In this episode of SFE, we discuss how our non-hobbit main characters find themselves at the Council of Elrond; and the whos, whats, and whys of the line of ruling stewards of Gondor.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of the sun and moon and the hiding of Valinor

May 26th, 2020 8m 22s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the final fate of the two trees of Valinor, and the Valar's very ambitious remodeling project.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 17: I desire Evenstar

May 12th, 2020 14m 38s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss why Boromir and Aragorn are so weird with each other, and the significance of the evenstar.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of the Sindar

Apr 28th, 2020 10m 44s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss Legolas' kin, the Sindar, and the first of the open wars between elves and orcs.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 16: If you want him, come and claim him

Apr 13th, 2020 16m 47s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the ancient elven magic of summoning water horses, and why Elrond didn't force Isildur to destroy the one ring.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of the flight of the Noldor

Mar 31st, 2020 24m 35s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss Feanor's rather inconsistent people skills, and the all-consuming power of any oath sworn by the name of Iluvatar.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 15: The magic of elf healing

Mar 17th, 2020 23m 32s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the vagaries of kingsfoil, and the very cool elf whose character was folded into Arwen's.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of the darkening of Valinor

Mar 3rd, 2020 9m 44s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the ruinous fate of the two trees of Valinor, and Shelob's even nastier mother Ungoliant.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 14: This, his wickedest deed

Feb 18th, 2020 18m 2s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss what Elvish medicine actually is, where little Uruk-hai come from, and how maybe Lurtz the Uruk-hai captain is a little bit hot?VFX Artists React to Lord of the Rings (part 1) is here.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of the Silmarils and the unrest of the Noldor

Feb 4th, 2020 15m 56s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the creation of the Silmarils, and the fallout from Melkor being the most prolific gossip in Arda.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 13: The tallest of the Weather hills

Jan 21st, 2020 18m 40s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the original purpose of the tower at Weathertop, and how Strider was able to scare off five spooky immortal ghost men.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor

Jan 7th, 2020 9m 41s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we learn more about Fëanor and his family drama, and set the stage for some of Melkor's most evil acts.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 12: She died

Dec 24th, 2019 17m 20s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the mysterious Rangers of Eriador, Pippin's reveal of Frodo's real name in the Prancing Pony, and Aragorn's favorite depressing bedtime story, the Lay of Luthien.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië

Dec 10th, 2019 12m 27s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the fifth chapter of the Silmarillion, and learn about the lives of the elves in and around Valinor, and some of the major players whose adventures we'll be discussing for the rest of the book.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 11: Strange folk abroad

Nov 26th, 2019 31m 1s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the major imports and exports of the village of Bree, as well as a brief history of Aragorn's entire bonkers life.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of Thingol and Melian

Nov 12th, 2019 6m 16s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the fourth chapter of the Silmarillion, and learn about the leaders of one of the most powerful kingdoms of Middle-Earth's elder days, and how falling in love at first sight can seriously sidetrack y

Speak Friend and Enter Part 10: A merry fellow

Oct 29th, 2019 20m 16s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the oddities of Gandalf's confrontation with Saruman, the origins of Frodo's spidey-sense, and everything you ever wanted to know about Tom Bombadil (but were afraid to ask).

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of the coming of the elves and the captivity of Melkor

Oct 15th, 2019 13m 58s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the third chapter of the Silmarillion, and learn of Melkor's defeat at the hands of the Valar, and of the elves' abiding love for two things: categorization, and giving everything multiple names.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 9: They are not all accounted for

Oct 1st, 2019 20m 3s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the whereabouts of the lost seeing-stones and the details of Gandalf's imprisonment by Saruman.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Q&A

Sep 17th, 2019 19m 3s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, Audrey turns the tables on Leah and asks her to clarify some parts of previous Deep Lore episodes, and gets her mind blown with news of the upcoming Amazon Tolkien series.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 8: Saruman the White

Sep 3rd, 2019 28m 5s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the pre-visualization process of filming Lord of the Rings, and the story behind Saruman's general dickishness.

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of Aulë and Yavanna

Aug 27th, 2019 8m 3s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the second chapter of the Silmarillion, and learn how dwarves came to be the unwanted stepchildren of Middle-Earth.

Speak Friend and Enter Part 7: Never to return

Aug 20th, 2019 31m 45s

In this episode of SFE, we discuss the complex nature of Frodo's relationship with Sam, how Frodo leaves Hobbiton without attracting notice, and the distinction between wood elves and high elves.The Tolkien Professor's discussion of master-ser

Speak Friend and Enter Deep Lore: Of the beginning of days

Aug 13th, 2019 15m 50s

In this episode of SFE Deep Lore, we discuss the first chapter of the Silmarillion proper, and learn how the Valar shape Arda in its earliest days - and, after 9 episodes of allusions to it, we finally learn what the two trees of Valinor are, a