Hosts Angela and Kelsey explore how music shapes Tolkien’s world, from the cosmic creation song of the Ainulindalë to the emotional and magical uses of song throughout The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings.

The episode examines the power of song through characters like Tom Bombadil, Luthien, and even Fingolfin's rap battle with Morgoth. The episode talks about how Tolkien's songs influence the text and the films, and how Howard Shore’s score brought those songs to life for new audiences.

In this episode, hosts Angela and Kelsey explore the overlooked topic of illness in Middle‑earth—everything from Bilbo’s little cold to the Great Plague, Morgul‑wounds and the Black Breath, dragon‑sickness, and the spiritual trauma carried by characters like Frodo.

The episode looks at canonical mentions, theories about Sauron and Morgoth’s influence, how different peoples (elves, men, hobbits, and dwarves) resist or suffer disease, and the ways healing—herbal lore, Elvish arts, and the Houses of Healing—try to mend body and spirit.

**This episode contains brief mentions of sensitive topics in the context of Tolkien’s works, including depression, PTSD, and suicide, that may be triggering for some individuals.

Back from the holiday break, Angela and Kelsey take a playful, lore‑rich tour of Middle‑earth’s worst jobs — from overworked Hobbit postmen and Prancing Pony staff, to isolated beacon keepers, and even the deadly labor used to fuel the Dark Lord's ambitions.

Mixing humor and close reading, they explore thankless, hazardous, and even cosmically consequential roles and invite listeners to weigh in with their own picks.