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
32 snips
Jul 1, 2016 • 1h 45min
014 - Trouble in Paradise
In Chapter 7 of The Silmarillion, Fëanor crafts the most renowned jewels in the history of Middle-earth - the Silmarils - and conflict is immediately kindled between the sons of Finwë while Melkor stokes the fire. Meanwhile, a listener question about the crafting of weapons leads Alan and Shawn down a nerdy pop culture reference path from which there is no turning back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 snips
Jun 18, 2016 • 1h 51min
013 - The Blame Game
In Chapter 6 of The Silmarillion, Míriel chooses death over the labor of living, so Finwë remarries to the displeasure of his eldest son Fëanor (and half the Valar). Amid the strife in Finwë's house, Melkor is granted parole and begins to gain influence in Valinor. But Fëanor is a spirit so fiery, not even Melkor can sway him. Cue the foreboding music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 snips
Jun 5, 2016 • 1h 53min
012 - All in the Family
In Chapters 4 and 5 of The Silmarillion, one Telerin lord settles down with a lady way out of his league while the rest of the Eldar migrate across the Great Sea to Aman. We see the founding of the great cities of Eldamar - Tirion upon Túna and Alqualondë - and meet the family of Finwë, King of the Noldor. And Ulmo actually does what the Valar tell him to, until he doesn't. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
22 snips
May 22, 2016 • 1h 32min
011 - Elves and All! Hooray!
In Chapter 3 of The Silmarillion, we take a trip to Cuiviénen for the awakening of the Firstborn Children of Ilúvatar - the Quendi or Elves. Along the way we discuss the kindling of the stars, the origin of the Orcs, and the capture of Melkor. We also raise the bar on nerdy pop culture references from The Princess Bride all the way up to Get Smart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
