The Nerd of the Rings

Latest Episodes:

Christopher Paolini talks Tolkien, writing, and Eragon adaptation! Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

Today, I chat with Christopher Paolini about Tolkien's influence on his own works (The Inheritance Cycle, Fractalverse), how he has grown as an author, the upcoming Eragon Disney+ adaptation, and much more!

War of the Rohirrim with Philippa Boyens, screenwriters Phoebe Gittins & Arty Papageorgiou May 10, 2024

Show notes

During my time in Wellington, I caught up with Philippa Boyens (The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit trilogies)! Here, she discusses her latest adventure in Middle-earth: the anime film The War of the Rohirrim! We are also introduced to screenwriters Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou in their first official interview for the film! The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim releases December 13, 2024. Taking place 260 years before The Lord of the Rings, the story finds Rohan invaded by the Dunlendings. The story eventually finds Rohan's king, Helm Hammerhand, taking refuge in the fortress that will one day bear his name.

Tolkien scholar Tom Shippey talks Beowulf, Tolkien, & more! May 08, 2024

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Dr. Tom Shippey joins us to talk about his new book on Beowulf, Tolkien, and why his favorite character is...an orc? Enjoy this great conversation with one of the world's leading Tolkien scholars! Purchase the NEW Beowulf: Translation and Commentary: https://amzn.to/3FndkZx Other links for Dr. Shippey & his books: J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century: https://amzn.to/46z4Udm The Road to Middle-earth: https://amzn.to/3tJvX7u Dr. Shippey's website: https://tomshippey.com/ Dr. Shippey has taught at six universities, including St. Johns, Oxford, and Visiting Professorships at Harvard and the University of Texas. At Leeds, he held the Chair of English Language and Medieval English Literature (a post held by Tolkien in the 1920s.)

Bear McCreary, Composer, The Rings of Power, God of War, & more! May 06, 2024

Show notes

Chatting with Bear McCreary about his work on The Rings of Power, God of War, and more! We'll talk about his work creating the themes for the show, connecting to The Lord of the Rings' Third Age, and what's in store for Season 2!

Gino Acevedo, Creative Art Director, Wētā FX May 03, 2024

Show notes

We chat with Gino Acevedo about his road to New Zealand, pranks with John Rhys-Davies, making the transition from practical to digital effects, and more!

Maxim Baldry, Isildur - The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Oct 04, 2022

Show notes

We chat with Maxim Baldry about Isildur in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, including diving into the text, a more in-depth look at the dynamics in Númenor, and seeing Isildur as the hero he is in the books.

Wayne Yip, Director - The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Oct 01, 2022

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We chat with Wayne Yip about his directing work on episodes 3, 4, & 5 on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Lloyd Owen, Elendil - The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Sep 29, 2022

Show notes

Today, we chat with with Lloyd Owen about his character Elendil, the island realm of Númenor, and his deep dives into Tolkien's more obscure writings to inform the Elendil we meet in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power!

John Rhys-Davies talks Gimli, Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones, and more! Nov 18, 2021

Show notes

The one and only John Rhys-Davies talks about his experience as Gimli and Sallah, his library, and reads a fan-favorite portion from the books - Gimli's description of the Glittering Caves. This interview with the Lord of the Rings star was possible through the "It's Time to Shout James" fundraiser. To donate to a great cause, visit: http://tinyurl.com/47j9wfxr

To get the full effect of my interview with John, check it out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qNnPE0Hpry8

Sir Richard Taylor, WETA Workshop Sep 17, 2021

Show notes

WETA Workshop Co-Founder and Creative Director Sir Richard Taylor joins us to talk about his time in Middle-earth! We'll talk about Richard's first exposure to Tolkien and what it was like bringing some of the most iconic locations, weapons, and characters to life in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films trilogies!

For the latest and greatest videos on The Lord of the Rings and Middle-earth, visit youtube.com/NerdoftheRings

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