iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 03/04/2026

We are beyond thrilled to be included with such names. Congratulations to one my favourite pods and to all the nominees.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 02/04/2026

We have been shortlisted for a 2026 Tolkien Society Award for Best Online Content! Thank you so much for nominating us, and thank you to the @tolkiensociety.org for shortlisting us! It is an honor to be on this list with the other fantastic nominees! 💚 www.tolkiensociety.org/2026/04/vote...

Vote Now in the 2026 Tolkien Society Awards
Best Online Content
There were 26 nominations in this category, from 71 submissions this year. 7 did not qualify (not published or active in 2025, winners from previous 3 years).
Panelists:
Hannah McDonald (trustee)
Lyn Wishire (trustee)
James Tauber (Digital Tolkien Project, previous winner)
Matt Graf (Nerd of the Rings, previous winner)
Shortlist:
ArdaCraft (ArdaCraft team)
Athrabeth Podcast (Athrabeth team)
The Tolkienist's Roving Ranger and more (Marcel R. Bülles)
Tea with Tolkien (Kaitlyn Facista)
An Long Expected Soundscape - The Lord of the Rings (Jordan Rannells)
The Guide to Tolkien's Letters (TolkienGuide team)

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Prof. Dimitra Fimi @dimitrafimi.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Submitted today! Following a few years of rigorous peer-review and working with my co-editor @lukebshelton.bsky.social and many Tolkienists! - 44 chapters - 46 Tolkien scholars globally - over 280K words overall Still tons of work to do as proofs arrive, but feels like a moment to celebrate. ☺️

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Miriam Ellis @miriamellis.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

New prints available today of "The Ivy Bush", a small painting with a lot to teach us, I think, about how hobbit society worked and why it was good. More info in comments. #Tolkien #TolkienArt www.miriamellis.com/post/the-joy...

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 26/01/2026

Hey #tolkien folks. Annie Grob, a wonderful musician who some of you will know from Oxonmoot has just released her first single from an album inspired by Tolkien's writings. Give it a listen and like of you have a chance. youtu.be/xFV2yZCcgcc?...

youtu.be

Anna Grob - The Messenger (official video)

YouTube video by Anna Grob

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Marcel R. Bülles 📚💍🌋🎉 @thetolkienist.com · 22/01/2026

Hey, everyone, I will have to send this again via social media etc... Google considers short urls like youtu(.)be - from Youtube itself - as a red flag for spam. This rule came into effect in December and has now spread wider on the internet. Next RR I'll use the full URL again 😅

youtu.be

YouTube

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Marcel R. Bülles 📚💍🌋🎉 @thetolkienist.com · 21/01/2026

Another edition of the Roving Ranger has just been sent to its subscribers. Including: Kullervo in cinemas; Balrog Beatdown; Tolkien Tapestries Return; Leadership in Middle-earth (i.e. in Zurich!); Tolkien Day Ball; nominations for TSA open: music for a sorrowless forest; Grendel/ond; & much more!

steady.page

The One hundred and seventy-first Roving Ranger

The Roving Ranger #171 brings you all the interesting things Tolkienian of the last week and the weeks upcoming, curated by the Tolkienist.

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 21/01/2026

We are asked regularly about the work of Paul Corfield Godfrey, especially how one can approach his now enormous connected cycle of operas based on the works of J.R.R. #Tolkien. @scbuttle.bsky.social of Volante has put together a video that listeners may find useful. www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1lY...

youtube.com

Listening Guide - PCG's The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and Appendices

YouTube video by Volante Opera Productions

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Jeremy @uruloke.tolkienguide.com · 21/01/2026

And the answer is..... All are true! I was doing some research on one of the first Tolkien related fanzines and a few hints and cross references exposed me to a newszine titled Skyrack, whose editor liked Tolkien and reported some news tidbits in various issues. 1/🧵

Cover headline for Skyrack #20, 20th June 1960, showing two line-drawn gentlemen with suits, propellor beanies and confused looks on their faces.

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Jeremy @uruloke.tolkienguide.com · 21/01/2026

I mentioned yesterday finding a cool Tolkien tidbit hinted at in a 1960 fanzine. For fun, a quick poll if you want to guess what I found: A. GA&U is taking pre-orders for The Silmarillion B. A previously unknown interview is planned with Tolkien C. A 1961 Tolkien related fan-made calendar

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 30/08/2025

Here’s a link to an interview we did with Tolkien Collector's Guide’s OnThe Trail and Trotter about Paul Corfield Godfrey’s operatic #thelordoftherings after the mythology of #tolkien Many thank to them for being wonderful hosts! youtu.be/MSyV7Lcp_DE?...

youtu.be

Paul Corfield Godfrey and Simon Crosby Buttle talk Operatic Lord of the Rings

YouTube video by TolkienGuide

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's #thehobbit after #tolkien Huw Llywelyn will be returning from our recording of "The Lord of the Rings" to the role of #BilboBaggins. Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #demorecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's “Musical Chapters from #thehobbit after #tolkien”. Julian Boyce will be performing the role of #thorin Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth #dwarvesoferebor #dwarf

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's “Musical Chapters from #thehobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien”. Angharad Morgan will be performing the role of The Thrush Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #demorecording of PCG’s #thehobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien. Simon Crosby Buttle will be performing three roles and returning as Frodo in "Quest of Erebor". Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth #frodo #dwarf

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

Coming Late Summer 2026. Volante Opera Productions is proud to announce our next installment in the #Tolkien based works of composer Paul Corfield Godfrey - "Musical Chapters from #TheHobbit after the Mythology of JRR Tolkien". www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #opera

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien Gareth Long will be performing two roles and returning as #Gimli for "Quest of Erebor". Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth #dwarf #dwarvesoferebor

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien Emma Mary Llewellyn will be performing the roles of Landroval and 2nd Spider. Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth #eagle #mirkwood

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien Jasey Hall will be performing the roles of Nori, Galion, Bert and returning as Dain. Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien Rosie Hay will be returning to the role of #Gwaihir and also performing 1st #Spider. Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth #eagle

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete Demo Recording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien Philip Lloyd-Evans will be returning to the role of #Gandalfthegrey Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #demorecording #middleearth #gandalf

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien Steffan Lloyd-Evans will be performing the roles of Goblin Captain and Goblin Slave-Driver. Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth #goblintown

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's “Musical Chapters from #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien”. Howard Kirk will be performing the role of Bofur. Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth #dwarvesoferebor

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's “Musical Chapters from #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien”. Francesca Saracino will be performing the role of 3rd Spider Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth #mirkwood

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's “Musical Chapters from #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien”. James Schouten will be returning to the role of Elrond. Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth #elrond #rivendell #elves

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's “Musical Chapters from #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien”. Peter Wilman will be performing the roles of Bifur, 3rd Elf and 1st Soldier. Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's “Musical Chapters from #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien”. Owen Webb will be performing the roles of Dwalin and Bard Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's “Musical Chapters from #TheHobbit after the mythology of #Tolkien”. Sophie Yelland will be performing the role of the 4th Spider. Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth

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Simon Crosby Buttle @scbuttle.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

We're proud to announce our cast for our complete #DemoRecording of Paul Corfield Godfrey's “Musical Chapters from #TheHobbit after #Tolkien”. Alastair Moore will be performing the roles of Dori, Tom and 4th Elf. Coming 2026 www.volanteopera.wales #hobbit #middleearth #mirkwood #elves #troll

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TolkienGuide @tolkienguide.com · 07/10/2025

#OnThisDay in 1948, #Tolkien writes to Ronald Eames. Tolkien sends his spare copy of Farmer Giles of Ham, which is uncorrected, to Ronald Eames. This copy is to be sent on to the illustrator Pauline Baynes. He believes that it will serve her in preparation for illustrating the book. (1/2)

tolkienguide.com

Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames

Tolkien sends his spare copy of Farmer Giles of Ham, which is uncorrected, to Ronald Eames. This copy is to be sent on to the illustrator Pauline Baynes...

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 03/10/2025

Thank you to Richard Ovenden OBE for joining Andrew and I to talk about the latest book byJRR #tolkien The Bovadium Fragments. It was such a pleasure.

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 23/09/2025

DJT "China doesn't use wind power"🤦 China is the worlds biggest user of wind power with 7.8% of its power consumption coming from it. They are on track to have one fifth of the worlds in-use turbines by 2030.

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 05/09/2025

'musical chapters from the Lord of the Rings' by Paul Corfield Godfrey is out today 😊 congratulations to our entire team led by @scbuttle.bsky.social on a fantastic achievement. Those at Oxonmoot can see the design, which is stunning and meet Paul and Simon there.

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 02/09/2025

Thank you @thetolkienist.com for including the post at TCG and for including our interview with Paul Corfield Godfrey and @scbuttle.bsky.social in anticipation of this week's release of 'musical chapters from The Lord of the Rings 😊 available at www.volanteopera.wales/category/all...

volanteopera.wales

All Products | Volante

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 29/08/2025

youtu.be/MSyV7Lcp_DE join us for a long chat with plenty of music included as @trotter.tolkienguide.com and I dive into an amazing project by Paul Corfield Godfrey and @scbuttle.bsky.social (and me of course hehe) the 'epic chapters from The Lord of the Rings'.

youtu.be

Paul Corfield Godfrey and Simon Crosby Buttle talk Operatic Lord of the Rings

YouTube video by TolkienGuide

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TolkienGuide @tolkienguide.com · 24/08/2025

#OnThisDay in 1945, #Tolkien writes to The Secretary, Students Department, British Council. This letter was found in the National Archives. Tolkien is applying to the British Council for Simonne d'Ardenne to be allowed to return to Oxford for a year. See also #TCGLetter1035

tolkienguide.com

Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to The Secretary, Students Department, British Council

This letter was found in the National Archives. Tolkien is applying to the British Council for Simonne d'Ardenne to be allowed to return to Oxford ...

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 23/08/2025

We are less than two weeks from the release of Paul Corfield Godfrey's amaving 'musical chapters from The Lord of the Rings after the mythology of J.R.R. #Tolkien' and our copies have begun to arrive. The team has done a remarkable job, led by @scbuttle.bsky.social from Volante Opera Wales.

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Critical Hit Parader @criticalhitparader.com · 20/08/2025

Sci-Fi Rock from Kal-El & “Sam the Brave” by Feuerschwanz plus other Tolkien follow-ups incl. Paul Corfield Godfrey & Comus @riseupcomus.bsky.social @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com open.substack.com/pub/critical...

open.substack.com

Sci-Fi Rock from Kal-El & “Sam the Brave” by Feuerschwanz

Plus Other Tolkien Follow-ups

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Mina Gunner @mina-lukic.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

On what happened to the original Jewish owners of the German publisher Rütten & Loening, who contacted Tolkien in 1938 about publishing a German translation of The Hobbit and prompted his famous response condemning Nazism. Sad indeed. alasnotme.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-...

alasnotme.blogspot.com

The Sad Tale Behind Tolkien's Famous 1938 Letter to a German Publisher

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Prof. Dimitra Fimi @dimitrafimi.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Today’s piece is on “Tolkien, Landscape Archaeology, and the First Age of Middle-earth” - revisiting some of my older research for #TolkienTuesday #TolkienTrewsday dimitrafimi.substack.com/p/tolkien-tu... @tolkiensociety.org @tolkienguide.com @uofgfantasy.bsky.social @uofgartshums.bsky.social

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 29/07/2025

In an hour @tolkienguide.com from Tolkien (Collectors) Guide will test drive the new game 'Tales from the Shire' from Wētā Workshop, based on the works of JRR #Tolkien. We would love to see you there for a gentle adventure around Bywater at www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkHs...

youtube.com

Livestream play and chat - Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game

YouTube video by TolkienGuide

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TolkienGuide @tolkienguide.com · 28/07/2025

#OnThisDay in 1944, #Tolkien writes to Christopher Tolkien. Tolkien discusses the name Sam Gamgee, agreeing with Christopher's opinion and explaining the choice to emphasize the character's comic, peasantry, and English qualities. He reflects on a recent performance of Hamlet, emphasizing (1/2)

tolkienguide.com

Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

Tolkien discusses the name Sam Gamgee, agreeing with Christopher's opinion and explaining the choice to emphasize the character's comic, peasa...

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 27/07/2025

#euro25 this ref is having a laugh! Awful display from her. Unless he has a bet on....

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 10/07/2025

We are incredibly proud to announce a little project of ours, concurrent to our work on Paul Corfield Godfrey's JRR #Tolkien operas, The Piano Makers, an ongoing project that will result in a release of music from the 1800s of many Tolkien's. As many of you will know, Tolkien's family in Birmingham

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onthetrail @onthetrail.tolkienguide.com · 11/06/2025

Our release of Musical Chapters from The Lord of the Rings after the mythology of JRR #tolkien reached an important milestone today when @scbuttle.bsky.social took possession of the proofs of the full and vocal scores. Don't forget to watch the trailer for more details. youtu.be/R0xnCDMtJnE?...

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