The Prancing Pony Podcast

Join Alan and Don, as we send Don back (for now, at any rate) to TikTok, where they apparently need their Obscure Lord of the Rings Facts Guy. But before Luke leaves Vader in charge, it’s time to welcome some of our listeners to join us in the common-room for our latest Q&A episode, now with less perishing! We answer questions about fading in Valinor, the Doors of Night, and Malbeth’s first prophecy. We discover that one need not boggle about certain things, and decide that - for the most part - the Vanyar don’t have to worry about getting stepped on. Finally, Alan makes a grievous error in agreeing to let Don take him clothes shopping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join hosts Alan and Don as they dissect Tolkien's terrifying moments in the Paths of the Dead. They ponder the Grey Company's lack of torches, Gimli's coping mechanisms, and a chilling challenge from the King of the Dead.

Alan and Don discuss a tough conversation between Aragorn and Éowyn, Éowyn's emotional breakdown, and her unconventional forms of address. They chat about TikTok, possible podcast ideas, and compare Éowyn to a Valkyrie. Plus, they answer a fun question about adaptations.

So much alike are Elladan and Elrohir that few could tell them apart; not so with Alan and his co-host, Don Marshall! Join us as Aragorn breaks hard news to Théoden, has a moment of foresight about Éomer, and bids farewell to Merry, who misses Pippin’s unquenchable cheerfulness. The Lord of the Mark returns to bring us a Philology Faire (which might also mean a random Pooh sighting), and we take a close look at Malbeth the Seer. Finally, we learn what a rascal of a rebel dwarf is worth in trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here come the jesters, one, two… well, two. Alan is joined by Don Marshall, The Obscure Lord of the Rings Facts Guy from TikTok, as we join Aragorn and his friends in Rohan. An hour long prepared approaches, we meet 30 guys that look a lot like Aragorn, and definitely get the message that the days are short. We offer our intro segment to The Tolkien Professor to talk about a book, while Merry offers his sword and service to Théoden. Finally, Alan yada-yada-yadas the Tale of Aragorn and Arwen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan and Shaun finish their time in Minas Tirith waiting for Bergil to decide whether to take Pippin’s lunch money. Hard, bold, and wicked, Pippin can’t choose between ‘Prince of the Halflings’ and ‘Devil of a Hobbit’; Minas Tirith orders its troops from a catalog, and we offer up a sidebar on the Thain of the Shire. We take some time to see what’s going on with the rest of the Fellowship, and spend a bit of time on WW2 blackouts. Finally, Shaun and Alan agree on something: 29 isn’t really old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan and Shaun continue their extended visit to Minas Tirith, spending most of their time with a fellow named Beregond. Pippin asks good questions, the man of Gondor gives good answers, and we give big sidebars on the history of Osgiliath and the origin story of the Corsairs of Umbar. A very special guest (to Alan, at any rate) brings back Questions Before Bedtime, and we debate Aragorn’s ability to disguise himself. Finally, we find out what Pippin and the Black Knight have in common. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shaun Gunner of The Tolkien Society begins his service to the PPP, just as Pippin begins his service to Denethor in what is clearly an unacceptable analogy. Gandalf reminds the Steward what it means to really be a steward, Pippin seeks a little validation for his choice, and we meet a valiant man of Gondor. The Lord of the Mark returns for a tasty, and hilariously inappropriate, Philology Faire, and Pippin enjoys a picnic with a view. Finally, Alan agrees to stop booing the Norman Invasion — eventually. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan and Corey discuss meeting Denethor in Minas Tirith, Pippin offering his sword, the impact of 'The Rings of Power' show on Tolkien fandom, architectural contrasts in Gondor, Pippin's bold confrontation with Denethor, and exploring linguistic nuances in Tolkien's world.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the architecture of Minas Tirith, compare Denethor and Théoden, and explore the symbolism of towers. They also delve into Gandalf and Pippin's journey through picturesque landscapes, the hierarchy in Gondor, and the grandeur of the Great Stone City. The episode ends with reflections on linguistic beauty and caution in delivering news to a powerful lord.