Fourth Edition
Happy Saturday, my Bree Crossroads travelers!
A quick update: starting with this issue, I’ll be releasing the newsletter later in the day—at 11 AM PST / 2 PM EST / 7 PM GMT. This timing is based on what I’ve seen from my metrics and what feels more natural as I continue to refine my workflow.
This week, I’m excited to share some amazing Middle-earth-themed candles and wooden bookmarks, explore Middle-earth heraldic devices, highlight some cherished and wholesome blogs, dive into a long-running TTRPG set in Middle-earth, and more! Stay tuned for a delightful journey ahead!
Art & Music (including fan films)
Middle-earth Heraldic Devices: Creations and Recreations
This week, I’m thrilled to spotlight three brilliant artists who have reimagined the heraldic devices Tolkien designed for his characters, while also creating their own inspired designs. Their work showcases stunning imagery and meticulous detail, drawing you into each captivating piece.
Some highlights include Dirk van Vegchel’s striking heraldic device for Sauron, Hope Savaria’s elegant interpretation for Gil-galad, and Gloomweaver’s flowing watercolors that beautifully bring the House of Finwë’s heraldic devices to life.
I invite you to explore these featured works and delve into their other creations—each piece is a testament to their incredible talent and passion for Tolkien’s world.
Community & Social Media
I’m excited to feature Breabird, a wonderfully wholesome Tolkien content creator I've followed on TikTok for a while. Recently, I’ve been connecting even more with her thoughtful posts and engaging videos on Threads and Instagram.
Some of my favorites are her videos where she takes her stunning Great Dane, Billie, on nature walks, sharing heartfelt reflections on Tolkien, life’s challenges, and messages of hope. Her content is a breath of fresh air, blending the beauty of the natural world with deep, meaningful discussions.
I highly recommend checking out her work—it’s sure to inspire and uplift! (Down below, you will also find one more platform of hers that I recommend checking out.)
Gaming
The Unpredicted Party
Once upon a time, I participated in a Middle-earth oneshot TTRPG, complete with Beornings, goblins, adventures—and yes, even dancing! While that tale is for another day, this blurb is all about The Unpredicted Party, a long-running Middle-earth adventure that seeks to answer the age-old question: Why didn’t they just take the eagles to Mordor? You can listen to them on Youtube and podcast platforms!
Using The One Ring TTRPG system by Free League Publishing, this campaign beautifully captures the essence of Tolkien’s world. Set twenty years after Bilbo’s unexpected return, The One Ring offers a rich framework for creating heroes and embarking on epic adventures in a land overshadowed by the growing darkness.
Join the adventure on Patreon for The Unpredicted After Party Talk Show and connect with the amazing cast and crew through their social media links. With licensed music, stunning artwork, and masterful storytelling, this is one journey you won’t want to miss!
Check out the links below to learn more about its Game Master, party and creatives:
Map Maker - Little Wit the Cartographer
Tales of the Shire
If you haven’t noticed, I’m absolutely obsessed with the upcoming Tales of the Shire game—and if you haven’t caught on yet, you will soon! Recently, I asked for suggestions for new Middle-earth (or dragon) themed wallpapers on my socials (are you following me yet? 👀), and Tales of the Shire delivered with some lush, cozy, hobbitcore wallpapers that now grace both my phone and laptop.
This inspired me to revisit their website, and I found even more treasures: cozy wallpapers, news, videos, and of course, the option to wishlist the game (a handy reminder for myself!). If you’re looking for a slice of Shire serenity or just want to stay updated on this delightful game, I highly recommend checking it out! 🌿✨
Gatherings & Events
This week, I'm spotlighting two exciting Signum University events: OzMoot and Sunshine Moot—a double feature of Tolkien-inspired gatherings that promise rich discussions, creative explorations, and plenty of fellowship!
OzMoot 2025: The Music of Words
When: January 24-26, 2025
Where: Studio 1 Community Hub, Richmond, VIC, Australia
Theme: Language, Poetry, and Music in Tolkien’s Works
Join us in Melbourne for a deep dive into how Tolkien's love of language and music shaped Middle-earth. From Elvish phonetics to the blending of story and song, this moot celebrates the linguistic and musical beauty of Tolkien’s world. Guest of Honor: Professor Corey Olsen, a leading light in Tolkien studies, will share his insights and passion.
Register here: OzMoot Registration
Sunshine Moot 2025: The Muppet Lord of the Rings
When: February 22, 2025
Where: Drury Inn & Suites, Orlando, FL, USA
Theme: The Muppet Lord of the Rings
A whimsical twist awaits at Sunshine Moot! Participants will form a creative team tasked with adapting The Lord of the Rings—Muppet-style. From casting to set design, you'll shape a unique vision of Middle-earth with a playful, Muppet-centric approach. Expect engaging discussions led by Corey Olsen and perhaps some surprise guests!
Register here: Sunshine Moot Registration
Both moots offer a blend of in-person and remote attendance options, ensuring everyone can join the fun. Whether you're delving into the melodic mysteries of Tolkien’s world at OzMoot or creatively collaborating on a Muppet-filled adventure at Sunshine Moot, these events are not to be missed.
Merch
The Reading Room Candle Co.
Several years ago, a dear friend from my main Tolkien community introduced me to a fantastic book and fantasy candle company based in Belfast: The Reading Room Candle Co. They offer a wonderful selection of candles inspired by literature and fantasy, providing a great alternative for those in the UK and Europe who may find it challenging to order from U.S.-based companies. And yes, they even have Middle-earth-themed candles! Whether you're looking to bring the cozy ambiance of the Shire into your home or add a touch of Elven elegance, The Reading Room Candle Co. has you covered.
Bookmarks!
One of my most treasured Tolkien/Middle-earth collections is also the one I carry with me wherever I go: my collection of Tolkien and Middle-earth-themed bookmarks. Over the years, I've gathered these mostly through thoughtful gifts from friends in the Tolkien community. My collection is a beautiful mix—everything from prints and friends' artwork to iridescent renditions of the Doors of Durin (read more about the Doors of Durin here!) and even etched wooden bookmarks. One of my absolute favorites is a handmade wooden bookmark by The Bookish Den, a small, home-based company specializing in fantasy, nerdy, and bookish bookmarks. It's a true gem! Take a peek at their creations here!
Podcasts & Videos
Men of the West
Did you know that Men of the West's YouTube channel recently celebrated its 10th anniversary? Created by Yoystan, this channel has become a treasure trove of in-depth explorations into the rich topics, themes, characters, and places of Middle-earth. From thoughtful analyses of Tolkien’s works to occasional coverage of adaptations and gaming (including Return to Moria and Lord of the Rings Online), Men of the West continues to be a fantastic resource for folks looking to dive deeper into all things Tolkien. Here's to many more years of insightful content!
GirlNextGondor
Another one of my favorite YouTube Tolkien content creators is GirlNextGondor, whose channel features thoughtful and engaging content on all things Middle-earth. (Plus, her logos are designed by the talented MGCoco!) Her channel offers text-based explorations of lore, character analysis, worldbuilding, textual history, and occasionally, a meme or two. One of my favorite videos is her deep dive into the Druedain of Middle-earth, which is both informative and captivating. What originally drew me to subscribe, though, was how she fosters rich conversations in the comments—something I truly appreciate. I also love that she highlights the story of The Faithful Stone. GirlNextGondor is definitely a creator to watch (and subscribe to)!
Writings (blogs, books, etc.)
We return to Breabird:
As I mentioned above, there’s one more platform where you can connect with the wonderful Breabird—her Substack! Through Many Meetings, she offers a heartfelt and enriching journey through The Lord of the Rings. Every year, Breabird hosts a public read-through of the books, and it’s become a space for many to find comfort and camaraderie, especially during tough times.
What started as a personal tradition for Breabird has turned into a vibrant community, where readers share the peace and solace that Tolkien’s work offers. As she puts it, Many Meetings isn’t a book club with deadlines, but more of a “book hike”—a thoughtful, guided exploration of Tolkien’s world. Her Substack is like having a trusted guide on a trail you might have taken before, but with insights and experiences that make the journey all the more rewarding.
For those who subscribe, there are bonus resources, videos, recipes, and a private space to engage with fellow Tolkien enthusiasts. It's a beautifully holistic way to experience Tolkien’s works, and you can join the journey right on Substack!
Prancing Pony Ponderings
As I wrap up this week’s newsletter, I want to highlight one of my favorite resources in the Tolkien community: Prancing Pony Podcast Ponderings. Written by the Man of the West and the Lord of the Mark in the early days of their podcast, these ponderings are more than just great companion pieces to the podcast episodes—they are invaluable deep dives into specific themes and motifs explored in Tolkien’s works.
Topics like the Four Sins of Melkor, Hope and Despair, and Boromir's Greatest Victory (a personal favorite of mine that always makes an appearance during my movie night group's annual Lord of the Rings Extended Edition rewatch) are explored with insightful analysis. I highly recommend checking out at least one or two of these thoughtful pieces—or, if you’re like me, reading through them all!
