Quenya Questions in Quarantine

Series Finale: It's all been leading to this. The tales of the Silmarillion come back in full force to inform the momentous events immediately preceding the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. Sauron puts a ring on it. The Last Alliance of Men and Elves march to war. The Wizards and Hobbits arrive at last. Sam bids a last goodbye. "The Road goes ever on and on, Down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can, Pursuing it with weary feet, Until it joins some larger way Where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say." Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien's ‘The Silmarillion.'

Episode 28: Who were the Númenóreans? Sailors, teachers, benefactors? Or colonizers, conquerors, takers? Or worse yet, enslavers, defiers, devil-worshippers, and murderers? The answer... is yes, and so much more. Sam soloes this epic history of the Second Age: the tale of the meteoric rise and cataclysmic fall of the greatest civilization ever seen in Middle Earth. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 28: This is the end. Where all the strength of elves and men has failed, one born of both kindreds must find a way. Eärendil sets sail. Elwing gains wings. A new star rises. And the Arda Corporation goes to war. Raleigh and Sam discover the final fate of the Silmarils and watch in awe as Middle Earth is literally changed forever. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 27: Nothing, not even the most beautiful city in the world, can last forever. Tuor undertakes a quest. Maeglin's dark seed blooms. Eärendil gives one last hope to Elves and Men. Sam and Raleigh dig into this earliest story in Tolkien's grand narrative, get born again with Glorfindel, and struggle to come to terms with Morgoth's final triumph. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 26: Every grudge has a history; and for the Elves and Dwarves, these wounds may never fully heal. Thingol can't resist. Melian peaces out. Húrin finds redemption. Morgoth watches on with glee. Raleigh and Sam uncover the origins of Elf/Dwarf animosity and watch as dreadful oaths and sacred objects tear apart the greatest Elven kingdom in Middle Earth. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 25: What can we make of Túrin, Tolkien's most problematic hero? At times he is all we want him to be: warrior, leader, dragon-slayer, beloved of Elves, Dwarves, and Men. And yet he is a deserter, an outlaw, the killer of his friend, a foolhardy captain, and an incestuous lover. Only one thing is certain for this larger-than-life character: things are not going to end well. Sam and Raleigh dive head first into the longest tale of the Elder Days, taking turns celebrating, hating, and debating Túrin Turambar: the Master of Doom, but by doom mastered. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 24: Any fans of epic Tolkien battles out there? Well get ready; this one is as epic as they get. Elves fight Balrogs. Dwarves fight Dragons. Men fight basically everybody. Maedhros assembles a dream team. Turgon marches to his brother's aid. Húrin puts Gimli to shame. Raleigh and Sam savor every showdown, backstab, and courageous last stand. Welcome to the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 23: Welcome to the chief tale of the Silmarillion, and the most personal for J.R.R. Tolkien himself. Beren takes up the quest. Lúthien unveils her power. Huan is a good good boy. Sam and Raleigh pursue these three as they strive against Sauron and Morgoth, falling from happiness into despair, and fighting through tragedy back to joy. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 22: Let's get back on the same page before diving into the the climactic concluding chapters of the Silmarillion. Sam recaps the journey since our first Summary-llion, from the daring return of the Noldor to the dreadful ruin of Beleriand. Raleigh and Sam answer listener questions, going deep on the root of all evil, the bond between fathers and sons, and the makings of a true hero. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 21: This is it, the ultimate showdown, as High King Fingolfin duels Morgoth in single combat. The siege is broken. Finrod gets bailed out. Barahir gets some new bling. Húrin and Huor find a loophole in Gondolin's quarantine policy. Raleigh and Sam break down Morgoth's unstoppable onslaught, get battered by Grond, and try to keep hope as the free peoples of Middle Earth face their own 2020. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 20: Hope kindles when Men and Elves stand side by side. The Elven lord Finrod shares his wisdom. Mean-girl Morgoth tries out some new tricks. Thingol wants everybody off his lawn. Sam and Raleigh tour the Houses of Men, hang out with the warrior-woman Haleth, and shake up their understanding of Aragorn's cinematic Helm's Deep optimism. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 19: The conflict between safety and freedom can lead to bitter ends. Turgon urges safety. Aredhel struggles for freedom. Eöl makes all the wrong moves. Raleigh and Sam oversee the rise of Maeglin, twilight child of darkness and light, who embodies the mighty abilities of his parents, but is tainted by a forbidden desire. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’ Sponsorship music for this episode provided by Scott Holmes through Creative Commons: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode.

Episode 18: While Morgoth stews in his northern fortress, the Elves prepare for the wars to come. Turgon builds the hidden city of Gondolin. Galadriel spills the beans. Thingol throws down a very Tolkien punishment. Sam and Raleigh parse the Elven politics and swing away with some of Middle Earth's most famous weapons. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 17: Hold on tight as Tolkien takes the name game to the next level and unleashes a masterclass in fantasy world-building. Morgoth holds the mountainous North. The Elves take everything else. Raleigh and Sam keep the battle-board organized and follow the wandering footsteps of the oldest living creature in Middle Earth. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 16: It's a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs as the Elves wage war against Morgoth for the Silmarils. Fëanor burns too hot. Fingon takes wing. Maedhros could use a hand. Here come earthquakes and Balrogs and Dragons (oh my). Sam and Raleigh revel in the action, tracing out Lord of the Rings' connections amid heroic battles, reforged alliances, and daring rescues. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 15: Men awake in Middle Earth and encounter dark elves on the journey West. Illúvatar, now an empty nester, gives the second-born a strange gift. Raleigh and Sam compare the two children of Illúvatar, weighing all the Elven powers against the singular and secret weapon of Men. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 14: From the ashes of a two-tree tragedy, new hope blossoms. A godly super-group sends cosmic aid to Middle Earth. Morgoth wishes he had more sunblock. Sam and Raleigh shine new sunlight on some of the most epic battles of the Lord of the Rings, including the legendary charge of Théoden and his Riders of Rohan. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 13: As ages passed in the Blessed Realm, those back in Middle Earth were not idle. Thingol builds a top-notch stronghold. The Dwarves wake up from their long nap. Melian girdles-up for dangers to come. Raleigh and Sam admire the results of Elf/Dwarf synergy and behold the first battle of Elves and Orcs. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 12: Are you lost? With the action (and names) flying fast and furious in the Silmarillion, Sam and Raleigh take a step back to make sure they know what the heck is going on. Sam runs through our journey so far, from the emptiness of the void to the exile of the Noldor elves. Raleigh, the first time reader, gets going on geography, genealogy, and cosmology, while exploring freedom, fallibility, and fate. If you're confused by the Tolkiens' messy, brilliant narrative, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up on the key characters and events before pressing forward. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 11: Corruption of the best is the worst. Melkor and Ungoliant pull off a nefarious jewel heist. Fëanor leads a divided people into exile. Innocent blood is spilled in the Blessed Realm. Raleigh and Sam bemoan the end of Valinor's Golden Age and the evil that grows from Fëanor's loathful oath. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 10: Tragedy befalls the Blessed Realm, and nothing will ever be the same again. Melkor and the monstrous Ungoliant assault the Two Trees. Fëanor pouts at the gods' party. Darkness covers the world. Sam and Raleigh follow the path of destruction and shine a light into Shelob's shadowy lair. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 9: Fëanor creates the Silmarils, then gets weird about them. Melkor spreads some mean gossip, then runs off. Our book receives its name! Raleigh and Sam weigh Fëanor's supreme bling against the future One Ring, ruminate on Melkor's rumors, and shudder at the approaching shadow. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 8: The living is easy in the Blessed Realm, but trouble is on the horizon. Fëanor crafts a bunch of cool stuff. Melkor gets out of god-jail on parole. Sam and Raleigh compare the masterful Elf to the conniving god and jump into the joint venture between the Arda Corporation and Mel-Corp. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 7: ♪Ooh, Teleri, do you know what that's worth? Ooh, heaven is a place on earth♪ The Teleri drop off Círdan on the West Coast before crossing the sea to join the other Elves in the promised land. Raleigh and Sam surf with the shipwrights, flesh-out Finwë's flock, and groove along to Galadriel's swan-ship song. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 6: Who needs heaven when you have love? An Elven high-king gives Valinor a hard-ignore and forms a one-of-a-kind partnership with a beautiful demigod. Raleigh and Sam explore an Aragorn call-back and dive into a divine relationship that will shape the fates of Elves and Men. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 5: Melkor expands his evil Mel-Corp until he gets kicked out by Arda event security. The Elves appear in starlight and head West to meet the gods. Sam and Raleigh arrange the Elves onto Potter-based shelves and mine the mysteries of the Misty Mountains. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 4: The godly foreman Aulë gets bored and creates the Dwarves. Neither his god-father nor god-wife are happy about it. Raleigh and Sam delve into Durin's folk and explore the concurrent emergence of Eagles and Ents. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 3: Melkor gets bounced by Arda Event Security, but sneaks back in during nap time and knocks over the two fancy lamps. The Valar, exasperated, create two trees that are even fancier than the lamps. Time begins. Raleigh and Sam speculate on Elvish snobbery and unriddle Gandalf's name-dropping during his epic Balrog battle. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 2: The Valar grab their gear and hire some staff to start building the world. Melkor rebrands as Morgoth and hires Sauron as his Vice President. Sam and Raleigh separate the gods from the slobs and follow Gandalf to find the power in pity. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’

Episode 1: Ilúvatar starts an a-cappella group. Melkor goes solo. The world is created... sort of. Sam and Raleigh search for the meaning in music and translate Tolkien’s thoughts on translation. Quenya Questions in Quarantine: Join a first-time reader and a Middle Earth veteran on an isolation-inspired adventure through J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Silmarillion.’