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    Today’s Tolkien Times

    Get your Tolkien every day by subscribing to Today’s Tolkien Times! Alan Sisto, host of the award-winning Prancing Pony Podcast and Rings of Power Wrap-up, hosts a new short-format daily podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever else you get your podcasts!

    Listeners get answers on Mailbag Mondays; discover more about the Professor on Tolkien Tuesdays; indulge your inner philologist on Word-nerd Wednesdays; learn more about the familiar stories of Middle-earth on Third Age Thursdays; hear from Tolkien fans around the world on Fandom Fridays; and dive deep into Middle-earth history on Silmarillion Saturdays!

    And on Sundays? That’s what The Prancing Pony Podcast is for! So subscribe to Today’s Tolkien Times and follow us on all our social media channels!

    Advertise

    Copyright: © The Prancing Pony Podcast

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    Latest Episodes:
    Week 061 - First-Age Friday: Hungry Like the Wolf Nov 01, 2024

    It’s all discord and rhyme as Sauron sends a mighty wolf to slay Beren, but Finrod does his thing instead and we all mourn the death of the First Age’s best Elf.

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    Week 061 - Third Age Thursday: Beyond the Wide and Sundering Sea Oct 31, 2024

    Join The Man of the West, who’s extending his visit in Rivendell awhile, as he looks at a song that Bilbo describes only as “a song to Elbereth”. That’s like saying the Silmarils are these shiny jewels.

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    Week 061 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Well, Isn’t That Special Oct 30, 2024

    What do Dana Carvey and the Flammifer of Westernesse have in common? Well, you’ll have to check out this week’s Word-nerd Wednesday to find out!

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    Week 061 - Tolkien Tuesday: Wholly Unacceptable Tampering Oct 29, 2024

    While that could easily have been the Professor’s response to The Man of the West’s occasional irreverent jokes, it was just one of a dozen slams in this week’s continuing look at the infamous Letter #210 about an adaptation that was, thankfully, never made.

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    Week 061 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Smells Like Elves Oct 28, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for another Middle-earth Map Monday as we arrive at The Last Homely House, just in time for lunch — and a long talk about the Second Age history of Rivendell!

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    Week 060 - Silmarillion Saturday: As Moths In a Light Too Strong Oct 26, 2024

    Yearning becomes doubt, doubt becomes secret griping, and secret griping becomes open rebellion as the Men of Númenor begin the long walk to their Downfall.

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    Week 060 - First-Age Friday: Friendship That to Death Should Last Oct 25, 2024

    The bestest boy ever speaks for the first time, to help Lúthien escape the clutches of Celegorm, an Elf with nearly as many red flags as his father.

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    Week 060 - Third Age Thursday: Tarried There From Errantry Oct 24, 2024

    The Man of the West finishes his reading and discussion of Bilbo’s cheeky poem about Eärendil in this week’s Third Age Thursday.

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    Week 060 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Beyond the West Oct 23, 2024

    Dive deep into several words from last week’s Silmarillion Saturday reading as The Man of the West explores the names of one mountain, two cities, and four trees on this week’s Word-nerd Wednesday.

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    Week 060 - Tolkien Tuesday: The Last Thing that Aragorn Would Have Done Oct 22, 2024

    Eat Éowyn’s stew? No, but find you as The Man of the West continues to read Tolkien’s Letter 210, eviscerating the storyline for a proposed film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings.

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    Week 060 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Tall and Fair Oct 21, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for another week of Today’s Tolkien Times as he starts out with Middle-earth Map Monday and a return to the journey of Strider and the Hobbits.

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    Week 059 - Silmarillion Saturday: All Is Now Forgot Oct 19, 2024

    While an accurate representation of the state of The Man of the West’s mind most days, today’s episode title actually refers to the state of all the wisdom and wonder written in the scrolls and books of Númenor.

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    Week 059 - First-Age Friday: The Goodest of Good Boys Oct 18, 2024

    It’s time to step away from the sorrowful fate of Finrod in Sauron’s dungeons as we hang out with Celegorm and Curufin (boo!) long enough to meet the faithful hound, Huan (yay!) in Canto IX of The Lay of Leithian.

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    Week 059 - Third Age Thursday: A Merry Passenger, a Messenger, a Mariner Oct 17, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he starts his study of Bilbo’s latest chart-topping single, The Song of Eärendil, and learns just how many versions of it there really were.

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    Week 059 - Word-nerd Wednesday: How About Next-to-Last Instead? Oct 16, 2024

    Arvedui finds out what his name really means, as The Man of the West looks at his name and other words from our Middle-earth Map Monday episode.

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    Week 059 - Tolkien Tuesday: But Can’t They Be Very Different? Oct 15, 2024

    It’s finally time to begin our long look at Tolkien’s views on adaptation as we start Letter 210 and hear from Tom Shippey on the canons of narrative art and the core of the original.

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    Week 059 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Four Oh Something Oct 14, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he begins week 59 of Today’s Tolkien Times with a deep dive into the deep freeze of Forodwaith and Forochel on Middle-earth Map Monday!

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    Week 058 - Silmarillion Saturday: Silver Flame in the Paths of the Sun Oct 12, 2024

    The Man of the West gets to read about… well, the Men of the West! The Edain are rewarded with wisdom, power, long life, and a new island home, in our first look at the Akallabêth.

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    Week 058 - First Age Friday: A Song of Staying Oct 11, 2024

    The Man of the West returns to the Lay of Leithian for another eight weeks in First Age Fridays, beginning with the epic song battle between Sauron and Finrod.

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    Week 058 - Third Age Thursday: Just a Bit of Nonsense Oct 10, 2024

    Who’s coming up with these episode titles? Today’s Third Age Thursday reading continues with poetry in The Lord of the Rings; this time, with Sam’s recitation of his own epic lay about trolls.

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    Week 058 - Word-nerd Wednesday: She That Has Fallen Oct 09, 2024

    The Man of the West begins this series of Word-nerd Wednesdays with a look at several words from Akallabêth, including a few names for the island itself.

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    Week 058 - Tolkien Tuesday: Hasty, Insensitive, and Impertinent Oct 08, 2024

    While the Professor continues to make The Man of the West feel called out, the invectives here are meant for a guy by the name of Zimmerman. Tell us what you really think, Professor!

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    Week 058 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Nesting Dolls of the North Oct 07, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he kicks off a new 8-week series of Today’s Tolkien Times, starting with a return to a new fan favorite segment — get your maps out for today’s look at Arthedain.

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    Week 057 - Second Age Saturday: Whom I Prefer Above All Others Sep 21, 2024

    The Man of the West finishes his 24-part foray into the tragic tale of Aldarion and Erendis as Ancalimë marries, but not for love, and Erendis meets her sorrowful end.

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    Week 057 - Fandom Friday: Never Laugh At Live Dragons; Laugh With Green Dragon Sep 20, 2024

    The Man of the West welcomes TheOneRing.net’s own resident Green Dragon, as we chat about old Oscar parties and recent Amazon ones.

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    Week 057 - Third Age Thursday: The Long & Short Of It Sep 19, 2024

    We complete our look at the Song of Beren and Lúthien as recited by Aragorn by first looking at what in the world ann-thennath means. Plus a reminder that The Man of the West is not a poet.

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    Week 057 - Word-nerd Wednesday: A Plethora of Place-names Perchance? Sep 18, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he looks at a number of places named in Aragorn’s retelling of the Song of Beren and Lúthien. Bonus: we learn what Morgoth’s fortress has in common with the Halls of Mandos.

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    Week 057 - Tolkien Tuesday: Equal Obstinacy Sep 17, 2024

    Once again, a title that could have something to do with The Man of the West, but does not. Today, we look at the importance of male friendships to Tolkien, and a quick nod to Edith’s well-deserved stubbornness.

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    Week 057 - Middle-earth Map Monday: I Can Haz Palantir? Sep 16, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he looks at the results of inequitable palantíri distribution amongst the kingdoms formerly known as Arnor.

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    Week 056 - Second Age Saturday: The Root Of All Their Troubles Sep 14, 2024

    Aldarion’s sure he’s identified the cause of his “disastrous marriage to Erendis” and changes the law so that it won’t happen to his daughter, Ancalimë. But did he ask her?

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    Week 056 - Fandom Friday: Airplane Facts are Not Like Tolkien Facts… or are they, Max? Sep 13, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he welcomes Airplane Facts with Max to Fandom Friday to chat about his captivating content, and about his time at San Diego ComicCon.

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    Week 056 - Third Age Thursday: In the Forest Singing Sorrowless Sep 12, 2024

    The Man of the West tells a tale of the old days, as we look at Strider’s recitation of the tale of Tinúviel on the slopes of Weathertop.

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    Week 056 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Er is the Loneliest Number… of Hands Sep 11, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for a deep dive into the names of one of the heroes of the First Age, Beren son of Barahir.

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    Week 056 - Tolkien Tuesday: Blundering, Brusque, or Downright Rude Sep 10, 2024

    While these words have been used of The Man of the West from time to time, it’s C.S. Lewis who needs to take heed this time, as we look at his views on male friendship in Oxford.

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    Week 056 - Middle-earth Map Monday: Filled With Evil Folk Sep 09, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for another Middle-earth Map Monday, as he takes a closer look at Arnor’s second capital, Fornost. Also, Círdan makes another appearance.

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    Week 055 - Second Age Saturday: Enjoy It Before They Ruin It Sep 07, 2024

    Erendis offers strong words for her daughter in this week’s Second Age Saturday, as The Man of the West continues his readings through Aldarion and Erendis.

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    Week 055 - Fandom Friday: The Tea Is Always Right Sep 06, 2024

    The Man of the West continues his Fandom Friday chats with content creators who attended San Diego ComicCon in July, as Kaitlyn from Tea With Tolkien stops by to continue her support for Galadriel.

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    Week 055 - Third Age Thursday: Mirrored in His Silver Shield Sep 05, 2024

    We can’t get enough of Gil-galad on Today’s Tolkien Times; in today’s episode, the Man of the West continues his look at the poetry of The Lord of the Rings with The Riddle of Strider and The Fall of Gil-galad taking center stage.

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    Week 055 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Revered King Sep 04, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he looks at the names of — well, this is awkward — The Man of the West, in a Word-nerd Wednesday on the many names of Aragorn.

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    Week 055 - Tolkien Tuesday: Holy Terror of Coteries Sep 03, 2024

    This week’s Tolkien Tuesday looks more closely at the kind of friends the Inklings were, along with a deep dive into C.S. Lewis’ view on the unofficial cliques that so often seem unavoidable.

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    Week 055 - Middle-earth Map Monday: His Chief City Sep 02, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he begins another week of the TTT with Middle-earth Map Monday and a look at the original capital city of the Kingdom of Arnor.

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    Week 054 - Second Age Saturday: Too Late, or Too Early Aug 31, 2024

    A wizard may never be late, Frodo Baggins, but Aldarion apparently could be. Join The Man of the West for another reading in the Second Age tale of the mariner-king of Númenor.

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    Week 054 - Fandom Friday: Always Optimistic Aug 30, 2024

    The Man of the West is joined by The Tolkien Professor himself, Dr. Corey Olsen, for another chat about The Rings of Power and what we can be looking forward to in the upcoming season.

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    Week 054 - Third Age Thursday: Totally Irrational Non-Sequiturs Aug 29, 2024

    While this week’s title could describe most of The Man of the West’s ramblings, it’s actually a quote from Tom Shippey. Listen to find out more!

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    Week 054 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Unto No Maner Wight Aug 28, 2024

    If Chaucer is quoted in the title, you know the episode must be good. Join The Man of the West for some word-nerdery on not one, but two words in this week’s Word-nerd Wednesday.

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    Week 054 - Tolkien Tuesday: The Cause Rather Than the Result Aug 27, 2024

    The Man of the West continues in Humphrey Carpenter’s The Inklings, chasing down the fox that might still be there somewhere.

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    Week 054 - Middle-earth Map Monday: While Their Realm Lasted Aug 26, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he kicks off another week of Today’s Tolkien Times with a map visit to Lindon and the Grey Havens.

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    Week 053 - Second Age Saturday: Madman and Churl Aug 24, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as King Meneldur finalizes his decision to hand the Sceptre to his son, and Erendis sees the choice as an attack by her estranged husband.

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    Week 053 - Fandom Friday: The Middle Page Aug 24, 2024

    The Man of the West continues his SDCC focus for the rest of Series 7, welcoming Kelly @themiddlepage from Instagram to talk about her channel, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power!

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    Week 053 - Third Age Thursday: A Mug of Beer Inside This Took Aug 24, 2024

    Is not a line in any of the three of Tolkien’s poems we’ll look at today. But if you think The Man of the West can avoid humming this tune, you could be wrong.

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    Week 053 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Hey Now, You’re an All Star Aug 24, 2024

    The Man of the West engages in a little star-gazing as he breaks down the names of the regions of the island of Númenor in this week’s Word-nerd Wednesday.

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    Week 053 - Tolkien Tuesday: I’m Not Accurate Aug 24, 2024

    While today’s episode title could reflect The Man of the West on nearly any given day, this time it’s a self-deprecating quote from C.S. Lewis, as we continue our look for the fox that may not be there.

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    Week 053 - Middle-earth Map Monday: An Old Name… in an Older Language Aug 24, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he begins another week of the TTT with a close look at the town not at all named for a soft, spreadable cheese.

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    Week 052 - Second Age Saturday: Myself as a Tame Hound Aug 24, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as Aldarion shares his unfiltered opinion with his father, King Meneldur — just as the king is about to make a major announcement regarding the future of Númenor.

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    Week 052 - Fandom Friday: The Dwarf of the Year Returns Aug 24, 2024

    The Man of the West changes up Fandom Fridays for the rest of Series 7, with a focus on Tolkien content creators who were at San Diego ComicCon, getting their take on the upcoming Season 2 of Amazon Prime Video’s adaptation of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Today, Varking Runesong joins us for chat that will inevitably include Dwarves!

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    Week 052 - Third Age Thursday: Tree-Tangled Middle-Lands Aug 24, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as the hobbits encounter Noldorin Exiles in the Shire, singing a beautiful Hymn to Elbereth. We also wonder about Gildor’s parentage.

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    Week 052 - Tolkien Tuesday: Scant Resemblance Aug 24, 2024

    The Man of the West returns to Carpenter’s book on the Inklings, this time to seriously question the notion of Tolkien, Lewis, Williams, and Barfield as ‘The Oxford Christians’.

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    Week 052 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Snow White is Very Inadequate Aug 24, 2024

    Look, I’m just saying what Tolkien says, okay? Sure, he means the translation of Fanuilos, and not the Disney princess, but maybe that’s true as well.

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    Week 052 - Middle-earth Map Monday: The Forefathers of the Edain Aug 12, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he begins the week with a return to the new segment on Middle-earth Map Monday. Also, linguistic changes are unpredictable.

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    Week 051 - Second Age Saturday: Of What Worth Is Choice? Aug 10, 2024

    It’s time to return to our readings in Númenor as King Meneldur thinks through a no-win situation and makes a momentous decision regarding the future, as Aldarion has some contemptuous words for his father.

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    Week 051 - Fandom Friday: It’s Complicated Aug 09, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he welcomes Inklings scholar Sørina Higgins to Fandom Friday to talk about the Oddest Inkling, Charles Williams, and explain some of the shifts in the way Tolkien viewed their friendship after his death.

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    Week 051 - Third Age Thursday: Round the Next Corner Aug 08, 2024

    We continue our look at poetry and songs in The Lord of the Rings by taking a deep dive into one of Bilbo’s songs, set to a tune “as old as the hills” (yet somehow younger than The Man of the West).

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    Week 051 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Shout, Shout, Let It All Out Aug 07, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for a closer look at the name of Gil-galad’s father… or, maybe his father, or maybe not. Where’s Maury Povich when you need him? Also, bonus word-nerdery on the Vanyar’s favorite Valar.

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    Week 051 - Tolkien Tuesday: Your Laugh In My Heart Echoes Aug 06, 2024

    We continue in our time in Humphrey Carpenter’s book, The Inklings, as we look more closely at the conflicted nature of Tolkien’s friendship with Charles Williams, and a poem the Professor wrote about his friend.

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    Week 051 - Middle-earth Map Monday: The Memory of Many Injuries Aug 05, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for another week of Today’s Tolkien Times as he returns to a new Monday segment looking at places in Middle-earth. This time, we visit the place Fredegar Bolger feared as much as Mordor: The Old Forest.

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    Week 050 - Second Age Saturday: Manwë Keep You Under the One Aug 03, 2024

    The Man of the West returns to the story of Aldarion and Erendis for another set of Second Age Saturdays. In today’s episode, we look over the shoulder of King Meneldur as he reads a very important letter from Gil-galad.

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    Week 050 - Fandom Friday: Because It Was About Time Aug 02, 2024

    In a TTT first, The Man of the West has a co-host: Sara Brown, the Shield-maiden of Rohan. Join them as they interview the man behind the Welsh translation of The Hobbit.

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    Week 050 - Third Age Thursday: My Evening-Rest Aug 01, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he begins a series of readings through the poetry and songs of The Lord of the Rings… by starting with a song from The Hobbit.

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    Week 050 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Scion of Kings Jul 31, 2024

    It’s time for another return to Word-nerd Wednesday, with today’s episode looking closely at the several names of the last High King of the Eldar. But not at his parentage.

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    Week 050 - Tolkien Tuesday: We All Agree So Jul 30, 2024

    The Man of the West returns to Humphrey Carpenter’s book, The Inklings, for more on Tolkien and his circle of friends. Today, a closer look at the oddest Inkling, Charles Williams.

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    Week 050 - Map Monday: The Land Was Rich and Kindly Jul 29, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he begins a new series with a new Monday segment: Middle-earth Map Monday! In the first of this new segment, we learn the hobbits got a pretty good deal from Argeleb II.

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    Week 049 - Second Age Saturday: Steel Hard to Break Jul 13, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as Aldarion all too briefly speaks with the daughter he abandoned years ago and coldly ignores her mother.

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    Week 049 - First Age Friday: Master of Wolves Jul 12, 2024

    Finrod and his faithful followers accompany Beren north, and come up with one possible way to get by the Master of Wolves himself.

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    Week 049 - Third Age Thursday: Even as Oromë the Great Jul 11, 2024

    It’s time for the last of our Théoden Thursday specials as The Man of the West takes us through the King of Rohan’s finest moments.

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    Week 049 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Golden-Haired Champion Jul 10, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he takes a closer look at the names of his favorite Elf from the First Age, including one that might have just been a derisive nickname from the sons of Fëanor.

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    Week 049 - Tolkien Tuesday: Our Revered Hobbit-Ancestors Jul 09, 2024

    It’s time for another few letters in the Revised and Expanded edition, this time as we accompany Professor Tolkien on a trip to Rotterdam for maggot-soup and pipe-weed!

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    Week 049 - Mailbag Monday: With Vigour, Please Jul 09, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for the last week of Series 6 of Today’s Tolkien Times as he answers a question — okay, five questions — about the Dúnedain.

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    Week 048 - Second Age Saturday: I Am Mistaken, It Seems Jul 06, 2024

    It’s time for another heartbreaking episode in the tragic tale of Aldarion and Erendis as the King’s Heir finally returns home and meets the consequences of his actions.

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    Week 048 - First Age Friday: Yours Ye May Break Jul 05, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as we meet the best Elf ever, Finrod Felagund, and find him in quite the conundrum. Also, thanks a lot Fëanor.

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    Week 048 - Third Age Thursday: Maybe We Shall Cleave a Road Jul 04, 2024

    It’s time for another inspirational passage on Théoden, King of Rohan as The Man of the West continues reading his favorite moments in the life of a king who has left despair behind.

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    Week 048 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Here We Come A-Wassailing Jul 03, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for a dive into Old English as we look at some of the names and words from our Third Age Thursday readings about Théoden.

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    Week 048 - Tolkien Tuesday: Stupidities and Vulgarities Jul 02, 2024

    You know that Professor Tolkien never minced words; now, so does Zimmerman. The Man of the West talks about some letters Tolkien wrote revealing his thoughts on an early adaptation.

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    Week 048 - Mailbag Monday: Until the Rising of the Star Jul 01, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he answers a question about inevitability, and speculates what might have happened to Turgon and the people of Gondolin had they only listened.

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    Week 047 - Second Age Saturday: Breakers and Eaters Jun 29, 2024

    The noisy thing known as The Man of the West reads another passage in the tale of Aldarion and Erendis, as — surprise! — Aldarion doesn’t make it home when he said he would.

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    Week 047 - First Age Friday: Terrible and Blasphemous Jun 28, 2024

    Some might say that describes The Man of the West, but thankfully Tolkien was speaking about the Oath of Fëanor and his sons, featured in this week’s reading from The Lay of Leithian.

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    Week 047 - Third Age Thursday: It Is Not So Dark Here Jun 27, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he spends the final three Third Age Thursdays of the series reading his favorite passages on Théoden, King of Rohan.

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    Week 047 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Friend, Enchantress, or Flower-daughter? Jun 26, 2024

    It’s time for another exciting etymological excursion as The Man of the West looks at a name you’ve heard dozens of times and hopes to bring you something new.

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    Week 047 - Tolkien Tuesday: Philological Harpies Jun 25, 2024

    It’s time for another visit to The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien as we see Tolkien’s growing frustration with the work of translators and the lack of time to work on The Silmarillion.

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    Week 047 - Mailbag Monday: Very Unprolific Jun 24, 2024

    Join The Man of The West as he answers a question about Durin, Dwarven prophecy, and reincarnation with a deep dive into Tolkien’s early drafts.

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    Week 046 - Second Age Saturday: No Place For Such Joy Jun 22, 2024

    Disappointment turns to bitterness in today’s reading of the story of Aldarion and Erendis. The king prefers the company of his sailors, and his wife prefers the company of women.

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    Week 046 - First Age Friday: And Away, Away She Danced Jun 21, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he continues reading the Lay of Leithian, as Lúthien gets clever and weaves her most powerful magic yet.

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    Week 046 - Third Age Thursday: Which Story, I Wonder Jun 20, 2024

    Wonder no more as The Man of the West finishes our time reading through A Long-Expected Party as Gandalf leaves Frodo with some vague advice.

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    Week 046 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Far Older and More Reverend Jun 19, 2024

    No, that title isn’t a description of The Man of the West. Join us for Word-nerd Wednesday as we take a closer look at the Shire-word that often just means “regifting”.

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    Week 046 - Tolkien Tuesday: Bless the Little People! Jun 18, 2024

    It’s time for Tolkien Tuesday as we dive deep into new content about The Silmarillion, Tolkien’s academic obligations, Middle-earth maps, book sales, and complaints about taxation.

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    Week 046 - Mailbag Monday: Excuse Me, Sur Jun 17, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he fails to answer a question for which there is no answer, then speculates what happens after an extended time-out.

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    Week 045 - Second Age Saturday: A Man Long-sighted Jun 15, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for another reading in How Not to Build a Successful Marriage, as the sometimes-happy couple welcome their daughter, Ancalimë.

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    Week 045 - First Age Friday: She Wanted a Treehouse… Jun 14, 2024

    When she was a kid, sure. Thingol continues his efforts to defeat Denethor as Best Father in the Legendarium in our next reading in The Lay of Leithian.

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    Week 045 - Third Age Thursday: Fiddlesticks! Jun 13, 2024

    Watch as Otho twirls his villainous mustache and laments how he might have gotten away with it if it weren’t for you meddling kids. Or something like that.

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    Week 045 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Númenórean Aramotherapy Jun 12, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for a look at the beautiful flowers that the Eldar brought to Númenor to celebrate Erendis’ wedding, including one that sounds very familiar.

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    Week 045 - Tolkien Tuesday: At Whatever Cost of Sleep Jun 11, 2024

    Tolkien offers to pull an all-nighter to mark up print proofs in this week’s Tolkien Tuesday; so long as he still gets to Heathrow in time for his flight from the North Kingdom to Gondor.

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    Week 045 - Mailbag Monday: And Therefore Stupid Jun 10, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he speculates on whether Saruman and Sauron worked the same shift at ‘The Forge of Aulë: Miners, not Minors’. Also, if you think Sauron was smart, wait ’til you hear what Tolkien had to say.

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    Week 044 - Second Age Saturday: Heart’s Ease Jun 08, 2024

    Aldarion returns to Erendis’ welcome, and the wedding of the century. The Eldar arrive with gifts and flowers, and all is as it should be. Finally. For now.

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    Week 044 - First Age Friday: A Flower That Grows Beneath the Sky Jun 07, 2024

    We continue our readings in the Lay of Leithian as Beren faces off against Thingol in the halls of Menegroth. And still, no one listens to Melian.

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    Week 044 - Third Age Thursday: Hearses at Daybreak Jun 06, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for another reading in A Long-Expected Party, this time as Frodo passes along Bilbo’s “messages” to a young social media influencer and a spoon thief.

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    Week 044 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Maybe Thou Shalt Find These Words Jun 05, 2024

    Time for another visit to our Second Age Saturday readings as The Man of the West explores three more words from Aldarion and Erendis.

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    Week 044 - Tolkien Tuesday: Make #NotATrilogy Trend Jun 04, 2024

    We revisit the revised and updated edition of Tolkien’s Letters and learn Tolkien’s thoughts on piecemeal publication and patronizing reviews. Also, give the man a rest!

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    Week 044 - Mailbag Monday: The Valar Already Know This Question Jun 03, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he begins week 44 of Today’s Tolkien Times by answering a question about the Valar’s knowledge: who would win Valerin Jeopardy?

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    Week 043 - Second Age Saturday: And Hid Her Tears Jun 01, 2024

    We continue our reading through the sorrowful tale of Aldarion and Erendis, as the King’s Heir continues to be of two minds — and Erendis offers to wait one more time.

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    Week 043 - First Age Friday: Love It Is Hath Here Me Bound May 31, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he continues his readings in The Lay of Leithian, this time as Lúthien brings Beren home for a chat — and Thingol has questions.

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    Week 043 - Third Age Thursday: Well, That’s That May 30, 2024

    We return to Bag End and Gandalf’s chat with the disappearing Bilbo only to see the old hobbit do something no one has ever managed to do before.

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    Week 043 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Gandalf, Formula 1, and Firefly May 29, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for an interesting — if rather disturbing — exploration of word-nerdery as we look at a word used to describe Gandalf’s pestering of Bilbo.

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    Week 043 - Tolkien Tuesday: There Will Be Not a Few May 28, 2024

    We continue in the Revised and Expanded edition of Tolkien’s Letters and learn that the Professor just couldn’t catch a break in the autumn of 1953.

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    Week 043 - Mailbag Monday: Yes, With an If… No, With a But May 27, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he starts week 43 of the TTT by quoting Reverend Lovejoy to answer a question about Fëanor. No, you read that correctly.

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    Week 042 - Second Age Saturday: At War Within Himself May 25, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he wraps up the first week of Series 6 of the TTT by continuing his reading through the story of Aldarion and Erendis. A time of peace and joy is short-lived as Aldarion once again is drawn to the Sea.

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    Week 042 - First Age Friday: Of Living Love and Mortal Pain May 24, 2024

    The Man of the West has heard your pleas, and will return to the forests of Doriath for another series in The Lay of Leithian. Today’s episode features anguish, jealousy, and dancing lessons.

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    Week 042 - Third Age Thursday: I Had to Badger You May 23, 2024

    There is no need to get angry: The Man of the West will continue the TTT’s readings in A Long-Expected Party. This time, Bilbo gets silly, while Gandalf speaks sternly.

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    Week 042 - Word-nerd Wednesday: The Greatest Delight of Númenor May 22, 2024

    Stop and smell the Nísimaldar as The Man of the West dives into some word-nerdery from last season’s read-through of Aldarion and Erendis. Any excuse to read Quenya, right?

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    Week 042 - Tolkien Tuesday: Sympathetic Review May 21, 2024

    We open up the Revised and Expanded edition of Tolkien’s Letters again this series, as we focus on new content about The Lord of the Rings. Today, deadlines and maps, reviews and illustrations — and Tolkien’s apparent disdain for italics.

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    Week 042 - Mailbag Monday: Gandalf Was a Rollin’ Stone May 20, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he begins Series 6 of Today’s Tolkien Times with a question about two very old people. And no, neither of them are The Man of the West. Also, memories of Bernard Hill as Théoden.

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    Week 041 - Second Age Saturday: Now, And In All Nows May 04, 2024

    Erendis offers some words of wisdom; will Aldarion hear them? Join The Man of the West as he wraps up Series 6 of the TTT with one more passage from The Mariner’s Wife.

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    Week 041 - First Age Friday: Soft a Kiss She Placed Upon His Muted Lips May 03, 2024

    It’s time for one more reading in The Lay of Leithian before we (hopefully) return to Fandom Fridays in Series 6. Poor Beren is going to have to wait awhile, but at least he has her kiss to remember.

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    Week 041 - Third Age Thursday: Interfering Old Busybody May 02, 2024

    No, not The Man of the West: no one would call him busy. It’s time for the last reading of this Series in A Long-expected Party, as Bilbo and Gandalf chat about the hobbit’s plans.

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    Week 041 - Word-nerd Wednesday: An Andoran Anthology May 01, 2024

    It’s time for a lingering look at a number of Númenórean names as we examine the etymology of… oh, I’m out of alliteration. Enjoy!

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    Week 041 - Tolkien Tuesday: Nothing Godlike or Angelic About Him Apr 30, 2024

    We continue our readings in Carpenter’s book, The Inklings, as we learn about C.S. Lewis’ good friend, Charles Williams — and what Tolkien thought of him, too.

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    Week 041 - Mailbag Monday: Maybe It’s the Mediterranean Diet? Apr 29, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he begins the final week of Series 5 of the TTT with a question about the Rings of Power and longevity. Or maybe it’s the Oil of Olwë?

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    Week 040 - Second Age Saturday: Rather is She My Foe Apr 27, 2024

    Erendis makes her position quite clear, as she and Aldarion are reunited after his 14-year long journey. Aldarion appears to turn a new leaf, but will it stick?

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    Week 040 - First Age Friday: Like a Silver Jewel Set in the Heavens Apr 26, 2024

    We return for another long reading from The Lay of Leithian as Daeron the minstrel plays for the lovely Lúthien as she dances, and a rough-looking stranger comes stumbling onto the scene.

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    Week 040 - Third Age Thursday: Why Worry? He Hasn’t Taken the Vittles! Apr 25, 2024

    Old Rory Brandybuck has a point, after all. We return to the Long-expected Party just in time to see Bilbo disappear. Plus, what’s a party without a little regret?

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    Week 040 - Word-nerd Wednesday: We Interrupt This Regularly Scheduled Wednesday Apr 24, 2024

    The Man of the West steps away from The Lord of the Rings for a week as we look at a place mentioned in the Second Age Saturday readings this series.

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    Week 040 - Tolkien Tuesday: The Old ‘Dying God’ Story Apr 23, 2024

    We continue our time in Carpenter’s The Inklings and talk about Tolkien’s belief in the inherent truths of myth, and the effect his arguments had on Lewis.

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    Week 040 - Mailbag Monday: And I Was Meant to Answer This Question Apr 22, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he starts week 40 of Today’s Tolkien Times with a question about what Gandalf knew, and when he knew it.

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    Week 039 - Second Age Saturday: Unwilling To Be Bound Apr 20, 2024

    Aldarion manages to drive Erendis away from Armenolos even while he’s away for nearly 15 years. Just imagine what will happen when he returns.

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    Week 039 - First Age Friday: Starlit Years On Earth Go By Apr 19, 2024

    We all know that Thingol married up, but our time in The Lay of Leithian today really gives us some insight as to why. Also, we meet Daeron — forgotten harper, singer doomed.

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    Week 039 - Third Age Thursday: Immensely Fond Of You All Apr 18, 2024

    True of Bilbo and his guests, as well as The Man of the West and his listeners. More time at A Long-expected Party, a discussion about fireworks and waistcoats, not to mention a very dangerous dance.

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    Week 039 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Base 12 For the Win Apr 17, 2024

    It’s time to break out your Old English and even Old Norse as we look at Bilbo’s age of eleventy-one, and learn that abandoning the long hundred meant losing out on some cool numbers.

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    Week 039 - Tolkien Tuesday: Things You Can Never Say Again Apr 16, 2024

    We continue our study on the Inklings with a look at ‘The Great War’ between C.S. Lewis and Owen Barfield, as well as a stroll on Addison’s Walk.

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    Week 039 - Mailbag Monday: What About Their LinkedIn Profiles? Apr 15, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he starts week 39 of the TTT with a question about the jobs of the five ‘chief’ wizards. Also: a follow-up on Fëanor confirms our suspicions: he’s still a jerk.

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    Week 038 - Second Age Saturday: Amid the Coldness of Others Apr 13, 2024

    It’s time for the continuing adventures of Aldarion as he finally has eyes for Erendis. As he sails off for distant shores. Plus, the Green Bough of Return and more beautiful names of trees!

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    Week 038 - First Age Friday: Or Flee the Land of Barahir Apr 12, 2024

    Beren is really good at killing Orcs and other bad guys; maybe too good. Join The Man of the West for his continued readings through The Lay of Leithian, as Beren finally heads south.

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    Week 038 - Third Age Thursday: The Art of Gandalf Improved With Age Apr 11, 2024

    Let us all hope that the art of The Man of the West does the same. Join him today for our continuing read through A Long-Expected Party, this time with fireworks and even more food!

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    Week 038 - Word-nerd Wednesday: I Don’t Think It Means What You Think It Means Apr 10, 2024

    Well, actually, it does — but it also means a half-dozen other things or so. Join The Man of the West for a look at a word that has offended the Sackville-Bagginses. Also, Gloin says Bilbo looks like a dealer.

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    Week 038 - Tolkien Tuesday: Frightful 18th Century!!! Apr 09, 2024

    Don’t blame me: the punctuation is in the original. Time for another close look at the budding friendship between C.S. Lewis and Tolkien; so long as the former doesn’t keep making terrible poetry suggestions.

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    Week 038 - Mailbag Monday: Not the Family Reunion You’re Looking For Apr 08, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he starts the week off talking about one of his favorite characters in the legendarium. And his unfortunate cousin.

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    Week 037 - Second Age Saturday: Cold is the Life of a Mariner’s Wife Apr 06, 2024

    So, Aldarion: maybe, I don’t know, stop being a mariner? We continue with the tale of Aldarion and Erendis, the former of whom is beginning to show some troubling traits.

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    Week 037 - First Age Friday: Of Will Defeated, Broken Faith Apr 05, 2024

    We return to the tale of Beren as Gorlim visits him in a dream, and he returns to utter devastation. A vow of vengeance follows, and one bad guy definitely gets what’s coming to him.

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    Week 037 - Third Age Thursday: Stop Even Pretending, Gaffer Apr 04, 2024

    We return to Hobbiton just as preparations for a massive party are underway: we’re reminded of how important the postal service is, and get a glimpse of hobbit birthday traditions.

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    Week 037 - Word-nerd Wednesday: What’s With the Fat Jokes, Ronald? Apr 03, 2024

    We take a closer look at nine different Shire family names in this week’s Word-nerd Wednesday and learn that the majority of them are based on hobbits ummm… enjoying their food.

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    Week 037 - Tolkien Tuesday: Chiefly As a Poet Apr 02, 2024

    We return to learn more about Tolkien’s fellow Inkling, C.S. Lewis, and their mutual admiration for “Northernness”. Also, dragons can spoil commutes: just ask Eärendil.

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    Week 037 - Mailbag Monday: Sure, It Kindles Hearts — But Can It Blend? Apr 01, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he kicks off this week in appropriate style — then answers a question about Saruman’s hospitality towards his guest at Orthanc.

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    Week 036 - Second Age Saturday: Sowed the Seeds of Restlessness Mar 30, 2024

    Tar-Meneldur’s concerns were well-founded, as it turns out. Join The Man of the West for another reading in the tale of Aldarion and Erendis. Also: we finally, and briefly, meet Erendis.

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    Week 036 - First Age Friday: Have Thy Pay! Mar 29, 2024

    If you ever wondered just how cruel Sauron could be, today’s reading in The Lay of Leithian will answer that question.

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    Week 036 - Third Age Thursday: We Could Do With a Bit More Queerness Mar 28, 2024

    The Gaffer has words for Sandyman yet again, while outlandish folk pull into town — including one rather familiar old man with a long white beard and bushy eyebrows. No, not The Man of the West.

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    Week 036 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Rebuking His Impertinence Mar 27, 2024

    Sometimes, the Man of the West imagines his own impertinence would be rebuked, should the Professor be alive to do so. Fortunately, this was just a pedantic proof-reader who didn’t like Tolkien’s spelling.

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    Week 036 - Tolkien Tuesday: I Thought I Was the Only One Mar 26, 2024

    Step into a meeting of the Kolbítar and learn why Lewis found it so invigorating. Also, talking about the gods and giants of Asgard until 2:30 in the morning… best college days ever.

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    Week 036 - Mailbag Monday: Short-lived and Weaker Race Mar 25, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for a speculative question about Fëanor and what he might have thought about the race of Men — if he bothered to think about them at all.

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    Week 035 - Second Age Saturday: But They Looked Far Away Mar 23, 2024

    Aldarion sails on his first voyage, and it changes his life — and the lives of people he hasn’t met yet. Meneldur observes the beginning of a problem, while Vëantur becomes an enabler.

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    Week 035 - First Age Friday: Of Land Bereaved and Lordship Shorn Mar 22, 2024

    We return to the beautiful verses of the Lay of Leithian, only to be reminded that they do not always describing things of beauty. Also: a glimpse of the First Age Dirty Dozen.

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    Week 035 - Third Age Thursday: And Jools, By What I’ve Heard Mar 21, 2024

    It’s time to eavesdrop at the Ivy Bush as the Gaffer tries to fact-check Sandyman and Old Noakes; where are Community Notes when you need them?

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    Week 035 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Ranugad Galbasi, the Font of Hobbit Wisdom Mar 20, 2024

    The Man of the West digs through the Nomenclature and the Letters to learn more about the name of everyone’s favorite farmer.

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    Week 035 - Tolkien Tuesday: Beer & Beowulf Mar 19, 2024

    We continue our chat about the Inklings and the “literature v. language” divide at Oxford. We ask Professor Tolkien how 1830 hurt his feelings.

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    Week 035 - Mailbag Monday: I Like Big Boats and I Cannot Lie Mar 18, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he begins Week 35 with terrible puns and an unanswerable question about Shawn’s favorite mariner.

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    Week 034 - Second Age Saturday: Ready to Mirth, and Generous Mar 16, 2024

    It’s a series filled with long tales, as The Man of the West shifts gears with the first series of Second Age Saturdays. Get your sea-legs on and prepare to set sail as we explore Aldarion & Erendis!

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    Week 034 - First Age Friday: Laughter Merry as the Spring Mar 15, 2024

    The Man of the West begins an epic series for this inaugural incarnation of First Age Fridays with a dive into The Lay of Leithian. Can you believe it’s not alliterative?

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    Week 034 - Third Age Thursday: Like Coming Home Mar 14, 2024

    A long-expected run through a long-expected chapter begins today as tongues begin to wag in Hobbiton and Bywater. Which would you rather have: (apparently) perpetual youth, or (reputedly) inexhaustible wealth?

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    Week 034 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Running Private Jokes Mar 13, 2024

    For today’s word-nerdery, the Man of the West brings in some of Dr. Tom Shippey’s finest, including an observation that Gandalf repeatedly ignores the social code. Also, Tolkien regrets French.

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    Week 034 - Tolkien Tuesday: Liberal Studies Majors, Beware Mar 12, 2024

    We take a break from the Letters in Series 5 of the TTT to spend some time at the Bird & Baby with Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and more as we learn about the Inklings. Also, 200 episodes of the TTT!

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    Week 034 - Mailbag Monday: Maybe He Left the Oven On? Mar 11, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he starts out Series 5 of Today’s Tolkien Times with a Mailbag Monday asking a question we honestly haven’t heard before. Also, a reminder of Fëanor being Fëanor.

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    Week 033 - Silmarillion Saturday: Never Drinking That Wine Again Feb 24, 2024

    We return to the halls of Menegroth as Angrod throws Fëanor under the bus, Thingol counts to ten, an entire language nopes right out of there, and Galadriel gets nosy.

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    Week 033 - Fandom Friday: The Executive Board of Team Faramir Feb 23, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he welcomes Miranda, the self-proclaimed CEO of Team Faramir to chat about her Tolkien Tuesday videos on Instagram, read-alongs on Discord, and a terrifying trivia contest to come.

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    Week 033 - Third Age Thursday: Felt the Need of Wisdom Feb 22, 2024

    It’s time to finish our 8-week journey through the story Of Cirion and Eorl as we Eorl and Cirion part for a time. Also, we look at The Tradition of Isildur: no, not refusing to listen to Elrond… that’s not a tradition.

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    Week 033 - Word-nerd Wednesday: It Presents Me With Difficulty Feb 21, 2024

    Time to take a look at what the Rohirrim really called themselves after the Oath of Cirion and Eorl. Also, let’s look at éowords* because éoreds and éoherë are éoawesome* (* - not real words.)

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    Week 033 - Tolkien Tuesday: No Pubs Lately Feb 20, 2024

    Lift up your heart! And spend one last week in the Revised and Expanded edition of Tolkien’s letters as we look at five shorter letters written to Christopher Tolkien over two months in 1943.

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    Week 033 - Mailbag Monday: Who’s Buried in Elendil’s Tomb? Feb 19, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he starts the last week of TTT’s Series 4 with a question about the beacon on Halifirien — wouldn’t it disturb Elendil’s eternal slumber?

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    Week 032 - Silmarillion Saturday: Literally red-handed Feb 17, 2024

    The Man of the West continues his read-through and discussion of the chapter Of the Noldor in Beleriand as Thingol hears, but once again doesn’t really listen to, Melian. Also, great-uncles can be mean!

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    Week 032 - Fandom Friday: What a Lovely Smial Feb 16, 2024

    The Man of the West invites the founders of The Grey Havens smial of The Tolkien Society to come and talk about creating and sustaining small regional groups of Tolkien fans.

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    Week 032 - Third Age Thursday: Enyalië! Feb 15, 2024

    We finally learn just why the Halifirien is so hali, and why the Whispering Wood, uh, whispers. Get ready for some gorgeous Quenya as Cirion and Eorl speak their pinky promise.

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    Week 032 - Word-nerd Wednesday: What About Frosty the Lossoth? Feb 14, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for a deep dive into a beautiful Quenya oath that unexpectedly leads to a (very bad) idea for our next Christmas break.

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    Week 032 - Tolkien Tuesday: The Red Admiral Feb 13, 2024

    This week, we take a look at more letters from The Professor to his sons Michael and Christopher, including one that talks about a man who has almost as many names as Aragorn and Túrin!

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    Week 032 - Mailbag Monday: The Nakedest Dragonet Feb 12, 2024

    No, that’s not the title of the next Train Your Dragon film. Join The Man of the West as he tries to answer yet another question that has no answer: what is the origin of Tolkien’s dragons?

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    Week 031 - Silmarillion Saturday: For That Woe is Past Feb 10, 2024

    I’m not sure Melian shares Galadriel’s optimism on that point. Join The Man of the West as we read more in Of the Noldor in Beleriand and join Melian in asking, “What are the Noldor hiding, and why is it Fëanor?”

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    Week 031 - Fandom Friday: Not Jealous At All, At All — A Conversation with Bill Fliss and Sarah Schaefer Feb 09, 2024

    The Man of the West is reminded of just how awesome the J.R.R. Tolkien: The Art of the Manuscript exhibit was as he visits with its curators. He also wonders if a career as a Tolkien academic is still possible at his advanced age.

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    Week 031 - Third Age Thursday: As True Men Feb 08, 2024

    The Man of the West continues his reading and discussion of the tale of Cirion and Eorl, this week as the two climb the Hill of Awe. What do you get the man who gives you an entire country?

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    Week 031 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Knows No Season and Withers Not Feb 07, 2024

    Why are we going back to Tuor to discuss a word from Cirion and Eorl? Because we can. Join The Man of the West as he looks closely at some, ahem, flowery language.

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    Week 031 - Tolkien Tuesday: The Sum Total of Last Week’s Amusements Feb 06, 2024

    The revised and expanded edition of Letters continues to provide wonderful insight into Tolkien and his relationship with his sons. Today, three short letters to Christopher that remind us of the reality of the Blitz, and the importance of remembering birthdays.

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    Week 031 - Mailbag Monday: Aren’t You a Little Underwhelming for a Maia? Feb 05, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he attempts to answer an unanswerable question about the Goblins of the Misty Mountains and their recognition of important artifacts in their cultural history. Or something like that.

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    Week 030 - Silmarillion Saturday: Love Not Too Well Feb 03, 2024

    You know the rest, folks — and if you don’t, that’s why you’re listening to this show! Join The Man of the West as we open the chapter Of the Noldor in Beleriand and learn about the founding of the most beautiful city in the history of Middle-earth: the Hidden City of Gondolin.

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    Week 030 - Fandom Friday: A Númenórean Sea Shanty - Phil Dean Feb 02, 2024

    We welcome another of Team PPP to today’s Fandom Friday as Phil Dean joins Alan to chat about his experience as a Númenórean guardsman on the first season of The Rings of Power.

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    Week 030 - Third Age Thursday: The Whispering Wood Feb 01, 2024

    The Man of the West reads more in the story of Cirion and Eorl, relishing in the mystery of Gondorian forestry policy, as well as why Gondor’s zoning regulations for Halifirien changed.

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    Week 030 - Word-nerd Wednesday: The Beacons of Gondor Are… Etymologically Interesting Jan 31, 2024

    From Amon Dîn to Halifirien, the Man of the West takes a deep dive into the names of each of the beacons of Gondor — well, those of northern Gondor at least.

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    Week 030 - Tolkien Tuesday: Be Of Good Heart Jan 30, 2024

    We return to the revised and expanded edition of Tolkien’s letters to take a closer look at a couple of letters written to his son, Michael. Tolkien offers some sage advice about young love, but strays a bit beyond his expertise when opining about women.

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    Week 030 - Mailbag Monday: Given to Rhetorical Superlatives Jan 29, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he answers a question about who’s older than who… thankfully, he’s not answering a question about his own age.

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    Week 029 - Silmarillion Saturday: Save One Only Jan 27, 2024

    It’s time to conclude our readings through Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor as we finally arrive at that hiding the title has been suggesting might happen. Also: Morgoth’s a coward.

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    Week 029 - Fandom Friday: The Tolkienist’s Take on Tolkien Talks and Tolkien Tage: A Visit with Marcel Aubron-Bülles Jan 26, 2024

    Join The Man of the West in welcoming one of the OG Tolkien bloggers to the TTT. Marcel’s the busiest guy in the Tolkien fandom, it seems, but he has a few minutes to spare for us!

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    Week 029 - Third Age Thursday: Rochon Methestel Jan 25, 2024

    Bonus points if you get that reference without looking. The Man of the West continues his ride through the tale of Cirion and Eorl, as the Éothéod rides to the rescue of Gondor in Unfinished Tales.

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    Week 029 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Fierce and Fabled Jan 24, 2024

    It’s time for another double word-nerd Wednesday as The Man of the West introduces you to the valiant steed of Eorl and the race of horses he sired.

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    Week 029 - Tolkien Tuesday: Not Too Quick in the Uptake Jan 23, 2024

    We open up the Revised and Expanded edition of Letters to take a deep dive into one entirely new letter that Tolkien wrote to his good friend, E.V. Gordon. Also: don’t let Kenneth Sisam read this one.

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    Week 029 - Mailbag Monday: Tiptoe To the Mewlips Jan 22, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he reluctantly answers a mailbag question about some of the creepiest creatures Professor Tolkien ever imagined: the mysterious and malevolent Mewlips.

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    Week 028 - Silmarillion Saturday: As He Ever Shall Be Jan 20, 2024

    Arien would need a restraining order against Tilion if it weren’t for her ability to burn him like a slice of toast. Join The Man of the West as he continues his read-through of the chapter Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor — which, I promise, will get hidden eventually.

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    Week 028 - Fandom Friday: Sara It Was, and Dr. Brown Also Jan 19, 2024

    The Man of the West is joined by one of his esteemed cohort of co-hosts, Dr. Sara Brown, to talk about Éowyn, Discworld, and anything else she darn well wants to talk about!

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    Week 028 - Third Age Thursday: Riders of Great Courage Jan 18, 2024

    Learn about the migration of the Éothéod, the Stewardship of Cirion, and the discovery that a huge force of enemies was preparing an attack on Gondor as we continue the tale of Cirion and Eorl!

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    Week 028 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Númenoréan Month or Prescription Medication? Jan 17, 2024

    Join The Man of the West for a closer look at the Kings’ Reckoning, the calendar system used for over 5,000 years by the Men of Númenor and Gondor. Side effects of Narquelië may include depression, darkness, and regret.

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    Week 028 - Tolkien Tuesday: Grim Grinning… Drawer Handles? Jan 16, 2024

    It’s time to go back to more of the Revised and Expanded edition of Tolkien’s Letters as we look at some letters dated around the time of the publication of The Hobbit. It appears the Professor understands the truth about math. Or maths.

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    Week 028 - Mailbag Monday: Túrin, Túna, and, uh… Celeborn Jan 15, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he answers a mailbag question about a legendary Norwegian bowman and his possible inspiration of one of Tolkien’s most tragic characters. Plus, Alan almost certainly mispronounces the same name many, many times.

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    Week 027 - Silmarillion Saturday: As a Naked Flame Jan 13, 2024

    Learn about Arien and Tilion, the Maiar chosen to carry the Sun and the Moon through the skies of Arda, as we continue our journey through Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor.

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    Week 027 - Fandom Friday: Pity, Power, and a Chat with Tom Hillman Jan 12, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he welcomes Tom Hillman, author of Pity, Power, and Tolkien’s Ring. Ah-ha moments abound as Alan and Tom chat.

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    Week 027 - Third Age Thursday: Which None Could Then Foresee Jan 11, 2024

    It’s time to continue our readings in the story of Cirion and Eorl, even if we’re still at the part of Calimehtar and Marhwini. At least Cirion and Eorl are easier to pronounce.

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    Week 027 - Word-nerd Wednesday: The (Great) Green Region Jan 10, 2024

    We have time for two words on this Word-nerd Wednesday: the first is the name of the 30th King of Gondor, and the other is the name of a land that would eventually be gifted to the people of the Éothéod.

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    Week 027 - Tolkien Tuesday: Hi Dad, Send Cash Jan 09, 2024

    We take a look at three letters that Tolkien wrote to his sons: school grades, mom guilt, BBC criticism, a hand injury, and a plea for cash to a poor professor all feature in today’s Tolkien Tuesday!

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    Week 027 - Mailbag Monday: Gandalf as a Dwarf? Jan 08, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he answers a speculative question about the form that the wizards took when they came to Middle-earth. Now I’m picturing Radagast as a hobbit.

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    Week 026 - Silmarillion Saturday: Dust Off the Piñata Jan 06, 2024

    A study of heavenly bodies begins with the aftermath of Fëanor storming out of the house, slamming the door, stealing the neighbor’s car, and peeling out of the driveway. Also, Manwë borrows a page from Nienna’s playbook and needs a tissue.

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    Week 026 - Fandom Friday: The Full English: Chris Newton from A Book At Breakfast Jan 05, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he welcomes fellow bibliophile and Tolkien fan Chris Newton, and learn about a new podcast you might want to listen to. Chris earns extra points for a ‘core of the original’ reference in an episode blurb.

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    Week 026 - Third Age Thursday: And You Thought You’d Avoid Gothic Jan 04, 2024

    The Man of the West wanted to make a joke here about the Émo-théod and why their early names were Goth-ic, but we talked him out of it. We apologize for the fault in the blurb. Those responsible have been sacked.

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    Week 026 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Because ‘Horse-People’ is Boring Jan 03, 2024

    Get ready for some Old English as we take a look at the Éothéod and one of their lords, Eorl the Young in the first Word-nerd Wednesday of 2024.

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    Week 026 - Tolkien Tuesday: All That Over a Comma Jan 02, 2024

    It’s time for The Man of the West to open the new Revised and Expanded Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien as we begin a new series of Tolkien Tuesday episodes! Learn why it’s always good to save your file versions.

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    Week 026 - Mailbag Monday: Something About Rope Jan 01, 2024

    Join The Man of the West as he rings in 2024 with a new series of Today’s Tolkien Times! We start with a mailbag question about Sam’s mysteriously disappearing brothers, and his two sisters, both called Miss-Not-Appearing-In-This-Book.

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    Week 025 - Fancy a Game of Snapdragons? Dec 23, 2023

    Tolkien brings in more real-world events — a really cold winter, and a bright comet — into his Letters From Father Christmas, while NPB is busy getting the Man in the Moon drunk. Also, Merry Christmas from the TTT!

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    Week 025 - Rory Bory Aylis Dec 22, 2023

    The Man of the West introduces a new term for the Aurora Borealis, as he looks at Tolkien’s 1926 Letter From Father Christmas. North Polar Bear is up to his usual mischief, and the reindeer break loose. Also, the Man in the Moon is badly injured — but it’s nothing chocolate can’t fix.

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    Week 025 - Dreadfully Busy Dec 21, 2023

    No, really, he means it. Father Christmas is busy, and so is Professor Tolkien, as Christmas of 1925 approaches. Holding down two jobs, writing the beginnings of Middle-earth mythology, moving house, and being the father to three boys ages 8, 5, and 1. Whew, I’m tired just writing that.

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    Week 025 - A Letter for the LEGO Fans Dec 20, 2023

    We move to 1923 and a letter to a new address in Leeds, before looking at just how old Father Christmas really is. Also, when is a brick not a brick?

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    Week 025 - Dramatis Personae Dec 19, 2023

    Let’s start at the very beginning: it’s a very good place to start, after all. It’s time to open up the Introduction to the Letters and learn about the growing crew up at the North Pole, before we start with the first letter, written in 1920.

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    Week 025 - Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe Dec 18, 2023

    Join The Man of the West for a very special holiday week of Today’s Tolkien Times as he dives into Letters From Father Christmas, beginning with words from Baillie Tolkien, Christopher’s wife and the editor of the Letters volumes.
    Resource links:
    https://wayneandchristina.wordpress.com/2012/11/06/the-father-christmas-letters-4/
    https://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/wiwimod/index.php?page=Letters%20From%20Father%20Christmas

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    Week 024 - Silmarillion Saturday: The Elves Know Not Nov 25, 2023

    Men are mortal, and so is Series 3 of Today’s Tolkien Times! Join The Man of the West as he wraps things up (mostly) for 2023 with a look at the difference between Elves and Men — including a glimpse at an early version from The Book of Lost Tales.

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    Week 024 - Fandom Friday: Time Flies When Your Book is Awesome — John Garth Nov 24, 2023

    You’ve enjoyed eight weeks of excerpts from his book, Tolkien and the Great War, so please welcome John Garth to Today’s Tolkien Times, as we celebrate 20 years since the publication of his award-winning biography! Plus insights on his new book — Tolkien’s Mirror — and how you can help get it published sooner.

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    Week 024 - Third Age Thursday: Look After Your Darling Nov 23, 2023

    To those celebrating, the TTT wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving! Join The Man of the West as he finishes up The Quest of Erebor and discovers the softer side of Gandalf, and why all of Middle-earth is thankful for a chance-meeting in Bree.

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    Week 024 - Word-nerd Wednesday: What Do Fëanor and Dol Guldur Have in Common? Nov 22, 2023

    We’ll let Gandalf explore the dungeons of Dol Guldur; The Man of the West will explore its etymology. Observe his shocked face as he learns the connection between the Noldor and dark sorcery.

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    Week 024 - Tolkien Tuesday: Pipe-smoking and Chin-wagging Nov 21, 2023

    Like so many other students before him, Tolkien wasn’t always entirely dedicated to his academic pursuits. Join The Man of the West as he revisits John Garth’s Tolkien and the Great War one more time to learn about Tolkien’s ‘pure alpha’ and the major change in his, uh, major.
    Be sure to visit John Garth's website at https://johngarth.co.uk to learn and read more about his incredible Tolkien work and scholarship. You can also buy Tolkien and the Great War on audiobook, narrated exceptionally well by John himself. I'm proud to support John's work and would ask you to please consider doing the same at http://bit.ly/48Rhbf1.

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    Week 024 - Mailbag Monday: Linked In, Middle-earth Nov 20, 2023

    Join The Man of the West as he begins the last week of Series 3 of the TTT with an update for the holidays before he answers an interesting question about employment opportunities in Middle-earth. Polish up those resumes, folks!

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    Week 023 - Silmarillion Saturday: Where Every Leaf is Green Nov 18, 2023

    I’m sure it won’t stay that way, though. Join The Man of the West as he concludes this week of the TTT by reading the first half of the chapter Of Men. Distant Valar, condescending Elves, and Morgoth on the loose: the Men will be just fiiiiiine.

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    Week 023 - Fandom Friday: The Tolkien Professor Nov 17, 2023

    Sometimes, the big voices in the fandom have things to say too — Alan welcomes the OG Tolkien podcaster, Dr. Corey Olsen to the show to talk about all things Signum, and to put him in charge of Amazon’s marketing for Rings of Power.

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    Week 023 - Third Age Thursday: He Was Getting Greedy and Fat Nov 16, 2023

    No, not The Man of the West — well at least not both of them — Bilbo! Gandalf recalls just how disappointing Bilbo was in the second part of The Quest of Erebor. Also, keep old maps and keys for 95 years, just in case.

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    Week 023 - Word-nerd Wednesday: (The Rest of) The Many Names of Gandalf Nov 15, 2023

    The Man of the West returns to his wizardy wording ways this week as he brings you more of the names of Gandalf — and fills in a few unintended blanks on one of last week’s names!

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    Week 023 - Tolkien Tuesday: Time For You To Go, George Nov 14, 2023

    We join Tolkien on his winter break as he writes and stars in his own play that just might bear some similarities to real-life. He is finally allowed to write to Edith and the results are… not what you’d expect. Give it up for poor George.
    Be sure to visit John Garth's website at https://johngarth.co.uk to learn and read more about his incredible Tolkien work and scholarship. You can also buy Tolkien and the Great War on audiobook, narrated exceptionally well by John himself. I'm proud to support John's work and would ask you to please consider doing the same at http://bit.ly/48Rhbf1.

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    Week 023 - Mailbag Monday: Not a David Letterman Top 10 Nov 13, 2023

    Join The Man of the West as he begins week 23 with a list of the top 10 scariest or creepiest creatures in Middle-earth, just in time for… two weeks after Halloween. You’ll never guess what #5 is!

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    Week 022 - Silmarillion Saturday: I Think You Know What That Word Means Nov 11, 2023

    Melkor hides, fakes friendship, almost persuades Fëanor, goes too far, but manages to understand thralldom better than Fëanor. Also, Tulkas is thinking, “I told you this would happen.”

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    Week 022 - Fandom Friday: A Love of Letters — Phil Walch from Tolkien Collector’s Guide Nov 10, 2023

    The Man of the West talks about the new Letters volume — and a massive Guide to even more Letters — with Phil Walch from Tolkien Collector’s Guide. The Man of the West may still be counting the number of Tolkien Tuesdays he’ll get from the new volume!

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    Week 022 - Third Age Thursday: Brooding On His Wrongs Nov 09, 2023

    Join Gandalf — and the Man of the West — as he relates his own take on “the incident with the dragon” in The Quest of Erebor. From Gandalf’s grand strategy to how seriously Dwarves take their duty, we also get a teaser about our old friend, Bilbo.

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    Week 022 - Word-nerd Wednesday: (Some of) The Many Names of Gandalf Nov 08, 2023

    It’s a wizardy Wednesday as The Man of the West begins his exploration of several — but not all — of the names of everyone’s favorite Middle-earth wizard. No, it’s not that blue guy.

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    Week 022 - Tolkien Tuesday: An Assault on Finnish Nov 07, 2023

    The Man of the West combines the best of Carpenter and Garth to talk about Tolkien in 1912: from his wet and windy cavalry camp, to his discovery of a wine-cellar that intoxicated him… and led directly to the Quenya language.
    Be sure to visit John Garth's website at https://johngarth.co.uk to learn and read more about his incredible Tolkien work and scholarship. You can also buy Tolkien and the Great War on audiobook, narrated exceptionally well by John himself. I'm proud to support John's work and would ask you to please consider doing the same at http://bit.ly/48Rhbf1.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 022 - Mailbag Monday: No, YOU Be the Mortal One Nov 06, 2023

    The Man of the West opens up the mailbag this week with a speculative question: what happens to the kingship of Gondor if Aragorn dies at the Black Gate? Well, I don’t know about the kingship of Gondor, but Arwen is not going to be happy about this.

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    Week 021 - Silmarillion Saturday: Master of Thralls Nov 04, 2023

    Okay, so it’s a great name for a metal album, but it’s also a theme in today’s Silmarillion Saturday, as Fëanor threatens his younger brother, and gets a 12-year time out for it. Then again, if you’re an Elf, what’s 12 years, really?

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    Week 021 - Fandom Friday: Silmaremily: At the Crossroads of Faramir and… Taylor Swift? Nov 03, 2023

    In what is likely to be the only mention of Taylor Swift on Today’s Tolkien Times, The Man of the West welcomes Silmaremily to Fandom Friday for a wide-ranging talk that (finally) includes some thoughts on Amazon’s The Rings of Power.

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    Week 021 - Third Age Thursday: No Queen in Gondor Nov 02, 2023

    Gandalf explains just how important those “off screen” battles were at the end of the Third Age, as The Man of the West finally concludes his reading in the Appendices on Durin’s Folk, wrapping up with a beautiful example of friendship featuring Legolas and Gimli.

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    Week 021 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Surprise - the Hobbits Named Something After a Drink Nov 01, 2023

    Today’s Word-nerd Wednesday takes a look at the name of the river separating the Shire from those weird folk in Buckland: the Brandywine. Is it a pun? Is it a corrupted pronunciation? Is it Dutch? Yes, the answer is yes.

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    Week 021 - Tolkien Tuesday: Certain Among the Gods Oct 31, 2023

    Happy Halloween to all the TTT followers — but there’s nothing spooky about today’s Tolkien Tuesday, unless Tolkien “revisiting old haunts” counts. Today, we take a short break from John Garth’s Tolkien and the Great War to revisit Carpenter’s biography to learn about Tolkien’s own Mrs. Doubtfire moment.
    Be sure to visit John Garth's website at https://johngarth.co.uk to learn and read more about his incredible Tolkien work and scholarship. You can also buy Tolkien and the Great War on audiobook, narrated exceptionally well by John himself. I'm proud to support John's work and would ask you to please consider doing the same at http://bit.ly/48Rhbf1.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Week 021 - Mailbag Monday: Past Their Expiration Date Oct 30, 2023

    The Man of the West starts off week 21 of Today’s Tolkien Times with a question about everyone’s favorite equestrian group: the Black Riders. Specifically, what happens to them after the One Ring is destroyed?

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    Week 020 - Silmarillion Saturday: A Greedy Love Oct 28, 2023

    Our adventures in “Fëanor, No!” continue as Melkor continues to sow Discord in Valinor. Also, secret weapon stashes and awkward family dinners.

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    Week 020 - Fandom Friday: Real Elvish - a Chat with Fiona Jallings Oct 27, 2023

    The Man of the West welcomes your friendly neighborhood linguist, the creator of RealElvish.net and the author of books to help you learn Neo-Sindarin, Fiona Jallings!

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    Week 020 - Third Age Thursday: A Chance Meeting Oct 26, 2023

    The Man of the West’s readings through the Appendix on Durin’s Folk continues as Thorin ascends the throne and just happens to run into Gandalf while on a business trip in Bree.

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    Week 020 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Orcs, Uruks, and Balrogs - Oh My! Oct 25, 2023

    The Man of the West dives deep into the Etymologies to explain how the words for just about every nasty creature in Middle-earth are actually connected! Also, fleshy mud pods: you’re welcome.

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    Week 020 - Tolkien Tuesday: A Nerd’s Nerd Oct 24, 2023

    It’s time to go back to school and study your Latin. And Greek. And Nevbosh. And Gothic. And… well, any other language you can get your teenage boy’s hands on. The Man of the West opens up Tolkien and the Great War and A Secret Vice to learn more about the Professor.
    Be sure to visit John Garth's website at https://johngarth.co.uk to learn and read more about his incredible Tolkien work and scholarship. You can also buy Tolkien and the Great War on audiobook, narrated exceptionally well by John himself. I'm proud to support John's work and would ask you to please consider doing the same at http://bit.ly/48Rhbf1.

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    Week 020 - Mailbag Monday: To Me, All Are One Oct 23, 2023

    The Man of the West opens up this new week of the TTT by actually finishing an answer he began last week. A close look at Christopher Tolkien’s words reveals that bowing to necessity was a grief to the Professor.

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    Week 019 - Silmarillion Saturday: Fast Bound to These Things Oct 21, 2023

    You thought the Fëanor piñata would catch a break with the end of the last chapter, wouldn’t you? Well, The Man of the West returns to read about the Silmarils themselves, and the beginning of the end of peace in Valinor.

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    Week 019 - Fandom Friday: How Much Can One Man Do? A Chat with James Tauber Oct 20, 2023

    Join The Man of the West as he welcomes the talented — and busy — James Tauber to chat about his 12-month course on The History of Middle-earth, his continuing efforts on the Digital Tolkien Project, and a lot more.

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    Week 019 - Third Age Thursday: To the Anvil! Oct 19, 2023

    The Dwarves may have had their victory, but the cost was high — and Dáin has bad news about the current squatter in Khazad-dûm. The Man of the West continues his reading and discussion through Appendix A on Durin’s Folk.

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    Week 019 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Because It’s a Cantrip Oct 18, 2023

    Why wouldn’t we weave words about wizards on Wednesday? Join The Man of the West — who is now officially out of W tiles in Scrabble — as he dives into the ‘problematic’ word “wizard” and discovers that Gandalf doesn’t actually have to rest before casting Magic Missile again.

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    Week 019 - Tolkien Tuesday: Didn’t We All Read Chaucer By Age 10? Oct 17, 2023

    The Man of the West returns to Tolkien and the Great War to learn more about Tolkien’s incredible gift and passion for languages. Maybe if someone had given me an Etymological Dictionary when I was… no, that wouldn’t have changed a thing.
    Be sure to visit John Garth's website at https://johngarth.co.uk to learn and read more about his incredible Tolkien work and scholarship. You can also buy Tolkien and the Great War on audiobook, narrated exceptionally well by John himself. I'm proud to support John's work and would ask you to please consider doing the same at http://bit.ly/48Rhbf1.

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    Week 019 - Mailbag Monday: Let Me Explain. No, There Is Too Much. Oct 16, 2023

    Start your week off with The Man of the West as he starts to tackle a simple question with some complicated answers and quickly realizes he’s bitten off more than he can chew in one week.

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    Week 018 - Silmarillion Saturday: Rather Than to Master Them Oct 14, 2023

    That piñata bears a striking resemblance to a famous Noldorin Elf, does it not? Well, not for much longer, I’d imagine. The Man of the West concludes his reading in Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor.

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    Week 018 - Fandom Friday: More Tolkien With Friends with Andie Oct 13, 2023

    The Man of the West welcomes Andie, one of the co-hosts of the podcast Tolkien With Friends. We learn how and why she started the show, and just how passionate she is about making the Tolkien community a welcoming place for all.

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    Week 018 - Third Age Thursday: Another Beggar At My Doors Oct 12, 2023

    The Man of the West continues his readings about Durin’s Folk from the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings; Thrór makes a bad decision, Nár begs him to reconsider, Náin challenges a bully, and Dáin finishes the job.

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    Week 018 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Tolkien Enjoys a Little Homebrew Oct 11, 2023

    Is it a Silmaril? Or is it only a model? Join The Man of the West as he takes a closer look at eorcnanstan, better known as The Arkenstone, in this week’s Word-nerd Wednesday!

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    Week 018 - Tolkien Tuesday: It Is Rougher Further On Oct 10, 2023

    More time with the TCBS as we learn about the poet G.B. Smith, the artist Rob Gilson and the results of that rugby match with the school’s First XV.
    Folks, please visit John Garth's website at https://johngarth.co.uk to learn and read more about his incredible Tolkien work and scholarship - you can also get Tolkien and the Great War on audiobook, read by John himself. Finally, I'm proud to support John's work and would ask you to please consider doing the same at http://bit.ly/48Rhbf1.

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    Week 018 - Mailbag Monday: A Casual Reference to the Necromancer Oct 09, 2023

    Join The Man of the West as he answers a patron’s question about the Dwarven Rings, and explores the deep and mysterious story (hint: it’s neither) behind Tolkien’s decision to choose rings as his artifacts of power in Middle-earth.

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    Week 017 - Silmarillion Saturday: Few Ever Changed His Courses By Counsel, None By Force Oct 07, 2023

    The Man of the West breaks out the Fëanor piñata as he begins reading from Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor. A long digression on second marriages, with advice from nearly all of the Valar.

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    Week 017 - Fandom Friday: Shawn Marchese, The Lord of the Mark Oct 06, 2023

    The Man of the West hopes you’ll forgive him for having a favorite guest so far: his old friend, former co-host, and co-author of Why We Love Middle-earth joins the TTT on a very special Fandom Friday.

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    Week 017 - Third Age Thursday: The Ancestor of All the Kings of the Longbeards Oct 05, 2023

    Time to break out your Dwarven ale and toast Durin the Deathless as The Man of the West dives into the LotR Appendices and starts to read about Durin’s Folk.

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    Week 017 - Word-nerd Wednesday: The First Elvish Word in the OED (hint: it’s not mellon) Oct 04, 2023

    It’s time for The Man of the West to polish up those philological skills as he delves greedily and deeply into Word-nerd Wednesday this week. Bonus segment on all the shiny things!

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    Week 017 - Tolkien Tuesday: The Great Twin Brethren Oct 03, 2023

    The Man of the West starts a new story with this series’ Tolkien Tuesdays, as he opens up John Garth’s Tolkien and the Great War to learn about the ‘immortal four’ of the TCBS over the next several weeks.
    Folks, please visit John Garth's website at https://johngarth.co.uk to learn and read more about his incredible Tolkien work and scholarship - you can also get Tolkien and the Great War on audiobook, read by John himself. Finally, I'm proud to support John's work and would as you to please consider doing the same at http://bit.ly/48Rhbf1.

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    Week 017 - Mailbag Monday: Tulkas, Eönwë, and Túrin Walk Into a Bar… Oct 02, 2023

    Okay, not a bar. A battle. The battle. The Battle of All Battles, actually. The Man of the West opens up Series 3 of Today’s Tolkien Times by answering a question about the Dagor Dagorath and dives deep into early versions of The Silmarillion for answers.

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    Week 016 - Silmarillion Saturday: No Men Allowed - Ossiriand’s Tough HOA Sep 16, 2023

    Join The Man of the West as he closes out Series 2 of the TTT with a reading from Of the Coming of Men Into the West. Amlach has some words. Or is it Amlach?

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    Week 016 - Fandom Friday: Dave Brons Sep 15, 2023

    The Man of the West welcomes composer and guitarist Dave Brons to the TTT to talk about his prog-rock masterpiece, Return to Arda. Also, questionable decisions regarding VO talent.

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    Week 016 - Third Age Thursday: Falling Asleep Again Sep 14, 2023

    The hobbits are Homeward Bound, as Gandalf abandons them to chat with an old friend. The Man of the West unpacks what Frodo means by “falling asleep again”.

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    Week 016 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Counties and Quarters Just Don’t Cut It Sep 13, 2023

    The Man of the West brings back some right goodliness of speechraft in this week’s Word-nerd Wednesday as he explores the Shire and its farthings — Boo, Norman Conquest!

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    Week 016 - Tolkien Tuesday: This One is, Unfortunately, a Pedantic Don Sep 12, 2023

    The Man of the West is not a don, but may or may not be pedantic. But one pedantic don had thoughts about the formidable task of translating The Lord of the Rings. Also, a new book is published!

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    Week 016 - Mailbag Monday: The Man of the West: Third Cycle of Life? Sep 11, 2023

    Join Alan as he revels in being younger than Círdan, at least. The week begins with a look at the oldest of the Elves still in Middle-earth, and another look at elvish facial hair.

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    Week 015 - Silmarillion Saturday: Outta My Way, I’m Harpin’ Here Sep 09, 2023

    The Man of the West wraps up Week 15 by joining famous stalker Finrod Felagund as he watches a group of strangers until they fall asleep. Also, a hint at the darkness in Men’s past.

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    Week 015 - Fandom Friday: Jess of the Shire, aka Part Time Hobbit Sep 08, 2023

    Join the Man of the West as he welcomes fellow Tolkien YouTuber Jess of the Shire to week 15’s Fandom Friday. You may know her better as Part Time Hobbit; and if you don’t know her, stop and fix that!

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    Week 015 - Third Age Thursday: Wine Out of a Golden Cup Sep 07, 2023

    The Man of the West continues his visit to Bree as Gandalf and the hobbits catch up with Barliman Butterbur. Also: Barliman’s shocked face.

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    Week 015 - Word-nerd Wednesday: There is a King Again, Little Masters Sep 06, 2023

    Join The Man of the West as he looks at the etymology of the words ‘king’ and ‘master’ for week 15’s Word-nerd Wednesday. Also, Barliman keeps on using that word: does it mean what he thinks it means?

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    Week 015 - Tolkien Tuesday: What You Really Require is The Silmarillion Sep 05, 2023

    On today’s Tolkien Tuesday, the Man of the West discovers that Professor Tolkien gave the same advice — only before the book was, you know, published. Also, Sam Gamgee gets a wonderful gift!

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    Week 015 - Mailbag Monday: Well and Truly Hallowed Sep 04, 2023

    The Man of the West begins week 15 by answering a speculative mailbag question about Beren’s greedy little hands. Also, a brief glance at Morgoth and Ungoliant’s ill-advised first date.

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    Week 014 - Silmarillion Saturday: Take a Share In Its Hurts Sep 02, 2023

    The Man of the West wraps up this week’s TTT with a powerful reading of The Faithful Stone, a story about a Drúg who pours some of his strength into his craftsmanship. This time, no one dies.

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    Week 014 - Fandom Friday: Shaun Gunner, Chair of the Tolkien Society Sep 01, 2023

    Long-time friend of the podcast, and member of the Fellowship of the Co-hosts, Shaun “Don’t Call Me Shawn” Gunner joins The Man of the West to talk about his role in the Society, the 50th Oxonmoot and the state of the Tolkien fandom.

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    Week 014 - Third Age Thursday: Newcomers and Gangrels Aug 31, 2023

    The Man of the West shifts gears dramatically: moving from three episodes on crucial marriages between Elves and Men to Barliman and the troubles in Bree. Nob is still waiting for his appointment with an HR manager.

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    Week 014 - Word-nerd Wednesday: My Own Later Addiction Aug 30, 2023

    We look at a ‘word’ whose meaning is pretty clear to begin with, but has taken a few hits (ugh) thanks to pop culture: pipe-weed. The Man of the West speculates about Merry & Pippin-branded gummies.

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    Week 014 - Tolkien Tuesday: Note to the BBC’s Sillification Department Aug 29, 2023

    The Man of the West finally gets to that first adaptation he’s been talking about for a few weeks now, and only has time to read some of Tolkien’s inevitable criticisms. One wonders what he’d have thought if he didn’t work on the scripts!

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    Week 014 - Mailbag Monday: Math is Hard Aug 28, 2023

    Or, for our friends across the pond, ‘Maths Are Hard’. The Man of the West begins this week with a question: how many Nazgûl does it take to change a lightbulb on Amon Sûl?

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    Week 13 - Silmarillion Saturday: Unlovely In Looks Aug 26, 2023

    You decide: does the title refer to the host, or to the subject of today’s discussion? The Man of the West dives into the history and nature one of the most unique peoples in Middle-earth and realizes he’d make a terrible statue.

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    Week 13 - Fandom Friday: Please Judge This Book By Its Cover Aug 25, 2023

    The Man of the West welcomes acclaimed Tolkien artist Emily Austin to the TTT to talk inspiration and illustration. Also, we chat about her cover art for Shawn & Alan’s new book, Why We Love Middle-earth, and get a sneak peek at a work in progress.

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    Week 13 - Third Age Thursday: You Walk In Her Likeness Aug 24, 2023

    The Man of the West wraps up a trilogy of episodes on Beren & Lúthien in the Third Age by visiting the Tale of Aragorn and Arwen in the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings. Aragorn may be abashed, but he’s also glad Elrond is no Thingol.

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    Week 13 - Word-nerd Wednesday: More Words, More Puns Aug 23, 2023

    Word-nerd Wednesday sets a new record as The Man of the West looks at 10 words from last week’s Silmarillion reading. Plus, bonus irony for Quenya words connected to language-slayer Thingol.

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    Week 13 - Tolkien Tuesday: I Have Not Yet Received a Farthing Aug 22, 2023

    The Man of the West looks at Tolkien’s own typically humble reflections on his achievement, and quotes Tolkien to remind you all that The Lord of the Rings is still not a trilogy. Also, Tolkien receives a very nice first paycheck.

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    Week 13 - Mailbag Monday: Handsome Is As Handsome Does Aug 21, 2023

    The Man of the West starts the week off by answering the question: why does everyone smile or laugh when they reject the Ring? The answer has nothing to do with the Ring’s recent success at open mic night at the comedy club. Also, the question that will not die: more draconic insight on treasure-moving!

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    Week 12 - Silmarillion Saturday: Always Marry Up Aug 19, 2023

    The Man of the West reads an entire chapter from The Silmarillion; it’s the shortest one about the tallest guy. Thingol marries up, as do Beren, Tuor, and Aragorn!

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    Week 12 - Fandom Friday: Kali from Voices of Arda and Tolkien With Friends Aug 18, 2023

    The Man of the West welcomes podcaster and TikToker Kali to Today’s Tolkien Times to talk podcasting and community-building. And maybe to talk about KnewBettaDoBetta; no promises.
    Fandom Friday Guest Links:
    ✨TikTok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@kali__cosplay
    ✨Voices of Arda Discord Community:
    https://discord.com/invite/PDqRa7mamJ
    ✨Voices of Arda Podcast:
    https://tr.ee/BjRIP64bqN
    ✨Tolkien with Friends Podcast:
    https://tr.ee/X-Z_IWWMqZ

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    Week 12 - Third Age Thursday: There Is Too Much, Let Me Sum Up Aug 17, 2023

    Following up on last week’s Third Age Thursday, we join Strider and the hobbits on Weathertop once more. This time for the future king’s prose explanation of last week’s poetry recitation of the story of Beren and Lúthien. Also: a hint for next week is contained herein.

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    Week 12 - Word-nerd Wednesday: The Pedantry of Popularizing Botanists Aug 16, 2023

    Join the Man of the West for this different take on a Word-nerd Wednesday as we look at the word - and the plant - hemlock. Or at least the plant Tolkien had in mind. Botany takes a bow on what nearly became another Tolkien Tuesday.
    📕Book mentioned in video: Flora of Middle-earth: Plants of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendarium

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    Week 12 - Tolkien Tuesday: We Are Not Quite the Same Men Aug 15, 2023

    The Man of the West joins the Tolkiens on their vacation and looks at the concerns Tolkien had with the Appendices and the printers. More perfect Tolkien impatience, and the reviews for The Lord of the Rings begin to come in. Venice moves higher up Alan’s bucket list.

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    Week 12 - Mailbag Monday: Far-Sundered Places Aug 14, 2023

    The Man of the West starts off this week of the TTT with a… clarification, an addendum, a follow-up on dragons’ ability to carry treasure. He also answers a mailbag question on the Doom of the Dwarves, concluding that maybe we shouldn’t always trust the Elves.

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    Week 11 - Silmarillion Saturday: She Was Not Conquered Aug 12, 2023

    Join The Man of the West for the bittersweet conclusion of Húrin’s tale as he reads from both The Silmarillion and The Children of Húrin versions of the story. Also: TTT’s new Patreon launches today, with special offers for the next five weeks!
    (Just a quick note that it turns out the annual plan won't be available at launch due to Patreon policies; the special offer will be made to anyone signing up on the top two tiers.)

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    Week 11 - Fandom Friday: Happy Hobbit Aug 11, 2023

    The Man of the West is joined by published author, filmmaker, YouTuber and all-around amazing person Kellie Rice on this week’s Fandom Friday.
    Check out the following places on social media to keep up with Kellie and follow all of the cool things she has going on!

    • Facebook: KMRiceAuthor (https://www.facebook.com/KMRiceAuthor/)
    • Instagram: WildAuthoress (https://instagram.com/wildauthoress?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=)
    • Twitter: @KMRiceAuthor (https://twitter.com/KMRiceAuthor)
    • TikTok: @KMRiceAuthor (https://www.tiktok.com/@kmriceauthor)
    • YouTube: @WildAuthoress (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3PN6Wbe4M92qia8OBtdOLQ )
    • Websites:
      • www.kmrice.com
      • www.afterworldbooks.com
    And just for fun... here is the trailer for the book!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUKLXQrriVI

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    Week 11 - Third Age Thursday: Tinúviel Was Dancing There Aug 10, 2023

    One advantage of hosting your own show is that you can cheat a little: join The Man of the West as he manages to get a First Age story in on a Third Age Thursday as he reads Aragorn’s telling of the Tale of Tinúviel.
    (Just a quick note that it turns out the annual plan won't be available at launch due to Patreon policies; the special offer will be made to anyone signing up on the top two tiers.)

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    Week 11 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Hot As a Glede Aug 09, 2023

    In a TTT first, The Man of the West reads a word on Mailbag Monday and dives into its etymology on Word-nerd Wednesday. Join him as he butchers Middle English in his red-hot look at glede.

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    Week 11 - Tolkien Tuesday: Fatal Attraction Aug 08, 2023

    Join The Man of the West as he takes a deeper look into Tolkien’s process of writing the Appendices, as seen in the Letters and Carpenter’s biography.

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    Week 11 - Mailbag Monday: There’s A Little Black Spot on the Sun Today Aug 07, 2023

    The Man of the West starts Week 11 off with Isildur, the King of Gondor Pain, and a closer look at why the One Ring hurts him, but not Frodo. Also: an exciting announcement about the future of the TTT!

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    Week 10 - Silmarillion Saturday: Thrall of the Valar Aug 05, 2023

    Join The Man of the West as he continues Húrin’s tale after his capture by Morgoth. You think it was brave to fight an endless horde of Orcs? Try facing off against the mightiest being in Arda.

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    Week 10 - Fandom Friday: Teaching With Magic Aug 04, 2023

    The Man of the West is joined by Elise Trudel Cedeño from Teaching With Magic, who has cleverly found a way to use Tolkien — and other fantasy literature — as a teaching tool.

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    Week 10 - Third Age Thursday: No Good Roastin’ ‘Em Now Aug 03, 2023

    The talking purse is off discussing his future with his agent while the trolls continue to fight — and capture dwarves. The fight continues until dawn as Bert, Tom, and William eventually get uh, stoned.

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    Week 10 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Melodramatic Chestnuts Aug 02, 2023

    The Man of the West visits Turkey, Greece, and a 19th century Boston theater to find out the meaning of a word we all thought we already knew.

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    Week 10 - Tolkien Tuesday: A Great Deal Better Than I Feared Aug 01, 2023

    Tolkien loves the new dust jackets, is pleasantly surprised by the reviews, and stands by C.S. Lewis. The Man of the West reads the 1954 equivalent of ‘mean tweets’ and finds some good ones, too.

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    Week 10 - Mailbag Monday: The Other Shelves of the West Jul 31, 2023

    The Man of the West starts a new week of Today’s Tolkien Times by visiting the second half of The Shelves of the West!

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    Week 9 - Silmarillion Saturday: Aurë Entuluva! Jul 29, 2023

    Indeed, day will come again — but it may be a long time before our featured character feels anything but darkness. Join The Man of the West as he reads Húrin’s Last Stand from The Silmarillion.

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    Week 9 - Fandom Friday: The Silmarillion Primer and Jeff LaSala Jul 28, 2023

    The Man of the West welcomes writer, editor, and Dungeon Master extraordinare Jeff LaSala to the TTT to talk about the publication of his Silmarillion Primer.
    If you want more details about the Primer, check out https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/press/work/silmprimer/. Art credit for the cover belongs to David Delagardelle.

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    Week 9 - Third Age Thursday: Not Drawing-Room Fashion At All, At All Jul 27, 2023

    Join The Man of the West for more villain dialog — this time from everyone’s three favorite trolls: Bert, Tom, and Bill. And don’t forget the talking purse!

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    Week 9 - Word-nerd Wednesday: “Confusticate and bebother these dwarves!” Jul 26, 2023

    The Man of the West opens up the OED and The Ring of Words to help shed light on these fantastically descriptive words from The Hobbit.

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    Week 9 - Tolkien Tuesday: I Wisely Started With a Map Jul 25, 2023

    Tolkien explains the importance of cartography, expresses fears about hack critics, returns some. very ugly dust-jacket proofs, and promises to not become like Mr. Toad.

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    Week 9 - Mailbag Monday: The Shelves of the West Jul 24, 2023

    The Man of the West opens this new series of Today’s Tolkien Times by answering the most-asked question so far on the TTT: can you show us your library? The answer is yes, but not quickly!

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    Week 8 - Silmarillion Saturday: Trouble in Paradise Jul 08, 2023

    The Man of the West wraps up the first 8-week series of Today’s Tolkien Times by finishing the story of Aulë and Yavanna. Now that the Dwarves are a done deal, what does Aulë’s wife think?

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    Week 8 - Fandom Friday: ArdaCraft — Recreating Middle-earth Brick by Brick Jul 07, 2023

    The Man of the West is joined by Fornad, the project lead for ArdaCraft, a truly massive project creating the whole of Middle-earth in Minecraft!

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    Week 8 - Third Age Thursday: Antiquated Information Jul 06, 2023

    We rejoin Bilbo as he wraps up his chat with Smaug: something he should have done with four fewer words. But it’s not all bad: he’s caught Smaug monologuing!

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    Week 8 - Word-nerd Wednesday: The Bane of My Existence Jul 05, 2023

    A quick study of lingustic dilution: or how Modern English has taken a word meaning “a worker of death” and turned it into a word meaning “that’s annoying”. The Man of the West likely butchers multiple languages in today’s episode, but he’s trying.

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    Week 8 - Tolkien Tuesday: A Real Snorter Jul 04, 2023

    Alan wraps up this first series’ Tolkien Tuesdays with a last look at the pre-publication challenges Tolkien faced with The Lord of the Rings. Titles, maps, spoilers, and hobbit hospitality.

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    Week 8 - Mailbag Monday: Dragon Logistics Jul 03, 2023

    The Man of the West begins the week with a question about how Smaug might transport treasure. Claws like spears, sure… but what about opposable thumbs? Also, Monty Python. Because.

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    Week 7 - Silmarillion Saturday: Aulë, You’re Grounded Jul 01, 2023

    The Man of the West wraps up this week of Today’s Tolkien Times by beginning a two-part look at one of his favorite tales in The Silmarillion: Of Aulë and Yavanna. Can’t keep a secret from Ilúvatar.

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    Week 7 - Fandom Friday: Is There Really a Dwarf of the Year Award? There Should Be. Jun 30, 2023

    The Man of the West welcome Varking Runesong to Today’s Tolkien Times to chat about Rings of Power, Reddit, and building community everywhere we go, in another installment of Fandom Friday.

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    Week 7 - Third Age Thursday: Bad Guys Always Have the Best Lines Jun 29, 2023

    The Man of the West embraces his inner villain with a fun reading of his second-favorite dragon in Middle-earth, as he begins a two-part passage in The Hobbit.

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    Week 7 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Archaic and Derogatory — A Halfling at Heart Jun 28, 2023

    In today’s Word-nerd Wednesday, The Man of the West looks at the RPG industry’s favorite legal word for hobbit: “halfling”. Also, I’m still looking for tickets to Once Upon a Time in Proto-Germanic.

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    Week 7 - Tolkien Tuesday: A Very Bad Time Indeed Jun 27, 2023

    A closer look at the conversation between Tolkien and Unwin regarding a problem Tolkien hadn’t had before: titles for all three volumes. Also, the Book of Mazarbul and maps.

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    Week 7 - Mailbag Monday: The State of the Show Address Jun 26, 2023

    The Man of the West starts out the week by answering some questions about Today’s Tolkien Times, including whether he’ll ever take time off or run out of stuff. Alliteration answers all.

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    Week 6 - Silmarillion Saturday: SPBMI Explained Jun 24, 2023

    The Man of the West wraps up this week’s Today’s Tolkien Times by reading from the Ainulindalë in The Silmarillion and explaining that weird acronym he keeps on using.

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    Week 6 - Fandom Friday: Magic Man, Magic Cards Jun 23, 2023

    The Obscure Lord of the Rings Facts Guy takes a few minutes away from TikTok to visit with The Man of the West on today’s Fandom Friday. And, with Magic: The Gathering’s LotR set dropping TODAY, who better to talk about it and show off some cards?

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    Week 6 - Third Age Thursday: Namarië! Jun 22, 2023

    The Man of the West concludes his time in Lórien by waving farewell to the Lord and Lady, and trying desperately to read Quenya like a boss. Diving into Tolkien’s notes helps us understand Galadriel’s Lament more deeply.

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    Week 6 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Eald Enta Geweorc (Yes, That’s English) Jun 21, 2023

    Trolls, ogres, and Ents, oh my. The Man of the West dives into Old English and Old Norse to pull together a couple of ENT-eresting words in this week’s Word-nerd Wednesday.

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    Week 6 - Tolkien Tuesday: You Want HOW Much for That Book? Jun 20, 2023

    The Man of the West continues to tell the story of how The Lord of the Rings finally got published: today, the issue of cost, and a decision by Rayner that I suspect he eventually regretted.

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    Week 6 - Mailbag Monday: Mission:Impossible — Gollum’s Escape From Moria Jun 19, 2023

    Today’s Tolkien Times begins its sixth week with a close look at all of Gollum’s options for escaping Moria and following the Company: windows, following the Orcs, public transport, rideshare?

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    Week 5 - Silmarillion Saturday: Tuor Meets Ecthelion Jun 17, 2023

    The Man of the West returns to Unfinished Tales to complete the tale of Tour’s arrival to the Hidden Kingdom, as he meets Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountains. Tuor, that is — the Man of the West has never met Ecthelion.

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    Week 5 - Fandom Friday: Silmarillieanne Jun 16, 2023

    The Man of the West welcome TikTok’s Silmarilleanne to Today’s Tolkien Times to chat about her lore videos, the Tolkien fandom, and cosplay — Star Trek might be mentioned.

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    Week 5 - Third Age Thursday: The Gifts of Galadriel, part 2 Jun 15, 2023

    The Man of the West reads about Galadriel’s gift to Gimli, bringing to light a bit about Fëanor to help explain its significance. He also looks at her gift to Frodo, including the fastest version of the Eärendil story ever.

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    Week 5 - Word-nerd Wednesday: A Fellowship of Philology Jun 14, 2023

    Join The Man of the West as he dives into Old English and Old Norse to explore this week’s word: fellowship. Quick question: how many times does the text refer to the Company as “the Fellowship of the Ring”?

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    Week 5 - Tolkien Tuesday: Don’t Drop the Ball Jun 13, 2023

    Tolkien is free to take The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion to another publisher: so what happened? How Collins dropped the ball for two years, as The Man of the West reads Carpenter’s biography to get more on the story.

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    Week 5 - Mailbag Monday: Reading Order for All Things Tolkien Jun 12, 2023

    Today’s Tolkien Times starts the week off with The Man of the West answering a question about the best order in which to read Tolkien: chronological, published, or only as I advise?

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    Week 4 - Silmarillion Saturday: Tuor and the Orfalch Echor Jun 10, 2023

    The Man of the West opens up Unfinished Tales for today’s Silmarillion Saturday, as we journey with Tuor through the first few gates of the Orfalch Echor!

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    Week 4 - Fandom Friday: A Long-Expected Guest Jun 09, 2023

    Today’s Tolkien Times welcomes the composer, musician, and engineer behind the incredible project, A Long-Expected Soundscape: Jordan Rannells! For 25% off the entire 3-volume collection, use code PPP25 at checkout at https://jordanrannells.com/soundscapes or use PPP10 for 10% off one title.

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    Week 4 - Third Age Thursday: The Gifts of Galadriel, part 1 Jun 08, 2023

    Today’s Third Age Thursday finds the Company on the banks of the Great River, drinking the cup of farewell with the Lord and Lady!

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    Week 4 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Tracking Down a Ranger Jun 07, 2023

    Track down another word in the wilderness by using all your tracking and hunting skills — because this Word-nerd Wednesday is all about the ‘ranger’!

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    Week 4 - Tolkien Tuesday: The Professor’s Ultimatum Jun 06, 2023

    It is 1950, and Tolkien is growing ever more frustrated with Rayner Unwin, thinking that he has another publisher ready to publish The Silmarillion on this week’s Tolkien Tuesday.

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    Week 4 - Mailbag Monday: When Was the Rammas Echor Really Built? Jun 05, 2023

    The Man of the West starts the week with Mailbag Monday and a question about the wall surrounding the Pelennor Fields: when was it built, and who was the steward who built it?

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    Week 3 - Silmarillion Saturday: When the Lights Go Down in the City Jun 03, 2023

    The city of Valmar, that is. The Man of the West reads about the Darkening of Valinor and the theft of the Silmarils in this week’s Silmarillion Saturday!

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    Week 3 - Fandom Friday: Kaitlyn from Tea With Tolkien Jun 02, 2023

    The Man of the West welcomes Kaitlyn to the Common Room for some Tea — with Tolkien, of course — in this week’s installment of Fandom Friday!

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    Week 3 - Third Age Thursday: A Proper Fourteen-Twenty Jun 01, 2023

    It’s time to visit the Shire again, as Sam uses Galadriel’s gift to restore his homeland. Join The Man of the West as he reads and chats about S.R. 1420 in another Third Age Thursday!

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    Week 3 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Say ‘Friend’ and Enter May 31, 2023

    The Man of the West digs deep into linguistic journals to explore all about Gandalf’s far-too-simple magic password in another installment of Word-nerd Wednesday!

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    Week 3 - Tolkien Tuesday: No Just Grievance May 30, 2023

    Join the Man of the West as he continues reading Tolkien’s Letters, exploring more of the drama between the Professor and two publishers on Tolkien Tuesday.

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    Week 3 - Mailbag Monday: Whatever Happened to Radagast? May 29, 2023

    The Man of the West begins another week of Today’s Tolkien Times with an interesting, albeit officially unanswerable, question for Mailbag Monday as we search for word of Radagast the Brown.

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    Week 2 - Silmarillion Saturday: The Creation of the Silmarils May 27, 2023

    The Man of the West concludes another week of Today's Tolkien Times by going back to the creation of the Silmarils on Silmarillion Saturday!

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    Week 2 - Fandom Friday: Jeremy Edmonds from Tolkien Collector's Guide May 26, 2023

    Welcome another guest to Today's Tolkien Times on Fandom Friday as The Man of the West is joined by Jeremy Edmonds from Tolkien Collector's Guide.

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    Week 2 - Third Age Thursday: Isildur's Redemption May 25, 2023

    Join The Man of the West for another Third Age Thursday, as he goes back to the very beginning of the Third Age to explore Isildur's redemption.

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    Week 2 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Sauron and Saruman May 24, 2023

    Join the Man of the West for another Word-nerd Wednesday, complete with bonus! That's right, it's a double Word-nerd Wednesday as we dive into the names of two of Middle-earth's bad guys: Sauron and Saruman.

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    Week 2 - Tolkien Tuesday: More Publishing Drama May 23, 2023

    The drama between Tolkien, Sir Stanley Unwin, and Milton Waldman continues as The Man of the West reads and discusses Tolkien's Letters.

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    Week 2 - Mailbag Monday: Is Dior mortal or immortal? May 22, 2023

    Welcome back to Today's Tolkien Times! The Man of the West begins the week with Mailbag Monday and a question regarding Dior, the son of Beren and Lúthien, and a bonus question about Today's Tolkien Times!

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    Week 1 - Silmarillion Saturday: The Making of the Trees May 20, 2023

    The Man of the West wraps up the TTT's inaugural week by going back to the making of the Trees on our first Silmarillion Saturday!

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    Week 1 - Fandom Friday: Matt from The Nerd of the Rings May 19, 2023

    Today's Tolkien Times continues its first week, with the debut of the Fandom Friday segment: today, with Matt from The Nerd of the Rings!

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    Week 1 - Third Age Thursday: The Beauty of the Shire May 18, 2023

    The inaugural week of the TTT moves on into the Third Age, as the Man of the West reads and chats about some of the travels of Frodo, Sam, and Pippin across the Shire.

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    Week 1 - Word-nerd Wednesday: Dwarves May 17, 2023

    Join the Man of the West for the debut of Word-nerd Wednesdays, this time going all the way back to the PPP's first Philology Faire to learn more about Tolkien's plural for dwarf: dwarves.

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    Week 1 - Tolkien Tuesday: Not Letter #131 May 16, 2023

    The first week of the TTT continues as The Man of the West dives into Tolkien's Letters volume to learn more about Tolkien's efforts to get The Silmarillion published.

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    Week 1 - Mailbag Monday: Who Put the Ring On a New Chain? May 15, 2023

    Welcome to the first week of Today's Tolkien Times! The Man of the West starts off the TTT's inaugural week with Mailbag Monday and a question about the One Ring... and the Two Chains.

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    Trailer and Launch Announcement! May 08, 2023

    Join Alan, The Man of the West from The Prancing Pony Podcast, as he introduces his new daily project: Today's Tolkien Times.

    • Listeners get answers on Mailbag Mondays
    • Discover more about the Professor on Tolkien Tuesdays
    • Indulge your inner philologist on Word-nerd Wednesdays
    • Learn more about the familiar tales of Middle-earth on Third Age Thursdays
    • Be inspired to be a part of the Tolkien community on Fandom Fridays
    • Dive deep into Middle-earth history on Silmarillion Saturdays
    Today's Tolkien Times will launch on Monday, May 15, so be sure to subscribe and follow @tolkientimes on YouTube, IG, TikTok, and Twitter, and Today's Tolkien Times on Facebook.

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