Tolkien scholars Marilyn R. Pukkila and Sara Brown explore the rituals woven throughout The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, analyzing what each ceremonial moment reveals about Middle-earth's cultures, their values, and the storytelling choices of showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne.
Ritual is everywhere in Tolkien's world, from the sword-drawing ceremonies of the Noldor to the migration rites of the Harfoots, but it rarely gets the focused analytical attention it deserves. Marilyn and Sara bring genuine academic grounding to their close readings, drawing on anthropology, religious studies, and decades of Tolkien scholarship to ask the questions that matter: What is the design of this ritual? What is its intent? What does it reveal about the culture performing it?
Whether you are a longtime devotee of Middle-earth lore or coming to The Rings of Power fresh, Rings and Rituals offers a perspective on the series that you will not find anywhere else.
Rings and Rituals is part of the Lorehounds Network.
Find us and all our affiliates at https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds (https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Publisher
Marilyn R. Pukkila & Sara Brown
Category
arts · fiction · history · religion & spirituality · science · society & culture · tv & film
Sara revels in dwarves, even in the midst of their dilemmas, Marilyn treasures the shrine of Nienna, the oldest shrine in Númenor, and both grieve over its desecration, agreeing that Kemen is a broken wart of a human being. They see symbols of seeds everywhere, retch metaphorically over Annatar‘s gaslighting, and wonder whether it is possible that Celebrimbor is the better smith of the two. And they ponder the ways in which Númenorean rituals have changed since the days of Tar Elros – and why are they talking about green countries and swift sunrises anyway?
Contact Us
Questions or comments? Send emails to: ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com
You can also leave us a voicemail through our website, or record a voice note on your smartphone and send it to the email address above.
http://thelorehounds.com/contact (http://thelorehounds.com/contact)
Rings & Rituals is part of the Lorehounds Network. Find us, our community Discord, and all our affiliates at:
https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds (https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
7 Oct 2026
Eldest - S02E04 - Rings & Rituals
Galadriel chafes under Elrond’s command, Isildur confronts a feisty woman and a slimy surprise, the Stranger finds a goat-herder, and Nori and Poppy find — more Harfoots? Sara and Marilyn compare rituals of hospitality —or not — and greeting. They also explore a few cultural dining practices.
Where the Stars Are Strange - S02E02 - Rings & Rituals
In episode two, Sara and Marilyn find rituals of remembrance, reconstitution, repair, and dramatic revelation. They also wish that Elrond would listen to Círdan's humble wisdom.
Join the Conversation on the Lorehounds Community Discord:
https://discord.gg/thelorehounds (https://discord.gg/thelorehounds)
Contact Us:
Questions or comments? Send emails to: ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com (mailto:ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com)
You can also leave us a voicemail through our website, or record a voice note on your smartphone and send it to the email address above:
http://thelorehounds.com/contact (http://thelorehounds.com/contact)
Rings & Rituals is part of the Lorehounds Network
Find us, our community Discord, and all our affiliates at:
https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds (https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
30 Sept 2026
The Eagle and the Sceptre - S02E03 - Rings & Rituals
Join the Conversation on the Lorehounds Community Discord:
https://discord.gg/thelorehounds (https://discord.gg/thelorehounds)
Contact Us:
Questions or comments? Send emails to: ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com (mailto:ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com)
You can also leave us a voicemail through our website, or record a voice note on your smartphone and send it to the email address above:
http://thelorehounds.com/contact (http://thelorehounds.com/contact)
Rings & Rituals is part of the Lorehounds Network
Find us, our community Discord, and all our affiliates at:
https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds (https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
23 Sept 2026
Where the Stars Are Strange - S02E02
Where the Stars Are Strange - S02E02
In episode two, Sara and Marilyn find rituals of remembrance, reconstitution, repair, and dramatic revelation. They also wish that Elrond would listen to Círdan's humble wisdom.
Join the Conversation on the Lorehounds Community Discord:
https://discord.gg/thelorehounds (https://discord.gg/thelorehounds)
Contact Us:
Questions or comments? Send emails to: ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com (mailto:ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com)
You can also leave us a voicemail through our website, or record a voice note on your smartphone and send it to the email address above:
http://thelorehounds.com/contact (http://thelorehounds.com/contact)
Rings & Rituals is part of the Lorehounds Network
Find us, our community Discord, and all our affiliates at:
https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds (https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
21 Sept 2026
Elven Kings Under the Sky - S02E01 - Rings & Rituals
Marilyn and Sara returned for another season of Rings and Rituals! After a quick catch-up, they discuss a failed coronation, a lengthy re-embodiment, wanderings in the desert, and the promises and perils of a new creation with dubious origins.
Contact Us
Questions or comments? Send emails to: ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com (mailto:ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com)
You can also leave us a voicemail through our website, or record a voice note on your smartphone and send it to the email address above http://thelorehounds.com/contact (http://thelorehounds.com/contact)
Rings & Rituals is part of the Lorehounds Network
Find us, our community Discord, and all our affiliates at:
https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds (https://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
10 Sept 2024
Introducing Nevermind the Music
Calling all music fans! The Lorehounds network’s first music podcast, Nevermind the Music, is officially launching on September 10 – where two friends and academics filter their appreciation of music through the frameworks of psychology, music theory, and irreverent humor.
Check out Nevermind the Music
https://thelorehounds.com/podcast/nevermind-the-music (https://thelorehounds.com/podcast/nevermind-the-music)
Get in touch: NeverMusicPod@gmail.com (mailto:NeverMusicPod@gmail.com)
Find them on Instagram @nevermusicpod (https://www.instagram.com/nevermusicpod/)
Links to the Lorehounds’ Patreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates
linktr.ee/thelorehounds (http://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
30 Jul 2024
The Rings of Power - S01E01 - A Shadow of the Past - Rerelease
Marilyn and Sara spend time with the Noldor, comparing the ritual of the warrior Elves returning home to Valinor with Arthurian imagery, questioning the practice of carving memorials on living trees, and noting contrasts between Elves and Harfoots.
Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com.
Links to Network Affiliates and Discord
linktr.ee/thelorehounds (http://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
24 Jul 2024
Season 1 Feedback
Sara and Marilyn respond to the many notes, observations, queries, and compliments (yes, we did leave those in!) from listeners which hadn’t yet been addressed.
Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com.
Links to Network Affiliates and Discord
linktr.ee/thelorehounds (http://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
10 Jul 2024
BONUS: The Music of The Rings of Power with John Lorehound
Marilyn is joined by John from the Lorehounds Podcast to analyze the music of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. They discuss the powerful motifs of Bear McCreary, the influence of Howard Shore over the Middle-earth universe on screen, and the various ancient music traditions the show uses to differentiate the peoples of Middle-earth.
Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com.
Links to Network Affiliates and Discord
linktr.ee/thelorehounds (http://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
26 Jun 2024
Ch. 8 - Alloyed
Sara and Marilyn discuss the recent teaser for season two and the announcement that a certain actor won’t be returning for it, compare the Harfoot and Númenorean conceptions of death, celebrate the powers of libraries and archives, and ponder the nature of a certain gift–giver. And a special delight: Sara discusses alchemy in the making of the Elven rings.
Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com.
Links to Network Affiliates and Discord
linktr.ee/thelorehounds (http://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
12 Jun 2024
Ch. 7 - The Eye
Marilyn and Sara note that Poppy has a new song, Galadriel has some new introspection (and a big reveal about her past), Elrond introduces a new concept: “save it for the other side“, and Theo has a new crush. They also request listener feedback before July 9 for the series’ final episode of Feedback.Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com.
Links to Network Affiliates and Discord
linktr.ee/thelorehounds (http://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
29 May 2024
Ch. 6 - Udûn
Sara and Marilyn put a few pins in some key conversations and ask: Do Elves chant on their way to battles? How different are Orcs from Humans? And which kingdoms were, according to Galadriel, saved by humility?
Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com.
Links to Network Affiliates and Discord
linktr.ee/thelorehounds (http://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
15 May 2024
Ch. 5 - Partings
Marilyn and Sara discuss Númenorean military rituals and speculate on their expandable “just add water” horses which pack the holds of their ships so nicely. They also do a deep dive into Tolkien’s conceptions of magic (magia and goetia) in honor of the Hissy Sisters, who are quite difficult to define.
Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com.
Links to Network Affiliates and Discord
linktr.ee/thelorehounds (http://linktr.ee/thelorehounds)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
1 May 2024
Ch. 4 - The Great Wave
Sara and Marilyn marvel over the voice of Disa, which can make even stone weep, the ritual culture of Orcs (who usually make others weep for rather different reasons), and the ways that contrasting oaths may reveal what is sacred to a person or a culture. And they have even more feedback!
17 Apr 2024
Ch. 3 - Adar
Marilyn and Sara ponder the absolutes in cultural affirmations, the transformations of symbol systems as cultures change, and the astonishing appearance of ritual behavior in Orcs. Marilyn points out the ritual which inspired this entire podcast project, and Sara (unwisely?) encourages her to wax enthusiastically about Nienna. And we have feedback – yay!
3 Apr 2024
Ch. 2 - Adrift
Sara and Marilyn reflect on the competitive and cooperative natures of the Dwarves, the communal and conforming behaviors of the Harfoots (with one notable exception), and the illuminating observations of Celebrimbor in Episode 2 of “Rings and Rituals”. Even Amazon Ads got into the spirit of the Rite of Sigin-Tarâg!
Contact Us
Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com (mailto:ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com)
Find us on BlueSky @thelorehounds (https://bsky.app/profile/thelorehounds.com) or join us for further discussion on our Community Discord Server (https://discord.gg/xdN4XCdtxU).
Support us on Supercast or Patreon:
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Check Out Our Affiliate Podcasts:
Severance Podcast (https://redcircle.com/shows/9d584be4-ba95-4739-94fe-11232f46089d)
Wool-Shift-Dust (https://redcircle.com/shows/339ca7e8-dcc6-4a69-8292-377a59af8847)
Properly Howard Movie Reviews (https://redcircle.com/shows/a43c099e-b01f-4104-b668-d649855ab8bb)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
20 Mar 2024
Ch. 1 - A Shadow of the Past
Marilyn and Sara spend time with the Noldor, comparing the ritual of the warrior Elves returning home to Valinor with Arthurian imagery, questioning the practice of carving memorials on living trees, and noting contrasts between Elves and Harfoots.
Contact Us
Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com (mailto:ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com)
Find us on BlueSky @thelorehounds (https://bsky.app/profile/thelorehounds.com) or join us for further discussion on our Community Discord Server (https://discord.gg/xdN4XCdtxU).
Support us on Supercast or Patreon:
https://thelorehounds.supercast.com (https://thelorehounds.supercast.com/#subscribe)
https://www.patreon.com/thelorehounds (https://www.patreon.com/thelorehounds)
Check Out Our Affiliate Podcasts:
Severance Podcast (https://redcircle.com/shows/9d584be4-ba95-4739-94fe-11232f46089d)
Wool-Shift-Dust (https://redcircle.com/shows/339ca7e8-dcc6-4a69-8292-377a59af8847)
Properly Howard Movie Reviews (https://redcircle.com/shows/a43c099e-b01f-4104-b668-d649855ab8bb)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
6 Mar 2024
Preface: Beginnings
Sara and Marilyn introduce themselves and their experiences with Tolkien. They then discuss the forms and functions of ritual, and describe how they will examine each ritual in each episode of the series and what it tells viewers about the cultures of the practitioners. Finally, they demonstrate their process by applying it to four different rituals from the Legendarium.
Contact Us
Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com.
Find us on BlueSky @thelorehounds or join us for further discussion on our Discord Server (https://discord.gg/xdN4XCdtxU).
Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/thelorehounds (https://www.patreon.com/thelorehounds)
Listen to the Main Lorehounds Feed:
The Lorehounds Podcast (https://redcircle.com/shows/89c39915-66f2-449f-8c13-4c1d2678a22c)
Listen to Our Severance Feed:
Severance Podcast (https://redcircle.com/shows/9d584be4-ba95-4739-94fe-11232f46089d)
Listen to Elysia on the Wool-Shift-Dust Podcast:
Wool-Shift-Dust (https://redcircle.com/shows/339ca7e8-dcc6-4a69-8292-377a59af8847)
Listen to Steve and Anthony talk about movies:
Properly Howard (https://redcircle.com/shows/a43c099e-b01f-4104-b668-d649855ab8bb)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
21 Feb 2024
Preview: Introducing Rings & Rituals
Marilyn R. Pukkila talks with David & John from the Lorehounds to introduce Rings and Rituals: a new podcast analyzing the rituals portrayed in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Marilyn will be joined by Dr. Sara Brown of Signum University for this 9 episode series that will examine the nature of ritual and what it reveals about the cultures that enact them, both as seen in Rings of Power and also in our daily lives. Subscribe to the Rings & Rituals podcast feed to listen to each of the episodes when they release.
Subscribe to the
Rings & Rituals Podcast Feed (https://redcircle.com/shows/62ce8903-c998-41cc-9ec8-f1c463fd0e21/episodes/46f351f3-e5cc-4f5b-9fbd-7c342aece7a6)
Contact Us
Questions or comments? Visit us at our website where you can use the contact form or use the voicemail feature. Or, send an email to: ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com (mailto:ringsandrituals@thelorehounds.com).
Find us on BlueSky @thelorehounds or join us for further discussion on our Discord Server (https://discord.gg/xdN4XCdtxU).
Support us on Supercast or Patreon:
https://thelorehounds.supercast.com/#subscribe (https://thelorehounds.supercast.com/#subscribe)
https://www.patreon.com/thelorehounds (https://www.patreon.com/thelorehounds)
Listen to the Main Lorehounds Feed:
The Lorehounds Podcast (https://redcircle.com/shows/89c39915-66f2-449f-8c13-4c1d2678a22c)
Listen to Our Severance Feed:
Severance Podcast (https://redcircle.com/shows/9d584be4-ba95-4739-94fe-11232f46089d)
Listen to Elysia on the Wool-Shift-Dust Podcast:
Wool-Shift-Dust (https://redcircle.com/shows/339ca7e8-dcc6-4a69-8292-377a59af8847)
Listen to Steve and Anthony talk about movies:
Properly Howard (https://redcircle.com/shows/a43c099e-b01f-4104-b668-d649855ab8bb)
Any opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
15 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Contact Rings and Rituals
Guest appearances
Books guests
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