
Q+A 001: Are the Eagles in War of the Rohirrim accurate to Tolkien's lore?
12/23/24 • 5 min
Why were the Great Eagles in War of the Rohirrim? Were these majestic creatures true to Tolkien’s lore, or was their presence an adaptation choice? In this episode, I answer listener Tiffany’s intriguing question and dive into the use of Eagles in the film.
We’ll explore:
- ✅ What Tolkien wrote about the Eagles in The Hobbit and The Silmarillion
- ✅ How their role as messengers and divine servants aligns (or doesn’t) with their portrayal in the movie
- ✅ Why Eagles aren’t Middle-earth’s Uber and how their intervention serves a higher purpose
You’ll also hear my take on whether their involvement in War of the Rohirrim captured the spirit of eucatastrophe—Tolkien’s sudden joyous turn of events.
Learn about the origins of eagles in episode 002
Sources mentioned in this episode:
(The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.)
Deals for you, my fellow wanderer
- Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/
- Order an Oura Ring today and get powerful insights into your health: https://amzn.to/4em6J0A
- Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493
About the Lore of the Rings Podcast
Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com
Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!
This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Why were the Great Eagles in War of the Rohirrim? Were these majestic creatures true to Tolkien’s lore, or was their presence an adaptation choice? In this episode, I answer listener Tiffany’s intriguing question and dive into the use of Eagles in the film.
We’ll explore:
- ✅ What Tolkien wrote about the Eagles in The Hobbit and The Silmarillion
- ✅ How their role as messengers and divine servants aligns (or doesn’t) with their portrayal in the movie
- ✅ Why Eagles aren’t Middle-earth’s Uber and how their intervention serves a higher purpose
You’ll also hear my take on whether their involvement in War of the Rohirrim captured the spirit of eucatastrophe—Tolkien’s sudden joyous turn of events.
Learn about the origins of eagles in episode 002
Sources mentioned in this episode:
(The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.)
Deals for you, my fellow wanderer
- Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/
- Order an Oura Ring today and get powerful insights into your health: https://amzn.to/4em6J0A
- Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493
About the Lore of the Rings Podcast
Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com
Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!
This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Previous Episode

192: Merry Christmas, Middle-earth: JRR Tolkien’s Thoughts on the Holiday
If you love J.R.R. Tolkien, the Christmas season, or both, this episode is for you! Tolkien, a devout Catholic and master storyteller, wrote beautifully about Christmas in his personal letters—sharing memories, reflections, and even festive notes written in his own invented languages.
We explore Tolkien's earliest Christmas recollections, his thoughts on the true meaning of the holiday, and a special Christmas note written in Dwarvish runes and Elvish script. Whether you’re a longtime Tolkien fan or discovering his works for the first time, this episode will rekindle the light and wonder of the season through Tolkien’s words. Join me as we celebrate Christmas through the lens of one of the greatest authors of our time.
Sources mentioned in this episode:
(The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.)
Deals for you, my fellow wanderer
- Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/
- Order an Oura Ring today and get powerful insights into your health: https://amzn.to/4em6J0A
- Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493
About the Lore of the Rings Podcast
Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com
Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!
This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Next Episode

193: A Year in the Life of a Tolkien Podcaster
Where we wandered in 2024, and a sneak peek on where we're headed in 2025. Thank you for listening to the Lore of the Rings podcast and wandering Middle-earth with me.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- 138: Fellowship of the Ring chapter by chapter commentary
- 159: Exploration on Tom Bombadil
- 172: Reviews on Amazon Prime's Rings of Power
- 189: Lyrics of "The Rider"
- 191: War of the Rohirrim Reactions
- 168: Star Trek and Lord of the Rings with Captain's Pod
- 160: On Screen LOTR projects with Lorehounds
- 170: Rings and Rituals
- 169: What is Tom Bombadil?
- 190: Religion in Lord of the Rings
- 182: The Tolkien Teton Trail
- 188: Reactions to War of the Rohirrim trailer
- 189: Thanksgiving
- 192: Christmas
What's the best day for you to listen to new episodes? Tell me here: ringspodcast.com/new
Tell me more about you! ringspodcast.com/feedback
Join the newsletter: ringspodcast.com
Sources mentioned in this episode:
- Letters of JRR Tolkien
- The Making of Middle-earth by Christopher Snyder
- The Silmarillion by JRR Tolkien
- The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
(The above are affiliate links, and I may receive a small compensation at no extra cost to you if you purchase—thank you for supporting the show.)
Deals for you, my fellow wanderer
- Exclusive discount for Lore of the Rings Listeners: 25% off your entire order at Manly Bands. Details at https://www.ringspodcast.com/p/rings/
- Order an Oura Ring today and get powerful insights into your health: https://amzn.to/4em6J0A
- Download my FREE guide for reading Tolkien's Silmarillion: https://ringspodcast.kit.com/a982347493
About the Lore of the Rings Podcast
Contact the show, donate, and find past episodes: ringspodcast.com
Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating realms of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, where the epic sagas of the Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, and Unfinished Tales, and more come to life. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's masterful storytelling, drawing intriguing comparisons between his literary works and the cinematic adaptations crafted by Peter Jackson. Be at the forefront of the latest developments as we explore the highly anticipated Rings of Power series from Amazon. Prepare to be enthralled as we uncover hidden connections, untold tales, and delve into the depths of Middle-earth lore. Tune in now and become part of our fellowship on this extraordinary journey!
This podcast is not affiliated with the Tolkien Estate.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/ringspodcast/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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