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The One Ring

Since 1999, TheOneRing.com has been a home for Tolkien enthusiasts, fans of Peter Jackson’s films, and a great resource for maps, pictures, and our exhaustive complete list of film changes.

Make sure you listen to our weekly podcast with  Tolkien fans and experts Jonathan Watson, Michael Grumbine, and Dan Coats as they discuss, debate, and dive deep (with a healthy helping of fun and laughs!) into everything Tolkien wrote–with some side-quests into Amazon’s Rings of Power and other new forays into Middle-earth.

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In this episode, we find the footsteps of doom overtaking Túrin--despite naming himself "Turambar" (Master of Doom). We take a little extra time to discuss who is more responsible for the doom that leads to the death of so many--Túrin or Morgoth? Should we blame Túrin for any of it? Or should we blame Morgoth's curse spoken of Húrin? Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they discuss the rest of the story of Túrin! And, yes, we do dive into the extremely unexpected issue around the talking sword... Don't forget to join us in our extended episode where we discuss Túrin's suicide, and dive into more detail about his unwanted doom! To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)! ——————————————————— Episode 31 ——————————————————— Fellowship of the Ring Puzzle ► https://amzn.to/3zq1HxZ The Two Towers Puzzle ► https://amzn.to/40CpVRz —————————————————— 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast —————————————————— Get the Extended Podcast ► https://theonering.com/patron Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455 Google ► https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS93b3R3 —————————————————— 🔎 If You Like Tolkien —————————————————— The Silmarillion ► https://amzn.to/3a7wE0k The Children of Hurin ► https://amzn.to/3JRwyIm The Fall of Númenor ► https://amzn.to/3FpWs3F The Atlas of Middle-earth ► https://amzn.to/3lzsIIf The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien ► https://amzn.to/3bognFr —————————————————— Chapters —————————————————— 00:00 Intro 01:52 Memes! 06:01 Dan's Big Thought 09:10 What the Catholic Thinks 11:33 In Nargothrond 18:40 Túrin Faces Glaurung 20:20 Back in Dor-lómin 21:28 Túrin in Brethil 23:27 Glaurung ensnares Niënor 26:04 Is Túrin or Morgoth responsible? 33:48 Brother and sister fall in love 36:21 "Not the least valiant" 38:08 Killing Glaurung 41:48 Niënor realizes the truth 43:25 The Feet of Doom Overtake Túrin 45:15 The Talking Sword - What is magic? 55:36 There is no hope? 1:00:08 Ulmo warned them! 1:04:13 If you like Tolkien - Puzzles!
YouTube Video VVVaTzF2N0VLTXhXeU1keFJSdGVUbW1BLjZQb19LOVR3S09N

Captain Foolhardy! | Of Túrin Turambar | # 31

338 views April 4th

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The tale of Túrin Turambar is one of the great stories of Middle-earth -- Tolkien even mentions it in 1951 as a possible publication after finishing Lord of the Rings. But it's COMPLETELY different... Túrin isn't really a hero--he makes bad decisions and runs from them. He refuses forgiveness. He ignores wise advice. Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they discuss this tragic counterpoint to Beren and Luthién--a tale of woe, sorrow, grief, death, and not much of a happy ending. Don't forget to join us in our extended episode where we discuss why this is Jonathan's favorite (non-LOTR) Tolkien story too! To watch the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/patron ($4/mo and free for the 1st month) or click that JOIN button next to the SUBSCRIBE button below. ——————————————————— Episode 30 ——————————————————— Tolkien Dogmatics ► https://lexhampress.com/product/224282/tolkien-dogmatics-theology-through-mythology-in-middle-earth The Children of Hurin ► https://amzn.to/3JRwyIm —————————————————— 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast —————————————————— Get the Extended Podcast ► https://theonering.com/patron Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455 Google ► https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS93b3R3 —————————————————— 🔎 If You Like Tolkien —————————————————— The Silmarillion ► https://amzn.to/3a7wE0k The Children of Hurin ► https://amzn.to/3JRwyIm The Fall of Númenor ► https://amzn.to/3FpWs3F The Atlas of Middle-earth ► https://amzn.to/3lzsIIf The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien ► https://amzn.to/3bognFr —————————————————— Chapters —————————————————— 00:00 Intro 03:23 Dan's Big Thought 07:15 Long, Dark, and Detailed 10:50 Turin's Start 13:10 Mocked by Saeros 15:40 Refusing Forgiveness 19:42 Melian's Ignored AGAIN 21:00 Lembas! 22:39 Mim the Petty Dwarf 25:47 Amon Rûdh 28:27 Turin's Many Names 31:25 Gwindor's Back 34:51 He kills his friend! 39:00 Turin's Blade Mourns 41:05 It's all about the CURSE 43:00 Tolkien's Inspiration 46:04 If You Like Tolkien 49:50 Get the Extended Podcast!
YouTube Video VVVaTzF2N0VLTXhXeU1keFJSdGVUbW1BLnNjZ1JRYzI5cTEw

The WORST Hero | Of Turin Turumbar, Part 1 | #30

903 views March 28th

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Dan, Michael, and I had a thorough, deep, and fun conversation with Austin Freeman, author of "Tolkien Dogmatics". In our free podcast, we discuss: • How Tolkien's theology is shown in his works (and how it changed) • What Tolkien thought about criticism • How fantasy is actually a DEEPER look into our world, and not a rewrite • What sub-creation actually is and isn't • Balrogs! Stick around for our extended podcast for our patrons (35 more minutes! Get at https://theonering.com/patron) where we talk more about: • Austin's experiences in Edinboro • How Tolkien changed his perspective on life and faith • Why Tolkien is a Calvinist • Confessions from the Comfy Chair including — What Circle of Dante's Inferno does Rings of Power belong in? — What's the nerdiest thing you've ever done? — What would be a great non-Tolkien book to read? — How can we foster creativity so writers will create new great stories again? Austin Freeman has a PhD in systematic theology, is faculty at Houston Christian University, and the author of the book "Tolkien Dogmatics". Austin's book is a deep dive into Tolkien's theology, how he expressed that through his stories, and the care he took in engaging his faith through his creativity. —————————————————— 🔗 Episode Links —————————————————— Get Tolkien Dogmatics ► https://lexhampress.com/product/224282/tolkien-dogmatics-theology-through-mythology-in-middle-earth Get at Amazon ► https://amzn.to/3lzvcKj —————————————————— 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast —————————————————— Get the Extended Podcast ► https://theonering.com/patron Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455 Google ► https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS93b3R3 —————————————————— Chapters —————————————————— 00:00 Intro 02:02 Starting with Tolkien 05:55 What Tolkien Thought 09:30 Tolkien is Sophisticated 14:18 Descriptive Criticism 16:20 Received by Theologians 19:16 Incarnation in Middle-earth 21:10 Fantasy's a Thought Experiment 22:10 What Tolkien Meant 26:20 Sub-creation Is Art not Power 31:00 Fantasy is a Microscope 33:40 What about Balrogs? 35:55 Reading Austin's Book 37:48 Getting Austin's Book 38:30 Dan's Big Thought
YouTube Video VVVaTzF2N0VLTXhXeU1keFJSdGVUbW1BLkhEZERfa2JRNDVj

Sub-creation Is Art, NOT Power - with Austin Freeman, author of Tolkien Dogmatics

888 views March 21st

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John Carswell has been producing The Tolkien Road podcast for almost 8 years-- and he's written two books! Jonathan and Michael dive into what John finds so compelling with Tolkien, his own road to finding more depth and meaning in Tolkien's works, and what Warner Bros can do to make truly excellent films set in Middle-earth (hint: it has nothing to do with money or effects). Become a patron at https://theonering.com/patron (or become a member by clicking the "Join" button here on YouTube) to check out our extended podcast where we ply John for **Confessions from the Comfy Chair**! 😂 —————————————————— 🔗 Episode Links —————————————————— Web ► https://www.tolkienroad.com/ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/tolkienroad YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/@TolkienRoad Tolkien's Requiem ► https://tolkiensrequiem.com/ Tolkien's Overture ► https://tolkiensoverture.com/ —————————————————— 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast —————————————————— Get the Extended Podcast ► https://theonering.com/patron Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455 Google ► https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS93b3R3 —————————————————— Chapters —————————————————— 00:00 Intro 01:10 Who is John Carswell? 05:32 Why the books? 11:40 Why is Tolkien Great? 17:00 Background "Thrums" 20:50 A Family Business 25:40 Where's the artistry? 29:35 Details are compelling 32:15 It requires passion! 35:58 PJ's Been There 40:35 What about the new films? 43:55 War of the Rohirrim 48:43 Get The Tolkien Road!
YouTube Video VVVaTzF2N0VLTXhXeU1keFJSdGVUbW1BLjZCYUpRYkJaVkJV

Why Tolkien is GREAT - with John Carswell from The Tolkien Road

745 views March 14th

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Bounding into Comics isn't the usual starry-eyed, Hollywood-glorifying, news magazine--the site reports on culture and geek news, but doesn't ever hesitate to call out the hypocrisy, double-standards, and cronyism seen in those coastal, gilded, navel-gazing circles. Michael and Jonathan had the pleasure of talking with John Trent, founder and editor-in-chief of Bounding into Comics! We dive into Tolkien in the past, Tolkien in the present (Rings of Power :(), and Tolkien in the Future (the new Warner Bros films), while also examing faith, love, and why writers can't write anymore. Become a patron at https://theonering.com/patron (or become a member by clicking the "Join" button here on YouTube) to check out our extended podcast where we ply John for **Confessions from the Comfy Chair**! 😂 ————————————————————— The TORC Inquisition : Episode Links ————————————————————— Web ► https://boundingintocomics.com/ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/BoundingComics YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvhRblHiU1XYF1OZITtfUiA Web ► https://boundingintosports.com —————————————————— 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast —————————————————— Get the Extended Podcast ► https://theonering.com/patron Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455 Google ► https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS93b3R3 —————————————————— Chapters —————————————————— 00:00 Intro 02:35 How it Started 09:05 Finding Tolkien 12:30 Rings of Power Problems 16:40 Will Warner Bros learn? 22:00 WB can't do ROP 25:02 Rings of Power is too Big 28:05 War of the Rohirrim 31:25 Minor Characters Matter 35:35 Writers can't Write 39:45 Lucas inspired by Tolkien? 43:04 Faith Matters 47:00 Love is an Act 49:05 Support Bounding and TORC
YouTube Video VVVaTzF2N0VLTXhXeU1keFJSdGVUbW1BLnMwcEVLR1pKdUFj

They Don't Understand TOLKIEN - with John Trent from Bounding into Comics

1.2K views March 8th

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Tolkien holds nothing back when the races of Middle-earth decide to take on Morgoth. There's treachery, gore, rage, victory, defeat--pretty much what Game of Thrones tried to be. Join Jonathan and Michael as they discuss chaper 20 of The Silmarillion, "Of the Fith Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad". This is probably one of the hardest chapters to figure out; it brings together many of the characters we've met, but in new circumstances and starts tying together storylines that will see a future payoff. And test yourself if you can recognize the cameos in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films! Join us in our extended episode by becoming a member (click that JOIN button next to the SUBSCRIBE button--or go to https://theonering.com/patron). We talk about Maedhros' motivations, James Cameron comparing himself to Tolkien, the 5 upcoming Middle-earth games, and more!  It's about another 30 minutes of Tolkien talk and it's free for the first month! ——————————————————— Window on the West - Episode 29 ——————————————————— The Atlas of Middle-earth ► https://amzn.to/3lzsIIf —————————————————— 🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast —————————————————— Get the Extended Podcast ► https://theonering.com/patron Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455 Google ► https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS93b3R3 —————————————————— 🔎 If You Like Tolkien —————————————————— The Silmarillion ► https://amzn.to/3a7wE0k The Fall of Númenor ► https://amzn.to/3FpWs3F The Atlas of Middle-earth ► https://amzn.to/3lzsIIf The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien ► https://amzn.to/3bognFr —————————————————— Chapters —————————————————— 00:00 Intro 02:35 Identify the LOTR Cameos! 07:30 Figwit? 14:24 Dan's Big Thought 18:12 How Beren & Luthien End 22:20 The Good Son 26:25 Parallels with LOTR 29:45 The Races come Together 36:21 A Rash Attack 42:55 The Dragon is Released 44:50 Dwarves in Battle 48:00 Are Balrogs too big? 51:00 Hurin's Prophecy 54:30 Hurin Kills 70 Trolls 58:00 Retreating to Balar 1:00:00 Hurin Defies Morgoth 1:04:30 The Words of Hurin & Morgoth 1:14:35 20 Years from Public Domain
YouTube Video VVVaTzF2N0VLTXhXeU1keFJSdGVUbW1BLnJPR01adXF2SjVR

Tolkien's Silmarillion | Of the Fifth Battle | #29

1.2K views February 28th

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Vin Diesel's Full Quote ▸ https://twitter.com/variety/status/1623874100614643713?s=46&t=H9WHctDdEdIn5y7N5gzeaQ Become a Member! ▸▸. https://theonering.com/patron Subscribe to Our Podcast! ▸▸. https://windowonthewest.com #tolkien #lordoftherings #ringsofpower
YouTube Video VVVaTzF2N0VLTXhXeU1keFJSdGVUbW1BLjFRc2xLeGZQNXhR

Vin Diesel Channels Rings of Power and COMPARES himself to Tolkien!?

1.2K views February 27th

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For all the talk of special effects achievements, acting accolades, and amazing soundtracks, the reason Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films were successful stem from one simple, straightforward idea. So, Warner Bros., listen clearly to what Peter Jackson has to say about how to make a movie based on Tolkien's work! Become a Member! ▸▸. https://theonering.com/patron Subscribe to Our Podcast! ▸▸. https://windowonthewest.com #tolkien #lordoftherings #ringsofpower
YouTube Video VVVaTzF2N0VLTXhXeU1keFJSdGVUbW1BLlVoVDJLODJyUkR3

Making the New Lord of the Rings Movies a SUCCESS (how to avoid The Rings of Power's FAILURES)

2.8K views February 24th

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New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Movies in the Works at Warners, New Line ▸ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lord-of-the-rings-new-movies-in-the-works-1235332695/ Become a Member! ▸▸. https://theonering.com/patron Subscribe to Our Podcast! ▸▸. https://windowonthewest.com #tolkien #lordoftherings #ringsofpower
YouTube Video VVVaTzF2N0VLTXhXeU1keFJSdGVUbW1BLl9pdThrcGRqUFpF

NEW Lord of the Rings Movies are Coming!

3.3K views February 24th

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Window on the West Podcast

Join Jonathan, Michael, and Dan as they explore Tolkien’s Middle-earth every week!

Maps of Middle-earth

Take a deeper look at the lay of Middle-earth

The Complete List of Film Changes

Read about every change the films made to the books!

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Here are some of our favorite things that make great gifts for any Tolkien fan!