Nick and Nicholas recorded their very first episode, which is conveniently referred to as Episode Zero.
This test episode takes us on a journey that will be very rare in the arc of this podcast. We re-cast the Lord of The Rings movie trilogy with the cast and characters of the Harry Potter film series.
If you are just now learning who I (Nicholas Jon) am, I recently created a Facebook group for people who wanted to re-read Harry Potter. This "Re-Read Harry Potter" group was fairly popular, and now I am turning my sights on another literary love, Lord of The Rings. Along with my long-time friend Nick Andrew, we want to dive into Middle-earth and explore it from all the angles. In order to tie the two series together (and to be fodder for a test episode) we chose to do this re-cast/mashup of the two fandoms.
This is your "heads-up" because - we had so much fun choosing our cast, that we want to give you the chance to make your own!
Use the link below to download a PDF of the chart we used to make our episode, and fill it in. Then share it with us as a picture or attachment on Facebook, Twitter, or by e-mail: contact@greendragonlive.com. We really want to see your picks and see what choices you made in your version of the story.
Notes
Blank PDF for you to re-cast the movies yourself
The Nicks Picks PDF
Links
The Nicks talk about Tolkien's feelings regarding allegory, and our own thoughts about the story. And a little bit about how The Nicks met and bonded over Tolkien.
Maps
LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers!
Notes for this episode
J.R.R. and Christopher Tolkien on allegory [YouTube]
Teaser Poster Frodo palm up with Ring
Eucatastrophe - neologism coined by Tolkien from Greek ευ- "good" and καταστροφή "destruction"
Links
The Nicks discuss the topics that are most elusive in Middle-earth. Where does the magic come from? Who are the Maiar? And something about a Ring...
Maps
LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers!
Notes
Quick hierarchy of the celestial beings
Links
The Nicks take a moment to the stand back and prepare for the beginning of the The Lord of The Rings. Looking at Middle-earth in a snapshot view, and discussing the state of the world as we enter into the story.
Maps
LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers!
Links
The Nicks preview some of the different regions and key sites in the narrative of The Lord of The Rings. Follow along with the map in your book, or one of the maps provided in the show notes.
Notes from the episode:
Map of Middle-earth
Map of Middle-earth superimposed on Europe
LoTRproject.com interactive map - Caution: spoilers for new readers!
Shire - 3:25
Bree - 6:39
Rivendell - 9:44
Misty Mountains - 12:59
Caradhras - 15:41
Moria - 17:27
Lorien - 19:21
ZED - try to imagine the Elves raving...
Anduin -20:15
Isengard 23:00
Rohan 23:37
Fangorn 24:40
Edoras 25:28
Helms Deep 25:48
Dunharrow 26:55
Gondor 28:02
Minas Tirith 29:10
Minas Morgul 32:10
Ithilien 32:43
Osgiliath 35:05
The Black Gate 35:28
Udun 38:13
Mordor 38:48
Sauron Realm of Influence 38:55
Dagorlad 40:49
Mordor again 41:24
Orodruin 41:47
Plateau of Gorgoroth 45:26
Emyn Muil 46:46
Dead Marshes 47:53
Osgiliath again 49:12
Minas Morgul again 50:29
Cirith Ungol 51:23
Barad Dur 52:18
The Eye of Sauron 52:47
Sauron's Road 54:54
The One Ring 56:22
Links:
Nick is all fired up as we he and Nicholas discuss the baddies of Middle-earth, their origins, their pros, cons, and abilities.
As the discussion about the various peoples comes to a close, we hope that you feel a little more prepared to enter into the world having a little bit of insight as to what to expect from these people and creatures.
Next time we will take a very quick tour through the locations of Middle-earth and try to give some perspective of the scale and distance between the various sites we come across in the story.
Notes from the episode:
Map of Middle-earth
What would happen to humans if they lived underground? [A discussion for what it's worth]
What the heck is a Gulper Eel? [video]
Khamul Lieutenant of the Witch-King
Links:
The Nicks discuss Men and their mortality and being the 2nd children of Iluvatar., how different they are in every region, and languages. And also the Dwarves, their creation mistake, the animosity between them and the Elves, and the way each race copes with the evil of the world.
Notes from the episode:
Beowulf's "Heorot" the Mead Hall aka Golden Hall aka Meduseld
Comparison: Tolkien's Meduseld, Beowulf, and similar historical architecture
Timeline of Thorin Oakenshield's life
Links:
/greendragonlive
In this episode, the Nicks briefly discuss the immortal race of elves, and why they don't look like Santa's helpers, and the wizards who just happen not to be human, but a special contingent of the Maiar sent to assist Middle-earth in resisting Sauron.
This prologue series is leading up to a chapter by chapter discussion and reflection of The Lord of The Rings. We invite you to grab your copy and join us in a read-along whether it is your first time or eleventy-first time in Middle-earth.
Notes from the Episode
Mock up of various elf-types and their heights
Starry skies with no light pollution
Nicholas misspeaks and confuses...
Thingol (Ancient King of the Elves, and prominent in the Silmarillion)
with Thranduil (King of the Woodland Realm, Legolas' father)
Khazad-Dûm AKA Moria Was built at an unknown time in the First Age
Quick hierarchy of the celestial beings
Links
Twitter: @greendragonlive use #GDLive
Special thanks to Harry Murrell for letting us use his music in our podcasts. Listen to more of his music and subscribe to Harry's channel on YouTube