Beren and Luthien: Love Beyond Death

Beren and Luthien: Love Beyond Death

Author: Alex Holmgren August 30, 2026 Duration: 13:14

So there may have been peace and joy in Doriath, but Carcharoth was discovered, and a hunting party composed of Thingol, Beren, Beleg Cúthalion, Mablung, and Huan was sent to slay the beast. During the hunt, Thingol was nearly slain, but Beren saved him, at the cost of a mortal wound. Huan then slew Carcharoth, but was himself fatally wounded. Coming to Beren, Huan spoke for the third and final time, bidding him farewell. There died Huan, hound of the Valar. The Silmaril was cut from Carcharoth's burned flesh, and Beren presented it at last to Thingol, saying "Now the Quest is achieved". Lúthien bade Beren await her beyond the Western Sea. Looking upon her one last time, Beren died of his wounds, and his spirit found its way into the west, to the shores of the Outer Sea. Through grief, the spirit of Lúthien fled its body at the first breaking of Spring in F.A. 467 and came to the Halls of Mandos. There she sang a song of such woe, and beauty, and lamentation, that even Mandos was moved to pity. He summoned Beren's spirit, and there the two were reunited. But it was not within the power of Mandos to change the fates of the Children of Ilúvatar, so he went to Manwë, who sought counsel from Eru in his innermost thought, where the will of Ilúvatar was revealed to him...


Join Alex Holmgren for A Leisurely Stroll Through Middle-Earth, a series designed for those who love to dwell in the rich details of Tolkien's world rather than rush through it. Think of it as a companionable walk with a fellow enthusiast, where the pace is slow enough to appreciate the scenery. Each episode immerses you in the text, treating chapters like an audio play to savor the language and atmosphere. Along the way, Alex pauses to discuss the themes, characters, and lingering questions that arise, turning a solitary read into a shared conversation. The podcast also keeps an ear on the wider world of Middle-earth, touching on relevant news and adaptations, ensuring the discussion feels connected to both the timeless books and our current moment. It’s a welcoming space for both seasoned scholars and first-time visitors to the Shire, built on the idea that the greatest stories reveal more with every return. This isn't a lecture or a recap, but an invitation to experience the legendarium with fresh eyes and a curious mind, one deliberate step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

A Leisurely Stroll Through Middle-Earth
Podcast Episodes
The Steward and the King part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:03
In the meantime, those remaining at Minas Tirith have no idea what is happening! All is in great doubt for them- time to see what befalls Eowyn and Faramir.
The Fields of Cormallen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:43
Now we get to were the stories are at last reunited- see how the actions of Frodo and Sam...AND even Gollum have turned the tide for all the Free Peoples of Middle Earth.
Mount Doom part 2: Sammath Naur [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:22
Sammath Naur: the very place where Sauron created the Ring....now Frodo and Sam come to the End of All Things....
Mt. Doom prt 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:17
There never was much hope....just a fool's hope.
The Land of Shadow part 2: Where there's Whip....There's a Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:13
As we continue in chapter 2 The Land of Shadow, Frodo and Sam are continuing their dangerous trek across Mordor. Danger is around every corner and very little to no resources like food or water- see how they make it acro…
An UNEXPECTED Interview: Stephen Gallagher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:48
Join me as I talk with Stephen Gallagher- composer of War of the Rohirrim- as we talk middle-earth and music!Disclaimer: we are both on mobiles so sound could be varying
The Land of Shadow prt 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:31
Now that Frodo and Sam have fled Cirith Ungol, they must now go down into the Land of Shadow....the Land of Mordor...where the shadows lie.
The Tower of Cirith Ungol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:59
Mae Govannen, my brave friends! As we jump into this episode, starting season 7 of our show, just know there may be some elements that may be disturbing to younger listeners; listener discretion is advised. We now go bac…
The Black Gate Opens prt 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:58
Sauron has taken the bait- but will our heroes survive the bite?
The Black Gate Opens prt 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:23
We come to it at last...King Aragorn Elessar and his token force of seven thousand go to assail the forces of Sauron- thereby giving Frodo a chance to complete his great task...BUT will they learn disturbing news upon th…