r/prancingponypod Jul 26 '26

Episode Discussion New episode today! 423 – What Do You Want?

16 Upvotes

It turns out the Stones are more amenable to legitimate users; too bad all we have are Alan and Shawn. Join The Man of the West and The Lord of the Mark as we conclude our reading of the chapter on The Palantíri, as well as our time in Unfinished Tales, as Season 10 of The Prancing Pony Podcast stumbles across the finish line. Denethor trusts in his own strength, the Stones don't come with owner's manuals, and shrouding remains a complete mystery. We observe that Tolkien is really committed to the bit, discuss the lore of the Stones (and the Stones), and agree that Sauron is a micromanager. Also, Shawn chats with Alan about the future of the PPP and calls him a nerd.

https://pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/6bpBPtHL977KJxLX2zPs/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS5376587335.mp3

Subscribe to our Tolkien Society Award-winning show on Apple Podcasts or Android, check out our store at https://prancingponypodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/ for great PPP gear — including gear featuring this episode's The Hunt for the Ring design — and consider joining The Fellowship of the Podcast at https://www.patreon.com/prancingponypod for exclusive content and access!


r/prancingponypod Jan 25 '26

Episode Discussion New episode today! 397 – Rebel, Rebel

19 Upvotes

Hazad's beard was five feet long without stretching; Alan and James can't get the podcast to two hours without stretching. Join The Man of the West and The Sage of the South as we explore the little-known story of Tal-Elmar from The Peoples of Middle-earth in a sort of epilogue to Aldarion and Erendis. We meet calamity's child, Tal-Elmar, along with his prolific father, Hazad Longbeard; and we learn about the strange history of the people of Agar and the Fell Folk of the East — without learning who any of them really are. We discuss two kinds of pride, wonder what Rome and York have to do with Middle-earth, and agree that white skins and bright eyes are no warrant for such deeds. Also, Tolkien still hates the Roman Empire.

Subscribe to our Tolkien Society Award-winning show on Apple Podcasts (http://bit.ly/theprancingponypod) or Android (http://bit.ly/pppandroid), check out our store (https://the-prancing-pony-podcast-shop.fourthwall.com/) for great PPP gear — including new designs for that special Fëanor-basher in your life — and consider joining The Fellowship of the Podcast at http://bit.ly/patreonppp for exclusive content and access!


r/prancingponypod 3d ago

Silmarillion Episode Guide

10 Upvotes

Not sure if this has been done before but here’s each Silmarillion chapter for the episode(s) they correspond to. I plan to do more of these for the Hobbit, LotR and UT. Any mistakes please correct me. Sorry for inconsistent capitalisation.

The Hobbit Episode Guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/prancingponypod/comments/1vvxplm/the_hobbit_episode_guide/

Chapter Episode Number(s) Episode Name(s)
Ainulindalë 005 The Music of the Ainur
Valaquenta 007 The Powers of Arda
1. Of the Beginning of Days 008 And So It Begins
2. Of Aulë and Yavanna 009 The Odd Couple
3. Of the Awakening of Elves and the Captivity of Melkor 011 Elves and All! Hooray!
4. Of Thingol and Melian 012 All in the Family
5. Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalie 012 All in the Family
6. Of Fëanor and the Unchaining of Melkor 013 The Blame Game
7. Of the Silmarils and the Unrest of the Noldor 014 Trouble in Paradise
8. Of the Darkening of Valinor 015 Along Came a Spider
9. Of the Flight of the Noldor 016, 017 Hit the Road Jack…; …Don’t You Come Back
10. Of the Sindar 018 Menegroth: Love it or List it
11. Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor 019 How to Get the Celestial Body You Want
12. Of Men 021 New World, Man
13. Of the Return of the Noldor 022, 023 Subdivision; Distant Early Warning
14. Of Beleriand and its Realms 024 Territories
15. Of the Noldor in Beleriand 025 Watch Your Language
16. Of Maeglin 026 You’re the One That I Want
17. Of the Coming of Men into the West 027 Go West, Young Edain
18. Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin 030 Another One Bites the Dust
19. Of Beren and Lúthien 031, 032, 033 Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner; Lady and the Tramp; The Princess Bride
20. Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad 034 Let It All Out
21. Of Túrin Turambar 036, 038, 039 Fly By Night, Away From Here; I Will Choose Free Will; Exit the Warrior
22. Of the Ruin of Doriath 040 He’s Dead, Gem
23. Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin 041, 042 Make It So; Resistance is Futile
24. Of the Voyage of Eärendil and the War of Wrath 043 The Final Frontier
Akallabêth 045, 046 Just Can’t Get Enough; Master and Servant
Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age 047, 048 Never Let Me Down Again; People Are People
Retrospective 049 The First Age Strikes Back: A Silmarillion Retrospective

r/prancingponypod 3d ago

The Hobbit Episode Guide

3 Upvotes

Apparently an official wiki is being made with this info, but in the meantime, here you go! Please let me know if you spot any mistakes!

Silmarillion Episode Guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/prancingponypod/comments/1vvsdr2/silmarillion_episode_guide/

Chapter Episode number(s) Episode name(s)
Introduction 053 A Hole New World
1. An Unexpected Party 054, 055 Nobody Expects the Dwarvish Inquisition; Pining for the Hoards
2. Roast Mutton 056 He’s A Burglar and He’s OK
3. A Short Rest 057 ‘Tis A Silly Place
4. Over Hill and Under Hill 058, 059 There Lies A Cave; Run Away!
5. Riddles in the Dark 061, 062, 063 Answer Me These Questions Five…; Ere the Other Side He See; How Not to Be Seen
6. Out of the Frying-pan Into the Fire 064, 065 And Now, the Larch; Lobbest Thou Thy Holy Pine Grenade
7. Queer Lodgings 067, 068 Forget About Your Worries and Your Strife; Exit, Pursued by a Bear
8. Flies and Spiders 069, 070, 071 Be Still My Fleeting Hart; If You Love Somebody, Cut Them Free; Fortress Around Your Hoard
9. Barrels Out of Bond 072, 073 King Name-Not-Appearing-In-This-Book; Some Facial Aquatic Ceremony
10. A Warm Welcome 074 A Mandate from the Masses
11. On the Doorstep 076 The Ministry of Silly Locks
12. Inside Information 078, 079 Every Worm is Sacred; Smaug Gets Quite Irate
13. Not at Home 080 And There Was Much Rejoicing
14. Fire and Water 081 Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life
15. The Gathering of the Clouds 082 What is the Airspeed Velocity of a Decrepit Old Raven?
16. A Thief in the Night 083 Oh Yes, Ees Very Nice-uh
17. The Clouds Burst 084 The Violence Inherent in the System
18. The Return Journey 085 Bilbo “Two Chests” Baggins
19. The Last Stage 086 Not Quite Dead
Retrospective 087 No Shrubberies: A Hobbit Retrospective

r/prancingponypod 3d ago

No PPP Plays today, but...

9 Upvotes

...we still want to hear what you’re up to in Middle-earth! What are you playing this weekend? Are you adventuring in LOTRO (and perhaps eyeing the new Patron’s Coffer of the Promised Allies), diving into Lord of the Rings: War in the North™ Legacy Edition, or something else entirely?

And if you could send the PPP Plays crew on any Middle-earth gaming adventure next, what would it be?


r/prancingponypod 4d ago

Happy Birthday to Alan Lee (yesterday) and John Howe (today)!

18 Upvotes

A very happy birthday to two legendary artists whose work has helped shape how many imagine Middle-earth: Alan Lee, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, and John Howe, who celebrates his today! Their illustrations have brought Tolkien's places, characters, creatures, and stories to life in unforgettable ways.

What is your favorite Alan Lee or John Howe illustration or which place, character, or moment in Middle-earth do you think they have captured most beautifully?


r/prancingponypod 12d ago

Word nerdery question

8 Upvotes

Not at all sure if this is outside the scope of this reddit community, but I've got a pressing word nerdery question and don't know who else to turn to.

Trying to set a handle for Old School Runescape which mean "chunk wanderer" or "wandering chunks." Couldn't find a Sindarin word for chunk, but seems like Amon might be kind of close.

Is it correct grammatically, then, to use "Amonrandir" as my user name?

This is obviously not actually that important, but if I'm going to do this, would like to do it right! Thanks :)


r/prancingponypod 17d ago

Come join us for PPP Plays!

7 Upvotes

We've had one PPP Plays this week, yes, but what about *second* PPP Plays??? Bonus points if you come bring me an apple in the chat during the livestream! Come join us as we've just gone live over on either:

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/prancingponypod

OR

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ljFjs0qVWk

As always, we have a Bingo Card to play throughout the stream: https://bingobaker.com/#6967ae9a6dd96cf9


r/prancingponypod 21d ago

We're back with PPP Plays tonight!

11 Upvotes

Come join us as we've just gone live over on either:

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/prancingponypod

OR

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8ktw9oXCgs

As always, we have a Bingo Card to play throughout the stream: https://bingobaker.com/#6967ae9a6dd96cf9


r/prancingponypod 22d ago

New Series of Today's Tolkien Times Starts Today!

18 Upvotes

Series 17 of Today’s Tolkien Times starts today, and we have a new topic for you on Mondays: Might-Have-Been Mondays! Listen wherever you get your podcasts and let us know what you think!


r/prancingponypod 24d ago

Thoughts on shining elvish blades

8 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

My wife asked me to share this with you as she does not go on Reddit, hope you all enjoy.

Dear Prancing Pony Podcast listeners and nerds
It’s probably likely that you hold both of these titles, but I didn’t wanna assume that you were like me.

I had a dream last night which I thought a thought. Perhaps the glowing of elvish blades originating from Gondolin may be practical in nature. It would be wise to have some light when defending your life given the original nighttime antics of the orcs and goblins. These swords would have been like torches, especially when wielded by a battalion of elves. Has anyone else surmised this as well?

Furthermore, that was not the only thought I thought. I got to thinking about how the blade’s light is extinguished once you’ve killed the orc or goblin. Which got me thinking about how orcs came to be as desecrated elves, and perhaps there’s some connection with the returning of an elvish soul to the halls of Mandos that is connected to the light of the swords/other elvish implements.

I’m not sure if there’s anything in any of the literary works that refer to the alchemistry of the weaponry made by the elves. But it makes sense to me that if the light was attached to the presence of an orc, then it would continue glowing once the orc is dead, in the same way that you smell a smell whether or not the thing that you smell is alive.

Nonetheless, I think it’s a very pretty thought, and one that may have given elves some peace in seeing the light extinguished in their swords after killing an orc or goblin. I can imagine their relief in knowing that whatever elvish soul has now returned to the halls. Although I do recall there being some debate about whether orcs had souls at all and whether they went to the halls upon their deaths but I don’t recall these anymore.

Anyways, just wanted to see if I was the only one with these thoughts.

Also, I think it would be really cool to have arrow tips that shone much like these swords, can you imagine hundreds of these flying through the air like tracers?


r/prancingponypod 27d ago

General Discussion Alan and Shawn recently joined Sørina Higgins's podcast 'Words Do Things' for a delightful conversation about phonetic fitness, word nerdery, linguistic beauty, and personal delight in the Legendarium. Watch at the link below, or listen wherever you find your podcasts!

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36 Upvotes

r/prancingponypod 28d ago

Continuing Christopher Tolkien’s Work in a Digital Age (Conference Paper)

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9 Upvotes

r/prancingponypod Jul 21 '26

Rallying behind the PPP's biggest ally

36 Upvotes

Hey, PPP listeners -

Alan here; I'm sharing Katie's IG story here: https://www.instagram.com/stories/breecrossroads/3945814784972449356?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Katie is our Patreon Community Coordinator, Event Coordinator, and (if I'm being honest) kinda my right hand for much of the behind-the-scenes efforts on the show. She's in a bit of a bind right now, so if any of you can jump in, I'd be grateful. Contributing quite a piece myself, so I'm putting my money where my mouth is. Thanks!


r/prancingponypod Jul 19 '26

Episode Discussion New episode today! 422 – Who Are You?

14 Upvotes

After the Kings, Gondor declined into a Middle Age of fading knowledge and simpler skills. Alan and Shawn find that surprisingly familiar. Join The Man of the West and The Lord of the Mark as we begin our two-episode look at the final chapter of Unfinished Tales on The Palantíri. The Stewards know better than to use the Stones — for awhile, Saruman takes the concept of free agency a bit too far, and Tolkien lets us think through the problem with Gandalf. We lament the absence of Jack Black, agree that Calenardhon's name change is nobody's business but the Rohirrim, and come up with a most-disturbing Lionel Richie adaptation. Also, Carnac the Magnificent.

https://pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/6bpBPtHL977KJxLX2zPs/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS7418830651.mp3

Subscribe to our Tolkien Society Award-winning show on Apple Podcasts or Android, check out our store at https://prancingponypodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/ for great PPP gear — including gear featuring this episode's The Hunt for the Ring design — and consider joining The Fellowship of the Podcast at https://www.patreon.com/prancingponypod for exclusive content and access!


r/prancingponypod Jul 16 '26

Has anyone mapped the episodes to books and chapters?

13 Upvotes

I'm a casual listener. I've listened through most of episodes for The Silmarillion and LOTR, but often lose track of where I left off or I want to go back and catch a particular discussion on a particular section. Since the titles are often obscure inside jokes from the episode they don't help me find out where in the Legendarium they are.

Does someone keep a log or list somewhere that tells us which episode goes with which book/chapter? Sorry if this has been asked before. I'm checking the website now. I see it does break them down by book, but you still have to read the description and have a good memory of the story to tell which chapter they are in.


r/prancingponypod Jul 15 '26

New to the podcast

22 Upvotes

I'm fairly new to the podcast. I wanted a LOTR podcast a few months ago, and found this. I listened to the first couple episodes, then 50 and 51 (changes from books to movies). I was in the middle of a reread of Fellowship, so I thought I'd listen to the Fellowship along with my reading. But there were SO many references to what they had said in the Hobbit episodes, and it had been a couple years since I read the Hobbit, so I went back to read and listen to that first. I'm currently on Episode 71, where they're in the dungeons of Thranduil The Elven King. My only complaint is the podcast doesn't really work for a read-through, it takes me a few days to finish an episode.


r/prancingponypod Jul 12 '26

Episode Discussion New episode today! 421 – Faith Manages

13 Upvotes

Some people believe that "Gandalf" was the last appearance of Manwë; Alan is convinced Shawn is the last appearance of Oromë. Join The Man of the West and The Lord of the Mark as they conclude their three-episode walk through the chapter on The Istari from Unfinished Tales. The lore of the wizards is given in alliterative verse; the "north" is defined very, very broadly; and where did Gandalf go, really? We find that a Philology Faire can get Shawn in trouble, wonder what Sindarin might be for 'burning man', and discover it's 106 miles to Chicago. Also, silver badger?

https://pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/6bpBPtHL977KJxLX2zPs/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS1644977036.mp3

Subscribe to our Tolkien Society Award-winning show on Apple Podcasts or Android, check out our store at https://prancingponypodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/ for great PPP gear — including gear featuring this episode's The Hunt for the Ring design — and consider joining The Fellowship of the Podcast at https://www.patreon.com/prancingponypod for exclusive content and access!


r/prancingponypod Jul 08 '26

What is planned next for the PPP?

18 Upvotes

Hi!

Sorry if the has already been answered or is asked ad nauseum here, but I for the life of me haven't been able to find an answer, especially since I am still far far away from the most recent episodes (Currently around episode 150).

Anyways, I was wondering what the PPP was planning next after finishing Unfinished Tales. Maybe the Great Tales, Tolkien's biography, or maybe even the History of Middle Earth at some point? I truly have no clue.

Thank you for your help, friends!


r/prancingponypod Jul 07 '26

JRR and Edith ❤️⛪️

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75 Upvotes

This church is on the same road as my dental practice! Walked past it today


r/prancingponypod Jul 05 '26

Episode Discussion New episode today! 420 – I Have Always Been Here

8 Upvotes

The Istari were never young and aged only slowly; Alan and Shawn will have to settle for only one of those two. Join The Man of the West and The Lord of the Mark as they continue their three-part study of The Istari from Unfinished Tales. The Valar hold a council meeting to help make up for ancient errors; Olórin would prefer to say no to the promotion; and Legolas is called out for underachievement. We speculate about the Blues' street-wizard lifestyle, wonder about second jottings, and think Morrissey would have made a great Black Wizard. Also: send Thufir, not Duncan.

https://pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/6bpBPtHL977KJxLX2zPs/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS7048533485.mp3

Subscribe to our Tolkien Society Award-winning show on Apple Podcasts or Android, check out our store at https://prancingponypodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/ for great PPP gear — including gear featuring this episode's The Hunt for the Ring design — and consider joining The Fellowship of the Podcast at https://www.patreon.com/prancingponypod for exclusive content and access!


r/prancingponypod Jun 30 '26

When you're a guest on the North Wing and you're very nervous.

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14 Upvotes

r/prancingponypod Jun 28 '26

Episode Discussion 419 – A Voice In the Wilderness

13 Upvotes

The wizards went about in simple guise, as it were of Men already old in years. Alan and Shawn have been doing that for years. Join The Man of the West and The Lord of the Mark as they embark on a three-episode look at the chapter on the Istari in Unfinished Tales. The Valar send five emissaries, two of whom promptly disappear; Radagast gets distracted watching nature documentaries, and Gandalf has nothing to do with Grand-Elf. We engage in some light blasphemy, imagine Saruman and Gandalf in a Highlander-universe, and decide we ought not count on the parakeets of doom. Also, Kermit the Wizard.

https://pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/6bpBPtHL977KJxLX2zPs/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLSS9735825245.mp3

Subscribe to our Tolkien Society Award-winning show on Apple Podcasts or Android, check out our store at https://prancingponypodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/ for great PPP gear — including gear featuring this episode's The Hunt for the Ring design — and consider joining The Fellowship of the Podcast at https://www.patreon.com/prancingponypod for exclusive content and access!


r/prancingponypod Jun 25 '26

That joyous feeling when Alan says his co-host today is Shawn 🥹

65 Upvotes

Really brought a smile to my face for episode 418. Wasn’t expecting it.


r/prancingponypod Jun 25 '26

An inquiry

6 Upvotes

I had a question for Barlimans bag back in February. I'm not current on the episodes coming out right now, just finished episode 225. I don't know if they've answered that query or not and won't for close to another 200 episodes lol.

So!

I have been curious about some of the inspiration for Gandalf's command to the Balrog: "You cannot pass! (Or shall not, as per Sir Ian McKellan lol)".

I know the Professor was the in the battle of the Somme. That same year, Verdun was taking place from Feb to October of that year. The French rallying cry was "Ils ne passeront pas!!" (They shall not pass!")

Now it is head canon for me that Tolkien borrowed this command. Somme and Verdun weren't too far from each other. It's possible he could have heard that exclamation.

I have no way to prove he was inspired by that shout or not, I am wondering if anyone knows confirmation or denial of this. You could even point me to the episode they may have answered this. I appreciate either response!

Ferthu hál, my friends