Secrets of Middle Earth

On the cusp of Rings of Power season 2, Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Patrick Mason break down the final trailer and explore Galadriel's journey, Sauron's manipulations, the potential roles of Elrond, Dwarves, and Numenor, and Tom Bombadil.

The post Rings of Power Season 2 Final Trailer Review appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Continuing their exploration of The Silmarillion, Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker discuss "The Return of the Noldor" and the themes of victory and loss, leadership, loyalty, and kinship and the pride of the Noldor.

The post Quenta Silmarillion, Ch: 13 The Return of the Noldor appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Rings of Power Season 2 is almost here and Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Mike Schramm preview the new season; their reflections on season 1; hopes and fears for the second; and the themes of friendship, loyalty, valor, and redemption that the show embraces.

The post Rings of Power Season 2 Preview appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Inklings! Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Alix Murray discuss literary friends J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, how their shared experiences and academic careers led to the Inklings and how that friendship shaped Narnia and Middle Earth.

The post Tolkien and Lewis appeared first on StarQuest Media.

StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for all listeners and supporters of StarQuest's shows.

The post A Special Message from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Of the Sindar, Sun and Moon, and Men. Thomas Salerno, Patrick Mason, and Jeff Haecker discuss the next part of the Silmarillion in their ongoing deep read series, and discuss the themes of light vs. dark, life and death, and the gift of mortality.

The post Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 10-12 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Before the upcoming big budget Hollywood film was announced, there was a fan film about the hunt for Gollum, and Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason dive in to discuss it. Plus lots of discussion of upcoming Middle Earth-themed media.

The post The Hunt for Gollum (Fan Film) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Continuing their walk through the Silmarillion, Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss the tragic kinslaying and the oath that would bring doom to Middle Earth as well as the themes of pride, betrayal and the consequences of your actions.

The post Quenta Silmarillion, Ch. 9: Flight of the Noldor appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Much of modern culture was influenced by Tolkien's writings and Star Warsis no different. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason are joined by Kathryn Laffrey to discuss all the ways that Tolkien's ideas, characters, and plots have influenced Star Wars.

The post Middle Earth in Star Wars appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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.

The post Ainulindale and Valaquenta appeared first on StarQuest Media.

StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give

The post A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Examining Tolkien's Elves and Dwarves, Thomas Salerno, Mike Schramm, and Jeff Haecker discuss their mystical and earthly natures; portrayals in media; their rich backstory in "The Silmarillion;" symbolism in their relationship—elves reflect beauty; dwarves, greed; their history of conflict and cooperation, especially in "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," where Gimli and Legolas's friendship exemplifies their potential harmony.

The post Elves and Dwarves appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Explore the theological and philosophical themes concerning good, evil, and power, as reflected in the One Ring's symbolism. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Mike Schramm discuss the influences of Tolkien’s work on modern fantasy, highlighting the Ring's evolution from a plot tool to a symbol of power and corruption, paralleled in modern takes on sin and redemption. The Ring's symbolic narrative rooted in Judeo-Christian themes signifies a timeless struggle between power’s allure and the redemption found in its renunciation, showcasing Tolkien's enduring impact on the genre and moral discourse.

The post The One Ring appeared first on StarQuest Media.

One of the first film versions of Tolkien's work, Rankin Bass's animated The Hobbit continues to delight. Thomas Salerno, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jeff Haecker discuss the virtues of the adaptation and the differences from its more famous brethren.

The post The Hobbit (1977) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

We need your help to continue to produce our great Catholic shows that explore the intersection of faith and modern culture and look at the world from a uniquely Catholic perspective.

The post A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Not all Middle-Earth movies are big-budget Hollywood productions. Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, and Jeff Haecker review the fan-made LOTR film "Born of Hope" and discuss the bittersweet tale of Aragorn's parents Arathorn and Gilraen.

The post Born of Hope appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Smeagol or Gollum? Thomas Salerno, Thomas Sanjurjo, Jeff Haecker, and Kaitlyn Facista do a deep dive on the character of this Ringbearer, his motivations and roles in various, the latest video game featuring Gollum, and the controversial opinion: Is Gollum the hero of LOTR?

The post Gollum appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Happy Father's Day! Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, and Thomas Sanjurjo are celebrating Dads as they discuss the fathers of Middle Earth, both good and bad, including both biological fathers and spiritual fathers.

The post Middle Earth Fathers appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Happy Mother's Day! Jeff Haecker, Kaitlyn Fascista, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Thomas Salerno discuss motherhood in Tolkien's Legendarium and Rings of Power, including how his own mother's death at a young age affected his portrayal of mothers in his own works.

The post Mothers of Middle Earth appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Valar are the angelic guardians of Middle-earth who watch over the heroes and influence the world in dramatic and surprising ways. Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jeff Haecker discuss their favorite Valar and even create their own original Valar characters.

The post The Valar appeared first on StarQuest Media.

It's Tolkien reading day and Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, Jeff Haecker, and Thomas Sanjurjo offer up their favorite passages on the theme of travel and adventure, from the darkest depths to the hopeful highs.

The post Tolkien Reading Day 2023: Adventure appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Tolkien's stories are filled with tales of romance and friendship, and Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jeff Haecker discuss all the great love stories, including their favorites, like Beren and Luthien, Aragorn and Arwen, and even Gimli and Galadriel.

The post Love Stories of the Legendarium appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Faith is the topic for Jeff Haecker, Thomas Sanjurjo, Thomas Salerno, and Kaitlyn Facista as they discuss Tolkien's own Catholic faith and how he saw it in his works, plus the faiths of the people of his creation in Middle Earth.

The post The Faith of Tolkien appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Who is Tom Bombadil? Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker discuss the enigmatic Tom: Who is he? What did Tolkien have to say about him? And what other similarly enigmatic characters are there in the Legendarium?

The post Tom Bombadil appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What to get that Tolkien fan in your life for Christmas? Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker have Tolkien-related and adjacent gift ideas for all the fans in your life (or for your own Christmas list).

The post Tolkien Christmas Gift Guide appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Dom Bettinelli, CEO of StarQuest, has a special Advent and Christmas greetings for all listeners and an important message about the mission of StarQuest.

The post Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

With Season 1 complete, Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, and Jeff Haecker give a new look back to the whole season, including how it all appears on a re-watch, plus their predictions for what comes next.

The post Rings of Power, Season 1 Review appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Finale! Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker discuss the Rings of Power finale; the big reveal of two characters; the forging of the Rings; and the future of this podcast.

The post Rings of Power, Ep. 8: Alloyed appeared first on StarQuest Media.

As season 1 races toward its end, Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker continue to play "guess the Sauron;" marvel at the Dwarves; note the characters who CAN'T die; and note the Tolkien-ish flourishes in the script.

The post Rings of Power, Episode 7: The Eye appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Doom! Thomas Salerno, Kaitlyn Facista, and Jeff Haecker discuss the latest episode, including the question of the redeemability of orcs; Halbrand's secret; and Galadriel's focused drive.

The post Rings of Power, Ep. 6: Udun appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The mystery of mithril. Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker discuss the latest episode, including the great friendship between Durin and Elrond; the odd trio following the Harfoots; and Gil-galad's tale about the origin of mithril.

The post Rings of Power, Ep. 5: Partings appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Choose not the path of fear, but of faith. Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Thomas Salerno, and Jeff Haecker discuss episode 4 and the vision of the great wave; theories about the identities of various characters; and how Galadriel's character is being built.

The post Rings of Power, Ep. 4: The Great Wave appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Mysteries abound this week as Thomas Sanjurjo, Kaitlyn Facista, Jeff Haecker, and Thomas Salerno discuss the arrival at Numenor, and the increasing number of questions and strangers in this 3rd episode of The Rings of Power.

The post Rings of Power, Ep. 3: Adar appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Hope and vigilance! Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, Thomas Salerno, and Kaitlyn Facista discuss the 1st 2 episodes of The Rings of Power, the themes it is unrolling so far, and how faithful to Tolkien's vision it stays.

The post Shadow of the Past and Adrift appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Preparing for The Rings of Power, Dom Bettinelli gathers Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Kaitlyn Facista to talk about their love for Tolkien; their hopes and fears for the new series; and Kaitlyn's pre-release access to the show and its cast and crew.

The post We’re Going On An Adventure appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Secrets of Middle Earth is returning. As Amazon prepares to unveil its blockbuster series that brings us back to Tolkien's world, Starquest is relaunching its popular podcast, The Secrets of Middle Earth.

The post Return to Middle Earth appeared first on StarQuest Media.

StarQuest (SQPN) wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are grateful for all your support in 2020 whether by listening to our programs, sharing them with your friends, or providing financial support. Please consider supporting our media apostolate with a US tax-deductible gift and help us continue making the programs you love.

The post Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

It's in the darkest moments, when Bilbo faces the most dangerous monsters, that he grows the most. What can his encounters with goblins, spiders and Smaug teach us about facing the dangers in our own life? And what is the biggest threat to middle-earth that also often endangers our own world?

The post HTL004: Dragon Sickness appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In this episode, we follow Bilbo Baggins and learn from his encounter with the trolls. How can we deal with the trolls in our own lives?

The post HTLH003: Trolls appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What would you do if one day a wizard knocked on your door, looking for someone to go on an adventure? Would you jump up and leave, or would you politely refuse the invitation and stay where you are? Are you a Baggins or more like a Took? How can we follow in Bilbo's footsteps?

The post HTLH002: Adventure appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Who wouldn't want to trade their busy, noisy and stressful world for a life in the Shire? It all starts with what is perhaps the most important characteristic of a Hobbit lifestyle: contentment.

The post HTL001: Contentment appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In this episode, Fr. Roderick, Laura and Inge take you to Duillond, Celondim and Gondamon to discover the history of the elves in Ered Luin. Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME026: The Elves of Ered Luin appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In this special Christmas episode, we visit the town of Frostbluff and talk about Tolkien’s letters from Father Christmas and their influence on the creation of Middle-earth. Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Get the Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien on Amazon (sponsored link) Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME025: Frostbluff appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode, we follow the great river Anduin to the south and we explore Thinglad and Eorlsmead. We also briefly visit the town of Stangard and stumble upon an impressive statue! Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME024: The Great River appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode we explore Lothlórien, we visit Caras Caladhon and meet with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. We even discover Galadriel’s mirror and talk to Frodo and the rest of the Fellowship. Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME023: Lothlórien appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In this episode we explore the mysterious Mirrormere and learn more about the ancient history of the dwarves. After that, we venture back into Moria in search of the Endless Stair. Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME022: Mirrormere appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  We enter the Mines of Moria and we explore the depths of Khazad-dum. Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes  

The post SME021: The Mines of Moria appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode, we look at the night sky above the hills of Eregion, and we explore the origins of the moon, the sun and the stars. Click here and leave us a review on iTunes! Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME020: Middle-earth Cosmology appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode, we explore the Trollshaws east of the Lone-lands, an area long ago inhabited by the Men of Rhûdaur. Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME019: The Trollshaws appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In this episode we travel to Michel Delving to meet with special guest Dr. Jason Jewell. He tells us all about the Inklings and about the three hobbits and the small rabbit in the Bird and Baby Inn. Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes  

The post SME018: The Inklings appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode, we travel from Buckland to the ‘Green Dragon’ in Bywater to talk with the Tolkien Professor about the importance of Hobbits in Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes  

The post SME017: Hobbits and Humility appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In this episode we continue our Lone-Lands exploration, visiting the southern ruins of Minas Eriol, Mithrenost and Ost Guruth where we meet Radagast the Brown. Who is he? What are wizards and where did they come from? How does Middle-earth magic compare to the magic we see in other stories? Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with […]

The post SME016: The Lone Lands appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  We investigate the Hobbit settlement of Staddle, east of Bree. In the footsteps of the Fellowship of the Ring we trek east to Weathertop through the Midgewater Marshes and the Midgewater Pass. What can we learn from hobbit hospitality? What purpose do the numerous ruins we see have? Why did Gandalf refer too the […]

The post SME015: The Midgewater Marshes appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode we take you on a tour of Bree and discover the past and the present of the town where Frodo met Strider for the first time. Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME014: Visiting Bree appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  We travel from Ram Dúath through Malenhad to Nan Gurth in Angmar. Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME013: Journey Through Angmar appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  We enter Angmar and look for dragons! Subscribe to the Feed |Subscribe with iTunes  

The post SME012: Dangerous Dragons appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  We meet the rangers of Esteldin and travel to the perilous ruins of Fornost. Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME011: The Rangers of Esteldin appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  We explore the North-Western part of the Misty Mountains and climb the Bitter Stair to get a glimpse of Helegrod. Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME010: The Bitter Stair appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode we travel to the perilous Misty Mountains to explore the Western Bruinen Source, the High Crag and the Giant Halls while trying to avoid trolls, evil dwarves and giants. Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME009: The Misty Mountains appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode we talk about the complex relations between elves and humans and we discuss how the books and the movies portray the romantic relationship of Arwen and Aragorn. Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME008: Arwen and Aragorn appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode we walk around in Rivendell and we continue our discussion about the elves in Middle-earth. Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME007: Children of Ilúvatar appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode we travel to Rivendell and visit the Last Homely House. We talk about the origins and the history of the elves in Middle-earth. Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with iTunes

The post SME006: The Elves of Rivendell appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode of the Secrets of Middle-earth, we explore the snowy region of Ered Luin, where dwarves mine the depths of the Blue Mountains for treasure. We learn about the surprising origin of the Dwarves, we discover the true reason of their fascination with gold and other precious metals, and we gain insight […]

The post SME005: The Dwarves of the Blue Mountains appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  We travel from the Shire to Lake Evendim and discover the glorious past of the city of Annuminas. Who is represented by the gigantic statue on the eastern shore of the lake? Why is the city of Annuminas in ruins? Will Aragorn bring a new dawn to Evendim? Subscribe to the Feed | Subscribe with […]

The post SME004: Annuminas and the Shores of Evendim appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this episode, we make a perilous journey through the Old Forest in search of Tom Bombadil. Tom is one of the most mysterious characters in Middle Earth. How old is he? And what is he? A human? An elf? And why has the One Ring no grip on him? Subscribe to the Feed | […]

The post SME003: Tom Bombadil and the Old Forest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  This episode of the Secrets of Middle-earth is recorded in the Shire! We will visit the place where it all began for Bilbo and Frodo: Bag End. We will explore the ancient medieval legends that inspired Tolkien in his creation of Bilbo and young Frodo, and we will see what Frodo has in common with […]

The post SME002: Visiting Bag End appeared first on StarQuest Media.

  In this first episode of the Secrets of Middle-earth: presentation of the podcast; Middle Earth in books, movies and games; news: Children of Hurin, the world wide launch of Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar; a tour of Archet in Bree-land; fighting wolves, boars and brigands. Lord of the Rings: a catholic […]

The post SME001: Archet in Breeland appeared first on StarQuest Media.