History of Arda : A Tolkien & Rings of Power Podcast

This song was composed right at the time we were beginning the History of Arda podcast. Years ago, when I read Tolkien aloud to my friend, I would improvise tunes and sing all the songs in the book to her, often accompanied by piano. These were never planned in advance, and I enjoyed them for their spontaneity. This version of Galadriel's Song of Eldamar happened the same way. I turned on the recorder and just made up a tune as I was reading the song from 'The Lord of the Rings,' and I was happy enough with what happened in that first take that I layered a few more tracks over it for atmosphere, and ended up with what you have here. I offer it in gratitude for all the support I've had on this podcast this year. My sincere thanks to Aric Blare for all the time he gave to working our way through the mythological portion of the Silmarillion, to Alex for going on the 'Rings of Power' journey with me, and to all of you for listening! Namárië, my friends. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

11/27/22 • 02:39

Alex and Dean discuss Rings of Power one last time!Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

10/23/22 • 89:47

Alex and Dean react and analyze the penultimate episode of Rings of Power! Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

10/15/22 • 87:08

Alex and Dean react and respond to Rings of Power episode 6.Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355 Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

10/5/22 • 67:17

Alex and Dean discuss episode 5 of Rings of Power. Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

9/27/22 • 96:14

Alex and Dean respond to Episode 4 of The Rings of Power! Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

9/17/22 • 51:08

Alex and Dean review the third episode of The Rings of Power and point out fun Easter eggs! Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

9/11/22 • 45:58

Alex and Dean analyze episode 2 of The Rings of Power scene by scene!Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

9/9/22 • 38:04

Alex and Dean break down Episode 1 of The Rings of Power scene by scene! Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

9/8/22 • 76:33

Alex and Dean talk about our experience seeing the fan release event in theaters of the first two episodes of Rings of Power. We have lots of thoughts--and we want to hear yours! Please drop us a line on our socials and let us know your own experiences/thoughts/reactions, or share your Tolkien-themed cosplay. Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

9/1/22 • 65:18

Dean and Alex bring our history of the Second Age to an end with the events of the end of the Second Age and the battle of the Last Alliance against Sauron. We also discuss issues related to adaptation and our hopes and fears concerning The Rings of Power. Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

8/31/22 • 49:09

Dean and Alex do a review of the trailers put out by Amazon for The Rings of Power (and trailers can be tricksy!) We also continue our recap of the lore of this show, covering the story of the downfall of Numenor. These events will be central to The Rings of Power. Mae govannen John Taylor! Annon allen! Thank you for becoming the first patron of History of Arda!Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

8/30/22 • 89:57

Dean and Alex share some Rings of Power updates: a global fan event in movie theaters which we’ll be attending; a change in the episode release lineup (allowing some to see the premiere a day earlier than originally thought!), and the release of the Rings of Power soundtrack. We talk about an article from Total Film’s August 2022 issue: changes in the depiction of Dwarves from what we’ve seen onscreen before; the scale of the show and a focus on smaller moments and character development; and finally, a discussion of whether Ian McKellan might ever return as Gandalf—and who the Stranger might be.  We continue our lore series (at 22:17) by leaving Numenor for an episode to peek back at Middle-Earth and see what Sauron has been up to. We see the creation of the Rings of Power, Suaron’s betrayal in creating the One Ring, and his open warfare on Elves and Dwarves—including the destruction of Eregion and Moria and the slaying of Celebrimbor, Feanor’s grandson. Find us on social media! Say hi or let us know what you'd like to hear more about on the show. Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

8/22/22 • 52:54

In this episode, Dean and Alex talk about the news from Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con as well as Entertainment Weekly’s July 2022 Comic-Con issue featuring Rings of Power. We talk about the practical sets, the costumes, and… whether dwarf women have beards. We respond to some of the actor interviews from Comic-Con, the genius of having Stephen Colbert host the event, and the close-knit feel of the cast that takes us back to the feels that The Lord of the Ringscast gave us all. We discuss the music of Rings of Power, and the ways different characters, locations, and cultures can be reflected through it. Then we dive into Tolkien’s story of Numenor, one of the central locations in The Rings of Power! Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

8/20/22 • 83:57

In this episode, Dean and Alex explain what The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is and talk about some interesting things from the July 2022 issue of Empire magazine related to the show. We discuss its mega-budget, its casting diversity, and what Tolkien material it is working from; the relationship of Rings of Power to the Peter Jackson team’s films; and the competition between Amazon’s show and that other fantasy show in fall 2022. Finally, we talk about what really distinguishes Tolkien, that thing we all hope any adaptation will do its best to capture: the light and the hope within the darkness. In the second half (starting at 30 mins in) we will summarize the history of Arda from the creation of the world to the end of the First Age, in order to set up our discussion of the Second Age (which Rings of Power is set in) in the following episodes. Dean summarizes what you need to know in 20 minutes, and Alex outdoes him by summarizing it in just FIVE.Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastThanks for listening and supporting this show!If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

8/19/22 • 73:02

In this episode the History of Arda podcast begins coverage of Amazon's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power show, beginning Sep. 2, 2022. Dean introduces new cohost Alex, and we explain the format of the coming episodes. News, lore, and discussion to follow! We look forward to returning to Middle Earth with you this fall, and exploring the legendarium behind the show each week. Find us on social media!Twitter: @historyofardaReddit: r/historyofardaFacebook: @historyofardapodcastIf you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

8/2/22 • 09:12

In this episode, we explore Morgoth's breaking of the Siege of Angband, the most cataclysmic battle we've yet seen since the Noldor returned to Middle Earth. We also see the incredible fight of Fingolfin, High King of the Noldor, and Morgoth. We'll also talk about how the History of Arda will be shifting gears after this episode in anticipation of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Thanks as always for listening and supporting this show! Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

7/31/22 • 61:24

In this episode we talk about the entrance of humans into the main story of the Silmarillion. Finrod Felagund finds the first humans, and we are introduced to the three main groups of humans that will play a role in our story going forward. Humans spread across the map, and we hear the story of how the People of Haleth got their name. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

7/18/22 • 61:15

In this episode, we cover the dark fairy tale-like story of Maeglin, son of a Noldorin princess and a Dark Elf. His troubled story ranges from the dark depths of the woods of Nan Elmoth to the glorious, shining city of Gondolin. A conflict with his possessive and dangerous father comes to a tragic conclusion. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

7/11/22 • 45:31

In this episode we talk about the geography of Arda for 6 hours, and then edit down to a compact 20 minutes. Sorry folks. One day we'll have to release the other 5 hours and 40 minutes. From there, we'll talk about what the Noldor are up to. We'll see the founding of Gondolin and Nargothrond. Galadriel refuses to spill the beans. And Melian is (apparently) a smoker. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

6/30/22 • 64:35

Morgoth tests the strength of the Noldor again, and this time, he loses big--and Angband goes under siege for 400 years. Oh, and there's a dragon in this one. DRAGON. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

6/24/22 • 44:32

The Noldor are BACK! All the threads come together. We say farewell to a very important character, and things get interesting as the Noldor and Sindar butt heads. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

6/23/22 • 58:01

The sun and moon are created from the final fruits of the Two Trees, and humans wake up far off in the east. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

6/16/22 • 41:58

Meanwhile, back in Middle Earth... In this episode we hear more about Thingol and Melian, we meet the Green Elves, and we see the first of the Battles of Beleriand! Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

6/9/22 • 52:02

In this episode we cover the fallout of the Oath, the Kinslaying, and the flight of the Noldor from Valinor. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

6/3/22 • 41:41

The fallout of the darkening of Valinor. Stay tuned until the end of the episode to hear our dramatization of the terrible Oath that will set in motion all of the events to come. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

6/2/22 • 24:13

A sticky situation. It's going to get real dark in Valinor in this week's episode. Arachnophobes beware... Thanks again as always for your support and for following our show! Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

5/19/22 • 19:08

Melkor stirs dissent among the Noldor, and Fëanor begins a downhill slope that will lead to tragedy. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

5/5/22 • 31:43

In this episode:We have a pop quiz on the elves (a Faygo quiz, to be honest)We see the only known union of an elf and a divine being: Thingol and MelianWe are introduced to the Grey Elves and the Elves of the Falas (and their lord Círdan, oldest elf in Middle Earth at the time of ‘The Lord of the Rings’)We see for the first time the tree that is the ancestor of the White Tree of GondorWe get some juicy genealogy (the word must be sung!) and we offer more tips and tricks for keeping track of all the names in TolkienWe’re introduced to one of the Silmarillion’s main characters, Fëanor, the creator of the Silmarils, the palantíri (the seeing stones from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ that Pippin gets a hold of) and the guy who invented the script you see engraved on the One Ring.And finally, Melkor’s prison sentence ends. Surely nothing bad is coming. Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

4/21/22 • 38:39

Welcome back to the History of Arda! Grab a cold glass of bearded Guinness and join us for the introduction of Dwarves, Ents, Eagles, and Elves in Tolkien's mythology, covering chapters 2 and 3 of the Silmarillion. We look forward to hearing from you! Leave us a comment on our Facebook page and let us know things you'd like us to cover in future episodes or questions you'd like us to explore. Thanks for joining us on this journey!Support the showFind us on social media! Twitter: @historyofarda Reddit: r/historyofarda Facebook: @historyofardapodcast If you're thinking of using Buzzsprout to kick off your own podcast adventures, use this link and get a free $20 Amazon gift card when you sign up for a paid account. Doing so also helps support this show! Click below! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1932355

4/8/22 • 37:48