Secrets of Middle Earth

Continuing their dive into the Quenta Silmarillion, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss Melkor's corrupting influence, Fëanor's tragic complexity, and the symbolism of Ungoliant's darkness and hunger as they set the stage for the entire First Age.

The post Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 6, 7, & 8 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The trilogy ends! Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Alix Murray finish their discussion of the Peter Jackson LOTR trilogy, diving deep into the themes of sacrifice, courage, resilience, and more, while comparing how the films differed from original book and the film's lasting impact.

The post Peter Jackson’s The Return of The King appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The theme for Tolkien Reading Day 2024 is Service and Sacrifice, so Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason shares their favorite quotes from Tolkien's works on the subject, concluding that nearly the whole Legendarium is on that topic.

The post Tolkien Reading Day 2024: Service and Sacrifice appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Awakening. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Pat Mason continue their walk through the Silmarillion, covering the creation and awakening of Elves, origins of orcs, the first binding of Morgoth, and themes of power, sacrifice, and morallity.

The post Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 3, 4, & 5 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

So much happens in Peter Jackson's film verison of The Two Towers. Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Alix Murray discuss the film's portrayals of Faramir and Theoden; the themes of hope, unity, and despair at Helm's Deep; and the changes made from the book.

The post Peter Jackson’s The Two Towers appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Continuing their discussion of The Silmarillion, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss the beginning of the Quenta Silmarillion and the themes of fate, free will, creation, and destruction within Tolkien's universe.

The post Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 1 & 2 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

We gave Patrons the opportunity to ask our Tolkien experts Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, Mike Schramm, and Patrick Mason their related questions and made the answers available exclusively to Patrons first and the later to the whole audience. This time the questions cover the origin and fate of the wizards, where the Entwives went, and what part of Tolkien's stories they would change.

The post Where Did the Blue Wizards Go? (And More Patron Questions) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Focusing on Peter Jackson's Fellowship of the Ring, Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Alix Murray share their experiences of the film; highlights, including Boromir's redemptive death; its cultural impact; controversies about changes from the books; and more.

The post Peter Jackson’s The Fellowship of the Ring appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Over 23 years Tolkien wrote a series of letters from Father Christmas to his children. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss their experiences of the letters; Tolkien's whimsical, playful side; his devotion as a father; and the enduring magic of his imagination.

The post Father Christmas Letters appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Tolkien's Silmarillion begins with the Ainulindale and Valaquenta and so Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason begin the first part of a conversation about these two stories, on Middle Earth's creation, the balance of good and evil, immortality and free will, and more.

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