After years of Karl’s persistent hounding, Scott finally reads The Lord of the Rings. The two discuss elves, orcs, dwarfs, hobbits, and so much more.

Disclaimer: If you haven’t yet already, do not watch The Lord of the Ring movies before reading the books. Don’t let your first Tolkien experience be from Peter Jackson. Karl will find you and scold you.

The whole genre of fantasy literature, creating a world that isn’t this one and giving it a history, originates from one man— J.R.R. Tolkien.

In the first episode of this two-part series, Scott and Karl begin discussing Tolkien’s ability to create a world so big it doesn’t have edges. Amidst all the magic, you’ll find themes of classism, progressive temptation, and domination of will. But you’ll also come to know what true friendship looks like, what glory feels like once you've given yourself the occasion, and ultimately how you ought to relate to the world.

Anthony Nieves, Chair of the Institute for Supply Management