Best Middleearth Podcasts (2026)

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The Life of JRR Tolkien - Part 1: 1892 - 1916 (Youth and World War I) (Ep219 Rerun) 39:48

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23m ago39:48

39:48

Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892, so given we are in his birth month, we’ll be revisiting our four-part series on his life story over the next few Fridays. In this episode, we’ll revisit part one, as we explore his early life, from his birth in South Africa to his World War I experience… LINKS: Show Notes: https://www.tolkienroad.com/e0219 Watch…

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Silmarillion 2026 » Episode 1 » Introduction (The Waldman Letter) (EP272 Revisited) 1:07:44

2d ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Hey there, Fellowship! Welcome to The Tolkien Road. Every new year brings new resolutions—and for many Tolkien readers, one challenge stands above the rest: The Silmarillion. It’s a book admired, feared, and often postponed. But here at The Tolkien Road, we believe it’s the very heart of Tolkien’s legendarium—and the key to truly understanding Midd…

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 14 » Eregion Founded By The Noldor (EP339 Revisited) 18:37

5d ago18:37

18:37

In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by exploring the founding of Eregion, the Elvish city that eventually gives birth to the Rings of Power! 750 years into the Second Age, things are relatively peaceful. Númenor’s benevolent influence is extending into the lands once ruled by Morgoth’s minions, and there is lit…

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Lord of the Rings, Christmas, and Catholicism 54:37

15d ago54:37

54:37

Hey there fellow travellers! As we get closer and closer to Christmas, I thought it would be a great time to return to one of my favorite topics: Tolkien's controversial assertion that Lord of the Rings is religious and Catholic! Just what did he mean by that? How much does it matter for deepening our appreciation of Lord of the Rings and of Middle…

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Ep 434 - 2025 Wrap up 1:56:00

11d ago1:56:00

1:56:00

It's the end of the wo--er, the year, and we feel fine! A fun chat about the journey of this fine podcast in 2025, eating some crow, and predictions and plans for 2026. Will crow be on the menu again in 2026? Happy holidays, everyone. And, of course... Enjoy!

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393 – From Me to You (the Sceptre) 2:12:29

19d ago2:12:29

2:12:29

Aldarion prepares to go from this misenchanted isle of daydreams filled with insolent women; Alan puts 10 pence in the Sara to get her take on said ‘insolent women’. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we near the end of Aldarion and Erendis from Unfinished Tales. Aldarion lays out his demands to the King; to soften the blow (…

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Noel » Tolkien's Christmas Poem » Episode 269 Revisited 39:55

17d ago39:55

39:55

Hey there fellow travellers! This week we'll be revisiting episode 269, which focused on Tolkien's EPIC Christmas poem NOEL. Visit TolkienRoad.com/noel for plenty of resources related to it! Also, visit TrueMythsPress.com to for Tolkien Road gear like Two Trees coffee mugs, Tolkien Road t-shirts, and signed copies of my books (which are almost gone…

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392 – Help! 2:26:45

18d ago2:26:45

2:26:45

Aldarion watches everyone celebrate and party from the sidelines; Alan painfully recalls his awkward teenage years, while Sara isn’t sure those are over. Join The Man of the West and the Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we begin the eighth of what is now eleven episodes on the story of Aldarion and Erendis in Unfinished Tales. Aldarion gives Ulbar’s wife a…

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The Goblin Wars » Letters from Father Christmas Pt 2 » Episode 268 Revisited 51:05

1M ago51:05

51:05

In this episode, we're concluding our two part journey through Tolkien's Letters from Father Christmas, focusing on The Goblin Wars! Join us as we explore how the “Other Fellowship” of Father Nicholas Christmas, the North Polar Bear, the Red Gnomes, and others join forces to save Christmas! By the way, if you're looking for some fun Tolkien-themed …

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Tolkien's Letters from Father Christmas » Episode 267 Revisited 56:42

1M ago56:42

56:42

Well, Thanksgiving 2025 has come and gone, and now the big lead up to Christmas is upon us! To that end, in the next few episodes, we're taking a look back at our series on Tolkien's Letters from Father Christmas, a compilation of Christmas-themed legends he wrote for his young children from 1920 thru 1943. These letters are a ton of fun, so we're …

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Ep 433 - Holy Havoc & Conquest w/2+ Tough 1:48:53

30d ago1:48:53

1:48:53

Quite thrilled to welcome back Doug (2+ Tough) to the show to introduce us to the lore of the game Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings! Tori also recaps another successful and amazing Holy Havoc. Enjoy! 2+ Tough links: Conquest playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyIEtHBf1vpKMdc_hJH6SRnTCqVim0lQ_ Affiliate link (10% off with this link…

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 13 » Aldarion and Tar-Meneldur (SA600) (Ep 338 Redux) 34:53

1M ago34:53

34:53

In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by exploring The Voyages of Aldarion, the grandson of Vëantur, and future King of Númenor. This will begin a multi-episode arc on this important figure in Númenor's history - join us! And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númen…

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391 – By Grabthar’s Hammer, What a Book! 2:16:08

1M ago2:16:08

2:16:08

Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan for a very special conversation with Dr. Michael D.C. Drout, author of The Tower and the Ruin: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Creation, the new must-read book about Tolkien’s legendarium. Professor Drout builds the best dark towers ever, confesses his man-crush on Tom Shippey, and starts a fight with Alan ab…

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 12 » Númenor Returns To Middle-earth (SA600) (Ep 337 Redux) 32:50

2M ago32:50

32:50

In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by examining Númenor’s return to Middle-earth in the year 600 of the Second Age, led by the intrepid sea-captain Vëantur. Join us! And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the …

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390 – Hello, Goodbye 2:21:31

1M ago2:21:31

2:21:31

Aldarion offers the usual assortment of excuses for his shortcomings, and delivers the mail to Meneldur; Alan and Sara offer no excuses for the PPP’s shortcomings, and wonder why Gil-galad hasn’t written to us. Join The Man of the West and the Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we continue our close readings in the story of Aldarion and Erendis in Unfinished…

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 11 » Silmariën, Elendil, & The Lords of Andúnië (Ep 336 Redux) 17:00

2M ago17:00

17:00

In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by considering the curious case of Silmariën and the origin of the Lords of Andúnië, the forebears of Elendil, Isildur, and eventually Aragorn himself. Join us! And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power,…

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389 – Nowhere Man 2:11:36

2M ago2:11:36

2:11:36

Aldarion claims to ask for only two years, but takes a lot more; Alan and Sara ask for only two hours, and only take a little bit more. Join The Man of the West and the Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we begin to discover that maybe we should have asked for more than 10 episodes in the story of Aldarion and Erendis from Unfinished Tales. Ancalimë, the dau…

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Ep 432 - Flesh Eater Courts 2:08:40

2M ago2:08:40

2:08:40

Break out the Bean-o (or, Flesh-o), Gas-Ex, or whatever your digestive aid of choice may be! For it is time for the Bretonnians--er, FEC! Plus some news, predictions and, of course, top-notch humor. ;) Enjoy!

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 10 » Sauron Stirs In Middle-earth (Ep 335 Redux) 38:30

2M ago38:30

38:30

In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by examining the return of Sauron around the year 500 of the Second Age! Join us! And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age. It’s the culmination of years of study, and I believe it’l…

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388 – All You Need is Love (Maybe) 1:55:03

2M ago1:55:03

1:55:03

Away from the Sea, Aldarion finds little peace or joy; away from the podcast, Alan is just fine, thank you very much. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we reach the halfway mark in our 10-episode run through the walking billboard for premarital counseling that is Aldarion and Erendis from Unfinished Tales. Aldarion wants to …

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 9 » The Founding of Moria and The Death of Elros (Ep 334 Redux) 31:49

2M ago31:49

31:49

In this episode, we’re continuing our journey through The Fall of Númenor by considering the state of Dwarf-dom at the beginning of the Second Age, the founding of Moria / Khazad-dûm, and well as the death of Númenor’s first king. Join us! And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of P…

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Ep 431 - Nighthaunt 1:48:08

2M ago1:48:08

1:48:08

We're back and catching up on reviews. This time we look at the Nighthaunt. Enjoy!

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387 – We Can Work it Out 2:10:02

2M ago2:10:02

2:10:02

Erendis’ mom gives her some pretty questionable relationship advice; Alan and Sara give you a pretty questionable podcast episode. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we near the halfway point of our 10-part series on Aldarion and Erendis from Unfinished Tales. Aldarion tells Erendis to try to see it his way, but Erendis remin…

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 8 » "The Life of the Númenoreans" (Ep 332 Redux) 41:25

3M ago41:25

41:25

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor as we explore “The Life of Númenoreans.” In this section, we’ll learn about the every day life of the men and women of the Star-Land, according to Tolkien! Join us! And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, …

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386 – Got to Get You into My Life 2:02:02

2M ago2:02:02

2:02:02

Aldarion runs headlong into contentment and doesn’t even recognize it; Alan and Sara run headlong into more bad jokes and don’t particularly care. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we find ourselves moving swiftly through our 10-part series on Aldarion and Erendis from Unfinished Tales. Meneldur takes Aldarion’s cell phone, …

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 7 » "The Natural Life of Númenor" (Ep 331 Redux) 40:21

3M ago40:21

40:21

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor as we explore “The Natural Life of Númenor.” In this section, we’ll learn about the beasts, birds, plants, and other natural phenomena of Númenor, according to Tolkien! Join us! And as a reminder: I’ve got a brand-new book on the way, Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rin…

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385 – I Saw Her Standing There (in Rómenna) 1:58:34

3M ago1:58:34

1:58:34

Erendis arrives at a very important party, and is caught by Aldarion’s beauty and splendor of bearing; that never happens to Alan or Sara. Join The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we continue our 10-part dive into the story of Aldarion and Erendis from Unfinished Tales. Queen Almarian drops a hint that Aldarion just can’t catch, Me…

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 6 » "The Geography of Númenor" » The Tolkien Road Episode 330 29:41

3M ago29:41

29:41

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "The Geography of Númenor". How big was the Land of Gift? What was it like? Did it have any cities? In the latest episode, we’re going to cover everything you ever wanted to know about the Star-Land itself. Join us! And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new bo…

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384 – Ticket to Ride 1:36:23

3M ago1:36:23

1:36:23

Tolkien writes about the difficulty of relating the legendarium without “explanatory digressions”; Alan and Sara realize the PPP has a new subtitle. Join The Man of the West and the Shieldmaiden of Rohan as we begin — hold on to your headphones — a ten-part series on the story of Aldarion and Erendis, as the PPP begins its season-long look at Unfin…

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Ep 430 - Helsmiths of Hashut 1:51:37

3M ago1:51:37

1:51:37

Kenny's long-anticipated army is finally here! In this longer, more detailed review, we talk and even gush (at times) all things Chaos Dwarfs! Enjoy!

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 5 » "SA32 - The Edain Reach Númenor" (Ep 329 Redux) 34:10

3M ago34:10

34:10

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "SA32 » The Edain Reach Númenor", in whch we’ll learn about the people who became Númenoreans, the various figures that aided them in establishing Númenor, and how they came to Númenor in the first place. Join us! If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall…

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383 – Questions After Nightfall 32 1:47:22

3M ago1:47:22

1:47:22

Join us all in the Common Room here at The Prancing Pony Podcast as The Man of the West and The Shieldmaiden of Rohan answer listener questions again in our 32nd Questions After Nightfall! Sara welcomes you all to her Galadriel TED Talk, and we discuss the deep matters of loss in Tolkien and learning life lessons in the legendarium. But it’s not al…

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 4 » "SA1 - Foundation of the Grey Havens and of Lindon" (Ep 328 Redux) 26:25

3M ago26:25

26:25

In this episode, we’ll be exploring the “Foundation of the Grey Havens and of Lindon” in Year 1 of the Second Age. Topics include the overthrow of Morgoth, Thranduil (father of Legolas), Gil-galad, Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond, and Elros. Join us! If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how …

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382 – We Are Those Fans: a Chat with Wētā Workshop 1:43:00

3M ago1:43:00

1:43:00

The Lord of the Mark returns for a special episode to help get Season 10 of The Prancing Pony Podcast underway, as we chat with Dan Falconer and Leonard Ellis from Wētā Workshop! From Falconer’s early days on the first Peter Jackson films to Ellis’ upcoming sculpt of Cirith Ungol, our conversation centers on all things Middle-earth. We learn the re…

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 3 » Before the Second Age (Ep 327 Redux) 27:39

4M ago27:39

27:39

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with "Before the Second Age", a summary of the major events leading up to the story of Númenor. If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t w…

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Ep 429 - GW Updates and a Look into the Palantir 1:33:50

3M ago1:33:50

1:33:50

We look at all the leaks, announcements and discern what is coming--from the micro to the macro! Pierce is back with another Ask a Hobby Expert! Enjoy!

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 2 » The Saga of a Dark Age (Ep 325 Redux) 26:09

4M ago26:09

26:09

In this episode, we continue our journey through The Fall of Númenor with the volume's introduction, titled "The Saga of a Dark Age". If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this. And here’s th…

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Ep 428 - Khorne! & Making your first AoS list under newest GHB 1:39:26

4M ago1:39:26

1:39:26

We finall circle back around to Khorne--includes newest FAQ and talk about making your first lists/games in AoS since June General's Handbook. Enjoy!

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The Fall of Númenor » Pt 1 » Intro and Overview (Ep 324 Redux) 30:58

4M ago30:58

30:58

We’re bringing back one of our most popular journeys: our series on The Fall of Númenor! If you’ve ever been curious about the rise and tragic downfall of Tolkien’s greatest kingdom — and how it ties into the Rings of Power and the epic drama of the Second Age — you won’t want to miss this. And here’s the really exciting part: I’ve got a brand-new …

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0397 » Introducing Tolkien’s Tragedy: My New Book on Númenor & the Second Age 11:55

4M ago11:55

11:55

Hey there, fellow travelers! I’ve got some exciting news: my new book Tolkien’s Tragedy: Concerning Númenor, The Rings of Power, and the Second Age is finally here. This has been years in the making. In fact, when I first started outlining it, Amazon’s Rings of Power series hadn’t even been announced. Now we’re two seasons in, and I think this book…

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Ep 427 - Warhammer: The Old World w/Val 1:51:32

4M ago1:51:32

1:51:32

Val (of Square Based fame) joins us to talk Old World and get you excited to play! Here's the The Old World event for Square Based Open: https://www.bestcoastpairings.com/event/Z8KBiFtzN343 Here's what the T.O has for "The Warpstone Cup" https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O_nUbxSa8qsr3a3vnqB6R6OQX92OVmSwFzs2AtF7lZU/edit?fbclid=IwY2xjawLwmCdleHRuA2…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age 1:12:10

5M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey concludes with Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age! The last chapter of The Silmarillion is a synoptic account of the Second and Third Ages which focuses upon the legends of the Rings of Power, all the way through the events of the late Third Age depicted in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It's something like…

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Ep 426 - KO & Crossroads Carnage 2:07:03

4M ago2:07:03

2:07:03

Sky Dwarfs and a fantastic event this episode. Enjoy!

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Silmarillion 2025 » Akallabêth » The Downfall of Númenor 1:14:08

5M ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Akallabêth - the Downfall of Númenor! “Akallabêth” is the synoptic account of Númenor in the Second Age of Middle-earth. This account spans almost 3500 years of history. It begins with the establishment of Númenor by Elros (brother of Elrond), and ends with the destruction of the island kingdom when its …

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Ep 425 - Idoneth Deepkin 2:15:36

5M ago2:15:36

2:15:36

We're joined by Rocco to pimp out some sea aelves. Kenny desperately tries not to collect this army! Enjoy! GW sent the Battletome & some models

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 24 » Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath 1:02:06

5M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 24 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath! In Chapter 24, the First Age comes to a cataclysmic end, as a hero undertakes a desperate journey to Valinor, and the powers of Aman gather for a transoceanic assault on the forces and strongholds of Morgoth! Silm Guide L…

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 23 » Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin 40:31

5M ago40:31

40:31

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 23 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin. With Doriath having fallen in Chapter 22, the remaining Elvish enclaves of Beleriand face increasing peril, and not even Gondolin can remain hidden from the forces of Morgoth forever! Silm Guide Link: https://www.tolkienroad.com/silmgu…

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381 – The Bywater Village Committee: an interview with Wētā Workshop’s Darren Ormandy 2:02:32

5M ago2:02:32

2:02:32

Alan and James sit down with fellow Tolkien-nerd and lead writer for Wētā Workshop's new game, Tales of the Shire. We discuss the depth of world-building by Tolkien and how to reflect that in a game set in the Shire, and celebrate the appearance of familiar names and places in the game. Darren tells us about an unbelievable meeting in Oxford, compa…

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Ep 424 - Honor's Price w/Mike Rossi 1:54:21

5M ago1:54:21

1:54:21

Recorded a few months back, we finally find the audio and play our first interview with author, Mike Rossi. Enjoy! Check out Honor's Price on Winged Hussar Publishing's Supply Room: https://www.whpsupplyroom.com/fantasy#gsc.tab=0

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Silmarillion 2025 » Ch 22 » Of the Ruin of Doriath 54:17

6M ago54:17

54:17

Our 2025 Silmarillion journey continues with Chapter 22 of Quenta Silmarillion - Of the Ruin of Doriath! “Of the Ruin of Doriath” is not one of the longer chapters in The Silmarillion, but it is packed with hugely significant events as we rapidly approach the climactic catastrophes of the First Age! It all picks up after the death of Túrin and Nien…