Composer and sound engineer Jordan Rannells (who you might recall from his acclaimed The Lord of the Rings ambient audio soundscape project) has just released a new, immersive work designed to synchronise with Andy Serkis’s unabridged audiobook reading of The Silmarillion.
The project, called The Soundscape of Eä, follows The Silmarillion’s full journey from the Music of the Ainur and the formation of the world, through the wars of Beleriand, and more.
Rannels says that the new soundscape is timed to exactly match Serkis's audiobook reading, and combines foley audio, original music, ambient nature recordings, and carefully timed sound effects, all engineered in Dolby Atmos to deliver a 3D immersive audio journey through J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
"This is not just a bit of added music: it changes how we can experience these stories," he says. "We get to hear the song of the Ainur. The hissing and darkness of Ungoliant, and the might of Ancalagon in the War of Wrath."
Get 25% off any of Jordan Rannell's soundscapes with TORn
Until January 6, TORn readers can get 25% off not only The Soundscape of Eä, but any of Rannell's soundscapes over on his website. Just use the special code TORN25 at checkout.
You can also listen to a few samples from The Soundscape of Eä in the Youtube clip below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhB9InjDcNA
The release of The Soundscape of Eä also means listeners are now able to sync an immersive audioscape to Harper Collins' audiobooks of the three key works of Tolkien’s legendarium: The Silmarillion, The Hobbit (An Unexpected Soundscape), and The Lord of the Rings (A Long-Expected Soundscape). Handily, if this appeals to you, Rannells has bundled them all together in The Legendarium Collection.
1. Battle of Bywater, and Passing of Saruman. End of the War of the Ring.
(from the appendices)
"...a messenger from the Tookland rode in. He was in high spirits. 'The Thain has raised all our country,' he said, 'and the news is going like fire all ways.…"
Not every hobbit delights in frights! While All Hallows Eve may bring to mind ghosts, goblins, and things that go bump in the night, some of us prefer the gentler comforts of hearth and home. In the latest Happy Hobbit episode, Kili (Kellie) shares a simple yet indulgent recipe for hot chocolate — the perfect treat for hobbits (and humans alike) who’d rather sip something warm and comforting than seek out spooks. So if you’d rather spend this All Hallows’ Eve curled up in your hobbit-hole with a good book and a steaming mug, this episode is for you. Join Kellie as she whisks up a cup of chocolatey cheer, proving once again that sometimes the simplest comforts are the most magical.
https://youtu.be/a0lBCVkC7_w
🍂 Check out past Halloween Specials by clicking here. 🎃
Happy Hobbit has brought Middle-earth to its viewers' daily lives since joining TheOneRing.net in 2012! Learn hobbity recipes, crafts, and more by watching new episodes and/or perusing the 12+ years worth of videos on their YouTube channel. 🌻 Be sure you are subscribed to Happy Hobbit on YouTube and check back here at TheOneRing.net so that you don't miss out!
Get even more slow-living hobbit content by following Happy Hobbit on Instagram,Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok! If watching the show has left you with an appetite for more, know that Kili (Kellie) has a podcast where Tolkien is often mentioned called Forests, Folklore & Fantasy.
We've heard a rumour - whispers on the wind... And now we're excited that our good friends at Syzygy Forge have given us the thumbs up to share this news with you: they are making collectibles for Tolkien fans!
Thus far, the folks at Syzygy Forge have been known in Middle-earth fandom for their whiskey - their Green Dragon wheated whiskey comes in a beautiful bottle (seen above). As licensees of Middle-earth Enterprises, however, they've just today announced that they have been given the green light to make other high end collectibles.
What these treasures will be remains to be seen; their teaser trailer is giving very little away. Here's what their press release tells us:
Syzygy Forge Announces Licensing Partnership with Middle-earth EnterprisesTM to Craft High-End Collectible
Knoxville, October 30th, 2025
Syzygy Forge is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Middle-earth Enterprises, the holders of worldwide rights to The HobbitTM and The Lord of the RingsTM literary works by J.R.R. Tolkien. Known for creating high-quality, handcrafted collectibles, Syzygy Forge will bring to life an exclusive line of pieces inspired by Tolkien’s timeless tales.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for fans and collectors, uniting Syzygy Forge’s craftsmanship with the timeless world of Middle-earth. The collection will feature limited-edition statues of iconic characters and faithful reproductions of legendary swords, shields, and armor. Each piece will be crafted with extraordinary attention to detail.
In addition to their core collection, Syzygy will collaborate with acclaimed Tolkien artist John Howe on a dedicated line of collectibles based exclusively on his original illustrations. This series will celebrate Howe’s influential visual legacy, offering collectors an unprecedented opportunity to own sculptural interpretations drawn directly from his vision of Middle-earth.
"Bringing Tolkien’s universe to life in a tangible, meaningful way is both an honor and a responsibility we embrace with great passion,” said Jordan Costner, Founder & Creative Director at Syzygy Forge. “These collectibles will be more than just display pieces, they will be heirlooms forged with the same reverence that Tolkien poured into his work.”
The first wave of releases, slated to be revealed in 2026, will be officially licensed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Collectors can sign up for early access and exclusive reveals at www.syzygyforge.com.
About Syzygy Forge
Syzygy Forge specializes in high-end collectibles inspired by literature, mythology, and fantasy. Known for blending traditional techniques with modern innovation, their work celebrates the stories that shape imaginations around the world.
About Middle-earth Enterprises
Middle-earth Enterprises, a division of the Embracer Group, holds the exclusive worldwide licensing rights to J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary works The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. With a legacy spanning decades, the company has brought Tolkien’s world to life across film, stage, video games, collectibles, and consumer products through partnerships with leading studios and creative teams, including New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Discovery. Today, Middle-earth Enterprises continues to steward and expand these iconic stories for fans around the globe.
What happens when you say ‘I do’ under the Party Tree and Frodo Baggins strolls into your ceremony? Jess and Sharik Burgess‑Stride found out last week when Elijah Wood - yes, our Frodo himself - casually crashed their wedding at the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, New Zealand (www.1news.co.nz). According to 1News, the couple were in the middle of signing their marriage certificate when Wood came down the aisle, shook hands, congratulated them, and posed for a few photos. He was there for the Armageddon Expo, but apparently couldn't resist the opportunity to check out his old stomping grounds. (If there was any clearer indication that the cast of these movies truly loved their work, I'm not sure what it could be!)
In true Middle‑earth fashion, this wedding wasn't just a ceremony - it was a meticulously crafted cosplay. The ring bearer (Sharik’s sister) delivered the rings dressed as Gollum, guests sported elf ears and furry feet, and the vows were peppered with Tolkien references. After the ceremony, the pair set off on a South Island road‑trip honeymoon to hunt down more filming locations. Talk about One Ring to tour them all. 🤩 As he posed for photos, Elijah grinned and told the wedding party, “This is amazing, everyone is dressed as hobbits!”
As someone who's been around this fandom longer than I care to admit, I’ve seen my fair share of LOTR‑themed proposals, Halloween costumes, and even tattooed quotes. But this? Frodo literally showing up at your wedding? That’s the stuff of fandom legend. It also speaks volumes about how the cast still embraces the community. Elijah didn't have to stop - he could have taken the tourist route through the Shire and left the newlyweds in peace - but he didn't. He made their day, and ours, just a little more magical. Thanks Elijah!
I'm pretty sure I got this link right, but we would be remiss if we didn't at least link up the company that made this possible - Hobbiton Movie Set. Check out their wedding experiences here. Nope, they have not paid for advertising for this post!
Congrats to the happy couple for a wedding of special magnificence to be remembered for an age! (If you happen to want to share more about your experience, photos, or video, hit us up at spymaster@theonering.net)
The official Lord of the Rings LARP event is coming back to Kentucky.
Tickets are now on sale for the next Brandywine Festival, the first official LARP for The Lord of the Rings in the USA. First batch of sales go to previous attendees sold directly in the invite-only Brandywine Discord and by Newsletter for returning players + friends. Public sales start November 10.
🌿 Oct 26: Event Trailer Release 🕊️ Oct 27: Community Tickets On Sale — $375 🤝 Nov 3: Volunteer Registration Opens 🍂 Nov 10: Public Ticket Sales Begin — $400
Festival Recap 2025
We brought together a few folks that attended the first Brandywine Festival to share their stories, experiences and feedback on the event. Here is Matt from Nerd of the Rings, Kellie from Happy Hobbit, with staffers Jim and Emily Wert in conversation with Clifford Broadway, and a synopsis below the video.
Note: Everyone in this video was provided complimentary tickets to the event and will be posting content about their experience. You could say it was a sponsored experience, but the content here is genuine interest and feedback.
The group discussed their experiences at the LARP event where Matt played a dwarven boot merchant. They described how participants stayed in character despite creative attempts to break the rules, with Jim estimating that 90% of attendees were new to LARPing. The highlight for Jim was experiencing a hobbit culture focused on food, cheer, and community, rather than the typical quest-based LARP activities. The event was praised for its welcoming atmosphere and clean environment, with experienced LARPers giving it high marks for the overall experience. Matt clarified that while he helped with some lore questions early on, he was not heavily involved in organizing the event, and the group discussed their experiences at the festival.
Creating Characters
Jim and Emily ran a bakery character, Kellie played a seamstress, and Matt participated with his family. They shared details about their decorated tents, trading of mathoms, and the challenges of maintaining character language. The event included medical staff dressed as elves, portable toilets, and the property owners' animals visiting, though pets were not allowed. Matt noted that children and babies were present, and the group discussed the creative decorations and activities at different camp sites.
Matt shared that his 9-year-old son, who initially complained about wearing a dwarf beard, ended up enjoying the experience so much he wanted to attend three times a year. Jim explained that the event had 1,100 participants across multiple camps, with a thoughtful transition into the game world and clear boundaries between in-game and out-of-game areas. The participants explored side quests, with Matt and Kellie noting that while some quests were posted on trees, others were introduced through player interactions with NPCs, though there was some criticism about the clarity of quest timing and location.
Jim and Matt participated in quests and storytelling with other participants, and shared details about their costumes, which were made from natural fibers to stay comfortable in fluctuating temperatures, and discussed the event's guidelines for costuming and character development. The participants emphasized the importance of developing a backstory and creating a unique living space for their characters, with Jim and Emily creating detailed outfits for their hobbit characters. The event's organizer, Bale, encouraged them to give away boots through quests, and Matt shared how he created on-the-spot quests for his son.
A Safe Space to be a Hobbit
The group discussed their experiences at a LARP event, with Kellie sharing that the hike was more about socializing than reaching a destination, and Matt emphasizing the importance of embracing the improvisational nature of the event. They also talked about the challenges posed by heavy rain, which caused some issues but didn't significantly impact the event. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the event's inclusivity for socially awkward participants, with Kellie highlighting it as a safe space for people to let go and have fun.
The group reinforced the relaxed atmosphere and lack of formal structure. They shared stories about their character interactions, including combat scenarios and the use of pipeweed and alcohol in-character. The participants also addressed questions about bug issues, mobility aids, and the overall experience of attending the event, with Kellie suggesting the possibility of bringing a game producer to the next year's event for a collaborative experience. She also shared that the event provided a therapeutic and communal experience, despite some accessibility challenges. They noted the festival's success and potential for expansion, with Matt mentioning ticket sales for 2026 available now.
Tips for doing your first LARP
We asked the panel for tips in doing a 5 day The Lord of the Rings LARP.
Commit to your character fully
Design your tent for your character, with all the accoutremants
Take a slow pace and enjoy the interaction time with fellow players
Do whatever you want! If your character doesn't want to do quests, don't!
Bring items for bartering and trade. Could be baked goods, or drawings, or thrifted items
Kellie Rice almost didn't go to the Brandywine Festival because she had been dealing with health issues all year, but as she says in the show, "This is the safest space you could be in. I felt it was more potent for me than psychotherapy. It was life changing. You really can't put a price on that. Of course you can't promise that experience for everyone, but that's the experience I had that I did not see coming. I'm so thankful that I went and thankful I was invited."
We're doing some database and other light server maintenance this weekend (upgrading the version of MySQL we use in particular, but also probably doing some CDN work.)
I expect all of this to be pretty invisible except for some small "couple of minute" blips as we switch between machines, but there's a chance you will notice something untoward. I'll keep an eye on comments as per usual.
Ta for now!
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