Sufficiently Advanced Magic

This week, how do we understand the how, what and why of magic and spellcasting in the stories of Professor Tolkien? Why is free will so important when it comes to asking for help? How do the adaptations of Tolkien's books stack up against those of other fantasy authors?

Show Notes

• Was Gandalf Just A 5th Level Magic User? (EN World)
• A Wizard of Earthsea (Ursula K. Le Guin)
• A Wizard of Earthsea (1996 BBC Radio)
• Earthsea (2004 Miniseries)
• Tales From Earthsea (2006)
• A Real Taste For Fairy-Stories (Verlyn Flieger)
• The Horn and the Sword (Thoughts on Tolkien)
• Lore Speakeasy and Escape Room

Shire Reckoning is a Next Word production. For bonus episodes and to support the show, visit Patreon.com/NextWord.

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Music by Corvus from Pixabay.

What is Shire Reckoning?

Shire Reckoning is a twice-weekly podcast dedicated to the work of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien. Join Alastair Stephens every Sunday for the latest from the Shire, and accompany our Fellowship every Tuesday evening as we study Tolkien's work in a welcoming, unhurried journey through the most influential fantasy stories of all time.