The Prancing Pony Podcast - Episode 349: “I’ll Be There For You”
Release Date: November 17, 2024
Hosts: Alan Sisto and Don Marshall
Season: Ninth
1. Introduction and Overview
In the 349th episode of The Prancing Pony Podcast, hosts Alan Sisto and Don Marshall delve deep into the intricate history of Gondor, focusing on the complexities surrounding its kingship and the challenges it faced during the Third Age. The episode blends detailed lore analysis with light-hearted banter, embodying the podcast's signature mix of scholarly discussion and approachable humor.
Notable Quote:
- Alan Sisto [00:11]: “Good evening, little masters, and welcome to episode 349 of the Prancing Pony Podcast, where the Wayne writers really messed things up for Gondor.”
2. Philology Fair: The Meaning Behind Names
Alan and Don kick off the episode with their beloved segment, "Philology Fair," where they explore the linguistic roots of key Middle-earth names. This week, they dissect the name Arvedui, the last king of Arthedain, revealing its meaning as "last king." They break down the components:
- "Ar" or "Ara": Meaning noble or royal, seen in names like Aragorn and Arwen.
- "Vedwi/Medwi": Meaning last.
Notable Quotes:
- Don Marshall [02:54]: “Just Viggo Mortensen's interpretation of it gets me every time. It is so good.”
- Alan Sisto [04:00]: “The name Ondohere means Stone Lord, illustrating Tolkien’s deep connection to language and symbolism.”
3. The Invasion of the Wainriders: Historical Context and Impact
The hosts transition to a comprehensive examination of Appendix A14, detailing the invasion of the Wainriders. Originating from the east, these formidable forces used large wagons and chariots, overwhelming Gondor's defenses and leading to significant territorial losses. Key events discussed include:
- King Narmakil II's Death [03:21]: Killed in battle against the Wainriders in 1856.
- Calimechtar's Victory [06:01]: Avenges his father by defeating the Easterlings at Dagorlad in 1899.
Notable Quote:
- Alan Sisto [08:03]: “There are two very simple Sindarin elements here that combine to mean golden word. That's an apt name for a seer as good as Malbeth.”
4. The Politics of Gondor: Arvedui's Claim to Kingship
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Arvedui's contested claim to Gondor's throne following the death of King Ondoher and his sons. The podcast explores the argument between Arvedui and the ruling council of Gondor, highlighting:
- Arvedui's Lineage: Direct descendant of Isildur, strengthening his claim.
- Council's Rejection [33:26]: Led by Pelendor, Gondor's council dismisses Arvedui's claim, favoring Earnil, a victorious military leader from a different branch of the royal lineage.
Notable Quote:
- Alan Sisto [37:14]: “What makes Arvedui's claim more persuasive than any of the other kings of the Arthedain or even Arnor before that?”
5. Prophecies and Their Fulfillment
The episode features a reading of a prophecy by Malbeth the Seer, which alludes to future events crucial to Gondor's fate. The prophecy's vivid imagery and its eventual fulfillment are dissected:
- Prophetic Verse [51:43]:
“Over the land there lies a long shadow
Westward reaching wings of darkness
The tower trembles to the tombs of kings...”
This verse ominously hints at the rise of evil forces and the eventual return of the rightful king.
Notable Quote:
- Don Marshall [51:23]: “Glorfindel shall stand again and hear there a horn in the hills ringing.”
6. The Role of Glorfindel: Canonical vs. Retcon
A recurring figure in Middle-earth lore, Glorfindel, is scrutinized to determine if the Glorfindel encountered in The Lord of the Rings is the same as the one who perished fighting a Balrog in The Silmarillion. The hosts reference Christopher Tolkien's writings, which suggest that the name's repetition was likely accidental, thus implying they are different individuals.
Notable Quote:
- Alan Sisto [93:00]: “Glorfindel is an awesome note on which to wrap up this episode... is the same one in multiple acts.”
7. Conclusion: The Fragility of Gondor's Kingship
Wrapping up, Alan and Don reflect on the tragic decline of Gondor's royal line. With no pure-blooded heirs and repeated rejections of legitimate claims like Arvedui's, Gondor teeters on the brink of chaos and eventual reunification only when Aragorn steps in as Elessar, fulfilling ancient prophecies.
Notable Quote:
- Don Marshall [89:10]: “It was the prophecy made when Arvedui was born. Had Gondor allowed Arvedui to take the throne, then much sorrow and many lives of men shall pass until the Dunedain arise and are united again.”
8. Community and Engagement
Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize their vibrant listener community, encouraging engagement through various platforms like Discord, Facebook, Reddit, and more. They also take a moment to acknowledge and thank their Patreon supporters, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fuels the podcast.
Notable Quote:
- Alan Sisto [33:28]: “The PPP has an amazing listener community... you can check out the Common Room on Facebook, our dedicated subreddit, Twitter and much more.”
Final Thoughts
Episode 349 of The Prancing Pony Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of Gondor's tumultuous history, enriched with linguistic insights and prophecies that underscore the enduring legacy of Tolkien's legendarium. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Middle-earth, this episode provides valuable context and engaging discussion that brings the rich tapestry of Gondor's past to life.
Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where Alan and Don will continue their journey through the appendices, exploring the House of Aoral and the lineage of Gondor's stewards. Don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join the Fellowship of the Podcast for exclusive content!