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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 07/10/2026

Join us in episode 99 for a recap of our time at #Oxonmoot 2026 and our live show with Dr. Sara Brown and Dr. Kristine Larsen, titled Odious Oaths, Pernicious Promises, and Vicious Vows! Thank you both! For the slides, check out: youtu.be/1HUBvRazbKU athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

A group photo of Jude Vais, Stef Midlock, Sara Brown, and Kristine Larsen. Text reads, “Episode 99: Live from Oxonmoot 2026, Odious Oaths, Pernicious Promises, and Vicious Vows” and “With special guests Dr. Sara Brown and Dr. Kristine Larsen”

Two photos of the tattooed right arm of Jude Vais, showing stylistic Melkor, Turin, and scenes from the Dagor Dagorath. Text is “Jude’s new tattoo!”

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 22/09/2026

Join us for a special minisode with guest Jeremy Edmonds about the @tolkienguide.com’s 20th anniversary livestream on October 3-4! Athrabeth will be joining this epic 20-hour event! Find out all about it here! Thanks @uruloke.tolkienguide.com! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/edm...

Three photos of smiling people wearing headphones: Stef Midlock, Jude Vais, and Jeremy Edmonds. White text against a black background reads, “Athrabeth minisode with Jeremy Edmonds” and “Tolkien Collector's Guide 20th Anniversary Livestream”.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 06/09/2026

We had so much fun in our Athrabeth live show yesterday at #Oxonmoot! Thank you to the ever amazing @aranelparmadil.bsky.social and Kristine Larsen for joining us, and thank you all for coming in-person and online! If anyone took any photos, can you please send us one? These are all we got! 😂

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 05/09/2026

It was so cool to see Jude amongst such a fantastic group of Tolkien scholars at #oxonmoot! Stef and Producer James were SO PROUD watching him! It was such a thought provoking debate! Thanks @erikjampa.bsky.social for organizing it!

Silmarilleanne, Dimitra Fimi, Michael Drout, and Jude Vais on the #Oxonmoot stage.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 04/09/2026

Tomorrow at #Oxonmoot! We have the honor of presenting “Odious Oaths, Pernicious Promises, and Vicious Vows: Athrabeth Podcast Live!” with special guests Dr. Sara Brown and Dr. Kristine Larsen! We’re in-person at 10:50 AM on Saturday in Oxford, and online! We hope to see you there!

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 03/09/2026

Athrabeth is in Oxford! Wooo! See you soon @tolkiensociety.org and #Oxonmoot! Jude is happy to be here, even if his face says otherwise! 😂

Stef smiling and Jude making his resting pained face.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 02/09/2026

Join us for the final volume in our Lesser-trod Histories series, HoMe vol 12: The Peoples of Middle-earth. We look at Tolkien's unfinished story, Tal-Elmar, and reflect on our journey through the Histories. Tal-Elmar, not to be confused with Tall Elmer. athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

Cartoon character Elmer Fudd with comedically long legs. Text reads, “Athrabeth episode 98, HoMe vol 12 The Peoples of Middle-earth, featuring tall elmer (crossed out) Tal-Elmar”.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 01/09/2026

With #Oxonmoot fast approaching, we would like to share our special Athrabeth Oxonmoot 2026 design! We have pins and stickers to give away at Oxonmoot, so come find Jude and Stef to get yours! See you soon @tolkiensociety.org! Design by the amazing Shawn Decker! www.designedbydecker.com

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 05/08/2026

Join us this episode with David the Ñoldo to discuss Tolkien's dwarves! Through a lens of source criticism of secondary world authorship, David explores who is writing about the dwarves, their sources, and their biases. Thanks, @davidthengoldo.bsky.social! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

Three photos of: David the Ñoldo, Stef Midlock, and Jude Vais. Text reads, Athrabeth episode 97. Lesser-trod Paths with David the Ñoldo.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 01/07/2026

What colors are your annals? Ours are grey. Join Jude and Stef in episode 96 for a discussion of History of Middle-earth volume 11, The War of the Jewels, with special focus on our favorite parts of the Grey Annals! Out now! ✨ athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

A woman (actor Parker Posey playing “Fiona” in the 2001 movie Josie and the Pussycats) stands in front of a portrait of herself, holding her hands up to her face in a dramatic pose. Text reads, The Grey Annals paragraph 92. Come on Galadriel, sit down. We'll gossip! Athrabeth episode 96.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 03/06/2026

Thank YOU, Tori! ✨ You are incredible and smart and cool, and so funny! Your sign was perfect!

Tori Owens holds up a sign that says “0 days since our last nonsense.”

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 03/06/2026

In episode 95, we celebrate #Westmoot, with our live show, “Disasters, Downfalls, and Dives” with special guests Clare Moore and Tori Owens! Thanks for joining us @clarelmoore.bsky.social and @itstoriello.bsky.social! Thanks for having us, @westmoot.org! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 22/05/2026

Coming to Westmoot? Join us for Disasters, Downfalls and Dives: Athrabeth Podcast Live! With special guests Clare Moore and Tori Owens. Saturday, May 23, 10:15–11:15 AM, Edoras /Main 1. #westmoot #westmoot26 #intothewest

Westmoot attendees! Come find Jude and Stef all weekend to grab your free Athra-swag and rep your fourth favorite podcast, Athrabeth!

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 22/05/2026

Westmoot attendees! Come find Jude and Stef all weekend to grab your free Athra-swag and rep your fourth favorite podcast, Athrabeth! Yay for the first day of @westmoot.org! #westmoot #Westmoot26 #intothewest Art and design by the fantastic Shawn Decker

At Westmoot? Come find Jude and Stef for a silly Athrabeth sticker and pin! The image is Gandalf throwing his hat.

Three images; the Athrabeth Westmoot sticker showing Gandaf throwing his hat joyously up in the air with rainbow text behind him that reads, “Athrabeth”; a photo from the Mary Tyler Moore opening credits with Mary throwing her hat joyously in the air; and the rainbow text of “Mary Tyler Moore’ from the opening credits.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 06/05/2026

This month, we chat with Kelly from themiddlepage about her exciting Year of Tolkien Book Club! We hear how she makes Tolkien’s complex themes accessible by deeply exploring his essays, poetry and medieval literature. 💚 Thanks, @themiddlepage.bsky.social! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

A square image with a dark blue background. Text reads, ”Athrabeth episode 94”, “Interview with Kelly from themiddlepage”. There are three photos of smiling people: Kelly, Jude Vais, and Stef Midlock.

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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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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 01/04/2026

Our Lesser-trod Histories series continues this month with a discussion about Laws and Customs of the Eldar, specifically the Statute of Finwë and Míriel, in HoMe volume 10: Morgoth’s Ring. Join us for a fun chat about this weird elf BS. 💍 athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

Lady Gaga from her Telephone music video, holding a phone to her ear. Text reads, Finwë Calling. Sorry I cannot hear you I’m kinda busy. Athrabeth episode 93, Morgoth’s Ring Ring Ring.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 20/03/2026

Stef is excited to be joining @jrsoundscapes.bsky.social for his Tolkien Reading Day Soundscape Event this Sunday, March 22! Check it out in his profile! Athrabeth listeners will recognize Jordan from his guest appearance on episode 63! Link is below! 💚 athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

I’ll be reading for the 2026 Tolkien Reading Day Soundscape Event

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 04/03/2026

Join us this month for a Lesser-trod Paths episode with the amazing Dr. Kristine Larsen! We chat about the caves of Tolkien’s legendarium and explore his real-world inspirations like Cheddar Gorge. Thank you for joining us, Kristine! You rock! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

A square image with a black background. Text reads, ”Athrabeth episode 92”, “Your new cave-orite episode!”, “Lesser-trod Paths with Dr. Kristine Larsen”. There are three photos, Dr. Kristine Larsen seated in front of four cardboard cut outs of Thrandiul, Gil-galad, Elrond, and Legolas, with the elves wearing brightly colored feather boas; Jude Vais smiling and wearing glasses; and Stef Midlock smiling wearing a purple scarf.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 17/02/2026

Come chat about the many forms of love in Tolkien’s legendarium at the Carrock Smial meeting tonight! Bring a passage to share, a piece of art that embodies love, or just come and vibe. The meeting is on Zoom from 8-9 PM pacific, and everyone is welcome to join! 💚

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

Seize the date! We talk with the fantastic Wizard Way Kris @wizardwaykris.bsky.social about their newly published Elvish Calendar 2026–2027, a 14-month adaptation of Tolkien’s ‘Calendar of Imladris’! Hear about the process of creating this amazing calendar! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

Photos of three people on this podcast: guest Kris Piet holds a calendar and sticks out their tongue at the camera and holds a peace sign in a happy gesture, Jude Vais smiles, and Stef Midlock holds a calendar up in front of her face so you can only see her eyes. To the right is the new “Elvish Calendar” by Wizard Way Kris, showing two elves on a beautiful beach with a sunset. The text reads: “Athrabeth episode 91. Seize the date! Elvish calendars with Wizard Way Kris”.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 07/01/2026

This month, we discuss HoMe Vol. 9: Sauron Defeated as Jude and Stef limp over the finish line in the History of LotR. Jude swimmingly discusses the Drowning of Anadûnê and Stef concludes the ep with the omitted Epilogue to LotR. Episode 90 is out now! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

An image of Sauron from Rings of Power edited to have the bottom of his robe removed. The bottom of his robe is next to him. He is saying “Hey, give those back!” The text says “Athrabeth episode 90, HoMe Vol. 9: Suaron De-feeted”.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 03/12/2025

We are…dying…to tell you about our new episode! Join us for a fun chat with Tom Racine about his new book, "Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien", discussing Edward Gorey, imposter demons, and finding a J-name in Tolkien’s legendarium! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi... #TomRacine

A black background with three images: Tom Racine, Jude Vais and Stef Midlock, all holding up their copy of "Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien" and smiling at the camera. The cover of the book can also be seen. The text reads, “Athrabeth episode 89” at the top, and below it says, “Interview with Tom Racine “Doomed to Die: An A-Z of Death in Tolkien. “

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 10/11/2025

Happy birthday to the podcast host with the most, @jude.athrabeth.com! Or should I say, happy bird-day! 🦅

Jude doing his best impression of a bird, standing in front of a taxidermied vulture from the Museum of Natural History in Oxford.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 05/11/2025

This month, we interview #Tolkien educator Don Marshall about his new book, “J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy” being published on November 25, by Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster! Thanks for joining us, @donmarshall72.bsky.social! www.athrabethnetwork.com/athrabethepi...

A square image with a black background and the text, “Athrabeth episode 88. Interview with Don Marshall “J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy” with three images of Don, Jude and Stef, and an image of the front cover of Don’s new book.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 31/10/2025

With the thinning of the veil comes our annual autumnal offering! Just when you thought you were safe from repulsive repast, pilfered plates, and things that slither in the night- Hobbitween 6 has arrived! Happy Hobbitween! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/hob... #hobbitween

A square image with a black background. In the center of the square is a picture of a paella pan full of delicious paella, with a glowing boarder. Above the paella pan is the text “Hobbitween 6” and below is the text: “Starring Max Jiménez, James Kaku Pierson, James Keen, Stef Midlock, Zeke Pease, Jude Vais”.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 31/10/2025

By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes! Check back here tomorrow for a little Halloween treato from your pals at Athrabeth! 🎃👻💀

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 22/10/2025

Wishing our favorite podcast producer and Lore Master @james.athrabeth.com a very happy birthday! We hope your birthday is filled with honey-cakes of the Beornings, we hear those are pretty tasty! 🎂

James Pierson, holding a mobile phone, standing on a balcony in front of Monterey Bay. He is smiling and the sun is setting with the sky painted in soft pastel colors.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 01/10/2025

This month we discuss Oxonmoot and our session “Tolkien’s Try-hard Troublemakers” with Dr. Kristine Larsen and @aranelparmadil.bsky.social. Thank you Kris and Sara for joining us! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi... For the slides, check out the episode on YouTube: youtu.be/i--2o37rayM

Selfie style group photo of Stef, Jude, Sara Brown and Kristine Larsen at Oxonmoot 2025

Group photo of Stef, Jude, Sara Brown and Kristine Larsen in front of our slides at Oxonmoot 2025

Photo of the room with our wonderful attendees at Oxonmoot.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 08/09/2025

It was so fun! Thank you to our guests @aranelparmadil.bsky.social and @jrrtastrochick.bsky.social, you were both spectacular and hilarious! Thank you to the @tolkiensociety.org for having us back! 💚 Thank you to all the wonderful folks who came and tuned in online! We appreciate you! #oxonmoot

Stef Midlock, Jude Vais, Sara Brown, and Kristine Larsen share a selfie after their session at Oxonmoot 2025!

Sara Brown and Kristine Larsen before the session at Oxonmoot 2025!

Stef Midlock, Jude Vais, Sara Brown, and Kristine Larsen share a group shot after their session at Oxonmoot 2025!

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 06/09/2025

Today is the day! Folks attending #Oxonmoot in person or online, come join us at 11:00 am BST for “Athrabeth Podcast Live: Tolkien's Try-hard Troublemakers” with the extremely cool @aranelparmadil.bsky.social and @jrrtastrochick.bsky.social! See you soon @tolkiensociety.org!

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 04/09/2025

Hey folks attending #oxonmoot in person- we have a special Athrabeth sticker and badge for the event! Jude and Stef would love to give you one, so please come find us! Design is by the amazing Shawn Decker! (For those coming to our panel on Saturday, there is a sparkly one!) #athrabethpodcast

Jude holds up a pin badge and a a sticker with the Oxonmoot 2025 Athrabeth design.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 03/09/2025

The band is back together! We are in Oxford and we’re ready to MOOT! See you tomorrow @tolkiensociety.org! #oxonmoot #athrabethpodcast

Stef and Jude take an unflattering selfie in the Museum of Natural History in Oxford. There are dinosaur bones in the background.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 03/09/2025

When you first read the LotR, which character did you most relate to? This month, Dr. Luke Shelton @lukebshelton.bsky.social explores reader response theory and the ways that personal experience and interpretation interact with criticism. Thanks, Luke! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

A graphic with text that reads, “Lesser-trod path with Dr. Luke Shelton” and “Athrabeth episode 86” with three images of co-hosts Stef and Jude, and guest host Luke Shelton.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 06/08/2025

This month in our HoMe series, Jude and Stef discuss The War of the Ring, volume 8. We chat about the development of Tolkien fan favorites Faramir, Éowyn, and the Witch King. Episode 85 is available now! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

An image of Faramir from far away labeled “Faramir” and an image of Faramir close up labeled “Closeamir”.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 02/08/2025

It’s time for the Online MidSummer Seminar 2025 “More Perilous and Fair: Women and Gender in Mythopoeic Fantasy” from the Mythopoeic Society @mythsoc.bsky.social! Éowyn and I are SO excited!!! www.mythsoc.org/oms/oms-04.htm #oms4

A small sculpture of Éowyn next to a cup of tea in a Rohan mug on a messy desk.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 02/07/2025

Our Lesser-Trod Histories series continues this month with The Treason of Isengard. We focus our discussion on chapters 12 and 13, Lothlórien and Galadriel, exploring the evolution of the three elven rings. Doesn’t that have a nice…ring…to it? athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 04/06/2025

Join us and our guest @knewbettadobetta.bsky.social for “Athrabeth Podcast Live: The Unsung Underachievers of Tolkien’s Legendarium” from #Westmoot 2025! Thanks @westmoot.org for having us and thank you Knewbetta for joining us! Episode 83 is available now! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

Three people, Stef Midlock, Jude Vais, and Tolkien scholar Knewbettadobetta, seated at a table with microphones and a screen behind them that says “Athrabeth Podcast Live!” They are engaged in a discussion in a large auditorium at Westmoot 2025. Text across the top of the image reads, “Athrabeth episode 83”.

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 10/05/2025

We did a thing! Thank you so much to @knewbettadobetta.bsky.social for joining us! You are such an engaging scholar and a wonderful person! It was a privilege! 💚 Thank you to everyone who came to our podcast show at #westmoot25, and thank you to @westmoot.org for having us! It was a blast!

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 10/05/2025

Tomorrow Jude and Stef will be joined by Tolkien scholar and the Number-1-Gondolin-Fan @knewbettadobetta.bsky.social at Westmoot for our panel, “The Unsung Underachievers of Tolkien’s Legendarium”- join us in the auditorium at 9:30 AM for a fun time! #westmoot #westmoot25 #intothewest

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 10/05/2025

Meeting the #westmoot subcommittee members and getting some good info for the weekend! #westmoot25

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 10/05/2025

A warm welcome from @lady-of-andunie.bsky.social and @lukebshelton.bsky.social, leaders of the #Westmoot subcommittee, and the fantastic @knewbettadobetta.bsky.social, our host for the night! #westmoot25

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 10/05/2025

The evening opened with the beautiful and haunting song about Aiglos, the spear of Gil-galad by John Di Bartolo of The Lonely Mountain Band. #Westmoot25

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 10/05/2025

Feeling the love from the amazing @teawithtolkien.bsky.social! Thank you so much for the beautiful stickers at #westmoot! Missing you! 💖

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 10/05/2025

AthraPlay cast in the house! Watch out #Westmoot, @athraplay.athrabeth.com is here! 🗡️👁️

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 10/05/2025

Athrabeth cohosts in the #westmoot house!!! Wooo!

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 10/05/2025

We are a bit star struck after this phenomenal book panel at #westmoot25! Luke Shelton with authors of three recent #tolkien books, @alas-not-me.bsky.social, Cami D. Agan, and @nicholasbirns.bsky.social? Yes, please! Loved hearing about the processes and pitfalls of writing a book! 📕

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 07/05/2025

Bingo Bolger-Baggins? Marmaduke Brandybuck? Amanda Took? This month in our Lesser-trod Histories series, join us for a chat about HoMe vol 6: The Return of Shadow, as we discuss Tolkien’s various beginnings that became The Long-Expected Party. Ep 82 is out! athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/epi...

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Athrabeth Podcast @podcast.athrabeth.com · 01/05/2025

We can’t wait to see you all at #westmoot! We hope you can make it to our show with the fantastic @knewbettadobetta.bsky.social! To celebrate the first Westmoot, we created a special pin and sticker just for the conference! Come introduce yourself to Jude and Stef and let us give them to you! 💚

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