Secrets of Middle Earth
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Episoden (113)
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. The …
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 Haec…
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 c…
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. …
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 E…
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 e…
Turin Turambar, Part 2
Can pride alone doom a hero? Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Pat Mason dissect Túrin’s tragic spiral from hero to destroyer as Glaurung’s lies twist fate. The post Turin Turambar, Part 2 appeared f…
Turin Turambar, Part 1
Is Túrin Middle-earth’s most cursed soul? Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker peel back the layers of Tolkien’s most tragic figure—from hero to outlaw—in this rich discussion of fate, pri…
Fan Films
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 H…
Tolkien the Artist
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 gem…
Dragons of Middle-Earth
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 r…
The Battle of Unnumbered Tears
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 J…
Tolkien Reading Day 2025: Fellowship and Community
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…
Beren and Luthien, Part 2
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 fa…
Beren and Luthien, Part 1
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 cruelt…
The House of Finwe
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 triu…
Our Dream Live Action Tolkien Series
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…
Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 17 – 18
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 B…
The War of the Rohirrim
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 journ…
A Special Advent Message
StarQuest needs your support to continue our mission of bringing faith and culture together in ways that educate, inspire, and entertain with all of our shows. The post A Special Advent Message…
Join Jimmy and Dom for Livestream Event on 12/12/24
Jimmy Akin invites you to join him in Italy in 2025 for the Holy Year for a once-in a lifetime, 12-day pilgrimage to the mysterious shrines and holy sites of Rome, Assisi, and more. The post Join…
Rohan and the Rohirrim
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…
Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 14 – 16
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…
Rings of Power Season 2 Wrap Up
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…
Mordor and the Fell Lands of Middle Earth
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, a…
Rings of Power, Season 2, Episode 8: Shadow and Flame
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…
Rings of Power, Season 2, Episode 7: Doomed to Die
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…
Rings of Power, Season 2, Episode 6: Where Is He?
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…
Rings of Power, Season 2, Episode 5: Halls of Stone
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…
Rings of Power, Season 2, Episode 4: Eldest
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…
Rings of Power, Season 2, Episodes 1 – 3
Season 2 of Rings of Power is here and Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker dive into the first three episodes, including Sauron's manipulations of Elves, Dwarves, and Men; Pharazon's…
Rings of Power Season 2 Final Trailer Review
On the cusp of Rings of Power season 2, Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason break down the final trailer and explore Galadriel's journey, Sauron's manipulations, the potential roles of…
Quenta Silmarillion, Ch: 13 The Return of the Noldor
Continuing their exploration of The Silmarillion, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker discuss "The Return of the Noldor" and the themes of victory and loss, leadership,…
Rings of Power Season 2 Preview
Rings of Power Season 2 is almost here and Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Mike Schramm preview the new season; their reflections on season 1; hopes and fears for the second; and the themes of…
Tolkien and Lewis
Inklings! Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Alix Murray discuss literary friends J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, how their shared experiences and academic careers led to the Inklings and how that…
A Special Message from StarQuest
StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for all listeners and supporters of StarQuest's shows. The post A Special Message from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.
Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 10-12
Of the Sindar, Sun and Moon, and Men. Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker discuss the next part of the Silmarillion in their ongoing deep read series, and discuss the themes of light vs.…
The Hunt for Gollum (Fan Film)
Before the upcoming big budget Hollywood film was announced, there was a fan film about the hunt for Gollum, and Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason dive in to discuss it. Plus lots of…
Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 9: Flight of the Noldor
Continuing their walk through the Silmarillion, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss the tragic kinslaying and the oath that would bring doom to Middle Earth as well as the themes…
Middle Earth in Star Wars
Much of modern culture was influenced by Tolkien's writings and Star Warsis no different. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason are joined by Kathryn Laffrey to discuss all the ways that…
Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 6, 7, & 8
Continuing their dive into the Quenta Silmarillion, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss Melkor's corrupting influence, Fëanor's tragic complexity, and the symbolism of …
Peter Jackson’s The Return of The King
The trilogy ends! Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Alix Murray finish their discussion of the Peter Jackson LOTR trilogy, diving deep into the themes of sacrifice, courage, resilience, and more,…
Tolkien Reading Day 2024: Service and Sacrifice
The theme for Tolkien Reading Day 2024 is Service and Sacrifice, so Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason shares their favorite quotes from Tolkien's works on the subject, concluding that…
Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 3, 4, & 5
Awakening. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Pat Mason continue their walk through the Silmarillion, covering the creation and awakening of Elves, origins of orcs, the first binding of Morgoth, and…
Peter Jackson’s The Two Towers
So much happens in Peter Jackson's film verison of The Two Towers. Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Alix Murray discuss the film's portrayals of Faramir and Theoden; the themes of hope, unity, and…
Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 1 & 2
Continuing their discussion of The Silmarillion, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss the beginning of the Quenta Silmarillion and the themes of fate, free will, creation, and…
Where Did the Blue Wizards Go? (And More Patron Questions)
We gave Patrons the opportunity to ask our Tolkien experts Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, Mike Schramm, and Patrick Mason their related questions and made the answers available exclusively to Patrons…
Peter Jackson’s The Fellowship of the Ring
Focusing on Peter Jackson's Fellowship of the Ring, Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Alix Murray share their experiences of the film; highlights, including Boromir's redemptive death; its cultural…
Father Christmas Letters
Over 23 years Tolkien wrote a series of letters from Father Christmas to his children. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss their experiences of the letters; Tolkien's whimsical,…
Ainulindale and Valaquenta
Tolkien's Silmarillion begins with the Ainulindale and Valaquenta and so Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason begin the first part of a conversation about these two stories, on Middle…
A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli
StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give The post A special message…
Elves and Dwarves
Examining Tolkien's Elves and Dwarves, Thomas Salerno, Mike Schramm, and Jeff Haecker discuss their mystical and earthly natures; portrayals in media; their rich backstory in "The…
The One Ring
Explore the theological and philosophical themes concerning good, evil, and power, as reflected in the One Ring's symbolism. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Mike Schramm discuss the influences of…
The Hobbit (1977)
One of the first film versions of Tolkien's work, Rankin Bass's animated The Hobbit continues to delight. Thomas Salerno, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jeff Haecker discuss the virtues of the adaptation and…
A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest
We need your help to continue to produce our great Catholic shows that explore the intersection of faith and modern culture and look at the world from a uniquely Catholic perspective. The post A…
Born of Hope
Not all Middle-Earth movies are big-budget Hollywood productions. Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, and Jeff Haecker review the fan-made LOTR film "Born of Hope" and discuss the bittersweet…
Gollum
Smeagol or Gollum? Thomas Salerno, Thomas Sanjurjo, Jeff Haecker, and Kaitlyn Facista do a deep dive on the character of this Ringbearer, his motivations and roles in various, the latest video game…
Middle Earth Fathers
Happy Father's Day! Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, and Thomas Sanjurjo are celebrating Dads as they discuss the fathers of Middle Earth, both good and bad, including both biological…
Mothers of Middle Earth
Happy Mother's Day! Jeff Haecker, Kaitlyn Fascista, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Thomas Salerno discuss motherhood in Tolkien's Legendarium and Rings of Power, including how his own mother's death at a…
The Valar
The Valar are the angelic guardians of Middle-earth who watch over the heroes and influence the world in dramatic and surprising ways. Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jeff…
Tolkien Reading Day 2023: Adventure
It's Tolkien reading day and Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, Jeff Haecker, and Thomas Sanjurjo offer up their favorite passages on the theme of travel and adventure, from the darkest depths to the…
Love Stories of the Legendarium
Tolkien's stories are filled with tales of romance and friendship, and Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jeff Haecker discuss all the great love stories, including their…
The Faith of Tolkien
Faith is the topic for Jeff Haecker, Thomas Sanjurjo, Thomas Salerno, and Kaitlyn Facista as they discuss Tolkien's own Catholic faith and how he saw it in his works, plus the faiths of the people…
Tom Bombadil
Who is Tom Bombadil? Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker discuss the enigmatic Tom: Who is he? What did Tolkien have to say about him? And what other similarly…
Tolkien Christmas Gift Guide
What to get that Tolkien fan in your life for Christmas? Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker have Tolkien-related and adjacent gift ideas for all the fans in your life…
Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest
Dom Bettinelli, CEO of StarQuest, has a special Advent and Christmas greetings for all listeners and an important message about the mission of StarQuest. The post Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas,…
Rings of Power, Season 1 Review
With Season 1 complete, Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, and Jeff Haecker give a new look back to the whole season, including how it all appears on a re-watch, plus their predictions for what comes…
Rings of Power, Ep. 8: Alloyed
Finale! Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker discuss the Rings of Power finale; the big reveal of two characters; the forging of the Rings; and the future of this…
Rings of Power, Episode 7: The Eye
As season 1 races toward its end, Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker continue to play "guess the Sauron;" marvel at the Dwarves; note the characters who…
Rings of Power, Ep. 6: Udun
Doom! Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, and Jeff Haecker discuss the latest episode, including the question of the redeemability of orcs; Halbrand's secret; and Galadriel's focused drive. The post…
Rings of Power, Ep. 5: Partings
The mystery of mithril. Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker discuss the latest episode, including the great friendship between Durin and Elrond; the odd trio following…
Rings of Power, Ep. 4: The Great Wave
Choose not the path of fear, but of faith. Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker discuss episode 4 and the vision of the great wave; theories about the identities of…
Rings of Power, Ep. 3: Adar
Mysteries abound this week as Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Jeff Haecker, and Thomas Salerno discuss the arrival at Numenor, and the increasing number of questions and strangers in this 3rd…
Shadow of the Past and Adrift
Hope and vigilance! Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, Thomas Salerno, and Kaitlyn Facista discuss the 1st 2 episodes of The Rings of Power, the themes it is unrolling so far, and how faithful to…
We’re Going On An Adventure
Preparing for The Rings of Power, Dom Bettinelli gathers Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Kaitlyn Facista to talk about their love for Tolkien; their hopes and fears for the new…
Return to Middle Earth
The Secrets of Middle Earth is returning. As Amazon prepares to unveil its blockbuster series that brings us back to Tolkien's world, Starquest is relaunching its popular podcast, The Secrets of…
Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest
StarQuest (SQPN) wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are grateful for all your support in 2020 whether by listening to our programs, sharing them with your friends, or providing…
HTL004: Dragon Sickness
It's in the darkest moments, when Bilbo faces the most dangerous monsters, that he grows the most. What can his encounters with goblins, spiders and Smaug teach us about facing the dangers in our…
HTLH003: Trolls
In this episode, we follow Bilbo Baggins and learn from his encounter with the trolls. How can we deal with the trolls in our own lives? The post HTLH003: Trolls appeared first on StarQuest Media.
HTLH002: Adventure
What would you do if one day a wizard knocked on your door, looking for someone to go on an adventure? Would you jump up and leave, or would you politely refuse the invitation and stay where you…
HTL001: Contentment
Who wouldn't want to trade their busy, noisy and stressful world for a life in the Shire? It all starts with what is perhaps the most important characteristic of a Hobbit lifestyle: contentment. The…
SME026: The Elves of Ered Luin
In this episode, Fr. Roderick, Laura and Inge take you to Duillond, Celondim and Gondamon to discover the history of the elves in Ered Luin. Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to…
SME025: Frostbluff
In this special Christmas episode, we visit the town of Frostbluff and talk about Tolkien’s letters from Father Christmas and their influence on the creation of Middle-earth. Click here and leave us …
SME024: The Great River
In this episode, we follow the great river Anduin to the south and we explore Thinglad and Eorlsmead. We also briefly visit the town of Stangard and stumble upon an impressive statue! Click here …
SME023: Lothlórien
In this episode we explore Lothlórien, we visit Caras Caladhon and meet with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. We even discover Galadriel’s mirror and talk to Frodo and the rest of the Fellowship. …
SME022: Mirrormere
In this episode we explore the mysterious Mirrormere and learn more about the ancient history of the dwarves. After that, we venture back into Moria in search of the Endless Stair. Click here and…
SME021: The Mines of Moria
We enter the Mines of Moria and we explore the depths of Khazad-dum. Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes The post SME021: The Mines of Moria a…
SME020: Middle-earth Cosmology
In this episode, we look at the night sky above the hills of Eregion, and we explore the origins of the moon, the sun and the stars. Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to …
SME019: The Trollshaws
In this episode, we explore the Trollshaws east of the Lone-lands, an area long ago inhabited by the Men of Rhûdaur. Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes The post SME019: The Trollshaws ap…
SME018: The Inklings
In this episode we travel to Michel Delving to meet with special guest Dr. Jason Jewell. He tells us all about the Inklings and about the three hobbits and the small rabbit in the Bird and Baby Inn.…
SME017: Hobbits and Humility
In this episode, we travel from Buckland to the ‘Green Dragon’ in Bywater to talk with the Tolkien Professor about the importance of Hobbits in Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Subscribe to the Feed |Subscr…
SME016: The Lone Lands
In this episode we continue our Lone-Lands exploration, visiting the southern ruins of Minas Eriol, Mithrenost and Ost Guruth where we meet Radagast the Brown. Who is he? What are wizards and where…
SME015: The Midgewater Marshes
We investigate the Hobbit settlement of Staddle, east of Bree. In the footsteps of the Fellowship of the Ring we trek east to Weathertop through the Midgewater Marshes and the Midgewater Pass. …
SME014: Visiting Bree
In this episode we take you on a tour of Bree and discover the past and the present of the town where Frodo met Strider for the first time. Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes The post S…
SME013: Journey Through Angmar
We travel from Ram Dúath through Malenhad to Nan Gurth in Angmar. Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes The post SME013: Journey Through Angmar appeared first on StarQuest Media.
SME012: Dangerous Dragons
We enter Angmar and look for dragons! Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes The post SME012: Dangerous Dragons appeared first on StarQuest Media.
SME011: The Rangers of Esteldin
We meet the rangers of Esteldin and travel to the perilous ruins of Fornost. Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes The post SME011: The Rangers of Esteldin appeared first on StarQuest M…
SME010: The Bitter Stair
We explore the North-Western part of the Misty Mountains and climb the Bitter Stair to get a glimpse of Helegrod. Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes The post SME010: The Bitter Stair a…
SME009: The Misty Mountains
In this episode we travel to the perilous Misty Mountains to explore the Western Bruinen Source, the High Crag and the Giant Halls while trying to avoid trolls, evil dwarves and giants. Subscribe …
SME008: Arwen and Aragorn
In this episode we talk about the complex relations between elves and humans and we discuss how the books and the movies portray the romantic relationship of Arwen and Aragorn. Subscribe to …
SME007: Children of Ilúvatar
In this episode we walk around in Rivendell and we continue our discussion about the elves in Middle-earth. Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes The post SME007: Children of Ilúvatar ap…
SME006: The Elves of Rivendell
In this episode we travel to Rivendell and visit the Last Homely House. We talk about the origins and the history of the elves in Middle-earth. Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes The …
SME005: The Dwarves of the Blue Mountains
In this episode of the Secrets of Middle-earth, we explore the snowy region of Ered Luin, where dwarves mine the depths of the Blue Mountains for treasure. We learn about the surprising origin of …
SME004: Annuminas and the Shores of Evendim
We travel from the Shire to Lake Evendim and discover the glorious past of the city of Annuminas. Who is represented by the gigantic statue on the eastern shore of the lake? Why is the city of …
SME003: Tom Bombadil and the Old Forest
In this episode, we make a perilous journey through the Old Forest in search of Tom Bombadil. Tom is one of the most mysterious characters in Middle Earth. How old is he? And what is he? A human? …
SME002: Visiting Bag End
This episode of the Secrets of Middle-earth is recorded in the Shire! We will visit the place where it all began for Bilbo and Frodo: Bag End. We will explore the ancient medieval legends that i…
SME001: Archet in Breeland
In this first episode of the Secrets of Middle-earth: presentation of the podcast; Middle Earth in books, movies and games; news: Children of Hurin, the world wide launch of Lord of the Rings …
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 Naz…
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 sp…
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 dec…
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…
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 fin…
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 f…