The Legendarium

Enjoy this special edition episode as it was meant to be heard! In celebration of Star Wars Day (May 4th) Craig, Ryan, and guest Todd Wente discuss the Star Wars Universe and why it continues to enthrall generation after generation.

Book 4, Chapters 1-3

Special guest: Jeff Hewitt, a fantasy author from Georgia. Craig and Ryan celebrate their birthdays hobbit-style. Ryan finally identifies with a Middle-earth activity: rock climbing. Craig thinks Sam is getting a bit orcish in his behavior. Ryan identifies Tolkien's greatest life lesson so far: get out and serve someone else, you selfish jackass.

Book 3, Chapters 8-11 With special guest Rebecca (aka Geeklady)

Maps! Craig encourages their liberal use as we make our way through the Two Towers. Ryan wonders if the LotR would be popular if it had been published today. The special guest rolls up "Craig's LotR Trivia" and smokes it.

Two Towers, Chapters 5-7

Ryan apparently has some serious problems with the names Tolkien is choosing. Craig can't really blame him. Peter Jackson may have taken some liberties at Helm's Deep, but that's not so bad, considering how amazeballs it turned out. Craig basically reads a Middle- and Old-English dictionary on the air. Good times are had by all.

The Two Towers, Book 3, Chapters 1-4

An insanely difficult edition of Craig's LotR Trivia, much to the chagrin of Ryan and special(ish) guest Brian. Discussion includes the origin of the Ents (they were created because of some cosmic marital strife) and the unfailing cheerfulness of Hobbits. Ryan can't figure out why people like Treebeard and don't like Tom Bombadil.

Craig and Ryan discuss what they liked about the Fellowship of the Ring, and what they expect from The Two Towers. Ryan turns the tables on Craig for this round of Craig's Lord of the Rings Trivia. Craig speaks Elvish. Not kidding.

Book 2, Chapter 6-10
Wrapping up the Fellowship, we delve into a timid discussion on religion, and Craig makes a controversial claim: Tolkien saw the future and imagined Cate.

Book 2, Chapters 3-5
Finally, we get resolution on the biggest cliffhanger from The Hobbit: What in the world happened to Balin, son of Fundin? We’ll also say a tearful farewell to our trusty guide, Gandalf the Grey.

Book 2, Chapters 1-2
Welcome to Rivendell! We don’t go anywhere, but we hear a lot about many far away places, from many new and old characters. Elves count by twelves, and anyone who has been to Salt Lake City in the winter has seen Isengard in the flesh.

Book 1 Chapters 9-12
Picking up the pace, we go from Bree to the Ford of Bruinen, meet Strider, and run away from Black Riders–a lot.