ending of Sauron’s realm. Learn...

Week 088 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Unendurable Fate

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for one more Word-nerd Wednesday walking through the names and words in our story of Túrin — with a bonus pair of names fr...

Week 088 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: No Lord or Loyalty

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The story of Túrin Turambar reaches its tragic end as Túrin learns of what happened and implores Gurthang to do its job quickly. Learn more about yo...

Week 088 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Fear Flowed From It

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he continues his way past the Hold of Dunharrow down the Dimholt Road to the Door of the Dead on another Middle-earth Map ...

Week 087 - Silmarillion Saturday: Not All in Vain

12 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Ainulindalë reaches its dramatic conclusion as Melkor gets jealous of the Valars’ new threads and throws a cosmic temper tantrum. Learn more a...

Week 087 - First Age Friday: A Long Surf Glimmering

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we continue our readings in the story of Tuor, wrapping up our chat with the mighty Ulmo before eventually meeting a new f...

Week 087 - Third Age Thursday: Praise Them With Great Praise!

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We near the end of our nearly year-long run through the poems and songs in The Lord of the Rings with a discussion of a song that Tolkien says “brou...

Week 087 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Almost As Many Names As Aragorn

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for a whirlwind walk through nine names of the chief protagonist (I can’t say ‘hero’) of the tragic story of Túrin. Le...

Week 087 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: And Now Thou Shalt Know Him

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Túrin finally gets his vengeance on Glaurung, but it comes at a high cost for him — and for Níniel, who has her full memory tragically restored. L...

Week 087 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Before Ever a Ship Came

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he continues his journey deep into the valley of Harrowdale, this time climbing a steep road and visiting the ancient Dunh...

Week 086 - Silmarillion Saturday: Forms of Majesty and Dread

05 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we wrap up week 86 with a reminder that you cannot call dibs on an entire world, even if you are Melkor. Learn more about ...

Week 086 - First Age Friday: Whatsoever Doom They Bear

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

And it’s quite a doom, Tuor, take my word for it. Join The Man of the West as Tuor rolls natural 20s for his loot check, resulting in some special g...

Week 086 - Third Age Thursday: Nor Bid the Stars Farewell

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We take a closer look at the moving song that Sam finds himself singing unbidden in the terrible Tower of Cirith Ungol, all alone. Learn more about yo...

Week 086 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Not That Kind of Deer, Dear

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he explores the word-nerdery behind many names from our readings in the stories of Túrin and Tuor. Learn more about your ...

Week 086 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: A Shadow Fell Upon Her Mind

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We continue our readthrough of the story of Túrin as he finally settles down and gets married — to the last person he ever should wed. Tragedy grow...

Week 086 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Frowning Precipices

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West, who tries to keep his precipices from frowning, for this week’s Middle-earth Map Monday as we head to the valley of Harrow...

Week 085 - Silmarillion Saturday: Let These Things Be!

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ilúvatar has some words for the Ainur — or, specifically, one very important word. We also get a tangible example of SPBMI in this week’s Silmari...

Week 085 - First Age Friday: Deathless But Doomed

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for another reading in the story of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin, as Tuor spends months in the wilderness before swans lea...

Week 085 - Third Age Thursday: But a Doggrel

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The herb-master in the Houses of Healing delivers a “rhyme of old days”, and Legolas sings of the beauty of Lebennin in this week’s exploration ...

Week 085 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Lookout Hill

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for a closer look at a few names from our readings about Túrin, and a surprise appearance by a phrase from our readings abou...

Week 085 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Nor Her Own Name

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Todays’ meeting of Glaurung and Níenor will lead to tragedy tomorrow, as we continue the story of Túrin Turambar. Learn more about your ad choice...

Week 085 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Riven From the Bones of the Earth

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we continue our walk through Middle-earth with a visit to Nan Curunír, Isengard, and Orthanc itself. Learn more about you...

Week 084 - Silmarillion Saturday: Strange and Free

21 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While the episode title fairly describes this podcast (and, in a way, its host), it’s actually what the Valar saw in the Children of Ilúvatar as we...

Week 084 - First Age Friday: A Great Yearning

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tuor finds his way to the shores of the Great Sea and is struck with a deep Sea-longing in today’s continued reading in Of Tuor and His Coming to Go...

Week 084 - Third Age Thursday: To the Day’s Rising

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he walks through some of the most powerful alliterative verses in The Lord of the Rings, including Rohirric ‘epitaph poe...

Week 084 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Intelligent Man

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode title is clearly not referring to The Man of the West, but you’ll have to listen to find out who it is talking about. Join in as w...

Week 084 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: In Peace Unshadowed

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If only Túrin were right about that. Join The Man of the West as we continue reading the story of Túrin who finally takes the overly-optimistic name...

Week 084 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Rush and Chatter

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

No, The Man of the West isn’t in a hurry and he’s no more talkative than usual. Today’s Middle-earth Map Monday continues our visit in Rohan as ...

Week 083 - Silmarillion Saturday: Shall Prove But Mine Instrument

14 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he continues his reading of Ainulindalë, reaching the passage that spawned the classic PPP acronym, SPBMI. Learn more abo...

Week 083 - First Age Friday: Through Darkness

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tuor begins his journeys and runs into two unexpected Elves who have some counsel — and unexpected prophecy — for the outlaw. Also, blue lamps! Le...

Week 083 - Third Age Thursday: Fealty Kept He

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he takes a deep dive into dark Dunharrow and the dim morning, studying the alliterative verse of Rohan. Learn more about y...

Week 083 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Get Used to Disappointment

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Man of the West swings and misses at three words today, but still manages to bat .500 as he just keeps swinging. (Not a baseball fan? Please forgi...

Week 083 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: I Offer Thee Freedom

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

And if you really think that’s what Glaurung is offering, I’ve got a bridge to sell you — and it’s nowhere near Nargothrond. Learn more about...

Week 083 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Tap by Tap

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he continues his trip through Rohan on Middle-earth Map Monday in a visit to the caves of Helm’s Deep: the Glittering Ca...

Week 082 - Silmarillion Saturday: Like Unto Countless Choirs

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for a deep dive into the musical origins of creation in the first of six readings in the Ainulindalë, the Music of the Ainur, from The Si...

Week 082 - First Age Friday: An Outlaw in the Land of His Fathers

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for a new series of First Age Fridays as we look at the tale Of Tuor and His Coming to Gondolin from Unfinished Tales. Learn ...

Week 082 - Third Age Thursday: Need Shall Drive Him

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Man of the West takes a long look at the words of Malbeth the Seer — including a look at the drafts when Malbeth had nothing to do with this pro...

Week 082 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Noble Towers, Silver Birches and Golden Worms

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he powers his word-nerd way through six words from yesterday’s reading in the Tale of Túrin Turambar. Learn more about ...

Week 082 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Yet I Rue the Day

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We continue our Túrin Turambar Tuesdays as Ulmo sends Orodreth some good advice, and Túrin promptly ignores it. Gwindor loses everything, and Túrin...

Week 082 - Middle-earth Map Monday: The Far-off Days of the Glory of Gondor

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he begins Series 11 of Today’s Tolkien Times with a return to Middle-earth Map Monday as our Rohan road trip stops at Sú...

Week 081 - Silmarillion Saturday: With His Servant?!

10 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’d say Sam needs a new publicist. Join The Man of the West as we close out our time in Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age with, uh, well, the ...

Week 081 - Fandom Friday: Don Marshall

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West in welcoming back Don Marshall to Today’s Tolkien Times, as he tells us about the new book he’s writing! Learn more about...

Week 081 - Third Age Thursday: Huge, Old, and Tall

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’d make one of those “I feel called out” jokes, but I know I’m not tall. Join The Man of the West for an in-depth look at a hobbit nursery rh...

Week 081 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Orodreth Went to West Virginia?

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for another look at a series of names connected to Nargothrond and Túrin’s time there. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Week 081 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Not In Your Name

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gwindor speaks an unwelcome truth to Túrin, but he doesn’t want to hear it. Join The Man of the West as our tragic hero gains not one, not two, but...

Week 081 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Wide, Wind-Swept Walls

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as Gandalf and his Companions reach Edoras and make their way through the town to the top of the hill and Meduseld itself. Le...

Week 080 - Silmarillion Saturday: Of Small Account

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we continue reading through Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, this time as the White Council finally serves an evic...

Week 080 - Fandom Friday: Bag End at End of Bag

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West in welcoming Myla, a fellow collector of all things Tolkien, to the TTT to talk about our mutual obsession pastime. Learn mor...

Week 080 - Third Age Thursday: Rhymes of Lore

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he leaves alliterative Old English behind, in order to explore not one, not two, but three Rhymes of Lore. Well, maybe jus...

Week 080 - Word-nerd Wednesday: There’s a Golf Joke Somewhere

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not that The Man of the West finds the joke, but you’ll understand. Join him for a whirlwind exploration of several words from the TTT’s recent, u...

Week 080 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Fate Was That Day More Strong

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The day we all hoped would turn out differently has arrived, and Beleg meets his tragic end in this week’s installment of Túrin Turambar Tuesday. L...

Week 080 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Like a Sentinel

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for more map exploration in Rohan: this time, accompanying Gandalf and the Three Hunters as they ride for Edoras, the capital...

Week 079 - Silmarillion Saturday: A Second Darkness

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we continue reading through Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age: Mithrandir is vigilant, Elrond is troubled, and Sarum...

Week 079 - Fandom Friday: Galadriel’s Gorgeous Gambeson

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Man of the West welcomes Silhouette Cosplay to the TTT to explain to us mere mortals how costuming magic is actually made! Learn more about your a...

Week 079 - Third Age Thursday: Arise!

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for an in-depth look at two pieces of alliterative verse cried out by a restored King Théoden… just ignore the butchering ...

Week 079 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Beleriand Geography — Lightning Round

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to look at a few of the place names we’ve encountered in our Túrin readings this series; we move through seven locations faster than Tú...

Week 079 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: With Little Hope

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as Túrin’s reputation grows a little too big, Mîm picks a battle a bit too big, and Beleg runs across an Elf who’s had ...

Week 079 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Great Brooding Presence

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Once again, a title that could — at times — describe your host, but this time it’s where the Three Hunters are heading to start week 79 of the T...

Week 078 - Silmarillion Saturday: How Great Was Their Peril

19 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We continue in Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age as the Dark Lord makes his return, the forest gets a new name, and the Valar send a little help...

Week 078 - Fandom Friday: A Song of Greater Power

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he sits down with Tolkien scholar (and Ph.D. student) Clare Moore to talk about things he only barely understands. Learn m...