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From backyard battles to cinematic gems, Jeff Haecker and Thomas Salerno dissect three Tolkien fan films—highlighting heartfelt efforts, haunting blades, and heroic calls for aid. Featuring Halifirien, Legend of Gurthang, and the excellent Horn of Gondor.

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From Middle-earth maps to Smaug’s lair, Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno & artist Alix Murray unpack the genius of Tolkien’s art, its symbolism, and its deep ties to his stories. Discover hidden gems of Tolkien’s creative world.

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What makes Tolkien’s dragons so unforgettable? From the sinister Glaurung to the catlike menace of Smaug, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker unravel the lore, symbolism, and mythic roots of Middle-earth’s greatest beasts.

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Tolkien’s most devastating chapter takes center stage: the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Fingon’s fall, dwarven defiance, and Morgoth’s dark triumph are unpacked by Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker.

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Celebrate Tolkien Reading Day 2025 as we celebrate the bonds of friendship, loyalty, and courage in Middle-earth. Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason share powerful passages that reveal Tolkien’s heart for fellowship and community.

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Beren and Lúthien’s legendary love story takes center stage! Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason break down its epic moments, from Sauron’s defeat to the Silmaril’s power and Lúthien’s fateful choice. Magic, fate, and heroism collide in Tolkien’s masterpiece!

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Love, doom, and destiny collide in the legendary tale of Beren and Lúthien! Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Pat Mason recount Beren’s perilous quest, Finrod’s heroic sacrifice, and Sauron’s cruelty—plus, the latest on Rings of Power Season 3!

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The House of Finwë shaped the fate of the Noldor, from Fëanor’s fiery rebellion to Fingolfin’s heroism and Finarfin’s wisdom. Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason recount the family’s triumphs, tragedies, and the doom that followed their choices.

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What Middle-earth stories would you bring to life? Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason unleash creative pitches from Patrons, from epic battles to whimsical tales. Hear bold ideas for Tolkien-inspired shows and share your own!

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Discover hidden themes in The Silmarillion as Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason unravel the alliances of men and elves, Fingolfin’s duel with Morgoth, and the tragedy of the Dagor Bragollach. Plus, news on Tolkien adaptations and fan feedback!

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Explore The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim with Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker as they discuss Rohan’s legendary history, Helm Hammerhand’s epic battles, Hera’s heroic journey, and how the film honors Tolkien’s deep and timeless lore.

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Explore with Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker the rich history and culture of Rohan including its founding, the Oath of Friendship with Gondor, and the pivotal role it plays in the War of the Ring, as well as the upcoming War of the Rohirrim movie, delving into Helm Hammerhand’s tragic tale and speculating on the adaptation’s portrayal of Rohan’s epic struggles.

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Discover Beleriand! Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker continue their journey through the Silmarillion, incl. chapters about Beleriand and its influence on later Middle-earth settings and on Turgon’s founding of Gondolin.

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Now that season 2 of Rings of Power is complete, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason, and Alix Murray discuss its themes, character arcs, and story development, including some critiques on Galadriel and the Harfoots arc.

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For our Halloween episode, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker delve into Tolkien’s “fell lands”—dark regions of Middle-Earth brimming with sinister elements, inclluding Utumno, Angmar, and Mordor, focusing on their roles in Tolkien’s mythology, blending humor and lore, reflecting on both well-known settings and obscure places filled with werewolves and ancient evils, ultimately weaving a narrative of Middle-Earth’s haunted geography for fans.

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The big season finale! Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason discuss the final episode of season 2, which dropped huge story bombs in every story line. Hear their analysis of the episode and the key themes and moments.

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The fall of Eregion! Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker discuss the penultimate episode of season 2, including themes of deception and Adar’s complex motivations. Plus, the significance of the new collection of Tolkien’s poetry.

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Where is he? Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason discuss the latest episode of Rings of Power, including Elendil’s faith and defiance of Pharazon, Miriel’s symbolic baptism; and Annatar’s manipulation of Celebrimbor. Plus Hobbit Day!

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The best episode yet? Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss Sauron’s manipulation of Celebrimbor; the corruption and greed of King Durin; Pharazon’s repression of the Numenor faithful; and Galadriel’s enemy of her enemy.

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Tom, Ents, and wights, oh my! Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason, and Thomas Salerno discuss the latest episode of Rings of Power and the introduction or return of thse figures from Lord of the Rings; plus the Elrond & Galadriel tension; and Theo’s future.