Episode 145B: The End of All Things | The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Medieval Literature & Eucatastrophe

We come, at last, to the end of all things. In the final episode of our Lord of the Rings series, we cover the back half of Tolkien’s The Return of the King. From the eucatastrophic destruction of the One Ring in the fires of Mt. Doom to the Scouring of the Shire and Frodo’s departure for the Undying Lands, we do our best to leave no seeing stone unturned. We revisit some of the themes that have connected us throughout the series—humanity & heroism, cultivation & stewardship, styles of leadership, bravery & conformity. We discuss some of the literary and historical antecedents to the end of Tolkien’s story—such as the Lancelot-Grail Cycle and god-emperors of Rome and elsewhere. Finally, we devote special time and thought to the role of Samwise Gamgee, and argue for his unique brand of heroism. Thank you for joining us for this series on one of the great fantasy worlds of all time.

PLUS results of our Lord of the Rings giveaway are announced!

Support us at www.patreon.com/midnightmyth

Check out our merch store for Midnight Myth, Boomerangerang, and Wheel of Ka tees and totes!

Learn more, view sources and inspiration, and sign up for e-mail updates at www.midnightmyth.com

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen!

Episode 100: Wizardry

In the landmark 100th episode of the Midnight Myth, we’re going back to our roots in comparative literature and mythology. Derek and Laurel revisit the Arthurian legend, Middle-earth, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for an in-depth analysis of one of storytelling’s most enduring archetypes. How does each character adhere to or evolve the archetype? What is the role of the magician-mentor in any hero’s journey? Most importantly, who would win in a fight?

Check out our new merch store for Midnight Myth, Boomerangerang, and Wheel of Ka tees and totes!

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen!

Sources

If you enjoyed this podcast, check out some of our sources and inspiration. Images are affiliate links, meaning if you purchase the item, a percentage goes to the podcast. Thanks for your support!

Episode 97: Oathkeeper

In a new format of Game of Thrones analysis, this episode dives in to a relationship study of two characters from the HBO series: Ser Jaime Lannister and Brienne of Tarth. Both raised to uphold a code of chivalry, with varying degrees of success, this pair constitutes a unique form of doubling within A Song of Ice and Fire. They represent two sides of an age-old argument—and they need one another to reach the next level in their development. With allusions to similar relationships in Dickens and Arthurian literature, Derek and Laurel dig in to the philosophies these two Westerosi knights embody. Oathkeeper or Oathbreaker, enjoy this deep dive into two fascinating characters.

Sources

If you enjoyed this episode, check out some of our sources. All images are affiliate links, meaning if you purchase the item, a percentage goes to the podcast. Thank you for your support!

Episode 95: The Once and Future King

What is the secret of the Grail? Who does it serve? In this long-awaited podcast, Derek and Laurel explore the legends surrounding King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. Tracking the legend from its inception in the early middle ages to the definitive Hollywood adaptation, John Boorman’s dreamy Excalibur, we’ll seek the answers to the most important questions in Arthuriana. What does it mean to be king? What does it mean to be a people? What is the true quest, the true frontier? From Lancelot and Guinevere to Percival, Gawain, Morgan le Fay, and of course Merlin, this podcast leaves no sword in its stone.

Sources

If you liked this podcast, check out some of our sources and related material! All images are Amazon affiliate links, meaning if you purchase, a percentage will go to the podcast. Thank you for your support!