<p>This week we talk to the wanderer of Middle Earth, Aaron, the host of the Lore of the Rings podcast to talk about Tolkien&apos;s influence on modern fantasy, sci-fi, board games, and everything in between. We go deep into what makes the heroes journey, how Gary Gygax got a cease and desist for using the term Hobbit in early versions of Dungeons and Dragons, and the relationship between the themes of escapism and recovery.</p><p>Be sure to check out the<b><em> Lore of the Rings</em></b> podcast through the links below:<br/><a href='https://www.ringspodcast.com/'>ringspodcast.com</a><br/><a href='https://www.ringspodcast.com/follow/'>Pick a podcast player</a><br/><a href='https://www.threads.net/@lore_of_the_rings_podcast'>Follow me on Threads</a><br/>And if a listener wants my free tips list for reading The Silmarillion, they can download that here: <a href='https://www.ringspodcast.com/guide'>ringspodcast.com/guide</a></p><p>If you have an idea for an episode, or just want to say hello, please send it over to [email protected] or at one of the social media links below!<br/><br/>Podcast &amp; Social Media Links:<br/><a href='https://linktr.ee/loredtodeath'>linktr.ee/loredtodeath</a></p>