Episode 92: Lesser-trod Paths with Dr. Kristine Larsen

Episode Summary

In this episode, Jude and Stef welcome Dr. Kristine Larsen as our guest host in this special lesser-trod paths episode. Kristine talks to us about Tolkien's use of caves throughout his legendarium, such as the Glittering Caves of Aglarond and Gollum's cave, while drawing parallels to real-world inspirations like Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves. We chat about the significance of intention in Tolkien's writing, the impact of commercialism on the natural world, and the ongoing exploration of Tolkien's legacy in contemporary scholarship.

Citations

Thank you to our guest, Dr. Kristine Larsen!

Contact Kristine: larsen@ccsu.edu

References: 

Larsen, Kristine. “Immeasurable Halls and Dreamlike Forms: Tracing the Caves of Cheddar Gorge Throughout Tolkien’s Legendarium (and Beyond).” Journal of Tolkien Research 22(2): article 15, 2025. https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol22/iss2/15/ (Accessed Feb 15, 2026)

Soon to be published: Larsen, Kristine. “‘Deep Down Here By the Dark Water Lived Old Gollum’: The 1927 Public Opening Of the Wookey Hole Show Caves And The Hobbit”.

A list of Dr. Larsen’s publications can be found here: https://www.ccsu.edu/person/kristine-larsen (Accessed March 2, 2026)

Tolkien Reading Day 2026 https://www.tolkiensociety.org/events/tolkien-reading-day-2026/ (Accessed March 2, 2026)

Episode URL

https://athrabeth.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-92