Podcast
Athrabeth
Hosted by Jude Vais & Stef Midlock · EN
Athrabeth is a monthly podcast that invites you down the lesser trod paths of Tolkien's Legendarium. Each episode we pick a single chapter, essay, fragment, or topic, and do a deep dive, exploring it as both fans and scholars.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 95: Disasters, Downfalls, and Dives - Live from Westmoot 2026
1w ago01:14:30Tap to summarizeEpisode 95 celebrates all things Westmoot, the American gathering of the Tolkien Society held from May 22-24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota! We begin with a reflection on our experience at Westmoot. Then we present our live show from Westmoot, “Disasters, Downfalls, and Dives: Athrabeth Podcast Live” with special guests Clare Moore and Tori Owens. We each chose our favorite disaster to present to the listeners: Daeron, Finrod, Saeros, and Túrin. Citations Thank you to our guests, Clare Moore and Tori Owens! Clare can be found on Bsky at @clarelmoore.bsky.social The Big Read dates and information can be found here: https://erikjampa.substack.com/p/tolkien-society-seminar-and-tolkien?utm_source=publication-search (Accessed May 30, 2026) Learn more about the upcoming volume More Perilous and Fair, with Cami Agan, Clare Moore Dr. Robin A. Reid: https://dc.swosu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1081&context=mythpro (Accessed May 30, 2026) Tori can be found on instagram @_toriello, and on Bsky @itstoriello.bsky.social The Sillymarillion podcast can be found at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sillymarillion/id1571617612 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thesillymarillion/ On Instagram at @sillymarillions On Bsky at @thesillymarillion.bsky.social Join the Athrabeth Discord! https://discord.gg/4rZynfWv3f
Transcribe →Episode 94: Interview with Kelly from themiddlepage
May 601:15:46Tap to summarizeJoin us this month as we interview Kelly from themiddlepage, exploring her deep dive into Tolkien's lesser-read works in her Year of Tolkien Book Club project, and her passion for making Tolkien's complex themes accessible and engaging. Discover how her community-driven approach and love of Tolkien’s poetry, On Fairy-stories, and medieval literature bring new insights into the Professor’s work. Citations Thank you to Kelly from themiddlepage for joining us! Kelly’s links: Year of Tolkien Book Club Substack: https://themiddlepage.substack.com/p/a-year-of-tolkien-library Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themiddlepage/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/themiddlepage.bsky.social TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themiddle.page Find Kelly on these other great podcasts: https://beacons.ai/kelly.themiddlepage/podcastappearances You can also find Kelly on videos with the Voices of Arda folks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh4nCiY805E Join Athrabeth’s Discord: https://discord.gg/4rZynfWv3f Hwæt! Bro! Maria Dahvana Headley, Beowulf: A New Translation (MCD x FSG Originals, 2020) https://bookshop.org/p/books/beowulf-a-new-translation-maria-dahvana-headley/9892043
Transcribe →Episode 93: Lesser-trod Histories 12: Morgoth’s Ring
Apr 100:58:35Tap to summarizeThis month, Jude and Stef explore Tolkien's complex thoughts on justice, healing, and the intricacies of Elven marriage and reincarnation through an in-depth analysis of the 'Laws and Customs Among the Eldar' in the History of Middle-earth Volume 10, Morgoth’s Ring. We delve into Tolkien's writing process, the philosophical debate of the Valar and the Statute of Finwë and Míriel, and the implications for understanding Elven mortality in Arda Marred. Citations Tolkien, J. R. R. Morgoth’s Ring. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 10. HarperCollins, London, 1993.
Transcribe →Episode 92: Lesser-trod Paths with Dr. Kristine Larsen
Mar 401:10:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jude and Stef welcome Dr. Kristine Larsen as our guest host in this special lesser-trod paths episode. Kristine talks to us about Tolkien's use of caves throughout his legendarium, such as the Glittering Caves of Aglarond and Gollum's cave, while drawing parallels to real-world inspirations like Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves. We chat about the significance of intention in Tolkien's writing, the impact of commercialism on the natural world, and the ongoing exploration of Tolkien's legacy in contemporary scholarship. Citations Thank you to our guest, Dr. Kristine Larsen! Contact Kristine: larsen@ccsu.edu References: Larsen, Kristine. “Immeasurable Halls and Dreamlike Forms: Tracing the Caves of Cheddar Gorge Throughout Tolkien’s Legendarium (and Beyond).” Journal of Tolkien Research 22(2): article 15, 2025. https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol22/iss2/15/ (Accessed Feb 15, 2026) Soon to be published: Larsen, Kristine. “‘Deep Down Here By the Dark Water Lived Old Gollum’: The 1927 Public Opening Of the Wookey Hole Show Caves And The Hobbit”. A list of Dr. Larsen’s publications can be found here: https://www.ccsu.edu/person/kristine-larsen (Accessed March 2, 2026) Tolkien Reading Day 2026 https://www.tolkiensociety.org/events/tolkien-reading-day-2026/ (Accessed March 2, 2026)
Transcribe →Episode 91: Seize the date: Elvish Calendars with Wizard Way Kris
Feb 401:20:45Tap to summarizeThis month, Jude and Stef talk with Tolkien scholar, artist and calligrapher, Wizard Way Kris, Kris Piet, about their newly published “Elvish Calendar - 2026–2027: 14-month adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s Calendar of Imladris”. Kris, our favorite Resident Elf Boi, describes how the calendar developed, how elves measure time, and we talk about elvish holidays found in Tolkien’s legendarium. Kris also introduces the stunning artwork commissioned for the calendar. Despite the elves having only six seasons and six-day weeks, this beautiful calendar is synchronized to the Gregorian calendar and is available now! CitationsThank you to our guest Wizard Way Kris (Kris Piet)!Kris’ website: https://elf-boi.com/Kris’ Linktree: linktr.ee/WizardWayKrisElvish Calendar 2026–2027” 14-month adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s “Calendar of Imladris” is available now! Purchase your 2026-2027 calendar here: https://elf-boi.com/products/pre-order-elvish-calendar-2026-2027Artists commissioned for the calendar:Anndr Pozyniuk: linktr.ee/AnnDRRami fon Verg: linktr.ee/ramifonvergCalendar graphics designer and formatting by Kim JohnsonLydia Croft Art: linktr.ee/LydiaCroftArt (Accessed January 26, 2026)Paul Sarando’s “The Shire Reckoning Project”. https://psarando.github.io/shire-reckoning/ (Accessed January 24, 2026)
Transcribe →Episode 90: Lesser-trod Histories 11: Sauron Defeated
Jan 701:07:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jude and Stef discuss History of Middle-earth Volume 9: Sauron Defeated, the final book in the History of the Lord of the Rings. Jude introduces The Drowning of Anadûnê, discussing the different versions of the tale of the Drowning of Númenor and the cultural traditions for which they were written. Jude also talks about the importance of adaptation and fan fiction in relation to Tolkien's works. Later, Stef presents the omitted Epilogue to the Lord of the Rings, which gives us a glimpse of Sam’s life and family after the event of the Lord of the Rings.Citations Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/4rZynfWv3fTolkien, J. R. R. Sauron Defeated. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 9. HarperCollins, London, 1992.Tolkien, J. R.R. Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded Edition. Ed. Humphrey Carpenter with Christopher Tolkien. HarperCollins Publishers Inc., New York. “Digital Edition NOVEMBER 2023 ISBN: 978-0-06-337435-5, Version 09282023, Print ISBN: 978-0-35-865298-4” (Accessed Dec 31, 2025). Fliss, William M, and Schaefer, Sarah C., J.R.R. Tolkien: The Art of the Manuscript. The Haggerty Museum of Art, Marquette University, August 19-December 23, 2022. ISBN 978-0-945366-36-2. Images 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34. Tolkien Gateway entry for “King’s Letter”https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/King%27s_Letter (Accessed Dec 31, 2025)Tolkien Gateway entry for “Sauron Defeated” https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Sauron_Defeated (Accessed 10/1/25)Tolkien Gateway entry for “Vinyar Tengwar 29”https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Vinyar_Tengwar_29 (Accessed Dec 31, 2025)Reddit post, “Where can I find the unpublished epilogue to Lord of the Rings?” by user “mammothman64”https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienfans/comments/ydejtq/where_can_i_find_the_unpublished_epilogue_to_lord/ (Accessed Dec 31, 2025)-Response from “gynnis-scholasticus”Mentioned in the episode:Lee Knox Ostertag, 2021 (username is mollyknox)On AO3: “Sam and Frodo Comics, Chapter 5: The Unpublished Epilogue” https://archiveofourown.org/works/27478819/chapters/72409524 (Accessed Dec 31, 2025)Miriam Ellis, “The Importance of The Epilogue to The Lord of the Rings” (posted April 29, 2024)https://www.miriamellis.com/post/the-importance-of-the-epilogue-to-the-lord-of-the-rings (Accessed Dec 31, 2025)“Tolkien’s Unpublished Epilogue to The Lord of the Rings” by In Deep Geek, published Dec 23, 2023, https://youtu.be/H2yRW4xmZFY?si=iZNDS8MaItSA8PFL (Accessed Dec 31, 2025)
Transcribe →Episode 89: Interview with Tom Racine - “Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien”
Dec 301:09:33Tap to summarizeThis month, join Jude and Stef for a lively interview with cartoonist and newly minted Tolkien author, Tom Racine, about his new book, “Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien” published on November 11, 2025 by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. We talk about Tom’s love of Edward Gorey, the process of turning an viral Instagram Inktober series into a book, banishing the imposter demons, and more. A huge thank you to Tom for joining us and for his warmth and humor. CitationsThank you to our special guest, Tom Racine! Follow Tom on Instagram: @tom_racine_artGet yourself a copy of Tom’s book on bookshop.org:“Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien”, published on November 11, 2025 by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers https://bookshop.org/p/books/doomed-to-die-an-a-z-of-death-in-tolkien-tom-racine/fcc5ecee4168afc1?ean=9780063474420&next=tTom’s website:https://www.tomracinevoice.com/The Wizard Blues: The Adventures of Mori and Rom:https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/the-wizard-blues-the-adventures-of-mori-and-rom/list?title_no=957997&page=1
Transcribe →Episode 88: Interview with Don Marshall - "J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy”
Nov 501:01:11Tap to summarizeThis month, Jude and Stef have the pleasure of interviewing Tolkien educator, influencer and now biographer Don Marshall about his new book, “J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy” which will be published on November 25, 2025, by Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. We chat with Don about how the book came about, the challenges and delights of the writing process, and the surprises Don found along the way. Thanks for joining us again on Athrabeth, Don! Citations: Thank you to our special guest Don Marshall! You can find links to Don’s social media below:https://beacons.ai/donmarshall72 J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy by Don Marshall will be published on November 25, 2025, by Adam’s Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, in both book and audiobook format!Find your copy at the link below:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/J-R-R-Tolkien/Don-Marshall/Pocket-Portraits/9781668135440
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Hobbitween 2025
Oct 3102:09:42Tap to summarizeWith the thinning of the veil comes our annual autumnal offering! Just when you thought you were safe from repulsive repasts, pilfered plates, and things that slither in the night- Hobbitween 6 has arrived! Join Theo Fleetfoot, Ozzie Oiolaire, Finellen Frostbeard, Iadar Listbalarion, Pumpkins Proudfoot, and our fearless Lore Master for another terrifying trip to Middle-earth. Happy Hobbitween! CitationsThe One Ring role playing game by Free League: https://freeleaguepublishing.com/en/games/the-one-ring/Thank you to our cast:Lore Master: James Kaku Pierson, Bsky @james.athrabeth.comTheo Fleetfoot: Max JiménezOzzie Oiolaire: Zeke Pease, Instagram @ezpease & @greenvillearms Finellen Frostbeard: James Keen, Instagram @james.squatchIadar Listbalarion: Jude Vais, Bsky jude.athrabeth.com Pumpkins Proudfoot: Stef Midlock, Bsky @stef.athrabeth.com & Instagram @thenorthfourTitle music is “Lord of the Devil Rings” by Ponymusic, courtesy of Pond5Soundscapes provided by Tabletop Audio, https://tabletopaudio.comFeatured tracks courtesy of Epidemic Sound:Amber Glow - Waves of TImeBen Elson - Cosmic CountdownBonnie Grace - Only the BraveChristoffer Moe Ditlevsen - TrackerDream Cave - Question MarkFirst Timer - Will You Marry Me (Baby, It’s Christmas)Grevens Tid - Cry of the BansheeHampus Naeselius - OverrideHampus Naeselius - ReplicantsHoward Harper-Barnes - Mysterious ForestJonathan Bondesson - Spanish HeatJules Gaia - Hot PursuitsLennon Hutton - The SlasherLupus Nocte - ManiamasterMattie Maguire - Racing HeartsMax Anson - ConclusionRachel Sandy - Machina SoldierRachel Sandy - Shadow of MortusRobert “Robi” Svard - FormenteraRoy Williams - More of the SameScoobadive - Granny DanceViktor Lundberg - Nordic Mountain ReelAdditional Music and sound effects licensed from soundstripe, https://www.soundstripe.com Support Zeke and check out The Greenville Arms 1889 Inn! https://www.greenvillearms.comFind us on the web at https://www.athrabethnetwork.com/athrabethJoin the conversation on the Athrabeth discord!Athrabeth is a production of the Athrabeth Podcast NetworkAthrabeth is Produced by James Kaku Pierson
Transcribe →Episode 87: Live from Oxonmoot 2025: Tolkien’s Try-hard Troublemakers
Oct 101:16:43Tap to summarizeIn episode 87, we discuss highlights from our recent trip to Oxonmoot, and present our session from Oxonmoot titled, “Athrabeth Podcast Live: Tolkien’s Try-hard Troublemakers” with special guests Dr. Sara Brown and Dr. Kristine Larsen. Join us as we explore what happens when characters from Tolkien’s legendarium go that extra mile to make everything around them just a little bit worse. Thank you to Sara and Kristine for joining us for this session, you are brilliant and hilarious and we are huge fans! Thank you to the Tolkien Society for having us, and thanks to their volunteer squad who made the weekend fun and safe! Thank you to our audience who joined us both in Oxford and online, and thank you to our amazing room steward, Kit Hannah! Listen to the show with accompanying slides on YouTube here! Citations: Thank you to our guests, Dr. Sara Brown and Dr. Kristine Larsen!Sara Brown: sara.brown@signum.org, @aranelparmadil.bsky.socialKristine Larsen: larsen@ccsu.edu Tolkien, J. R. R. Morgoth’s Ring. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 10. HarperCollins, London, 1993. Tolkien, J. R. R. The Children of Húrin. Edited by Christopher Tolkien. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Apple Books edition.Tolkien, J. R. R. The Lord of the Rings. HarperCollins e-books. Apple Books edition.Tolkien, J. R. R. The Nature of Middle-earth. Edited by Carl F. Hostetter, HarperCollins, 2021. Tolkien, J. R. R. The Silmarillion. Edited by Christopher Tolkien. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Apple Books edition. Tolkien, J. R. R. Unfinished Tales of Numenor and Middle-earth. Edited by Christopher Tolkien. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Apple Books edition.Tolkien, J. R. R. War of the Jewels. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 11. HarperCollins, London, 1994. Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. Ed. Humphrey Carpenter with Christopher Tolkien. HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd, London.
Transcribe →