Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Secrets of Middle Earth

Tolkien called 111 "eleventy-one." For our 111th episode, we celebrateswith a six-round Tolkien trivia competition that tests our panel of Jeff Haecker, Rob Leonardi, Patrick Mason, and Robert Story, who must face host Alix Murray's toughest questions. Who will win and be crowned King Under the Trivia?

The post The Eleventy-First Quiz Show appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Every creature in Arda has a story. The panel examines Middle-earth's animals — Huan, the Eagles, Ungoliant's brood, Beorn, the Nazgûl's horses — and asks what separates the natural from the supernatural in Tolkien's world.

The post Animals of Middle Earth appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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?

The post The Silmarillion: Of The Third Age appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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. Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME023: Lothlórien appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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 leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME022: Mirrormere appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME020: Middle-earth Cosmology appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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. Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes  

The post SME018: The Inklings appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 |Subscribe with iTunes  

The post SME017: Hobbits and Humility appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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 did they come from? How does Middle-earth magic compare to the magic we see in other stories? Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with […]

The post SME016: The Lone Lands appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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. What can we learn from hobbit hospitality? What purpose do the numerous ruins we see have? Why did Gandalf refer too the […]

The post SME015: The Midgewater Marshes appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 SME014: Visiting Bree appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post The Silmarillion: The Rings of Power appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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.

  We enter Angmar and look for dragons! Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes  

The post SME012: Dangerous Dragons appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 Media.

  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 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME009: The Misty Mountains appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME008: Arwen and Aragorn appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 post SME006: The Elves of Rivendell appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 the Dwarves, we discover the true reason of their fascination with gold and other precious metals, and we gain insight […]

The post SME005: The Dwarves of the Blue Mountains appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 Annuminas in ruins? Will Aragorn bring a new dawn to Evendim? Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with […]

The post SME004: Annuminas and the Shores of Evendim appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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 matched up to $15,000.

The post This Advent, Help StarQuest Continue the Mission appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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? An elf? And why has the One Ring no grip on him? Subscribe to the Feed | […]

The post SME003: Tom Bombadil and the Old Forest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 inspired Tolkien in his creation of Bilbo and young Frodo, and we will see what Frodo has in common with […]

The post SME002: Visiting Bag End appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  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 Online: Shadows of Angmar; a tour of Archet in Bree-land; fighting wolves, boars and brigands. Lord of the Rings: a catholic […]

The post SME001: Archet in Breeland appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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?

The post Akallabeth, Part 2 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post Akallabeth, Part 1 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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

The post Ghosts and Undead of Middle Earth appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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 post Voyage of Earendil and the War of Wrath appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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?

The post The Fall of Gondolin appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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?

The post Of the Ruin of Doriath appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Tolkien's women don't need the spotlight to hold the world together. That's the point. Alix Murray, Jeff Haecker, and Kathryn Laffrey trace the powerful, mysterious women of Middle-earth from the Valar to the Shire.

The post Women of Middle Earth appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post Tolkien (2019) Movie appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post Turin Turambar, Part 3 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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 first on StarQuest Media.

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, pride, and sorrow.

The post Turin Turambar, Part 1 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post Fan Films appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post Tolkien the Artist appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post Dragons of Middle-Earth appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post The Battle of Unnumbered Tears appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post Tolkien Reading Day 2025: Fellowship and Community appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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!

The post Beren and Luthien, Part 2 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Music didn't just accompany the creation of Middle-earth — it *was* the creation. Jeff Haecker, Alix Murray, and Patrick Mason trace how song, horn, and verse shape everything from the Ainulindalë to the charge at Pelennor Fields.

The post Music of the Legendarium appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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!

The post Beren and Luthien, Part 1 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post The House of Finwe appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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!

The post Our Dream Live Action Tolkien Series appeared first on StarQuest Media.