In this episode, we celebrate 8 years in a very unique way- giving you our "TOP 5" in everything from films and tv shows to local restaurants and dive bars!

8 years is far too short a time to spend amongst such excellent and admirable UPers... so let's just never stop then. What say you?

Thank you for all of your support, for listening for near a decade, but most of all for becoming our dear friends along the way. Through life's unforeseen ebbs and flows, ups and downs- it's you UPers that have been the constant. And it's something we don't take for granted.

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/uptalkintolkien

JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD: https://discord.gg/JgkhVdw

Order your CANDLES: Firelight Fables Candles

Concerning Hobbits is NOW OUT! Please go take a listen and support your fellow Uppers! Follow the updates here: https://www.instagram.com/theredbookofwestmarch/

Lane's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lanethevillager/

Ezra Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theflannelwizard

If you'd like to send us something please address it to:

The Shire P.O. Box 96 Amanda, OH 43102

In this episode, we finally witness the arrival of the Children of Eru Illuvatar- but right from the start, Melkor sows deception and discord. Not only that, many elves go missing, only to be taken by Melkor- tortured and mutilated, they are transformed into an utter mockery and perversion (Orcs). With the Children in mortal danger, what are the Valar to do?

After a quick council, it's decided that the Children should be defended and protected (and Tulkas smiles) and Melkor's butt kicked, destined to be held prisoner in the Halls of Mandos for a sentence of no less than 3 ages.

Meanwhile, after Ingwe (Vanyar), Finwe (Noldor) and Elwe (Teleri) visit Valinor and witness the light of the Trees, they return to Cuivienen (the birthplace of the elves) as ambassadors with an invitation from the Valar to come venture westward and make a home in Valinor. What follows is truly the genesis of all drama (and doom) in Arda. Join us as we journey chapter by chapter through The Silmarillion—unraveling Tolkien’s myths, symbols, and hidden connections to The Lord of the Rings.

In this episode, we return to the heart of Arda and explore one of the most beautiful contrasts in all of Tolkien’s legendarium: the brilliant craftsmanship of Aulë and the life-giving grace of Yavanna.

Aulë, the Smith of the Valar, is restless with creativity — shaping mountains, forging the deep places of the earth, and longing for minds to teach. Yavanna, the Giver of Fruits, watches over every green thing that grows, from towering forests to the smallest blades of grass. Their desires clash, intertwine, and ultimately give birth to some of the most important beings in Middle-earth’s history. Join us as we journey chapter by chapter through The Silmarillion—unraveling Tolkien’s myths, symbols, and hidden connections to The Lord of the Rings.

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/uptalkintolkien

JOIN OUR FREE DISCORD: https://discord.gg/JgkhVdw

Order your CANDLES: Firelight Fables Candles

Concerning Hobbits is NOW OUT! Please go take a listen and support your fellow Uppers! Follow the updates here: https://www.instagram.com/theredbookofwestmarch/

Lane's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lanethevillager/

Ezra Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theflannelwizard

If you'd like to send us something please address it to:

The Shire P.O. Box 96 Amanda, OH 43102