The Prancing Pony Podcast
The Prancing Pony Podcast
The Prancing Pony Podcast is a weekly show about the Middle-earth legendarium of J.R.R. Tolkien, hosted - for six seasons - by Alan Sisto and Shawn E. Marchese. Now in its ninth season, Alan is joined by an all-star cast of co-hosts as he explores more of Middle-earth!Alan and all his co-hosts are passionate Tolkien enthusiasts, inviting listeners to enjoy their detailed exploration of Tolkien’s work, with smart but straightforward discussion and a healthy dose of self-effacing humor, pop-culture references, and bad puns. These are the folks you'd want to hang out with at a pub and talk Tolkien with!
Episodes
Mentioned books
16 snips
May 7, 2016 • 1h 39min
010 - It Is A Gift
In this special spoiler-filled episode, we delve into Tolkien's letters and The History of Middle-earth to examine Tolkien's concept of mortality as "the gift of the One to Men." We discuss the fates of Elves and Men and how they illustrate a central theme in the legendarium, and demonstrate that anything in life can be improved with a reference to The Princess Bride. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11 snips
Apr 24, 2016 • 1h 22min
009 - The Odd Couple
In Chapter 2 of The Silmarillion, Aulë and Yavanna demonstrate the principle of “opposites attract” even among the Valar, we witness the power of humility, and learn the origins of some of Middle-earth's most mysterious creatures: Dwarves, Ents, and Eagles. We also speculate about the materials Aulë uses to build his own couch to sleep on when Yavanna goes to bed angry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
18 snips
Apr 10, 2016 • 1h 28min
008 - And So It Begins
Finally reaching Chapter 1 of the Quenta Silmarillion, we behold an Arda too perfect to last, offer a brief geography lesson, and shamelessly poke fun at as many Valar as possible before stopping to admire the beauty of the Two Trees of Valinor. Also, we almost answer a question about death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7 snips
Mar 27, 2016 • 1h 36min
007 - The Powers of Arda
In the second part of The Silmarillion we laugh with Tulkas, cry with Nienna, gaze on the starlit face of Varda and meet the rest of the Valar and Maiar who entered into the world at its beginning. We also answer the age-old question: which of the Valar would be the most fun at parties? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 snips
Mar 25, 2016 • 1h 26min
006 - Tolkien Reading Day Special 2016
Happy Tolkien Reading Day! On March 25 every year - the date of the fall of Barad-dûr - Tolkien lovers worldwide celebrate by reading and promoting the Professor's life and work. For this special, Alan and Shawn read and discuss favorite passages related to this year's theme of Life, Death, and Immortality, and indulge in a little inter-fandom rivalry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
20 snips
Mar 13, 2016 • 1h 33min
005 - The Music of the Ainur
Alan and Shawn discuss the creation of the universe, Ilúvatar's playlist, Melkor's rebellion, the concept of free will, and the significance of the Ainur and the children of Illuvitar in Tolkien's writings.
8 snips
Mar 10, 2016 • 20min
004 - The Great War
This time, Alan flies solo over the battlefields of World War I and discusses both the explicit and the implied influences that the Great War had on Tolkien’s writings, while Shawn is safely away in the officers' club in Edoras with a refreshing drink. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 1, 2016 • 31min
003 - The Origins of Quenya and Sindarin
Delve into the fascinating origins of Tolkien's elvish languages, Quenya and Sindarin. Explore the linguistic inspirations behind their creation, including Finnish language, and their significance in Tolkien's world-building.
Feb 28, 2016 • 1h 13min
002 - The Myth-lover
We continue our introduction to J. R. R. Tolkien's ideas on fantasy and myth with a look at his short poem dedicated to C. S. Lewis, "Mythopoeia" - a thematic companion piece to "On Fairy-Stories". Also, polar bears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
26 snips
Feb 22, 2016 • 1h 29min
001 - In Defense of Fantasy
In the first episode, get to know your hosts, Alan and Shawn, and learn about why we started The Prancing Pony Podcast. We also discuss favorite moments from the life of J.R.R. Tolkien as told in Humphrey Carpenter's biography, and introduce Tolkien's ideas about the nature and purpose of fantasy as described in his famous essay "On Fairy-Stories". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
