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.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 97: Lesser-trod Paths with David the Ñoldo
2w ago01:40:06Tap to summarizeJoin us this month for a special Lesser-trod Paths episode with David the Ñoldo! Springing from our last Lesser-trod History episode about The War of the Jewels, David joins us to discuss the dwarves in Tolkien’s legendarium. Looking through a lens of source criticism of secondary world authorship, David challenges us to consider who in the legendarium is writing about the dwarves, where these authors get their sources, and what potential biases are present. David asks us to consider whose history is written down and whose is silenced, and question why. Citations: Thank you to our guest, David the Ñoldo! David’s linktree: https://linktr.ee/davidthengoldo Voices of Arda Episode 65: David the Ñoldo, May 29, 2026, Season 1 episode 65 https://poddtoppen.se/podcast/1647183649/voices-of-arda-podcast/voices-of-arda-episode-65-david-the-noldo (Accessed July 9, 2026) David’s Bibliography Agøy, Nils Ivar, “Viewpoints, Audiences and Lost Texts” in The Silmarillion Thirty Years On, ed. by Allan Turner, p.149-163. Fimi, Dimitra. Tolkien, Race, and Cultural History: From Fairies to Hobbits Flieger, Verlyn, Interrupted Music: The Making of Tolkien's Mythology Hynes, Gerard, "From Nauglath to Durin's Folk: The Hobbit and Tolkien's Dwarves" in The Hobbit and Tolkien's Mythology: Essays on Revisions and Influences, ed. by Bradford Lee Eden, p.20-37 Nagy, Gergely, "The Adapted Text: The Lost Play of Beleriand" in Tolkien Studies: An Annual Scholarly Review vol. I, ed. by Michael D.C. Drout, Verlyn Flieger, and David Bratman, p.21-41. —"The Silmarillion: Tolkien's Theory of Myth, Text, and Culture" in A Companion to J.R. R. Tolkien, ed. by Stuart D. Lee, p.107-118 Sena, Kenton; Harris, Kaelyn, "Re-enchanting Built Spaces: On Dwarves and Dwarven Places" in Cities and Strongholds of Middle-earth: Essays on the Habitations of Tolkien's Legendarium, ed. by Cami Agan, p.55-81 Tauber, James, Digital Tolkien Project, https://search.digitaltolkien.com/?terms=Naugrim Tolkien, J.R.R., Gnomish Lexicon in PE11 p.30; Qenya Lexicon in PE12 p.67; Words, Phrases, and Passages, in PE17 p.181, in Parma Eldalamberon, ed. by Christopher Gilson. — The Silmarillion, ed. by Christopher Tolkien (New York: Ballantine Books, 1979). — The Lost Road and Other Writings, ed. by Christopher Tolkien (New York: Del Rey Books, 1996) — Morgoth’s Ring, ed. by Christopher Tolkien (London: HarperCollins Publishers, 2002). — The War of the Jewels, ed. by Christopher Tolkien (London: HarperCollins Publishers, 2002). — The Peoples of Middle-earth, ed. by Christopher Tolkien (London: HarperCollins Publishers, 2015) Trouillot, Michel-Rolph, Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History, 20th Anniversary Edition. Walls-Thumma, Dawn, "Attainable Vistas: Historical Bias in Tolkien's Legendarium as a Motive for Transformative Fanworks," Journal of Tolkien Research: Vol. 3: Iss. 3, Article 3. Available at: https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol3/iss3/3 Upcoming events Tolkien and Middle-earth Online Art Exhibition- August 15, 2026 https://sites.google.com/breecrossroadsartexhibitionevent.com/home/home The Big Read- Ongoing, every other Monday https://erikjampa.substack.com/p/tolkien-society-seminar-and-tolkien Oxonmoot- September 3-6, 2026 https://www.tolkiensociety.org/events/oxonmoot-2026/
Transcribe →Episode 96: Lesser-trod Histories 13: War of the Jewels
Jul 100:55:08Tap to summarizeIn this installment of our Lesser-trod Histories series, Stef and Jude explore The History of Middle-earth, volume 11, The War of the Jewel, specifically looking at the Grey Annals. The Grey Annals is the primary text for the structure of the history of Beleriand, and a year-by-year timeline of the First Age of Middle-earth. Jude muses on the etymology of the name “Beleriand” in regard to Ossë, and comes around to the tragedy of Túrin. Stef discusses the cruelty of Morgoth in paragraphs 80-82, and the conversation between Galadriel and Melian (and Melian and Thingol) in paragraphs 91-99. Citations Tolkien, J. R. R. War of the Jewels. Ed. Christopher Tolkien. The History of Middle-earth: Vol. 11. HarperCollins, London, 1994. Tolkien Gateway entry for “Bay of Balar” https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Bay_of_Balar (Accessed June 27, 2026) Tolkien and Middle-earth Online Art Exhibition August 15, 2026. https://sites.google.com/view/bc-tolkien-online-art-exhibit/home?authuser=0 (Accessed June 27, 2026) Tolkien Society Seminar: Tolkien's Invented Languages November 21, 2026. https://www.tolkiensociety.org/events/seminar-2026/ (Accessed June 27, 2026) Join the Athrabeth Discord! https://discord.gg/4rZynfWv3f
Transcribe →Episode 95: Disasters, Downfalls, and Dives - Live from Westmoot 2026
Jun 301:14:30Tap 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
Transcribe →