Today's Tolkien Times

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...

Week 078 - Third Age Thursday: Unmarred, Unstained

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Clearly not referring to The Man of the West or any of his clothing, today’s title references a line in a poem that Gandalf may have just made up on...

Week 078 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Or, “Deadly Forest of Deadly Death”

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for a closer look at Taur-nu-Fuin than you ever thought you’d like. Also, it turns out we’ve been misspelling the name of...

Week 078 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Such a Churl

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yet another line that could describe The Man of the West — but today, it’s Túrin’s own self-evaluation, as he reunites with an old friend. Lear...

Week 078 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Between Down and Fen

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he follows the Three Hunters into Rohan for another Middle-earth Map Monday to start week 78 of the TTT. Learn more about ...

Week 077 - Silmarillion Saturday: There Mirth Also Dwelt

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he continues Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, as we witness the power of the Three Rings — and the inevitability...

Week 077 - Fandom Friday: Kaiakayy

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Man of the West welcomes Kaia to Today’s Tolkien Times to talk Tolkien, TikTok and trivia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...

Week 077 - Third Age Thursday: Hwær Cwom Mearg?

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for an attempt at Old English as he looks at Aragorn’s Lament for the Rohirrim, the classic ubi sunt, and reads Tolkien’s...

Week 077 - Word-nerd Wednesday: It Would Explain Much

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We spend another Word-nerd Wednesday looking at names from the Tale of Túrin Turambar; today, including four Elves and three swords! Learn more about...

Week 077 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Guard Him and Guide Him

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We return to the story of Túrin Turambar as perpetually-underrated Beleg Cúthalion does everything within his power to help the troubled young man. ...

Week 077 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Swelled Like a Green Sea

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he begins week 77 of Today’s Tolkien Times with another Middle-earth Map Monday, joining the Three Hunters as they pursu...

Week 076 - Silmarillion Saturday: Stirred as by a Cold Wind

05 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for the continuing story Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, as we witness the fall of Arnor and the waning of Gondor. L...

Week 076 - Fandom Friday: History, Real or Feigned

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West in welcoming Be1mont_lotr to Fandom Friday; he’s another in the growing chorus of the Voices of Arda, a history buff, and d...

Week 076 - Third Age Thursday: Dark is the Path

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Galadriel has messages for the Three Hunters, even if Gandalf nearly forgets to deliver one of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...

Week 076 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Say That Again?

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he brings to light more of the words from our Tuesday readings in the story of Túrin: today, a look at the family of Húr...

Week 076 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Marked With Sorrow

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The tragic tale of Túrin Turambar properly begins today, as we encounter the aftermath of the Nirnaeth Arnoediad through the eyes of Morwen Eledhwen....

Week 076 - Middle-earth Map Monday: The Rush and Thunder

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he begins another week with a look at the last of the places the Company visited along the Great River. Learn more about y...

Week 075 - Silmarillion Saturday: Not Wholly Destroyed

29 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for more reading from Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age as, today, he learns that sometimes, a victory is only temporar...

Week 075 - Fandom Friday: Celebreabird

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s Tolkien Times returns to Fandom Fridays, as The Man of the West welcomes Celebreabird to talk about her Tolkien substack and her welcoming w...

Week 075 - Third Age Thursday: With Doom We Come

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

No, not The Man of the West and any of his PPP co-hosts; it’s time for Treebeard and the Ents to sing and march their way to Isengard to deal with s...

Week 075 - Word-nerd Wednesday: A Vigorous Heart

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time to explore a few of the names we encountered in yesterday’s Túrin Tuesday, including the names of the brothers Húrin and Huor, and The Man of...

Week 075 - Túrin Turambar Tuesday: Seventy Times He Uttered That Cry

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it The Man of the West crying about another old joke? No, it’s Húrin, killing yet another member of the troll-guard of Gothmog. Learn more abou...

Week 075 - Middle-earth Map Monday: No Foot of Man Or Beast

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he begins Series 10 of Today’s Tolkien Times with a visit to the lake of Nen Hithoel and the three peaks that helped sha...

Week 074 - Silmarillion Saturday: Brooded in the Dark

01 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for some unexpected advice about ‘brooding’ as we conclude the Second Age in Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age in T...

Week 074 - First-Age Friday: Sudden Swift Surprise

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After 32 First Age Fridays, we reach the end of Tolkien’s Lay of Leithian. Beren Erchamion, folks: give him a hand. Learn more about your ad choice...

Week 074 - Third Age Thursday: Lighthearted, Quick-worded, and Soon Over

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Once again, while this could describe The Man of the West and the TTT episodes, it’s actually Treebeard’s thoughts about the Elvish song of the En...

Week 074 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Quenya for “Listen to Her”

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for the last of his 8-week series on the names of the Valar and Maiar, as we discover the stories behind the names of Arien, ...

Week 074 - Tolkien Tuesday: Her Last and Fattest Years

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tolkien’s in-depth explanation of hobbit birthdays continues, and transitions into a discussion of family structure and one morbidly funny story inv...

Week 074 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Silent Wardens

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as he begins the last week of Series 9 with another Middle-earth Map Monday, traveling down the Anduin. Also, Aragorn admires...

Week 073 - Silmarillion Saturday: The Yearning of Exile

22 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we read a summary of the early years of the Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor, and their ‘many treasures and great heirlooms ...

Week 073 - First-Age Friday: Ecstasy Enchanted

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We promised it would get better after last week’s visions of Morgoth’s dark heart; but Beren and Lúthien are still, essentially, in hell — so k...

Week 073 - Third Age Thursday: More Than My Desire

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for a closer look at Treebeard’s wanderings through the lands of Beleriand in the First Age. Learn more about your ad choic...

Week 073 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Place of Starlight

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Man of the West moves on from the names of the Valar and begins an in-depth look at the names of some of the Maiar, including the handmaid of Vard...

Week 073 - Tolkien Tuesday: Horrified the Shire-folk

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What in Middle-earth could do such a thing to the doughty hobbits? You’ll have to listen to The Man of the West as he continues looking at Tolkien’...

Week 073 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Burned and Uprooted

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for another week of Today’s Tolkien Times, starting with a ride down the Anduin as we look at the Brown Lands and the Undee...

Week 072 - Silmarillion Saturday: The Voices of Death

15 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for another reading in Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age as we see the fates of the Seven and the Nine, and get a recap...

Week 072 - First-Age Friday: A Pretty Toy For Idle Hour

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Also quite clearly not The Man of the West, but join him as he walks through a genuinely hellish moment for Lúthien as she endures the lustful stares...

Week 072 - Third Age Thursday: The Lore of Living Creatures

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Aragorn longs for Gondor and a crown buried for a thousand years; Merry and Pippin long to be included in a list of people who don’t get squished by...

Week 072 - Word-nerd Wednesday: An Actual Perfect 10

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we look at more names of the Valier, running down quite the list today including Nienna, Estë, Vairë, Vána, and Nessa. ...

Week 072 - Tolkien Tuesday: Considerable Social Importance

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You don’t need me to tell you that today’s title has nothing to do with The Man of the West. Rather, it’s about hobbit birthdays in a letter Tol...

Week 072 - Middle-earth Map Monday: And the Land Was Silent

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West for the third and final episode on the land of Lórien as we learn all about its time under the leadership of not-King Celebo...

Week 071 - Silmarillion Saturday: Is It Not Then Our Task

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as the Noldor of Eregion hearken to the persuasive words of the Lord of Gifts, much to their dismay. Learn more about your ad...

Week 071 - First-Age Friday: Thy Name, Thou Shrieking Waif, Thy Name!

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“I’ll take ‘Pickup Lines That Result in Failure’ for $500, Alex.” Join The Man of the West for suggestions on what not to say when talking t...

Week 071 - Third Age Thursday: His Cloven Shield, His Broken Sword

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as Aragorn and Legolas sing a lament for Boromir, while Gimli watches on quietly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

Week 071 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Lady of the West and Mother Earth

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We continue looking at names of the Valar in this series’ Word-nerd Wednesdays, today diving into the names of two of the Queens of the Valar, or th...

Week 071 - Tolkien Tuesday: Juicy Details

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join The Man of the West as we look at Tolkien’s response to a letter asking him for ‘facts’ about himself, and discover that while he doesn’t...

Week 071 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Long Years of Peace and Obscurity

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

No, that doesn’t describe the tenure of The Man of the West at The Prancing Pony Podcast — although it certainly could. Join Alan as he continues ...

Week 070 - Silmarillion Saturday: Back Into Evil

01 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Repent? Sure! Oh, on second thought. Join The Man of the West as Sauron waffles in our first reading in Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age (or Ot...