Chad & Chad begin by reviewing several important language-related terms in Tolkien: “Elvish,” “Quenya,” “Sindarin,” “Westron,” “Tengwar,” and “Cirth.” They get into the question of why make up languages at all, then delve into the functions of words in Middle-earth, including the frame story and both primary- and secondary-world problems of translation. Tentatively, they touch on the nature of magic and the fabric of reality in Tolkien’s subcreated world, including the difficulties of ret-conning and the theological tangles Tolkien wrote himself into later on when trying to “scientificate” the legendarium. When talking about six principles from JRRT about how to talk to each other, they analyze the difference between Tolkien and George R.R. Martin and what makes someone fit for leadership. Both nerdy and relevant, this episode is a delicious Chad sandwich!

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