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The Wisdom of Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings

The Wisdom of Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings

The Wisdom of Tolkien:
The Lord of the Rings

Tracing the Wisdom of Arda

In this 12-module study of The Lord of the Rings, we discuss legends, lore, philosophy, and the abundance of wisdom contained in Tolkien's great epic. This course includes companion videos for the entirety of the text, secondary lessons on related topics, and recorded live discussions.

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Course Introduction

The Wisdom of Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings

Course Outline

A deep study of The Lord of the Rings, combining close reading, philosophical reflection, and recorded discussions.

Introduction
  • Recommended Secondary Reading (PDF)
  • Course Introduction
Module 1 – Book 1, Foreword – Ch. 5
  • The Ainulindalë (PDF)
  • Riddles in the Dark (Original vs. Revisited)
  • Ainulindalë
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 2 – Book 1, Chs. 6 – 12
  • On Three Ways of Writing for Children (PDF)
  • On Stories (PDF)
  • The Adventures of Tom Bombadil (PDF)
  • The Hoard (PDF)
  • The Adventures of Tom Bombadil (Additional PDF)
  • Hobbit Drinking Medley
  • Allegory and Application
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 3 – Book 2, Chs. 1 – 5
  • The Ring of Gyges (PDF)
  • Eärendillinwë (PDF)
  • Errantry (PDF)
  • The Ring of Gyges
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 4 – Book 2, Chs. 6 – 10
  • Sauron and the Passing Shadow
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 5 – Book 3, Chs. 1 – 6
  • Eärendil the Mariner
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 6 – Book 3, Chs. 7 – 11
  • The Long Defeat
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 7 – Book 4, Chs. 1 – 5
  • Isildur and the Fall of Númenor
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 8 – Book 4, Chs. 6 – 10
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 9 – Book 5, Chs. 1 – 6
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 10 – Book 5, Chs. 7 – 10
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 11 – Book 6, Chs. 1 – 5
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion
Module 12 – Book 6, Chs. 6 – 9
  • Reading Companion
  • Recorded Live Discussion