In this episode, we detour into a delightfully dramatic footnote about the Númenóreans popping back into Middle-earth after centuries away and accidentally freaking everyone out just a little. Then it’s back to Númenor, where a prince who cannot quit the Sea, a dad who would really like him to stay home and learn king stuff, and a growing band of enthusiastic sailors keep missing each other completely. Add in feasts, shiny new titles, ever-bigger ships, and one quietly important newcomer, and you’ve got a story full of lore, family tension, and some truly impressive levels of maritime stubbornness—all with the sense that this is only the beginning.
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This week on The Sisters of the Shire Podcast, we’re bringing you a special bonus Christmas episode that trades epic quests for hot cocoa and childhood wonder as we dive into Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas. This is an episode made for indulging your inner child—and maybe sharing with the actual children in your life—as Ashley and her daughter Lizzie take turns reading selections from the letters, while Abi and Ashley pause to discuss the unmistakable Tolkien-ness woven through every polar bear mishap and goblin-infested snowdrift. We talk about what these letters reveal about Tolkien as a father, a storyteller, and a world-builder, and why this small, playful corner of his writing still feels so magical. Settle in by the fire and join us for a Christmas episode that’s more North Pole chaos than Middle-earth catastrophe.
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We’re kicking off Aldarion and Erendis: The Mariner’s Wife with a story full of stars, ships, and Númenórean family tension. This episode introduces Meneldur, a future king who prefers stargazing to ruling, and his son Aldarion, who is far more interested in the sea than the throne. With legendary sailors, famous Elves, and the irresistible pull of the ocean, we explore how a simple love of sailing might become something much bigger—and far more complicated.
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This week on Sisters of the Shire, we journey straight into the heart of the star-shaped island of Númenor—the great central region known as the Mittalmar. While last week we toured the five pointed coasts, this time we explore the vast inland plains, the scattered “cookie-bite” regions of Emerië and Arandor, and the towering sacred mountain Meneltarma, where the Three Prayers once echoed in perfect silence. We’ll uncover why horses ruled the roads, why seabirds basically formed their own welcoming committee, and how Númenor’s love of the sea shaped everything from their tools to their traditions. And of course… we dig into legendary heirlooms that made the journey from Beleriand to Númenor—including one that survives long after the island’s fall. Join us for a deep dive into the landscapes, customs, and surprising treasures at the very center of Númenor’s story!
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This week we officially enter the Second Age with “A Description of the Island of Númenor.” Before stepping onto that legendary star-shaped island, we give a quick, drama-filled recap of the major events that transformed Middle-earth and paved the way for the rise of the Dúnedain. Then we dive into Tolkien’s rare sketch of Númenor, the partially lost records Christopher Tolkien pieced together, and the tantalizing hints of what survived the island’s downfall. From fragrant forests to stargazing towers, hidden bays to ancient havens, we explore Númenor like the archivists of old—setting the stage for the story to come.
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We finally come to the conclusion of Turin’s story—and what a wild, dramatic finale it is. In this episode, we sort through some of the most unexpectedly Shakespearean moments Tolkien ever wrote, as Turin wakes after the battle with Glaurung and tries to piece together the chaos that followed. Misread signals, rising tempers, and a whole crowd of very confused onlookers make for one unforgettable morning in Brethil. It’s intense, it’s messy, and yes, we add a little humor to keep ourselves from falling apart right along with the characters. Tune in now to hear how it all unfolds.
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Moonlight, mystery, and some seriously mixed-up emotions! Níniel takes off on her own path, Brandir tries (and fails) to keep up, and fate is about to crash the party. Join us as the story of Túrin Turambar heads toward its most unforgettable moment yet.
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Turambar’s dragon-slaying mission finally comes to its fiery climax! In this episode, we follow Túrin, Dorlas, and Hunthor as they descend into the deadly ravine of Cabed-en-Aras—where courage, doom, and dragon breath collide. Between retching from Glaurung’s stench, losing yet another companion, and trusting entirely to “hope and chance,” Túrin proves once again that being cursed really does make for terrible life choices. But victory (and tragedy) await in equal measure as the Black Sword strikes true.
🔥 Tune in for: courage, chaos, and one seriously smelly dragon.
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Surprise bonus episode, part two! Abi and Ashley are back with another pack-opening adventure from Magic: The Gathering – Universes Beyond: The Lord of the Rings Tales of Middle-earth by Wizards of the Coast! After having so much fun with our first pack, we couldn’t resist diving into another one to see what new treasures awaited us. Once again, we’re total Magic newbies—but that doesn’t stop us from geeking out over the stunning artwork, clever lore connections, and a few hilarious surprises along the way. It’s a lighthearted episode full of laughs, gasps, and more Tolkien-inspired card magic!
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Turin’s got a plan—and it involves sneaking up on a very dangerous dragon. What could go wrong? As he, Dorlas, and Hunthor set out on their stealth mission, timing, courage, and a dash of misplaced confidence are all they’ve got on their side. Meanwhile, back home, Nienor Niniel refuses to sit quietly and wait for doom to knock—while poor Brandir finds himself deep in the friend zone and spiraling fast.
Who will face the Dragon first—and who will regret their choices most? Tune in for danger, defiance, and one very bad plan.
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While Turin and Nienor enjoyed a few short years of peace, the dragon of Nargothrond was busy—growing, plotting, and gathering his forces. When a new threat begins pressing into the Forest of Brethil, Turin must choose between keeping his vows of secrecy and safety…or revealing himself once more as the Black Sword. Just as the woodmen begin to hope their struggles are behind them, word spreads that Glaurung is on the move—and he isn’t coming quietly.
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Surprise bonus episode! While Abi and Ashley were together for a visit, we bought and opened our very first pack of Magic: The Gathering – Universes Beyond: The Lord of the Rings Tales of Middle-earth cards from Wizards of the Coast. Neither of us actually play Magic: The Gathering, but we couldn’t resist the chance to admire the gorgeous artwork, creative details, and all the ways these cards tie into Tolkien’s world. It’s a short, fun episode full of first-time reactions, laughs, and a little extra Tolkien magic.
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Turin and his men stumble across a mysterious young woman in the wild—and from that moment, nothing will be quite the same. As Nienor (or Niniel, as she’s now called) begins to heal, new bonds form, old shadows lurk, and things get… complicated.
Also, quick heads-up: the audio got a little wonky this time. No Balrogs involved—we promise—but we did our best to smooth it out. Thanks for sticking with us!
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Last episode ended on a heavy note with Mablung’s sorrow, but in today’s chapter the path takes some unexpected turns. What begins with a glimmer of relief quickly shifts into new challenges, as a long journey leads through hidden roads, moments of weariness, and dangers lurking closer than anyone dares to expect. Along the way, we’ll talk about Tolkien’s tender touches of parenthood woven into the tale, curious echoes of the Valar, and imagery that feels both haunting and beautiful. And just when rest seems possible, storm and shadow change everything once again—setting the stage for a powerful new turn in the story.
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Morwen and Nienor are hitting the road (well, forest) on a daring quest to find Turin — but things are getting pretty quiet... maybe too quiet? Mablung’s on edge, dragons are smelling bad (literally), and sneaky spying on Nargothrond is the new game plan. Join us as we dive into tangled timelines, a grumpy elf’s travel complaints, and a very sassy dragon who loves mind games. It’s a wild ride full of surprises, magic, and a whole lot of “what just happened?!” moments.
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Big news from the Shire! We got early access to Tales of the Shire and couldn’t wait to share all the details with you. In this episode, hear our honest review—the good (so much good!), the tiny bit of bad, and a few funny little glitches that honestly just added to the charm. Is it fun for kids? Can you really garden, fish, decorate your Hobbit home, and befriend a duck named Ladle? (Spoiler: YES.) If you’ve been wondering what this cozy little game is really like, we’ve got all the answers—and plenty of laughs—waiting for you!
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This week, we’re shifting our focus from Túrin’s forest brooding to a bold new journey—one led by a mother who refuses to sit still while rumors swirl. As whispers from Nargothrond reach Doriath, tensions rise, tempers flare, and long-held restraint begins to crack. Duty, grief, and stubborn determination collide in unexpected ways as new characters step forward and familiar ones surprise us. Let’s just say… the House of Húrin isn’t done stirring things up, and not even Thingol and Melian can keep the storm from brewing.
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In this episode, Túrin parts ways with the survivors of Dor-lómin (probably for their own safety) and heads off to rescue Finduilas… a month too late. Along the way, he fakes an army, earns a new nickname ("Wildman of the Woods"—creative!), and ends up collapsing on a grave in peak dramatic fashion. Brandir is not thrilled to have him around, but Túrin decides it's time for a fresh start: new name, new outlook, same old doom. What could go wrong?
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In this episode, we’re diving back into the chaos that is Turin's life: a surprise reunion with a long-lost friend (awww), a mysterious marriage that leaves us wanting it's own fan fiction , and—because it’s Turin—a fresh wave of bloodshed, violence, and bad decisions.
Join us as we unravel the drama, despair, and darkly poetic tragedy of one of Tolkien’s most complicated characters. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll probably yell “WHY” more than once. Grab your helm (you know the one) and take a listen!
In this quick and cozy episode, Abi and Ashley go full nerd-mode as we proudly show off our personal Tolkien collections—our very own “dragon hoards”! From prized books and gifted treasures to thrifted finds and sentimental keepsakes, we chat about how we got them, why we love them, and what makes them special. You’ll hear us gush over goodies from:
Little People – @fisherprice
Mini Verse – @officialminiverse
Kip Rasmussen Art – @kiprasmussenart
Lord of the Maps – @lordofthemaps
Her Universe – @heruniverse
BoxLunch Gifts – @boxlunchgifts
Funko Pops – @originalfunko
David Day – @daviddaybooks
LEGO – @lego
Loungefly – @loungefly
It’s basically a virtual shelf tour full of laughter, love, and pure Middle-earth joy!
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