Where the Shadows Lie: A Rings of Power Podcast
An analytical, fannish space for all things Rings of Power, with Kat and Wren.
Join us as we delve into the world-building, art and design, and character development of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. On this podcast, you'll find in-depth discussions of both canon and original characters, meta analyses of the show's thematic choices, and thoughtful engagement with the series' transformational choices, which often build on and interrogate the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Most of all, we hope our discussions inspire your own interpretations of the show and deepen your experience of the series’ content and themes, all while appreciating the artisans, performers, and crew whose labor has made this return to Middle-earth possible.
Subscribe for notifications about our hiatus episodes, where we'll be taking deep dives into specific characters, themes, and aspects of the lore.
Where the Shadows Lie: A Rings of Power Podcast
Ep. 15: Discussing The Rings of Power, "Where Is He?"
We don't want to brag, but this might be our highest level episode of the podcast yet. Rings of Power 2x06 "Where is He?" still has us thinking of analysis we want to add. But it's good we can't, because this episode is almost 2 hours long!
As usual, we're talking most about Númenor. We examine the beautiful tension expressed between Eärien, Elendil, and Míriel, as well as the implications of the Sea Trial for our beloved Queen of the Sea. Kat also gives a detailed thematic read of "The Mariner's Wife" from The Unfinished Tales, connecting Aldarion and Erendis' story to the conflicts we're seeing in Númenor. Then we gush about Disa and Durin. Wren gets super meta too, analyzing the big picture POV choices the writers are making, and introducing what she calls the "TROP as LeGuinian Tolkien" theory, discussing what Rings of Power understands about Frodo and Gollum.
Listen through for some slick beats and fresh takes, wherever you get your podcasts.
Time Stamps:
00:00 - Intro, Visual Feasts, and Musical Moments
12:18 - Sauron's Design (Beat)
12:56 - Wonders of the World
23:38 - Númenor Lo-Fi (Beat)
24:25 - POV Character Breakdown Part One
36:29 - "The Mariner's Wife" Thematic Read
43:33 - Discussion of Eärien and Elendil
49:52 - Discussion of Míriel
52:57 - Discussion of Disa and Durin
56:38 - Galadriel's Theme (Beat)
57:20 - Discussion of Galadriel and Adar
1:03:26 - POV Character Breakdown Part Two
1:10:20 - Performance Awards
1:13:51 - Dialogue Dialogue
1:15:44 - Critique of the Week
1:19:20 - Sauron's Design 2 (Beat)
1:20:06 - Themes
1:22:48 - "LeGuinian Tolkien" and Discussion of Annatar and Celebrimbor
1:33:46 - Questions and Speculations