Sqpn: Secrets Of Middle-earth

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.