Beginnings of Middle-earth: language first

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In this episode Conor sits down with renowned author and literary scholar Joseph Pearce for a deep dive into the life, faith, and imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien. From Tolkien’s childhood and the trauma of World War I to his years at Oxford and friendship with C.S. Lewis, Pearce reveals how Tolkien’s personal suffering and deeply-held Catholic faith shaped his life and the creation of Middle-earth.

At the heart of the conversation is Tolkien’s idea of “dragon sickness”: the danger of comfort, greed, and being owned by what we own. Through Bilbo’s journey, Tolkien delivers a timeless warning to a culture obsessed with wealth, security, and ease—and points toward freedom through sacrifice, humility, and adventure.

🌐 Learn more about Joseph and support his work at: https://jpearce.co

🎧 If you enjoy this episode, then check out The Authority: TAN’s Podcast with Joseph on great works of literature: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfAMkqREoxMvFVf9Ww5DBsUENSyLB6f34&si=KwLlDgsbEePV7ZTP

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CHAPTERS

• 0:00 - Trailer
• 6:55 - Joseph's Work
• 11:35 - Tolkien's Early Life
• 17:55 - Meeting His Wife, Edith
• 24:02 - Tolkien's Creation Myth
• 30:13 - Oxford Years and World War I
• 47:45 - Writing Stories
• 58:11 - The Father Christmas Letters & Family Life
• 1:05:17 - The Inklings
• 1:17:13 - Tolkien's Faith
• 1:32:56 - Dragon Sickness & the Catholic Imagery of Middle Earth
• 1:51:20 - Gandalf, Frodo, and Bilbo
• 2:11:43 - Magic in Tolkien Versus Rowling
• 2:16:18 - Samwise Gamgee
• 2:18:00 - Providence