In this episode, Karen explores the intersection of mental health and Tolkien's works, particularly focusing on trauma and coercive control as depicted in the story of Arendhel and Eol, and their son, Maeglin. Understanding the origins of behaviour is as old as the human urge to tell stories, and lies behind our desire to explain how harm is caused. It can also be a way to prevent harm being enacted down the generations.

Content note for coercive control and family violence.

Keywords

Tolkien, mental health, trauma, coercive control, Gondolin, Maeglin, domestic abuse, storytelling, psychology

Real World fun events mentioned!

https://signumuniversity.org/event/willowmoot2025/

https://blackberry.signumuniversity.org/space/modules/0009/