Rings and Rituals
Tolkien scholars Marilyn R. Pukkila and Sara Brown explore the rituals woven throughout The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, analyzing what each ceremonial moment reveals about Middle-earth's cultures, their values, and the storytelling choices of showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne.
Ritual is everywhere in Tolkien's world, from the sword-drawing ceremonies of the Noldor to the migration rites of the Harfoots, but it rarely gets the focused analytical attention it deserves. Marilyn and Sara bring genuine academic grounding to their close readings, drawing on anthropology, religious studies, and decades of Tolkien scholarship to ask the questions that matter: What is the design of this ritual? What is its intent? What does it reveal about the culture performing it?
Whether you are a longtime devotee of Middle-earth lore or coming to The Rings of Power fresh, Rings and Rituals offers a perspective on the series that you will not find anywhere else.
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Halls of Stone - S02E05 - Rings & Rituals
Sara revels in dwarves, even in the midst of their dilemmas, Marilyn treasures the shrine of Nienna, the oldest shrine in Númenor, and both grieve over its desecration, agreeing that Kemen is a broken wart of a human being. They see symbols of seeds everywhere, retch metaphorically over Annatar‘s ga...
Eldest - S02E04 - Rings & Rituals
Galadriel chafes under Elrond’s command, Isildur confronts a feisty woman and a slimy surprise, the Stranger finds a goat-herder, and Nori and Poppy find — more Harfoots? Sara and Marilyn compare rituals of hospitality —or not — and greeting. They also explore a few cultural dining practices. Where ...
The Eagle and the Sceptre - S02E03 - Rings & Rituals
In this episode, colors take on political significance, Númenoreans and Pelargir folk show grief in various ways, Annatar finds that some dwarves are harder to deceive in others, and Berek finds Isildur, who in turn finds Estrid. We also learned that even the best – planned coronations may have unex...
Where the Stars Are Strange - S02E02 - Rings & Rituals
Where the Stars Are Strange - S02E02 In episode two, Sara and Marilyn find rituals of remembrance, reconstitution, repair, and dramatic revelation. They also wish that Elrond would listen to Círdan's humble wisdom. Join the Conversation on the Lorehounds Community Discord: https://discord.gg/the...
Elven Kings Under the Sky - S02E01 - Rings & Rituals
Marilyn and Sara returned for another season of Rings and Rituals ! After a quick catch-up, they discuss a failed coronation, a lengthy re-embodiment, wanderings in the desert, and the promises and perils of a new creation with dubious origins. Contact Us Questions or comments? Send emails to: rings...
Meet Nevermind the Music
Calling all music fans! The Lorehounds network’s first music podcast, Nevermind the Music, is officially launching on September 10 – where two friends and academics filter their appreciation of music through the frameworks of psychology, music theory, and irreverent humor. Check out Nevermind the Mu...
The Rings of Power - S01E01 - A Shadow of the Past - Rerelease
Marilyn and Sara spend time with the Noldor, comparing the ritual of the warrior Elves returning home to Valinor with Arthurian imagery, questioning the practice of carving memorials on living trees, and noting contrasts between Elves and Harfoots. Questions or comments? Visit us at our website wh...
Season 1 Feedback
Sara and Marilyn respond to the many notes, observations, queries, and compliments (yes, we did leave those in!) from listeners which hadn’t yet been addressed. Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsa...
BONUS: The Music of The Rings of Power with John Lorehound
Marilyn is joined by John from the Lorehounds Podcast to analyze the music of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power . They discuss the powerful motifs of Bear McCreary, the influence of Howard Shore over the Middle-earth universe on screen, and the various ancient music traditions the show uses ...
Alloyed - S01E08
Sara and Marilyn discuss the recent teaser for season two and the announcement that a certain actor won’t be returning for it, compare the Harfoot and Númenorean conceptions of death, celebrate the powers of libraries and archives, and ponder the nature of a certain gift–giver. And a special delight...