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Shire Reckoning

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The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord Of the Rings
Middle Earth
Bilbo Baggins
Gandalf
Shire
Middle-Earth
The Shire
Rivendell
Fantasy Literature
Dungeons and Dragons
Belladonna Took
Bungo Baggins
Aragorn
Misty Mountains
Fantasy Stories
Maps
Magic
Tolkien

Shire Reckoning is a twice-weekly podcast dedicated to the work of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien. Join Alastair Stephens every Sunday for the latest from the Shire, and accompany our Fellowship every Tuesday evening as we study Tolkien's work in a welcoming, unhurried journey through the most influential fantasy stories of all time.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes27Founded4 months ago
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Artwork for Shire Reckoning

Latest Episodes

This week, we reach the Lonely Mountain in Chapter Eleven of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, "On The Doorstep". How do we understand the Desolation of Smaug? Does Tolkien resolve the conflict between free will and prophecy? What is the function of the b... more

YouTube

This week, we consider the textual history of Tolkien's Legendarium, from the stories told in the Cottage of Lost Play to the Red Book of Westmarch. How does Tolkien's framing of his work shift from myth to history? What are the benefits of this care... more

YouTube

This week, we finally meet some Men in chapter ten of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, "A Warm Welcome". How does the book suggest the history of Esgaroth? How is the Master of Lake-town contrasted with Good Tolkienian Kings? What is the effect of prophe... more

YouTube

This week, we break format a little bit to talk about the (actually pretty good) first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. What struggles does the show face on a conceptual level? How do the various plot threads and timelines work to... more

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Host

Alastair Stephens
Host of Shire Reckoning

Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars from 9 ratings
  • A must for any Tolkien fan

    I really enjoy this new format by „There and back again“-creator Alastair Stephens!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Viennana
    Germany3 months ago
  • The Hobbit

    Best podcast if you love Professor Tolkien.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Melzax
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many rave about the knowledgeable host, noting how his insights enhance their understanding of Tolkien's worlds.
There is a consensus that this podcast is essential for fans who wish to explore the nuances of Tolkien's storytelling.
Listeners appreciate the deep dives into Tolkien's work, praising the thoughtful analysis and engaging discussions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#152
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#245
New Zealand/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

In Case Of Emergency, Break World
Q: What is your favorite song by Professor Tolkien and why?
The host expresses enthusiasm for discussing Tolkien's poetry and chooses three favorite pieces, highlighting the song of Eärendel as technically ambitious, filled with rich storytelling.
Battle Accents
Q: What do you think would have happened if Faramir had obeyed the prophetic dream about Rivendell instead of passing it to Boromir?
Faramir might have been more successful in preventing Merry and Pippin's kidnapping, potentially keeping the Fellowship unified and altering the course of events significantly.
The Most Magical Snowglobe
Q: If Tolkien were living today, what kind of stories do you think he would be writing?
Alastair suggests that Tolkien would likely be writing the same types of stories he created in the first half of the 20th century, primarily for his own satisfaction rather than a large audience.
Other Minds And Hands
Q: What stories from the Legendarium would you like to see adapted for the big screen in the years to come?
Listeners are invited to reflect on their preferred adaptations from Tolkien's works and suggest potential directors.
Back To The Deep
Q: Is there a way to bring more gender diversity into future adaptations of Tolkien's work?
The host suggests highlighting characters who are just under the surface or exploring female characters who are present only by implication.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shire Reckoning

What is Shire Reckoning about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This twice-weekly podcast offers a thorough exploration of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, with a specific emphasis on his expansive legendarium. Episodes typically feature deep discussions on themes such as prophecy, character development, and the intricate historical context that surround Tolkien's tales. Notable topics include detailed analyses of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings', often reflecting on how these narratives reflect deeper philosophical concepts and their impact on the fantasy genre. Unique elements such as the focus on both literary and cinematic adaptations, as well as historical perspectives on Tolkien's storytelling, are significant highlights, making it a valuable listen for fans of fantasy literature and those int... more

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1. Stars and Swords: Footnoting Genre Fiction
2. The Ancients
3. The Rest Is History
4. Stuff You Should Know
5. If Books Could Kill

How many episodes of Shire Reckoning are there?

Shire Reckoning launched 4 months ago and published 27 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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