The Prancing Pony Podcast – Episode 348: "You Give Love a Bad Name"
Release Date: November 10, 2024
Introduction
In episode 348 of The Prancing Pony Podcast, host Alan Sisto and co-host Don Marshall delve deep into the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, specifically focusing on the intricate history of the Kingdom of Gondor as detailed in Appendix A1. Titled "You Give Love a Bad Name," this episode offers listeners an engaging exploration of Gondor's lineage, its rise to power, subsequent decline, and the tumultuous events that shaped its destiny.
Reading from Appendix A1: The History of Gondor
The episode commences with Alan reading an extensive passage from Appendix A1, Part 4, which chronicles the succession of Gondor's kings, their reigns, and pivotal battles that defined the kingdom's trajectory.
Notable Quote:
Alan Sisto [01:07]: "Join us as we look at great kings, lazy kings and usurpers in our look at the first part of appendix A1, little four. This time we're making progress covering the Kingdom of Gondor."
The Kings of Gondor: From Ostaher to Atanatar Al Kharin
The podcast transitions into a detailed analysis of Gondor's rulers, starting with Ostaher, the seventh king, who was instrumental in rebuilding Minas Anor (later Minas Tirith) after Sauron's assaults. Don and Alan dissect the etymology of the kings' names, revealing the deep linguistic roots Tolkien embedded within his legendarium.
Notable Quotes:
Don Marshall [00:27]: "I am Don Marshall, known as the obscure Lord of the Rings, Facts guy."
Alan Sisto [02:12]: "They write that there is ample anecdotal evidence that many who enjoy his stories of Middle Earth pass over the poems very quickly or avoid them altogether."
The Rise of the Ship Kings and the Siege of Umbar
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Ship Kings, a lineage of Gondor's rulers who emphasized naval power. Alan reads about King Kirjaher (Hirmendacil), whose reign marked the zenith of Gondor's power, extending its influence across vast regions and solidifying its naval dominance by capturing Umbar. The narrative highlights the strategic importance of Umbar and its lasting impact on Gondor's geopolitical landscape.
Notable Quote:
Alan Sisto [20:12]: "The might of Hiermendacil no enemy dared to contest during the remainder of his long reign."
The Kin Strife: Eldacar vs. Castamir
One of the episode's pivotal moments is the exploration of the Kin Strife, a brutal civil war within Gondor sparked by racial prejudices and usurpation. Eldacar, a king of mixed heritage due to his Northmen ancestry through his mother Vidumavi, faces rebellion led by Castamir, a descendant of the disgraced House of Castamir. The hosts discuss the deep-seated bigotry that fueled the conflict, the personal vendettas, and the tragic loss of Eldacar's son, Ornendil.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Sisto [48:16]: "It's a lot of history in there."
Don Marshall [54:58]: "Go back where you came from. Right? This just disturbingly high level of racism and bigotry."
The Second Great Evil: Plague and Sauron's Ascendance
Following the internal strife, Gondor faces its second great evil—a devastating plague coupled with Sauron's resurgence. The discussion sheds light on how these calamities weakened Gondor, leading to the neglect of Mordor's borders and paving the way for Sauron's return to power. The hosts emphasize the interconnectedness of Gondor's internal decay and the external threats that exploited this vulnerability.
Notable Quote:
Don Marshall [75:00]: "The kin strife. We've got that first evil on Gondor. Now we're reading about the second one that Tolkien calls the greatest evil."
Queen Beruthiel and Her Enigmatic Cats
In a fascinating detour, Alan and Don explore the enigmatic figure of Queen Beruthiel, a nearly forgotten monarch whose legacy is overshadowed by her sinister relationship with her cats. Drawing from Tolkien's letters and unpublished drafts, the hosts reveal Beruthiel's dark maneuvers, her manipulation of her feline companions for espionage, and her ultimate exile. This segment underscores Tolkien's attention to detail and his ability to create even the most obscure characters with depth and intrigue.
Notable Quotes:
Don Marshall [86:23]: "There we go, family bonds because that was not, though, the only unnecessary death."
Alan Sisto [89:54]: "So training them to, like, spy on people and come back with news, that's pretty impressive stuff."
Conclusion: The Lingering Threat of Umbar
The episode culminates with a reflection on the enduring threat posed by Umbar, a bastion of Gondor's enemies. Despite temporary victories, Umbar remains a perpetual menace, symbolizing Gondor's ongoing struggles against internal divisions and external aggressions. Alan and Don reinforce the notion that Gondor's history is a complex interplay of valor, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of power.
Notable Quote:
Alan Sisto [83:18]: "But Umbar would fall into the hands of the Haradrim about 150 years later."
Final Thoughts
Episode 348 of The Prancing Pony Podcast offers a comprehensive and engaging examination of Gondor's storied past. Through meticulous reading of Tolkien's appendices and insightful commentary, Alan Sisto and Don Marshall provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of Gondor's kings, its internal conflicts, and the external forces that shaped its destiny. This episode is a must-listen for Tolkien enthusiasts seeking a deeper appreciation of Middle-earth's intricate histories.
Notable Quote:
Don Marshall [93:46]: "There's also more. In Hamilton Skulls Reader's Companion, they quote an interview the Tolkien gave in new worlds in 1966."
For those eager to immerse themselves further in Tolkien's universe, be sure to subscribe to The Prancing Pony Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or your preferred podcast platform.