The Prancing Pony Podcast - Episode 356: "Hold On"
Release Date: January 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 356 of The Prancing Pony Podcast, hosts Alan Sisto and Matt Marchese delve deep into the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. This episode, titled "Hold On," continues their exploration of Tolkien's legendarium, blending detailed analysis with engaging discussions and humor.

Guest Interview: Olivia Oddie in the North Wing

Olivia Oddie, a passionate Tolkien enthusiast and patron of the podcast, joins Alan and Matt in the North Wing section of the show. Olivia shares her lifelong love for Tolkien’s works, beginning with her mother's reading of The Hobbit when she was six years old.

• Background & Family Influence
  Olivia explains her mixed heritage—half English, half Italian—and how her family's shared admiration for Tolkien spurred her own interest.

  [03:16] Olivia: "It's a fantastic way to be altogether loving it. And I am slowly corrupting all my great nephews and nieces to the true Tolkien way."

• Favorite Works & Characters
  She reveals her favorite book in the legendarium is The Fall of Gondolin, specifically admiring the character Idril for her strength and resilience. Olivia also mentions Smith of Wooten Major as her favorite non-legendarium work by Tolkien.

  [06:06] Olivia: "So my favorite legendarium is in fact the Fall of Gondolin."

• Tolkien Community Involvement
  Olivia discusses her active participation in Tolkien-related events, particularly the Oxenfurt Moot, highlighting the blend of scholarship and community spirit.

  [07:38] Olivia: "Oxenfurt, to me, is the absolute epitome of, of Tolkien meetups."

• Lightning Round Highlights
  Olivia's quick responses showcase her deep connection to Middle-earth, with Frodo as her favorite character and Idril her favorite elf from the First Age. She expresses a strong affinity for Rivendell and a desire to reside in Third Age Gondor.

  [08:42] Alan: "Who's your favorite character in the Lord of the Rings?"
  [08:44] Olivia: "Frodo."

Story Reading & Analysis: "The Ride of Eorl"

Alan and Matt transition into a detailed reading and discussion of The Ride of Eorl, a pivotal event in Tolkien's history of Middle-earth. This segment combines narrated excerpts with thoughtful analysis.

• Summary of Events
  The reading outlines Gondor's alliance with the Eotheod (later known as the Rohirrim) during a time of mounting threats from the Balcoth and other hostile forces. The narrative covers the perilous journey of messengers, particularly focusing on the heroic ride of Borondir.

  [10:53] Alan: "The Ride of EORL While the Eotheod still dwelt in their former home..."

• Character Spotlight: Borondir
  The hosts highlight Borondir’s bravery and dedication, emphasizing his crucial role in delivering Gondor’s plea for aid. They discuss the logistical challenges of such a journey, including distances covered and the physical toll on both rider and horse.

  [06:10] Olivia: "I sort of hero worship Idril, kind of."

• Notable Quotes & Insights
  Alan provides notable quotes from the transcript to underscore key points, such as Eorl’s swift decision-making and the strategic importance of Gondor's alliances.

  [14:03] Alan: "They certainly have contributed a lot of blood in both senses."

• Tolkien’s Storytelling Mastery
  The discussion delves into Tolkien’s ability to create believable yet extraordinary journeys, comparing Borondir’s ride to Aragorn’s epic travels. They also touch upon the feasibility of such feats, consulting equine experts to analyze the plausibility of the distances covered in the lore.

  [56:17] Matt: "If Boron Deer was riding a few hours alternating gates, then stopping a few to rest the horse and let him eat..."

Listener Mailbag: Expanding Middle-earth

The episode features a compelling listener question from Justin in California, pondering whether the Tolkien estate would permit new writers to expand Middle-earth with additional books or complete unfinished stories like The Fall of Gondolin.

• Tolkien’s Stance on Posthumous Works
  Alan and Matt reference Tolkien’s own letters, particularly Letter #131, where he expresses hesitance about other authors expanding his world, emphasizing the importance of "other minds and hands" in different media rather than literary fiction.

  [96:40] Alan: "The cycles should be linked to a majestic whole and yet leave scope for other minds and hands."

• Comparison to Other Literary Estates
  The hosts compare the Tolkien estate's approach to that of Isaac Asimov’s, highlighting the challenges and potential pitfalls of allowing external authors to add to established universes. They express a desire for expansions to occur through different media such as music, drama, or visual arts rather than new literary works.

  [104:49] Alan: "I really hope they don't go down that road."

• Community Engagement
  The discussion underscores the passion within the Tolkien fan community for maintaining the integrity of Middle-earth, while also acknowledging the creative possibilities in various storytelling formats.

Conclusion

Episode 356 of The Prancing Pony Podcast seamlessly blends in-depth lore exploration with engaging character discussions and thoughtful listener interactions. Alan and Matt continue to honor Tolkien’s legacy by fostering a rich community of enthusiasts and providing insightful analyses that deepen the appreciation of Middle-earth.

Notable Quotes:

• "Frodo." – Olivia (05:48)
• "They do the thing." – Matt (63:52)
• "Write it in music, you know, and put it with an adaptation." – Matt (107:00)

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Don’t miss out on future episodes as Alan and Matt continue their journey through Middle-earth, uncovering hidden tales and celebrating the enduring magic of Tolkien’s universe.