Rise Of Isengard Expansion Pack - Screenshots Released

Well not long to go now until the new Lord of the Rings Online expansion pack is released - The Rise of Isengard, its out on the 27th of September but the development team have released some Screenshots to wet our taste buds. The Shots include the Gap of Rohan and the Tower of Orthanc. The shots look great and should satisfy bored Gamers.

The Rise of Isengard will consist of Three Zones with Isengard playing a major part with Dunland and the Gap of Rohan too. There has also been an increase in achieveable levels being increased to Level 70. Dunlan borders Enedwaith (the current boundaries). Isengard will of course feature the Tower of Orthanc, the home of turned Wizard Saruman. So remember RPG Posse 27th of September is time to take it to Saruman and the other denizens of Middle Earth.

EXCLUSIVE: Middle-earth Network Takes on Publishing, Producing, and a Record Label

If you think there has been a lot of news surrounding Middle-earth Network lately with the launch of Mythgard Institute for Tolkien Studies, then hang on to your churchwarden pipe. In a recent letter posted on My Middle-earth (the network's social site) from network founder, Mark Ostley, we find out what other exciting projects the company has up their sleeves.




Mark writes, "We have indeed been promising a new blogging platform for awhile now. And yes we are a bit behind schedule. Keep in mind though, that this beta launched roughly 12 weeks ago. In the meantime we've have been working with the platform developer and budgeting ... both time and money resources to make this happen. And trust me, it will in [just] a few days. What we've done is to contract the individual who built the guts and platform for Ning and other social network providers. I've seen some of the bells and whistles he's come up with, and they're pretty impressive. In fact I'll go as far as to say that I think there's nothing like it out there."


Mark goes on to state that the new social platform will be tested this week and over the weekend and hopes to launch it within a week or two.


Meanwhile, Mythgard Institute, although newly launched, will also be seeing some improvements. Mark explains, "We've already brought in as guest lecturers 4 of the most recognized Tolkien scholars in the world. We're also working on full accreditation and are offering a Masters Degree program, and will be adding many more classes in the spring." 

So, Middle-earth Network is a social site, news source, radio station, and partner of an Institute. What else could they take on? How about producing, publishing, and a record label? 


In a phone interview I had with Mark moments ago he stated, "We are in the midst of negotiations with the well-know producer Kate Madison ('Born of Hope') and Actors at Work Productions on creating a high end fantasy movie/video series and as soon as things are finalized we'll announce the details."


Further down the letter we find out Middle-earth Network is also working with the members of the My Middle-earth social network community on a publishing label as well as a music label (with four bands already under it's belt) which Marks calls "a humble and hopeful start". 


Mark ends the letter with this: "Part of our vision and goal is to provide quality content, but the other goal is to become a haven and vehicle for artists, writers, educators, broadcasters & podcasters, musicians, and a greater community of people and fans who believe, as I do, that we can actually inspire the world around us by sharing the world we have in common. Many of these people who write music, literature, or work in the medium of paint and brush, for too long have been overlooked and have been given no support and no real outlet for some of the brilliant things they're doing...Already you see this reflected in [our] social community. Because in the end that's exactly what we are. A community. We started this because we all felt there was a need for people, and artists to interact and develop real working relationships and friendships. I personally believe (idealistic as I am) that this, in a small way actually makes the world a better place. Our job has been to not only develop some of these things, but to provide the best vehicles we can to make it work well, and make it as easy as possible for people to access... so suffice it to say that we've big plans, high hopes, and a massive amount of determination."


You can follow Middle-earth Network on Facebook. For the latest in network news follow Middle-earth News on Twitter.


To donate to the Middle-earth Network community click here.

Official War in The North Trailer Out Now

Well here with yet more War in The North Love with the Officially Released Trailer out today. Warner Brothers and Snow Blind are on to a winner here with an amazing teaser seeing our Three Hero's battling Dark Forces in a Mini Fellowship including a Human Ranger, Dwarf Warrior and a Female Mage. I do not want to say too much but I am in love with the Full Platemail Clad Dwarf in all his glory, its a shame Gimli did not wear such Armour.

The new take on WITN is a winner and they have looked to have tied the story up pretty tight to coincide with other goings on in Middle Earth. Angandaur seeks to destroy the Northern Dwellers for Sauron, this is where you come in to help defend the Northern Territories. With Co-Op a massive part of it, players must join together to complete the Quest or perish doing so.


We can not wait for this title to hit shelves and will be doing a full comprehensive review as soon as the game is released in the Fall. Remember to go to www.WarInTheNorth.com to Pre-Order your copy.

Bombur, Bofur, and Bifur: A Character Synopsis

Left to Right: Bombur (Stephen Hunter), Bofur (James Nesbitt), and Bifur (Willaim Kircher)

Bombur "the Swollen One" and Bofur (meaning of name unknown) are brothers and cousins to Bifur "Hard Worker". All three are descendants of the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, although none are related to Durin's line. In the book Bofur and Bifur both wear yellow hoods and play the clarinet. Out of the thirteen Dwavres to travel to the Lonely Mountain, Bombur is the heaviest and in the book the provider of much comic relief. He is constantly falling asleep at the most inappropriate times and because of his size, usually forced to the back of the line where he forgets to stop causing several Dwarf pile-ups. He plays the drum and wears a green hood.

Stephen Hunter has appeared on many TV series including Street Legal (Stan), Mercy Peak (Farmer), Love My Way (Sharpie), All Saints (Scott Griffith / Det. Sgt. James Kader), CJ the DJ (Si), Review with Myles Barlow (Kyle Sandilands), and Spirited (Larry). In an interview with TheOneRing.net, Hunter states, “The Hobbit is my first job in fantasy – in fact this is my first big-budget film... Being cast in The Hobbit is really exciting and really an honour. I’m just going to throw everything I’ve got into it. If I don’t come out the other end absolutely exhausted then I haven’t done my job.”

James Nesbitt was born on January 15, 1965 in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. His filmography beings back in 1984 and includes some well-known titles such as The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (Yuri), Ballykissangel (Leo McGarvey), Waking Ned Devine (Pig Finn), Cold Feet (Adam Williams), Millions (Ronnie), and Jekyll (Dr. Tom Jackman / Mr Hyde / Dr Jekyll). Nesbitt has won 6 acting awards and has been nominated 12 times. In recent news, there have been reports of Nesbitt being diagnosed with DVT due to his frequent long flights from the UK to New Zeland, where The Hobbit is being filmed.

William Kircher’s career also began in 1984 and includes Hot Target (Pearson), Send a Gorilla (Ned), Shark in the Park (B.P.), The Last Tattoo (Gibbon), Return to Treasure Island (Pearce), City Life (Ross Palmer), Xena: Warrior Princess (Captain), and Legend of the Seeker (The Merchant). Kircher not only acts but also produces. He and his wife and four daughters reside in Eastbourne.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters 

December 14, 2012 followed by The Hobbit: There and Back Again on December 13, 2013.

3rd Hobbit Production Video Released and It's the Best One Yet!

In the latest Hobbit production video to be posted on Peter Jackson's Facebook wall, we meet the Dwarves face to face. Actually, we get a lot of face time. While Jackson is in the UK working with some familiar faces (keep an eye out towards the end of the video) the rest of the Hobbit cast share their thoughts on filming, becoming Dwarves, and working with each other. Is it just me, or does this video get you revved up for December 14, 2012?

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is scheduled for release on December 14, 2012, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again on December 13, 2013.

Confirmed Voice Actors for War In The North

When War in The North (WITN) started looking for Voice Actors for the lead roles they knew there was some big shoes to fill, Ian Mckellen was great as Gandalf with a stern yet soothing, wise voice and they need something similar for the WITN Game so they looked to Tom Kane (left) better known for his take on Yoda in the animated series Star Wars - The Clone Wars where he did a great job, he is also known for his work with Marvel on various Animated ventures and a part in the massive Call of Duty - Black Ops.

You may also recognize Nolan North's voice from the Uncharted Series where he voiced Nathan Drake, in WITN he will bring life to the Human Ranger Eradan that makes up one third of the New Fellowship. Nolan also has many credits with Marvel playing Dead Pool and Game experience playing parts in Black Ops and Assassin's Creed.

Another confirmed Voice Actor is Yuri Lowenthal (right) playing Frodo Baggins. Somewhat of a Game Voice Veteran with many Games under his belt including Dragon Age 2, Fallout - New Vegas and the Prince of Persia which he has voiced the lead in seven outings. Yuri also has links to Anime with parts including the well known Afro Samurai, surprisingly he plays Ben Tennyson in the ever popular Ben Ten cartoons.

With such Voice Talent involved and the already visually stunning Graphics shown, mixed in with some stunning Music we at Middle Earth News think WITN will be sure fire hit.

Nori, Ori, and Dori: A Character Synopsis

(Left to Right: Nori , Ori and Dori)

Nori "Little shaver” , Ori "Violent", and Dori "Borer" are brothers and distant kin to King Thorin II Oakensheild, leader of the company that set out to reclaim the lost treasure guarded by the dragon Smaug (the Quest of Erebor) in The Hobbit. All three played the flute, having them ready at a moments notice within their coat pockets and are described to have a love and fondness for good food.

Jed Brophy

Jed Brophy (Nori) has been a professional actor since 1991. He is no stranger to Peter Jackson’s films as he was in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Sharku), The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Orc), King Kong (Venture Crew), and District 9 (James Hope). His son even played a part in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King as Arwen and Aragorn’s future son.

Adam Brown

Adam Brown (Ori) was born on May 29th, 1981 in the UK. Although his filmography consists of one TV show (he play Oswald Potter in ChuckleVision) and the current Hobbit films in production, his main experience has been in theater. Brown is the co-founder of Plested and Brown Comedy Theatre Company currently running “The Perfect Wife Roadshow”.

Mark Hadlow

Mark Hadlow (Dori) has been acting since 1959. His TV roles include Children of Fire Mountain (Sid), The Billy T James Show (Greg), Xena: Warrior Princess (Milo), Jack of All Trades (King George III), and Willy Nilly (Harry). His most memorable films include Meet the Feebles (Voice of Heidi) and King Kong (Harry).

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is scheduled for release on December 14, 2012, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again on December 13, 2013.

The One Ring: Adventures Over the Edge of the Wild

This week Cubicle 7 announced they are now excepting pre-orders for their newest table-top role-playing game The One Ring: Adventures Over the Edge of the Wild. This officially liesenced game releases in early August. Featuring new and classic artwork by such famous Tolkien artists as John Howe and John Hodgson. It was written and designed by veteran game designer Francesco Nepitello, this latest incarnation of Middle-Earth table-top gaming will allow players to take on the role of their own original heroes in the lands surrounding Dale, Mirkwood, and the rest of the Wild in the aftermath of the Battle of Five Armies.

It is being released as a slip-cover set featuring a Player's Guide, a Loremaster's Guide, several maps, dice and a Loremaster's Screen. Priority pre-orders will be featured at $69.99, while standard pre-orders will be available for $59.99. Both pre-orders feature the same product, but the priority pre-orders will ship about a month earlier than standard. That is, priority orders are scheduled for an early August shipping date, while standard orders are scheduled for a mid-September release date.

Orlando Bloom Currently Headed to New Zealand?

There's a tiny rumor going around that Orlando Bloom is currently New Zealand bound to shoot his scenes for Peter Jackson's The Hobbit films. It was set off by a very small blurb at the bottom of a  Miranda Kerr interview conducted by In Style Magazine (Australia). 


"Simultaneously, Bloom arrives in New Zealand to reprise his role from The Lord of the Rings trilogy—the flaxen-haired elf, Legolas—in 'The Hobbit'."


The statement is referring to Miranda Kerr's July schedule but there is no exact date given. Nevertheless, tongues have wagged, articles have been written, and the word is out that Legolas, the woodland elf, is returning to Middle-earth.


The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is scheduled for release on December 14, 2012, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again on December 13, 2013.

Gandalf: A Character Synopsis

Courtesy: Empire Magazine

Gandalf-

In The Hobbit he goes by Gandalf the Grey, however the iconic wizard is known by many other names: Mithrandir, Grey Pilgrim, Grey Wanderer, Olórin, Incánus, Tharkûn, The White Rider, Gandalf the White, Gandalf Greyhame, Stormcrow, Wand-elf, and Láthspell. Sent by the Valar (powerful spirits) Gandalf and the others of his sect, referred to as the Istari “wise ones”, were to protect the inhabitants of Middle-earth. Gandalf wears Narya, the Ring of Fire later discussed in The Lord of the Rings, and is the wielder of the Elven sword Glamdring meaning "Foe-hammer". It is Gandalf who helps bring about Bilbo Baggins’ involvement with the Dwarves as they journey to reclaim their lost treasure from the dragon Smaug. In Tolkien’s own words, “All that the unsuspecting Bilbo saw that morning was an old man with a staff. He had a tall pointed blue hat, a long grey cloak, a silver scarf over which his long white beard hung down below his waist, and immense black boots.”

Ian McKellen-

Ian McKellen was born on May 25, 1939 in Burnley, England. It was his parent’s early introduction to the theater that sparked McKellen’s interest in acting. That interest only grew as he made his way through school, acting in many plays and productions. McKellen’s summers began filling up with acting camps and by 1961 he had made his mind up to become a professional actor. With 34 acting awards and 33 nominations he has performed in coutless theater productions and starred in many well known films such as Edward II (King Edward), Hamlet (Hamlet), The Tragedy of King Richard II (King Richard II), The Scarlet Pimpernel, (Chauvelin),  X-Men (Magneto), X2 (Magneto), X-Men: The Last Stand (Magneto), The Da Vinci Code (Sir Leigh Teabing) and The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy (Gandalf). Many of Ian McKellen’s fans follow his frequent updates on his Blog, Official Website, Facebook, and Twitter.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is scheduled for release on December 14, 2012, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again on December 13, 2013.

James Nesbitt's Possible DVT Diagnosis

According to an article posted by Independent.ie, James Nesbitt, playing Bofur in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit films, is suffering from DVT. Deep Venous Thrombosis is a forming blood clot usually found in the legs, as is the case with Nesbitt. The condition is being blamed on the actor's frequent flights between the UK and New Zealand, where The Hobbit is being filmed. This report came after witnesses saw Nesbitt severely limping at a charity golf match. No word yet on what this means for Nesbitt's future travel between the two countries.


Filming of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (scheduled for release on December 14, 2012) and The Hobbit: There and Back Again (December 13, 2013) is due to continue filming again this October 2011 after a brief hiatus to allow Martin Freeman (playing Bilbo Baggins) to film the hit UK TV show Sherlock’s second season.


The staff here at Middle-earth News wishes James Nesbitt all the best and a very speedy recovery. If you would like to send him a "get well" message leave one on our comment section below. Once we've gathered a good amount we will send them to Peter Jackson so he may forward them onto James Nesbitt.

Bilbo Baggins: A Character Synopsis

(R to L: Martin Freeman as younger Bilbo Baggins and Ian Holm as older Bilbo Baggins

Bilbo Baggins-

Bilbo Baggins is Uncle to Frodo Baggins (destroyer of The One Ring in The Lord of the Rings) and the resident of Bag End, located in the Shire. It is from Bilbo’s perspective that J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit was written. Bilbo is content with his solitary life having no spouse or children of his own. One morning Gandalf the wizard pays the Hobbit a visit and deliberately entangles Bilbo into a very unexpected adventure. From that moment on his life is thrown out of routine as fate sends Bilbo, Gandalf, and 13 Dwarves on a journey across Middle-earth to reclaim a lost treasure, guarded by the dragon Smaug.

Martin Freeman-

Martin Freeman, playing Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit films, was born on September 8th, 1971 in Aldershot, England. He is well known for his roles in Love Actually (John), The Office (Tim), Sean of the Dead (Declan), Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (Arthur Dent), Sherlock (Watson), and more. This past year Freeman won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Watson in the TV series Sherlock. Freeman is due back in New Zealand come October 2011 when filming for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again continues after a brief hiatus to allow Freeman to film Sherlock’s second season.

Ian Holm-
Ian Holm Cuthbert was born on September 12, 1931 in Goodmayes, England. It was seeing the play 'Les Miserables' that first inspired his interest in acting and in 1950 he graduated from the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has won 16 acting awards, nominated for 13, and was knighted for his acting career back in 1998. Some of his best known films include Chariots of Fire (Sam Mussabini), Hamlet (Polonius), Frankenstein (Baron Frankenstein), The Madness of King George (Dr. Willis), The Fifth Element (Father Vito Cornelius), The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Bilbo Baggins), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Bilbo Baggins).

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is scheduled for release on December 14, 2012, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again on December 13, 2013.

EXCLUSIVE: Middle-earth Net and The Tolkien Professor Launch Mythgard Institute

That's right Tolkien fans! This is big news. Huge News! Thanks to Corey Olsen (The Tolkien Professor) and Middle-earth Network, anyone from around the world can have a chance to study Tolkien, his life, novels, and the effect they've had on us.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Mythgard Institite: Offering Tolkien Studies

Starting this fall, Tolkien fans will have an exciting new opportunity to learn more about the works that they love at the Mythgard Institute.

Mythgard is a new center for Tolkien studies, offering fully interactive courses online with world-class professors. The Institute is founded by Professor Corey Olsen, host of the celebrated Tolkien Professor podcast, in partnership with founders of Middle-Earth Network. Mythgard will be offering classes on Tolkien, the Inklings, and other fantasy authors which students can either audit or take for credit towards an MA in English. 

This Fall 2011, Mythgard is offering its first class: Tolkien and the Epic.  Readings will include Beowulf, the Volsungasaga, The Children of Hurin, and the Lord of the Rings.  The course will be taught by Professor Olsen with very special guest lectures by Tom Shippey, Verlyn Flieger, and Michael Drout.

Be sure to listen in to Middle-earth Network Radio this Tuesday, July 19th at 10pm EST for the official live radio announcement of the Mythgard Institute with Dr. Corey Olsen and founders from Middle-earth Network. You can also access MEnet Radio through the Tune-in application for mobile devices.


Follow Mythgard Institute on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest information on class schedules.

UWIC’s "J.R.R. Tolkien: Myth and Middle-earth in Context" Class Starts in October

UWIC’s accredited online course (MA-level) J.R.R. Tolkien: Myth and Middle-earth in Context will run again in the autumn semester starting in October 2011. Enrolment is now open!

For more information about the contents of this online course please see our detailed video presentation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-56l5lYbbM.

To enrol, please use this link: http://www.uwicpress.co.uk/online-courses-c-29.html

For Frequently Asked Questions, please see: http://www3.uwic.ac.uk/English/education/Enterprise/courses/Pages/FAQs.aspx

Sideshow Collectibles Reveals War in the North Snow Troll

Hey Guys more War in the North goodies coming our way with a nice piece head lining the Fearsome Snow Troll. Not much is mentioned in Tolkien Lore about these Savage Brutes, though there is in Merp Lore (Middle Earth Role Playing) referred to as Ice Trolls mainly. Located in the Northern Wastes these Trolls bigger then their Kin and much Nastier (If possible) they do not turn into stone when daylight comes but huge slags of ice instead, so wary Travellers resting and using these seemingly innocent blocks of Ice for shelter may wake in the night to find a hungry Troll looming over them. It does look great with what looks like a Dwarf in a tricky position with the Troll grasping him by the waist.

Sideshow Collectibles are doing a full range mainly of the Fellowship but also including one of the Snow Trolls from War in the North, different looks of Arwen after her encounter with the Ring Wraiths and a celebrating Borromir just after the regaining of Osgiliath, seen in the Extended versions of the film, Borromir has a movable arm from downward into a victory pose, Gimli also looks impressive leaping over a Rock with Axe in hand.

From what we at Middle Earth News have seen the pieces are very well done, great attention to detail they are also a nice size adding a fantastic center piece to any Lord of the Rings fanatics collection. With many more pieces available including busts of the Balrog of Moria other Troll breeds and other well known characters from the series its well worth a look for yourself Here is a link to Sideshow's site so you can check out the Video yourself.

Thorin Oakenshield and Orcrist Revealed!

At long last, the highly anticipated 'first look' at Thorin Oakenshield has been released by TheOneRing.net, thus concluding our preview of the Company of Dwarves.

With their photo, TORN has also released this bio on Thorin:

As a young Dwarf prince, Thorin witnessed the destruction and terror wrought when a great fire-breathing Dragon attacked the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. After slaughtering many of Thorin’s kin, the great serpent, Smaug, entered The Lonely Mountain and took possession of its vast store of gold and jewels. No-one came to the aid of the surviving Dwarves, and thus, a once proud and noble race was forced into exile. Through long years of hardship, Thorin grew to be a strong and fearless fighter and revered leader. In his heart a fierce desire grew; a desire to reclaim his homeland and destroy the beast that had brought such misery upon his people. So when fate offers him an unusual ally, he seizes the chance for revenge.

'Hobbit' Filming in the UK Today?

Earlier this morning, artist/illusionist Derren Brown posted the following on his Twitter account:

@DerrenBrown Off to watch some Ian Holm and Christopher Lee being filmed for The Hobbit. HOW EXCITING!

While no official word has been released confirming or denying this report, there has been talk of Elijah Wood heading to the UK to shoot a few scenes, along with Sir Christopher Lee's desire to be in 'The Hobbit' without having to go all the way to New Zealand.

Hopefully we'll hear more on this update soon!

'The Hobbit' Dwarves Balin and Dwalin Revealed Today

This time around we are introduced to Balin (Ken Stott) and Dwalin (Graham McTavish), thanks to TIME. With these two revealed we now have only one left to go, Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage). What's you take? Do you approve of Jackson's version of 'The Hobbit' Dwarves? Tell us what you think on our comment section below.

Left to Right: Balin (Ken Stott) and Dwalin (Graham McTavish)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters December 14th 2012 followed by The Hobbit: There and Back Again on Decemeber 13th, 2013.

Miramar Park Bans 'Hobbit' Photos

Photo Credit: Tennessee Mansford

Anyone caught using cameras on Wexford Hill, Wellington Airport-owned property overlooking the Stone St. studios where Peter Jackson's 'Hobbit' films are being made, could risk deletion of their photos and face trespassing charges as well.

Six hard to miss notices - signed by Recon security, a company which works for the 'Hobbit' films' production company, 3Foot7 - have been put in place warning the public that while they may use the land for "usual recreation purposes," they are not permitted to take any photos of the property or people at the Stone St. studios.

Melissa Booth, the publicist for 'The Hobbit' films, said that everyone from the studio is currently on a two month break. A spokesman for the Recon company said that if its security officers find people taking pictures, they will be asked to delete the images and could potentially be issued a trespass notice.

Matt Clarke, chief commercial officer for the Wellington International Airport, acknowledges that the security company has a right to restrict people taking photos because "the land is privately owned and use is able to be restricted."

The airport has issued a license agreement protecting 3Foot7's copyrighted property from being infringed upon by people taking photographs or digital recordings of the site. The license is a practical arrangement, "not a commercial one," Clarke said. Ursula Cheer, associate professor of law at Canterbury University, stated that without actually seeing the license, it is difficult to determine its exact legal status.

"The production company through its agent, the security firm, is like the owner and can put up signs stating the conditions of coming on to the property," she said. "This means the notice looks quite effective."

"It does look as if the company is trying to avoid legal action, however, by confiscating and destroying the films, etc." 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is slated for release on December 14th, 2012. Part 2 of the film adaptation, The Hobbit: There and Back Again, will debut the following year on December 13th, 2013.