By-the-Bywater

Too damn true, as we’ve said numerous times.

And we at BtB are delighted to share out the news that once again @vandroidhelsing.bsky.social has done and got himself a new novel to be published next year. Why yes we are going to be reminding you about it regularly in upcoming episodes. It's what we do.

Chotiner: You're wearing the Silmarils now. I can see them in your crown, shining with the light of the Two Trees, which can now only be found in them.
Morgoth: How was I supposed to know Ungoliant was going to—
Chotiner: You're saying you didn't direct her?
Morgoth: She attacked me, too, you know.

This is of course correct.

We thank you all, for you are now a respectable unit of measurement.

And yet, it works.

Kudos to @schwindter.bsky.social for the Oh Hellos suggestion on who might be able to take on the challenge of adapting Tolkien for song.

Meantime, here's an interesting artifact! As noted, this would be for the overall collection of recordings as originally compiled in a vinyl box set.

Thanks for all the responses to our latest episode so far! Sharing out a couple -- here's a nice thread from regular listener @dubdobdee.bsky.social on the song cycle/album's context...

Thanks for all this! There's definitely a lot of context to be unearthed.

84. I’m Not Going to Stop Editorializing! | By-The-Bywater On Donald Swann’s song cycle The Road Goes Ever On.

Episode 84 is up at #MegaphonicFM so come listen to us talk about one of the...odder things #Tolkien got directly involved in with regard to his legendarium. On _The Road Goes Ever On_, in all its tune-filled ways.

True indeed! New episode out on Monday!

you just KNOW before the Darkening of Valinor that whenever Fëanor showed up at a feast someone was like "ugh there's that gaudy bitch in his PRECIOUS SILMARILS again"

“The Eye was rimmed with peppers, but was itself glazed, like a cat’s, watchful and intent.”

Taken under advisement. (Separately: new episode recording today.)

Fact check: true.

the last paragraph of the linked Wired article: "Closing his Friday email to staff, Jain suggested that staffers curious about the new DHS agreement come work on it themselves. 'As Palantirians, the best way to understand the work is to engage on the work directly. If you are interested in helping shape and deliver the next chapter of Palantir’s work across DHS, please reach out,' Jain wrote to employees, who are sometimes referred to internally as fictional creatures from The Lord of the Rings. 'There will be a massive need for committed hobbits to turn this momentum into mission outcomes.'" the phrase "committed hobbits" is highlighted in green

the only hobbit who looks into a palantir in LotR is immediately fucked up by it and also hobbits who join sharkey's men to brutalize their own people are shamed into resigning as soon as frodo & co. return www.wired.com/story/depart...

We find the final paragraph to be, how to put it, especially...something.

Needless to say, we are very happy this Very Good Doggo just happens to be named Nazgul. (Though if this was the first Black Rider Frodo encountered, the book might have been quite different.) More at: www.npr.org/2026/02/18/n...

oh nice another seeing-stone to be claimed by the sea due to overwhelming hubris

J.R.R. Tolkien, Fantasy Author: In my book I invented the Rings of Power as a cautionary tale.

Tech Company CEO: At long last, we have created the Rings of Power from the classic fantasy novel _I Want To Be The Actual Lord of the Rings_.

With a due nod to @alexblechman.bsky.social of course.

Could happen.

True, this. Our own episode on the tale.

Noted.

it would actually be cool if @bythebywater.bsky.social were nominated

This thread is of course canon.

How to make a name for yourself.

Well, the Prancing Pony does have bar food and all. bsky.app/profile/cowh...

It must be true.

83. It’s Important to Have Hobbies You Don’t Monetize. | By-The-Bywater On warriors in Tolkien.

Episode 83 is live! This time around we talk about warriors in #Tolkien and his legendarium, and how he writes about them and war in ways that don't always meet with expectations. Art by @vandroidhelsing.bsky.social as always!