In episode 274, we explore Valaquenta, the pantheon of Middle-earth's gods!

"Valaquenta" introduces us to the Valar, the Maiar, and the main Enemies of Middle-earth. We get to know a few about figures like Manwë, Varda, Ulmo, and Yavanna, and this really helps when you're diving into The Silmarillion.

Join us!

WATCH THIS EPISODE » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtRxezDytYo

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: John R, Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “The cycles should be linked to a majestic whole, and yet leave scope for other minds and hands, wielding paint and music and drama. Absurd.” - Tolkien, 1951

CONTENTS:
- Quote of the Week » 3:54
- Textual History of Valaquenta » 11:18
- Valaquenta » What it means » 14:40
- The Valar » 17:40
- Manwë & Varda (Elbereth) »21:10
- Melkor » 22:38
- Ulmo » 31:00
- Aulë & Yavanna » 32:17
- Mandos & Vairë » 37:00
- Lórien & Estë » 39:40
- Nienna » 40:09
- Tulkas & Nessa » 47:55
- Oromë & Vána » 49:28
- The Maiar » 51:20
- Ilmarë » 51:56
- Eönwë » 52:53
- Ossë & Uinen » 53:00
- Melian » 56:03
- Olórin (Gandalf / Mithrandir) » 56:27
- Gandalf in LOTR on Prime? » 59:40
- Other Maiar? (Saruman / Radagast / Mermaids / Dryads / Eagles) » 1:00:30
- Melkor » 1:02:15
- Valaraukar (Balrogs) » 1:02:45
- Sauron (Gorthaur the Cruel / Mairon) » 1:03:10
- Haiku » 1:04:30

HELPFUL LINKS
- buy The Silmarillion » https://amzn.to/3FOKAY5
- Valaquenta 2015 » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxKN8C6V1pY&t=0s
- Etymology of Valaquenta » http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Valaquenta#Etymology
- The Eagles Are Maiar (Nature of Middle-earth) » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGub_7-s_I0&t=1570s

SPECIAL THANKS:
- John R
- Kaitlyn of Tea with Tolkien
- Ms. Anonymous
- Andrew T
- Redhawk
- Shannon S
- Brian O
- Emilio P
- Zeke F
- James A
- James L
- Chris L
- Chuck F
- Asya V
- Ish of the Hammer
- Teresa C
- David of Pints with Jack
- Jonathan D
- Eric S
- Joey S
- Eric B
- Johanna T
- Mike M
- Robert H
- Paul D
- Julia
- Werty
- Matthew W
- JoeBagelMan

AS WELL AS THOSE CELEBRATING THEIR PATRON ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH (JANUARY OF 2022) » Tyler W, Mike M, Elina V, Richard K, Melanie, Scott W, Jason T, David G, John R