Billy & Dom Talk to Tolkien Expert Prof. Corey OIsen! (Part 1 of 2)

Billy and Dom host Lord of the Rings expert Professor Corey Olsen! In this first part, they discuss Professor Olsen's Signum University and its focus on Tolkien scholarship and then dive into various fan-submitted LOTR questions - from why Tom Bombadil and the Eagles couldn't destroy The Ring to whether Gandalf is stronger than Galadriel. Check it out!
Corey Olsen is the president and founder of Signum University, an innovative online university that enables students to pursue their passions without going broke. Known online as The Tolkien Professor, Corey leads several weekly Tolkien discussions, including Exploring the Lord of the Rings, a sentence-by-sentence journey through Tolkien’s classic story.
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[@voodoochild1975az]

Two actors asked to play lifelong friends..... end up lifelong friends

[@joannekeweerdmeester7659]

OMG I can't believe my voicemail made it into the show! Thank you so much for answering my gaming question! You brought up some great positive aspects of gameplay: fun, escapism, forming social connections, challenging yourself, positive reinforcement, etc. Love it! 💖 If you ever want to talk more in-depth about the behavioural science around games, let me know! 😉

[@jbweatherwax]

I would love to see that discussed in an episode

[@mjediny]

For the swear words, I definitely think we need Treebeard saying: “There is no curse in elvish, entish or the tongues of men for this f*cking treachery!”

[@MoonwalkerWorshiper]

Funny but why are everyone trying to rewrite LOTR either with curse words or suggesting the Fellowship travel with eagles? Am I the only one who think LOTR is good as it is?

[@CAndrewFarnell]

@@MoonwalkerWorshiper No ones trying to rewrite it, it’s all written as jokes. Dom pointed out that the LOTR movies are PG-13 so by the censors standards the movies are allowed one curse word so people have been coming up with dialogue where they feel the curse word would be funniest.

[@MoonwalkerWorshiper]

@@CAndrewFarnell Like I said. LOTR is good as it is. It doesn't need any curse word and the story wouldn't be funnier from it.

[@aarorissanen930]

@@MoonwalkerWorshiper Yeah but it's just a funny hypothetical situation man...

[@MoonwalkerWorshiper]

@@aarorissanen930 It's little kids who chuckle and giggle at naughty words.

[@GreatOnion1111]

The fact that these two are still hanging out together brought a tear to my eye!

[@elenapresley6936]

Are you guys still building a new podcast studio? I'd love a "season 2" with a cozy hobbit hole, fireplace type vibe haha

[@gingerbaker_toad696]

Put Treebeard in there

[@ovrair6340]

A couple mushrooms roasting on the fire

[@TJStock85]

Don't forget a sack of Po-ta-toes & a couple barrels of pipeweed.

[@elendil7]

That would be really cool. 👍🔥

[@KNYHT.FIRE-1]

That'll be AWESOME!

[@Pixlriffs]

Loved this chat! Corey always manages to bring a great wealth of Tolkien knowledge to the table, but also make it accessible and compelling for an audience. I'm slowly catching up on 'Exploring LotR' and really enjoying it. Looking forward to part 2!

[@SuperRedtrout]

@Pixlriffs, imagine seeing you here, who knew you were a Tolkien head. Loving the new survival guide series.

[@jspthesecond0723]

I'm not a fan of Corey, he actually gets quite about wrong on Tolkien

[@amandaowens1008]

@@jspthesecond0723 what does he get wrong?

[@jspthesecond0723]

@@amandaowens1008 He is generally correct on middle earth, for starters. Just to be clear I am not saying he is always wrong as he is rather knowledgeable. Nevertheless, in his IGN video on the Rings of Power he addresses "hobbits in the second age" and one of his points to rationalize this is that Tolkien wrote very little on the second age saying, "He never wrote the story of the second age, it doesn't exist in Tolkiens writings". This is false, Tolkien did in fact write about it twice, once in the Silmarillion and again in the appendices of Return of the King. He also goes onto say that Tolkien gave very little in terms of physical description of characters, even central characters. He uses Merry as an example bringing up his hair color then states it is not known but this is also false as Merry's hair was described in the Two Towers. He also gets the geography of middle earth rather incorrect when talking about the complexion of races despite Tolkien being rather explicit (Tolkien said the third age middle earth was done dramatically and not geologically or paleontologically). He also gets dwarven women having beards, he is asked in the video if it is from the books and gives an unequivocal "No". He gets by on a technicality on this because in the appendices where Rings of Power are getting source material it says they cannot be distinguished from men in looks and garb (I am paraphrasing) which infers they have beards but doesn't actually say it. However, in the book the War of the Jewels by Christopher and J.R.R. it explicitly says dwarven women have beards. That is off the top of my head. These videos explain what else he gets wrong and some stuff I covered better. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIvGcqCaYtVqkLM kzbin.info/www/bejne/emrVe3uYYtepj9E

[@joltmann4133]

@@jspthesecond0723 I could be wrong I need to look it up, but I believe he got the Tom bombadil response wrong as well. If I remember correctly didn’t Elrond think it was possible for Tom to protect the ring in his area but if they didn’t destroy it the rest of the world would suffer?

[@atarithepaladin1821]

Corey’s Tolkien Professor podcast introduced me to Old English something like ten years ago. His Tolkien knowledge is incredible and yet accessible and steeped in the fandom of the genre, not just dry stodgy “English Literature”. Billy and Dom, I greatly appreciate your willingness to be so generous with your LOtR stories. I really enjoy hearing them as a fan. I enjoy getting to know the two of you outside of LOTR just as much so thank you for this entire podcast. Your friendship with each other is inspiring.

[@laser8389]

The Faramir/Sam monologue about the Haradrim always gets me right in the gut. It feels like Tolkien self-therapizing about his own war experiences, and it’s very visceral.

[@LJrock101]

Only hobbits would spend the first 10 minutes talking about making eggs and toast. 😂

[@kevindclimbing]

These two guys going back and forth is just so wonderful. The Friendship Onion is Podcasting 101.

[@selfhelpgroup8750]

"We've had one loaf of bread, yes, but what about SECOND loaf of bread?"

[@Nicole-yx8ms]

Tuesdays are 1000x better because of this. I have hope to see Viggo, Ian, Orlando, Peter, Karl Urban, Hugo, Sean Bean, Craig Parker, Cate Blanchett (and others) join the show at some point!! I'm also anxiously awaiting enough followers so I can hear Dom's shitting-himself story.

[@kathrynboland7975]

Hard agree, always brightens my Tuesdays! Lol yeah that story and also what would compel him to take a date to see Passion of the Christ 🤣🤣🤣

[@legolas_legend2129]

How many followers until he tells it

[@Nicole-yx8ms]

@@legolas_legend2129 "..like a million followers" - Dom Monaghan

[@legolas_legend2129]

@@Nicole-yx8ms dam

[@PhilBoswell]

A couple of extra points about the Eagles… First, they would totally have been susceptible to the lure of the Ring, and they might well have taken it straight to Mordor if they didn't try to take it for themselves. Second, Sauron wasn't without aerial resources of his own before the Ring was destroyed, and even one huge Eagle would have been easy to spot and even easier to intercept. Third, those Eagles that rescued Frodo and Sam were in fact the exact same Eagles who rescued Beren and Lúthien in the First Age. In JRRT's drafts Gwaihir and Landroval get named, but Christopher edited that out for the published _Silmarillion_ as he thought it might confuse people 🤦‍♂️

[@paulmercia9109]

AND the eagles were susceptible from the ground as well i.e. a well placed orc arrow - especially given that at all times there were 10s of thousand of orcs on plains of Gorgoroth and no cover - or any obstacles (such as a tree canopy) to take them down.

[@silverdragon710]

Exactly. I actually expected a Tolkien professor to give a better answer than just "well eagles have their own mind they don't _have_ to help". He omitted or maybe forgot to mention the imperative of the SECRECY of the whole mission. The ring has to remain hidden which is why a hobbit carries it otherwise you could ask the same question about any of the people in ME, why don't Galadriel or Elrond take it? Apparently they wouldn't make it. It had to be someone Sauron would never suspect.

[@PhilBoswell]

@@silverdragon710 I don't think he was given much of a chance, the boys don't hang about for "complete and comprehensive", they want to be on to the next question! 🏃‍♂️💨

[@ahimsamovies4484]

@@silverdragon710 He has mentioned those other reasons as well (such as Sauron having an air force) when answering that question in the past, but I suppose Billy and Dom moved on to the next question before he could get there this time, haha. They seemed eager to do so, probably because Corey gives really long answers to every question and they wanted to ask him more stuff.

[@paulmercia9109]

@@silverdragon710 I also (assuming you don’t) don’t think this guy is that great of a Tolkien expert. I heard him review the new Amazon Prime show making the claim that there was a good chance Numenorians were brown (without any proof or reference) because Numenor was on the equator of Middle Earth ie hotter climate means darker races. However, ME was flat before and during the fall of Numenor - the “curving” taking place after the fall.

[@stairwaytoholiday]

Holy shit I always wanted a sentence by sentence analysis of LOTR I can't believe it really exists this is amazing

[@PalleRasmussen]

Oh and all the other booy, including the Nature of Middle-earth.

[@OnacProudmoore]

It exists, but the guy is making mistakes all over the place.

[@stairwaytoholiday]

@@OnacProudmoore What kind of mistakes?

[@seanjohnson5296]

This is the crossover I have envisioned since this podcast started!

[@littlecuterosenbutton]

Wow! I was so immersed I forgot time passed. This is a topic I can't get enough of! Looking forward to part 2 of this amazing conversation

[@nikkianderson4373]

Also, I would LOVE to hear Dom and Billy sing some Tom Bombadil songs!

[@Jaco_Schutte]

Thoroughly wonderful chat that was. Looking forward to part 2!

[@James-en1ob]

Ah, what a perfect thing to watch.... At 3 in the morning.

[@bobwade9530]

Depending on the game, video games help improve reflexes, as well as reinforce teamwork and leadership skills in team coordination. Other games focus more on resource management and strategy. This is in addition to the recreational and escapist value that we all enjoy from games.

[@waxenapple1195]

I love his energy and passion for Tolkien

[@nicdennis]

I’ve got one swear word for The Two Towers. Gandalf to Grima: “Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your f***ing teeth!”

[@kenowens9021]

It's amazing the professor dedicates his life studying somebody's fantasy.

[@vulcov7430]

and then gets paid off by amazon to lie about it lol....

[@elizabethtaylor8428]

@@vulcov7430 ikr? Professor Shill.

[@broccoli4781]

@@vulcov7430 did that actually happen lol

[@thomasmurray16]

Thanks Billy for asking that for me! Burning question about Tom!

[@Highcastle_of_Tone]

Anyone else just chuffed that we get to spend more time with two of the best Hobbits that ever lived?

[@andrewthomas891]

From Hollywood FLA, USA, Not Middle Earth: Whatever the Fawk chuffed is, I'm chuffing at the seams

[@RobertoMoreno94]

Alright here's my take on swear words in LotR. Love that segment, it's hilarious to hear all the suggestions each week! Galadriel at the beginning of FELLOWSHIP: 'History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand f***ing years, the ring passed out of all knowledge.' Saruman in TOWERS: 'So Gandalf Grayhame thinks he has found Isildur's heir... The lost king of Gondor.... He's a f***ing fool!' The Mouth of Sauron in KING: 'Is there any in this rout of f**kwits with authority to treat with me?'

[@danielmanzur9390]

Uff... I knew I wasn't going to be able to wait a whole week to see part 2 after seeing this episode. It was very hard but instead, I waited a week to see this one and now that I've finished I can immediately see the second part of this amazing interview.

[@totaleNonale]

Yes! I was waiting for the professor to show up. Was sure he was gonna sooner or later.

[@mershelle9778]

MY TWO FAVE PODCASTS IN ONE I’m so happy!

[@illmakeuhowell]

TWO OF MY FAVOURITE PODCASTS TOGETHER

[@Lanaj.t.10]

I love you Dom , Billy , Sean And Elijah ❤

[@AnaKViegas]

"not winged-ubers" is the best description for the Eagles I've heard in a long time!

[@claracarmona5388]

I just barely finished watching the podcast, I had a rough day today, but watching Billy and Dom always makes me feel a little better than the other days

[@TheSlaughterhouse]

Hope you're feeling a bit better! :)

[@claracarmona5388]

Thanks

[@strongsarah]

what a great guest to have on! I have listened to the first 20 or so of the Tolkien course, so far discussing the smaller works like Leaf by Niggle, and they are a treasure trove!

[@purasangrethrash]

You are amazing guys, the lord of the rings is the best trilogy ever made and you two played a gigantic part on it!

[@diannawoodlands8200]

Really loved the episode thank you. Well done on the nomination for the podcast too.

[@greendragonreprised6885]

Great conversation, I'm already looking forward to Part 2.

[@stevenripley5831]

Wow, what a great episode, Billy and Dom and Corey! This is my introduction to Professor Corey Olsen and he is brilliant. I am heading over to his KZbin channel right after I finish writing this message. Guys, today's episode reminded me of a daydream for Tolkien/Jackson I had years ago. Wouldn't it be great if Peter made one more Tolkien film, called Untold Tales. It would be a movie with two parts. The first part would be the Hobbit's adventures in the Old Forest/House of Tom Bombadil/Barrow Downs. The second part would be the tale of the Scouring of the Shire at the end of the books. It could even be animated rather than live action, and all of you Hobbit actors could be reunited. Wouldn't that be awesome? Love your podcast! Thanks for everything. Steven Seattle WA

[@sharbean]

Fantastic episode! Looking forward to part 2!

[@jim7217]

Great fun - thanks for being yourselves! Honest talk about what you do.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks to Billy, Dominic & Corey! ☮

[@Djynni]

If the Eagles were flying into Mordor, Sauron would certainly notice and try to do something about that.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

Thanks for reminding me to continue watching his Chapter by Chapter Podcast. I somehow forgot to continue after a while.

[@Pilcher43434]

I love this discussion. I always have wondered, though, how in-depth of a rich history did Tolkien create versus how much we, after the fact, have infused and just made to work. The history of Middle Earth seems so rich-- was Tolkien just THAT brilliant and thoroughly attentive to detail, or was he smart enough to leave gaps, to leave things ambiguous enough that folks like Corey Olsen could put more meat on the bones? Either way, Tolkien created a rare gem in literary history. Love this podcast for everything LotR and beyond. Well done, gentlemen.

[@kitfinn4266]

Both. He did spend his life on the project - including writing different versions of certain stories and different times. But he also stated in one of his letters that he hpoed to create the sort of body of legend that others would contribute to over time.

[@gavin1506]

The great thing I find about LOTR; "you think you are reading the book, no you are actually reading a translation of a translation of the book". So you think you're reading about Samwise, but that's not actually his name it's a translation. At which point it makes so much sense why the trees have taken so long to describe. It's an amazing read when you remember that.

[@Brewdrums]

On the subject of how quickly the ring corrupts you, based on your intent upon receiving it. I feel like Elrond knew that and answers the question of why he didn’t just kill Isildur and throw the ring into Mount Doom. Elrond was incredibly wise and likely knew had he taken the ring by murder or even force, would literally mean he succumbed to violence for the sake of the ring. And how quickly the ring got Sméagol, probably would have gotten Elrond too. He’d be walking out of that mountain with two rings of power

[@jj48]

Not to mention, I don't think Elrond would actually murder an ally and a friend, even if the One Ring wasn't involved.

[@Jamikeus]

That answer about the ring and smeagol was perfect, it blew my mind

[@kathrynboland7975]

OK, after listening I feel like I *definitely* have to take classes from Corey. He's so knowledgeable but also super fun and approachable. Pumped for Part #2 next week!

[@amandaowens1008]

His pod cast is amazing. I am slowly working my way through it and currently in the Silmarillion part which is awesome since I am reading the Silmarillion right now.

[@kathrynboland7975]

@@amandaowens1008 nice! Enjoy! My summer is a little slower with work and I'm thinking of doing an LOTR re-read accompanied with the Exploring LOTR pod. We'll see if that happens because ya know, life 😆🤣, things come up 🙃

[@amandaowens1008]

@@kathrynboland7975 completely understand. I plan to read along once we get into the LotR books again. Wish you the best on that journey when you get the chance.

[@kathrynboland7975]

@@amandaowens1008 thanks and you too!

[@monitor-mindtheover-void6712]

I love this podcast, love you both for over 15 years now.

[@thenerdfaraway]

Oh, you Hobbits, you two! You make my own Hobbit heart happy.

[@Albusowner]

I tried the scrambled egg recipe Dom suggested the other day and it made really good scrambled eggs! I received a lot of compliments from my family. They wanted to know what I'd added to it, but I had used less seasoning than normal, it's just a better method for flavour. Cheers from Australia.

[@crackd00d]

All episodes are great and this was one of the best ones so far. Glad to hear that there's more of Corey next week

[@TheSophiesVids]

This is by far the most exciting guest to me!!! 🙊👏👏👏

[@DwellerOfTheEarth]

I love Corey's passion about Tolkien 🥰 truly amazing to hear him talk about Tolkien's stories.

[@travisboothe5670]

Hi Billy and Dom. I would love to see you go to a couples massage, chiropractor, acupuncture, or even cryotherapy then talk about the experience on the podcast. It might even help Billy's knee. Love the podcast. I love seeing your friendship in action.

[@siobhandolores]

I love Professor Olsen this is amazing

[@helenacutkova1249]

Absolutely amazing episode, two of my fabourite podcasts in one podcast basically 😁👍🏼

[@Butterthanever]

Love the show!! My wife and I watch each week and always learn something new!

[@jaanaffi]

Oh , I just loved this one ❤️❣️Thank you all❣️ Can’t wait for having more next week!! Very interesting indeed! And guess what? I have some TFO merch now and absolutely love them 💚💛❣️ Wish I could go to one of these conventions Dom mentioned. I really wish❣️ Maybe some day it’ll happen ☺️.

[@m.b.boyack2228]

Always great to hear how 'second and third breakfasts are made'! Cheers Guys.

[@rebeccamarie3885]

I also tried doms' scrambled egg method! Perfect scrambled eggs light and fluffy thanks for the tip!

[@betteroffshook]

Corey Olsen is like the Seth Rogen of the Tolkien world fanbase. What a legend!

[@b.lloydreese2030]

I hate Seth Rogan, can you come up with a better comparison?

[@gabrielsolano1773]

Wonderfully interesting! Can't wait for the 2nd part

[@Obbymauler59]

This is great! My two favorite podcasts together in one!

[@jamesmountney9460]

Awesome interview, some well answered questions.

[@jasonstamwitz6928]

Wonderful episode gentalmen.

[@joltmann4133]

Sooooo. I was letting KZbin scroll through videos while I made sushi at work and this video randomly came on and I was like….. holy shit these 2 sounds like Merry and Pippin…..people in the UK must all just sound alike lol. I’m happy I found this podcast.

[@jj48]

I remember watching the cast commentary and behind-the-scenes footage for Lord of the Rings, and ever since then I felt Billy and Dom should do a show together! Glad to see that friendship was real!

[@stitch3163]

I still think Tom Bombadil is a product of the discordance of the Valar. But love the guy.

[@JagIzMoo]

Thanks for these episodes Dom and billy! I love listening to them.

[@VerbalDroppings]

I think Tom Bombadil is the physical manifestation of childlike innocence and wonder. But with the wisdom of thousands of years. Just my opinion, but that’s what I took him as

[@Azul_Arts]

Fun Interview! I love the Video Games too! Ask him about the Third Age & those characters!

[@troywalkertheprogressivean8433]

20:20 the elves should've yelled, "GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLL" at the sound of the horn.

[@ChristianAVS]

Frodo: "Whatever you did, you've been officially labeled a f***ig disturber of the peace."

[@thewholecity]

HA! I went and tried the same scrambled eggs method. Even watched the Gordon Ramsay video and everything and you are so RIGHT. I will NEVER, EVER whisk them or put milk in them again. And the fresh chives are beautiful. Thank you gents for inspiring me so very much each week. Eggstatic. And Corey. What a wonderful human being. Loved the discussion about trhe Bombadil Years.

[@silverdragon710]

Loved this so much great guest amazing episode. Cant wait next week. Cheers!

[@malarky_blue]

This was fascinating! Looking forward to part 2 💖

[@xKiiinng]

THIS is the special guest we’ve been waiting for!

[@jaredlind2888]

I've been hoping this one would happen!!!!

[@jorgeuchoa]

When Merry and Pippin storms the Council, Elrond goes: What the fork?!

[@narnianprincessedits]

1:04:01 Love Dom's Bilbo impression! 😁 And here is a random moment that made me laugh, I will only say one as there are many random moments that make me laugh: 1:59 Billy: But I tell you what, Dom, it was delicious. And I thanked you for it, I said ✨"Thank you, Dom."✨ 😂 Love you boys! ❤❤

[@karhart6663]

Boromir: They brought a f*ing troll.

[@Nestle_Hustle]

This is my favorite episode so far! Always down to learn more about Tolkien lore

[@jakobchristiansson]

I wish I could be part of that League group and play with you two hobbits! I would almost pay you guys money for the opportunity to coach/play with you :D Anyways - thanks for another great episode of the podcast! Love keeping up with you guys

[@halfblooddutchprince]

Can you try to get him and Colbert on at the same time? I like how the first thing he brought up is a Boromir meme. 😆😆

[@jj48]

I have to admit, I only found out about this podcast because I saw Corey was on it. However, I've always loved hearing Billy and Dom pal around, so I look forward to watching more!

[@mariannestupfel-wallace4576]

Love your podcast! Very interesting episode - looking forward to part 2 to learn more from the Tolkien professor.

[@cindysplace]

I seriously enjoyed this episode. Excellent information. One of the best interviews you've done.

[@RavorRants14]

“Man this is a cool pod, I wonder why they stopped making it” >Kast Media Oh okay that makes sense

[@danjamin905]

Another fantastic episode!!

[@arisgazetas2920]

Great episode guys! Corey Olsen in treasure!

[@EvanLyman]

the first few minutes of them talking about food makes me feel like it's really merry and pippin

[@martinajurickova5750]

20:00 funny that Boromir says he doesnt want to go off like a thief when that is what he becomes in the end 😁

[@1994Scubasteve]

Tolkien Prof. is the GOAT!!!

[@ChristianAVS]

This kinda got me pumped to read the books. LOTR!

[@vulcov7430]

I wouldnt read them if you want to enjoy the show.

[@TrekBeatTK]

I hope you enjoy them!

[@nicknoga564]

Regarding the Q&A: “Is Gandalf stronger than Galadriel,” I think context is really crucial to understanding it. While Gandalf is a Maiar, and while Galadriel is one of the Children of Illuvatar, both are in physical form within the bounds of Middle Earth, and therefore both subject to its limitations. Spiritually I think there can be no question that Gandalf’s spirit is immeasurably more powerful, given that he is of a higher order of Angelic beings. But on the physical plain, Galadriel is far older than Gandalf and has lived through all three ages and even seen the trees of Valinor. She’s survived countless wars with Morgoth, dragons, Balrogs, and Sauron in the past, as well as the de-flattening of the earth by the Valar. She also wields one of the 3 rings of power (but so does Gandalf). And while it is rare, there are notable cases of both Elves & Men killing Maiar (Glorfindel killed a Balrog, Hurin killed a dragon, Isildur killed Sauron, and Wormtongue killed Sauroman). Fingolfin, king of the Noldor elves, nearly kills Morgoth in single combat; and Morgoth is of an order even higher than that of the Maiar.

[@athanatic]

The late and hilarious Sir Terry Pratchett's "Unseen Academicals" takes on the EXACT Orc discussion with a great result. Oh, and its about football as well.

[@isabelklingenberg2673]

This was a good episode, I liked the discussion of the orcs. Interesting stuff! Makes me want to find a baby orc and raise it just to see what happens. And Olsen raised a fair point about time compression in the Amazon ROP series. It makes sense, and I’d do the same if I was in charge of that show. That’s not what makes me feel great dread about that show, though; it’s the changes made to Galadriel. Giving her a sword, armor and a caustic personality is ludicrous. She was already incredibly powerful mentally, spiritually and magically, and changing her will be problematic for the fans. (And I’m even a woman, one of the audience members that the changes were presumably made for. 😂)

[@ilovemycaptain]

The best episode yet, in an awesome podcast!

[@karenbrown7826]

It works amazing!! Totally loved them..thanks so much

[@andreatcheichvili660]

Love this episode!!! 🤗🤗🤗