The Prancing Pony Podcast - Episode 354: Fight Fire With Northmen

Release Date: January 12, 2025

Introduction

In the latest installment of The Prancing Pony Podcast, hosts Alan Sisto and Shawn E. Marchese delve deep into the intricate lore of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Episode 354, titled "Fight Fire With Northmen," continues their exploration of Unfinished Tales, focusing on the alliances and conflicts that shape the destiny of Gondor and its allies.

This Week in Tolkien History

January 12th Across the Ages

The episode kicks off with a segment dedicated to significant events in Tolkien's life that occurred on January 12th across different years:

• 1917: [03:03] Alan highlights that on this day, Tolkien's leave of absence from the army ended as he battled trench fever, a debilitating illness caused by lice-borne bacteria. Alan shares a poignant excerpt from John Garth's Tolkien of the Great War:

  "We anointed ourselves all over with the stuff and again lay down in great hopes. But instead of discouraging them, it seemed to act like a kind of hors d'oeuvre, and the little beggars went at their feast with renewed vigor." — [03:03] Alan

• 1941: On the same date, Tolkien penned his 42nd letter to his son Michael from the hospital in Worcester, reminiscing about lighter moments with the Lewis brothers and friends:

  "I got to tell you about him one of these days, though his first name was actually Robert, not Humphrey. So I just... you guys are just crazy." — [05:09] Matt

• 1959: The birth of Simon Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien’s eldest son, who would later become a novelist and an influential figure in maintaining Middle-earth's legacy:

  "Simon's contributions have been invaluable, especially as a series consultant for Amazon's The Rings of Power." — [05:09] Matt

Tribute to Christopher Tolkien

A heartfelt moment unfolds as the hosts mourn the passing of Christopher Tolkien on January 16, 2020. They reflect on his monumental efforts in bringing unpublished works to light, including The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales. Alan quotes the New York Times obituary by Tom Shippey:

"Without Christopher, we would have very little knowledge of how Tolkien created his mythology and his own legendarium." — [13:50] Alan

Matt adds a personal touch by sharing his experience of starting his channel shortly before Christopher's death, emphasizing the profound impact Christopher had on the Tolkien community.

Main Discussion: Fight Fire With Northmen

Reading from Unfinished Tales

The core of the episode features a detailed reading from Unfinished Tales titled "Fight Fire With Northmen," which chronicles the formation and struggles of the Eotheod, descendants of the Northmen who allied with Gondor.

Summary of the Reading

The narrative begins with the Eotheod, a small remnant of the once-powerful Northmen, living in the vales of Anduin. These horsemen, renowned for their breeding and riding skills, face devastation from the Great Plague of 1635, which decimates over half their population and horses much like the historical Black Death.

King Kalimechtar of Gondor, determined to avenge his father's defeat at the Battle of the Plains, forms an alliance with Marhwini, son of Marhari. This partnership proves pivotal in breaking the Wainriders' strength, leading to significant battles and shaping future alliances that are crucial for the survival of Gondor.

Insights and Analysis

The hosts engage in a lively discussion, unpacking the historical parallels between Middle-earth's plagues and real-world events. Alan draws comparisons between the 1635 Great Plague and Europe's 14th-century Black Death, noting the similar mortality rates and societal impacts:

"It's really terrifying. Tens of millions of people... half the population is not a stretch." — [32:18] Matt

Matt and Alan also explore the significance of the Eotheod's alliance with Gondor, highlighting how this partnership not only provided immediate military support but also laid the groundwork for future heroic moments in Tolkien's lore, such as the Ride of Eorl and the defense of Minas Tirith.

Notable Quotes

• Alan at [05:57]: "Now, on this date again, still January 12th in 1959, Simon Tolkien was born... he spoke primarily about his then recently released novel, No Man's Land."

• Matt at [15:10]: "But for now, it is time for us to turn to the Aotheod. And I'm not even going to say the full title."

• Alan at [13:50]: "Without Christopher, we would have very little knowledge of how Tolkien created his mythology and his own legendarium."

Listener Community and Adaptation Ideas

The episode concludes with an engaging segment where the hosts brainstorm potential adaptations of Tolkien's appendices, discussing which stories could translate well to film or other media. They express enthusiasm for stories like "The Adventures of Thorongil" and the origins of the Rohirrim, pondering casting choices and narrative possibilities.

Highlighted Discussion Points

• Potential Films: Alan and Matt debate the cinematic potential of various appendices, emphasizing the rich storytelling found in characters like Thorongil (Aragorn) and the Witch King.

• Fan Engagement: They encourage listeners to submit their ideas and participate in the podcast's vibrant community through social media platforms.

Conclusion

The Prancing Pony Podcast wraps up Episode 354 with heartfelt acknowledgments to their dedicated patrons and team members. They invite listeners to support the show through Patreon and engage with their extensive online community for discussions and exclusive content.

Final Thoughts

The hosts leave listeners eagerly anticipating the next episode, promising continued exploration of Middle-earth's deep lore and the unfolding saga of Gondor's alliances and battles.

Notable Mentions:

• Christopher Tolkien's Contributions: Emphasized as pivotal in preserving and expanding Tolkien's legacy.
• Eotheod and Gondor Alliance: Highlighted as a crucial turning point in Middle-earth's history.
• Listener Community: Active engagement encouraged through various social media channels.

Quotes with Timestamps:

• "If you need three new reasons to..." — [00:02] Alan
• "I'm Matt, the Nerd of the Rings..." — [01:18] Matt
• "Without Christopher, we would have very little knowledge..." — [13:50] Alan
• "Let us both take heart of hope and faith..." — [14:29] Alan
• "Another incredibly heroic moments..." — [54:19] Alan

For more detailed discussions and contributions from the Tolkien community, visit prancingponypodcast.com. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode!