(BONUS) Norse Myths, Tolkien & More with Author Joshua Gillingham

In a very special Midnight Myth Bonus, we sat down with Joshua Gillingham, author of The Gatewatch, an epic troll-hunting adventure inspired by the Norse Myths and the Icelandic Sagas. For an hour+, we nerd out about all things Norse: from common misconceptions about the Era of Viking to Loki’s most outrageous antics to the evolution of trolls and dwarves throughout time. We also get the opportunity to discuss how profoundly the Norse myths and Icelandic Sagas influenced the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, and therefore, much of contemporary fantasy literature.

The Gatewatch by Joshua Gillingham is available now. Grab your copy (or e-book) from Crowsnest Books or order from your local bookstore.

Want to learn more about Norse Mythology, the Vikings, and Scandinavian Folklore? Start here!

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

The Norse Myths: Gods of the Vikings by Dr. Kevin Crossley-Holland

The Poetic Edda: Stories of the Norse Gods & Heroes

John Bauer, painter of Scandanavian Folklore.

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The Midnight Myth stands with Black Lives Matter and those protesting social injustice across our country. Please join us in supporting those who will not stay silent.

Open your wallet if you are able. Consider supporting the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Reclaim the Block, your local Black Lives Matter Chapter or Bail Fund. Or directly support the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, or Tony McDade. Seek out and support Black-owned businesses in your area.

Looking to get educated about systemic racism, police violence, and white privilege? Find book, film, and podcast recommendations at bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES.

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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!

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Episode 145A: Prince of the Halflings | The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Norse Mythology & Kingship

In the penultimate episode of our Lord of the Rings podcast series, we’re discussing the first half of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Return of the King (aka Book 5: The War of the Ring). It’s a fast-paced, combat-heavy book that sees the forces of Rohan and Gondor combine and Aragorn prepare to assume the kingship. We discuss the massive character growth of Pippin and Merry, two unassuming hobbits who rise to become heroes of war and politic. We revisit themes of stewardship and monarchy in the portraits of leaders like Denethor, Theoden, Aragorn, and Gandalf. We compare Eowyn to Brunhild of Norse mythology, and follow those mythological threads to new conclusions. We meditate on the weaponization of information, and how even the strongest, most beloved leaders can be led astray. Escape into Middle Earth with us.

We’re doing a Lord of the Rings GIVEAWAY! Follow us on Twitter and check out our pinned tweet to enter for your chance to win two LotR Funko POPs and a set of LotR Trivial Pursuit.

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Episode 141B: Pity and Mercy | The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Mythology & Heroism

In Part Two of our discussion of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, we rejoin the Ringbearers Frodo & Sam on their journey East to Mordor. Through dangerous and barren terrain, our heroes struggle to survive and pursue the near-impossible task of destroying the One Ring. It’s in this part of the series that we finally come face to face with Gollum, arguably the most wretched character in all of literature. We’ll discuss the mythological counterparts of the Waste Land, Gollum as a dark double of Frodo, and the major departures between the book and Peter Jackson’s film in terms of Frodo’s leadership style. We’ll also delve deep into the confrontation with Faramir and the host of Gondor—how is honor preserved and freedom negotiated between characters with opposing yet complementary goals? Through to the depths of Shelob’s lair, The Two Towers asks fundamental questions about the nature of morality, heroism, and legacy. Can evil conquer forever? Let’s discuss.

We’re doing a Lord of the Rings GIVEAWAY! Follow us on Twitter and check out our pinned tweet to enter for your chance to win two LotR Funko POPs and a set of LotR Trivial Pursuit.

Support us at www.patreon.com/midnightmyth

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

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Episode 141A: The Turn of the Tide | The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Medieval Literature & History

Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? This week, we return to you with the next installment of our multi-part discussion of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, this week covering the first part of The Two Towers, The Treason of Isengard. We follow Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas in their pursuit of the orcs who absconded with Merry and Pippin. We mourn the death of the complicated man Boromir. We meet new cultures—like the Ents and the Rohirrim—and find common ground on an uncertain road. Join us again in Middle Earth for discussions rich with history, mythology, medieval literature, and more.

***GIVEAWAY*** As part of our Lord of the Rings series, we’ll be giving away a LotR gift basket to one lucky listener, including a Trivial Pursuit set, two Funko Pop vinyl figurines, and some Midnight Myth Merch (a $75 value). Follow us on Twitter @themidnightmyth and stay tuned to this series for details on how to enter!

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Episode 139B: Those Who Wander | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring pt. 2

Part two of a two-parter on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring.

Hearken now to the conclusion of our conversation on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Last week, we discussed the start of Frodo’s journey, the strange characters who lurk in old forests, and the shifting boundaries and morals of Middle-Earth. This week, we’ll drill down on some key moments in Fellowship, particularly the Council of Elrond at Rivendell and the meeting with Galadriel in Lothlorien. We’ll explore Frodo Baggins’ character growth through his choices, and discuss Tolkien’s depiction of mankind through Boromir. How did Tolkien’s scholarship in medieval literature influence his writing? How does the War of the Ring apply to the modern international experience? All this and more as we continue our journey through the Third Age of Middle-Earth.

Stay tuned for future episodes on The Two Towers & The Return of the King, as well as details on an upcoming Lord of the Rings Giveaway!

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Episode 139A: One Pod to Rule Them All | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring pt. 1

Part one of a two-parter on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring.

One ring to rule them all… The Midnight Myth Podcast returns once more to the land of Middle Earth as we embark on a quest to explore J.R.R. Tolkien’s massively influential book series The Lord of the Rings. In this ongoing series, we’ll reread The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, discussing each book as a work of art and history. In this first installment, we discuss key moments in The Fellowship of the Ring, from the auspicious meeting with Tom Bombadil in the Old Forest to the crossing of the threshold into Lothlorien. We’ll talk about language and literacy in Middle Earth, the means by which history is communicated, and the significance of cultural difference in a world that’s breaking down. We’ll share some insights from the Peter Jackson film adaptations, but hew closest to Tolkien’s original text.

Keep listening to our Lord of the Rings episodes for more information about our upcoming LORD OF THE RINGS GIVEAWAY!

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Midnight Myth Time Machine | Episode 9B: Take This Ring

It’s the Midnight Myth Time Machine—our back catalog is headed to podcast platforms near you. This episode, which originally aired in March of 2017, is the second half to our first discussion of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings universe. Where in the previous episode we focused on world-building through the various races of Middle Earth, here we explore the mythological precedent for magic rings and rings of power.

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