The Prancing Pony Podcast

Christopher Bartlett, a lifelong Tolkien fan and construction company owner, shares his enchanting journey into the legendarium through audio recordings from his great-aunt. The hosts explore Frodo and Sam's ominous encounter with a Black Rider, highlighting Tolkien's darker turn in storytelling. They delve into the shifting tones of the narrative, the Ring's mental influence on Frodo, and hints of Saruman's corruption in the Shire. Through lively discussions, they unveil the deeper themes of fellowship, music, and the magic of Middle-earth.

Frodo's journey begins as he sells Bag End, now shadowed by mystery and danger. Gandalf's hurried departure sheds light on Sauron's nefarious plans, stirring excitement in the Shire. Frodo's hesitation and careful preparation reveal his inner conflict about leaving home. As the trio slips into the night, the charm of the Shire is perfectly portrayed in their quiet escape. Plus, delve into Sauron's ambitions and how he compares to Morgoth, exploring the darker strategies at play in Middle-earth. An intriguing blend of adventure and lore awaits!

Sørina Higgins, an Inkling scholar and editor of The Inklings and King Arthur, dives into the fascinating adaptations of the Arthurian legend by Tolkien, Lewis, and Williams. She explains how Tolkien's The Fall of Arthur differs from traditional narratives and discusses the Inklings' use of Arthur to explore themes of war and longing for an ideal kingdom. Sørina also reveals the complexities of Charles Williams’ works, touching on controversial imagery and his relationship with female symbolism. A captivating exploration of literary legacies awaits!

Joining the discussion is James Riley, a Tolkien aficionado from Virginia and leader of a Viking reenactment group. He shares his captivating journey into Tolkien's world, highlighting his favorite characters and works, especially the Fellowship and various Balrog interpretations. The conversation dives deep into Gandalf’s insights on pity, moral dilemmas surrounding Gollum, and the intricate nature of the One Ring. Listeners will love the exploration of how powerful artifacts shape destinies and the nuances of mercy in the face of darkness.

In this insightful discussion, Shaun Gunner, the Chair of the Tolkien Society, shares his journey from joining the board at 24 to leading the society. He highlights the importance of Oxonmoot and details the exciting plans for Tolkien 2019 in Birmingham, featuring guests and performances. The conversation dives into the society's role in preserving Tolkien's legacy and digitizing archives for fans. Listeners also get a glimpse into themes like fate, free will, and the chilling origins of Gollum and the One Ring, making for an engaging exploration of Middle-earth.

As Frodo settles into life at Bag End, dark rumors swirl about a growing shadow in the East. Gandalf’s return brings alarming news about Bilbo’s ring, while the hosts creatively explore Tolkien’s character names and their meanings. They also delve into Frodo’s relationship with Bilbo, the lingering effects of the One Ring, and whimsical daydreams that highlight the importance of storytelling. Listeners are encouraged to celebrate their favorite moments and engage with the community as they anticipate a deep dive into the ring's history.

Once again, Alan and Shawn are joined live by several visitors to the Prancing Pony for some “Ask Me Anything”-style unscripted questions! Topics include the representation of women in Tolkien’s works, SPBMI in the Third Age, Tom Bombadil, and more! Plus, corrections to our first The Lord of the Rings chapter discussion just keep piling up… and we breathe a sigh of relief over a welcome softball question about the enduring appeal of Monty Python. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Book I, Chapter 1 of The Lord of the Rings concludes with the aftermath of the birthday party. Bilbo has left behind gifts for friends and family ranging from the sincere to the brilliantly snarky, but no trace of gold or “jools”. As the Sackville-Bagginses come to terms with their meager inheritance, Frodo settles in as master of Bag End… and owner of a certain magic ring. We name unnamed dwarves, speculate wildly about the Dúnedain of the North (despite Tolkien’s best efforts), and remember another legendary hero with the initials F.B.: Ferris Bueller.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Book I, Chapter 1 of The Lord of the Rings continues, the Baggins binary birthday bash begins with food, fireworks, and no unwanted poetry. Bilbo actually has something far more noteworthy in mind: a dramatic and immediate departure. As the flabbergasted guests eat and drink away their confusion, Gandalf confronts Bilbo about… well, you know. We discuss Tolkien’s comments on the longevity of Ringbearers, bring out the Fëanor piñata once again, and introduce a brand-new segment: Meanwhile, Elsewhere in Middle-earth.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first pages of Book I, Chapter 1 of The Lord of the Rings, “A Long-Expected Party”, we see Bilbo Baggins through the eyes of the hobbits of the Shire, not all of whom view him kindly. Seeming eccentric to some and suspicious to others, Bilbo is nevertheless the chief topic of conversation as the occasion of his eleventy-first birthday approaches. While the Gaffer gabs in the Ivy Bush, we discuss the secret ambitions of the Sackville-Bagginses, admire Tolkien’s intractability towards proofreaders, and have fun with numbers in Old English. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices