177: The Beauty and Transcendence of "Old Tom Bombadil" from the Soundtrack of Rings of Power Season 2

In a quiet, shadowed corner of the Prancing Pony, the destiny of Middle-earth takes a turn with the arrival of a mysterious figure—a ranger known only as Strider. Few recognize him, and fewer still know his true purpose. As Frodo Baggins seeks refuge from those who hunt him, a chance encounter seems to place him in the hands of yet another stranger. But is Strider truly a mere traveler? This episode delves into the eerie tension of Frodo’s first encounter with Strider, unpacking the subtle clues, hidden dangers, and Tolkien's masterful layering of fate and choice.Perfect for fans of The Lord of the Rings eager to delve deeper into Tolkien’s world, this episode is full of lore, history, and surprises at every turn.Sources mentioned in this episode:JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the RingsThe Letters of JRR Tolkien(The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.)About the Lore of the Rings PodcastContact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Journey to Bree, the legendary village at the crossroads of Middle-earth. As Frodo and his friends step into the warm glow of the Prancing Pony, they’re met with a gathering of mysterious strangers, ancient secrets, and echoes of stories untold. Uncover the hidden history of Bree, explore Tolkien’s vivid descriptions of the Big Folk, Little Folk, and the enigmatic Rangers, and reveal how this unassuming village holds the key to Middle-earth’s past and the unfolding fate of its future.Perfect for fans of The Lord of the Rings eager to delve deeper into Tolkien’s world, this episode is full of lore, history, and surprises at every turn.Sources mentioned in this episode:JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the RingsThe Letters of JRR TolkienKaren Wynn Fonstad's Atlas of Middle-earthChristopher Snyder's The Making of Middle-earth(The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.)About the Lore of the Rings PodcastContact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when two friends decide to bring the world of J.R.R. Tolkien to life on the Teton Crest Trail? In this special episode of Lore of the Rings, host Aaron takes you on an epic journey with modern adventurers Andrew and Beppe, who set out to recreate Frodo and Sam’s legendary trek through Middle-earth. Using period-inspired gear, clothing, and even swords, these two took on the rugged terrain for three days and two nights, sleeping under the stars just as the hobbits did. We’ll explore the challenges they faced, the deeper bond of friendship they discovered, and the profound inspiration Tolkien’s story brought to their lives. Join us for this unforgettable tale of friendship, courage, and an incredible Middle-earth-inspired adventure. Perfect for fans of Lord of the Rings, Tolkien’s characters, and outdoor treks that bring fiction to life!Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comFind Andrew and Beppe on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/amckeanerhttps://www.instagram.com/beppeamodioEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, I dive deep into the ongoing debate surrounding Rings of Power and respond to the popular sentiment: "If you don’t like it, don’t watch it." As a long-time fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, I explain why walking away isn’t an option for those of us who care deeply about the legacy of Middle-earth. We’ll explore how Rings of Power has failed to capture the heart of Tolkien’s world, why thoughtful criticism is essential, and why this show matters for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Whether you’re frustrated with the show or discovering Tolkien’s world for the first time, this episode offers insight into why fans are so passionate about getting it right. Join me for an honest breakdown of Rings of Power and its place in the wider Tolkien universe.The Fall of NúmenorContact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Watched Rings of Power Season 2 and want to go back to "read the book"? Well, it's not so simple! In this episode I outline 7 different sources for you to read the tale of the Second Age, from the quickest reads in the appendices to Lord of the Rings, to newly edited and published resources.Find links to purchase (on Amazon) any of these resources below or at this episode's page: ringspodcast.com/181Appendix A and B in The Lord of the RingsThe SilmarillionUnfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earthAtlas of Middle-earthThe Fall of NúmenorContact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

My unprepared, un-researched thoughts on the opening sequence of Rings of Power season 2, and all of its connections to the Ring Verse printed in JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The greatest battle. The greatest romance. The greatest deception. The greatest smithying. The greatest of great greats that were ever greated!Yes, today will be another rough one, my fellow wanderer. Together we will explore and review episode 7 “Doomed to Die” from Rings of Power season 2. And surprise, surprise, I am not a fan of this episode.Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Explore Rings of Power season 2 episode 6 "Where is He?" by comparing scene-by-scene with one of J.R.R. Tolkien's core storytelling principles: the "inner consistency of reality." This concept, taken from Tolkien's famous essay "On Fairy Stories," is used as a lens to review an episode of Rings of Power. Analyze inconsistencies in character motivations, plot logic, and the internal rules of Middle-earth as presented in the show. From Arondir’s improbable journey to Celebrimbor’s shaky role as ruler, this review highlights why so many Lord of the Rings fans have grown frustrated with the series.Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dive deep into the music of The Rings of Power Season 2, focusing on three mystical songs tied to one of the most enigmatic figures in Tolkien's Middle-earth—Tom Bombadil. Discover the rich connection between music and creation in Middle-earth, and explore the lore behind “Old Tom Bombadil,” “The River Daughter,” and a special reprise sung by both Tom and the Stranger.We'll analyze Tolkien’s own lyrics, featured prominently in these compositions, and examine how the music reflects the deeper themes of nature, harmony, and divine beauty. Plus, I’ll share a personal story of how one of these songs moved me.Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today we are reviewing season 2, episode 5, “Halls of Stone” from Amazon's Rings of Power. We’re going deep into ring lore, Numenor’s religious ceremonies, letters begging for help, and the vastness of Middle-earth as it’s not portrayed in this episode.  Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.comEmbark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy