THE SECRETS OF
Middle Earth
The Secrets of Middle-Earth explores the very Catholic works from the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien in both his writing and the screen adaptations of them, digging into the deeper meanings and hidden layers for the truth and beauty found therein.
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The Silmarillion: Of The Third Age
What happens when evil isn’t fully defeated? Thomas Salerno, Pat Mason, and Jeff Haecker finish their discussion of The Silmarillion as they unpack Isildur’s failure, Gondor’s long decline, and the fading of the Elves. The Third Age asks a hard question: is victory ever final?
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The Silmarillion: The Rings of Power
Sauron’s fake repentance. Celebrimbor’s fatal pride. What makes a ring powerful? In our 100th episode, Thomas Salerno, Rob Leonardi, Pat Mason, and Jeff Haecker uncover the roots of evil in the final chapters of The Silmarillion and what Tolkien says about the nature of corruption.
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This Advent, Help StarQuest Continue the Mission
Advent begins. Help StarQuest bring faith and reason to the world. Become a $10/month patron (or increase your current donation by $10 per month) and be among the first 400 donors to receive a Mysterious World sticker signed by Jimmy and Dom. Your gift is…
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Akallabeth, Part 2
What drives a golden kingdom to collapse into the sea? Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, Rob Leonardi, and Jeff Haecker dissect Númenor’s fall in Part 2 of the Akallabêth. Is Sauron the ultimate deceiver—or just the spark?
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Akallabeth, Part 1
Númenor teeters on ruin as fear of death eclipses faith. Is mortality a gift or a curse? Thomas Salerno, Rob Leonardi, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason dissect Tolkien’s Atlantis myth and its spiritual echoes.
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Ghosts and Undead of Middle Earth
What do Tolkien’s ghosts reveal about sin, redemption, and the afterlife? Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason & Rob Leonardi uncover the undead of Middle-earth—from barrow-wights to Nazgûl—and their spiritual meaning
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Voyage of Earendil and the War of Wrath
Can mercy undo millennia of pride? Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, Jeff Haecker, and Rob Leonardi tackle Eärendil’s voyage, the Valar’s return, and Morgoth’s ruin—where hope is forged from doom.
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The Fall of Gondolin
Tolkien’s most ancient tale meets its sharpest lessons: Ulmo’s call to Tuor, Turgon’s fatal stubbornness, Maeglin’s betrayal, Idril’s foresight, and Glorfindel’s stand. With Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason & Rob Leonardi. Was Gondolin doomed—or chosen?
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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
What makes An Unexpected Journey the strongest Hobbit film? Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Rob Leonardi debate Bilbo’s wit, Thorin’s grit, Radagast’s quirks, and whether Jackson’s changes strengthened or weakened Tolkien’s tale.
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Of the Ruin of Doriath
Was Thingol’s pride a greater curse than Morgoth’s malice? In The Ruin of Doriath, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, Patrick Mason & Rob Leonardi confront greed, betrayal, and the Second Kinslaying. Is this Tolkien’s darkest tragedy?
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Tolkien (2019) Movie
Friendship, faith, and the fire of creativity—how much did the 2019 Tolkien biopic get right? Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Rob Leonardi unpack the war, love, and language that shaped Middle Earth’s creator.
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Turin Turambar, Part 3
What makes Túrin Middle-earth’s most cursed man? Pat Mason, Jeff Haecker, and Thomas Salerno unpack the grim climax of his saga—dragon-slaying, doomed love, and a cursed sword that speaks. A brutal end to Tolkien’s darkest tale.
