The Prancing Pony Podcast: Episode 357 – "Cirion, Wayward Son"
Release Date: February 2, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 357 of The Prancing Pony Podcast, hosts Alan Sisto and Matt dive deep into the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, focusing on the intricate relationship between Cirion, the Steward of Gondor, and Eorl, the King of Rohan. This episode seamlessly weaves together narrative readings from Tolkien's lore with insightful discussions, humor, and engaging community interactions.
Kingly Gifts Segment: The Limited Edition Hobbit
Timestamp: 03:02 - 12:30
Guest: Andrew Ferguson (Trotter)
The episode kicks off with the Kingly Gifts segment, where the hosts welcome Andrew Ferguson from the Tolkien Collector's Guide to discuss a highly sought-after item: the new limited edition of The Hobbit published by the Folio Society.
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Sales Frenzy: The limited edition sold out in under 13 minutes, significantly faster than The Lord of the Rings edition, which took 34 hours. Andrew attributes this to the enduring popularity of The Hobbit and the consistent quality of the Folio Society's publications.
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Production Quality: Andrew highlights the exceptional craftsmanship, including large-sized, separately printed illustrations by Alan Lee, which enhance the reading experience by providing stunning visual contrasts and detailed artwork.
"They're like prints. You could cut them out and stick them on the wall." – Andrew Ferguson [06:44]
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Limited Edition Details: The edition is limited to 1,000 signed copies, featuring a cloth cover, quarter leather binding with silver text, and a meticulous number indication ensuring authenticity.
"This will only be a thousand copies of this." – Alan Sisto [13:10]
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Future Releases: Andrew anticipates similar high-quality editions for other Tolkien works, such as The Silmarillion, potentially in collaboration with renowned illustrators like Ted Naismith.
The segment underscores the passion of Tolkien enthusiasts and the value of collectible editions in preserving and celebrating Middle-earth's legacy.
Story Reading and Analysis: Cirion and Eorl's Alliance
Timestamp: 18:12 - 80:35
The core of the episode revolves around the narrative of Cirion and Eorl, two pivotal figures whose alliance shapes the future of Gondor and Rohan.
Geographical and Historical Context
Alan and Matt provide a comprehensive overview of the Beacon network in Gondor, detailing the significance of each beacon hill, especially Haloferion (Amon Anwar), the highest beacon.
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Beacon Network: A sequence of beacons from Amandine to Haloferion serves as a communication system, warning of impending threats.
"The Great West Road passed through a long cutting in the wood to avoid the wet land beyond its northern eaves." – Narrative Reading [21:50]
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Haloferion's Significance: Positioned in the Firian Wood, Haloferion stands isolated due to its location amidst dense forests, symbolizing its strategic importance and the mystery surrounding it.
Cirion's Diplomatic Mission
Cirion, the current Steward of Gondor, embarks on a mission to reward Eorl for his pivotal role in defending Gondor against the Balchoth and Orcs.
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Secret Preparations: Cirion instructs his trusted servants to reopen the ancient path to Amon Anwar without altering its entrance, emphasizing secrecy and reverence.
"Tell no one whither you go or what you have done." – Cirion [46:18]
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Journey to the Hill of Awe: Accompanied by Eorl and a select delegation, Cirion leads the party through the Whispering Wood to the summit of Haloferion, where he formally offers Eorl a substantial gift.
"I will now declare what I have resolved with the authority of the stewards of the kings..." – Narrative Reading [59:37]
The Offer and Its Implications
Cirion offers Eorl the vast land of Cullenarthon, spanning from Anduin to Isen, and the authority to establish a kingship there. This act solidifies the bond between Gondor and Rohan, marking the formal beginning of their alliance.
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Mutual Benefits: The gift ensures Rohan has fertile lands free from threats like Dol Guldur, while Gondor gains a powerful ally on its northern borders.
"Our enemies are your enemies while both realms endure." – Narrative Reading [65:55]
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Oath of Perpetual Friendship: The alliance is not a master-servant relationship but a covenant of mutual support and perpetual friendship, ensuring both nations stand together against common foes.
"But the same bond shall be laid also on the people of Gondor." – Narrative Reading [64:30]
Discussion and Insights
The hosts delve into the dynamics of Cirion and Eorl's relationship, highlighting themes of:
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Leadership and Humility: Cirion's reserved nature contrasts with Eorl's youthful vigor, showcasing a harmonious blend of wisdom and strength.
"Friends are people who live 2,000 miles away when they're recording this." – Alan Sisto [02:31] (Humorous remark)
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Tolkien's Realism: The concept of "textual ruins"—elements of the story only partially revealed—adds depth and realism to Middle-earth's history, mirroring real-world historical uncertainties.
"It's like a real history." – Alan Sisto [85:10]
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Mutual Respect and Honor: Both leaders respect each other's capabilities and backgrounds, fostering a genuine alliance based on mutual benefit and friendship rather than mere political strategy.
Listener Questions: The Fate of Shadowfax
Timestamp: 81:44 - 90:24
Question: Anne from Minnesota asks, "Did Shadowfax sail into the west with Gandalf at the end of the Third Age? It appears he was there at the Grey Havens, but the text doesn't specify if he got on the boat. Can animals even come to the Undying Lands?"
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Hosts' Insights:
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Geographical Consistency: Alan clarifies that Shadowfax is indeed with Gandalf when he departs Middle-earth, based on Tolkien's letters, even though the books don't explicitly state it.
"Shadowfax must have been there." – Alan Sisto [83:28]
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Illustrations and Cinematic Representations: They discuss the portrayal of Shadowfax in the films, noting the consistency with Middle-earth's lore regarding his appearance and companionship with Gandalf.
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Tolkien's Letters: Reference to Tolkien's 1965 letter, which confirms Shadowfax's departure with Gandalf, providing closure to the narrative for dedicated fans.
"Shadowfax certainly went with Gandalf across the sea." – Alan Sisto [88:38]
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Community Interaction: The hosts engage humorously with the question, blending factual information with light-hearted banter about the emotional bond between Gandalf and Shadowfax.
Conclusion and Teasers
As the episode wraps up, Alan and Matt reflect on the profound themes of friendship, leadership, and the intricate social dynamics within Tolkien's world. They tease the upcoming episode, which promises to delve into the oaths that bind Gondor and Rohan, and uncover more secrets atop Haloferion.
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Upcoming Topics: Exploration of the formal oaths, the mystical significance of certain locations, and deeper character analyses.
"We'll get to see those oaths as seem fitting next week." – Alan Sisto [80:35]
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Community Engagement: Encouragement for listeners to join their vibrant online communities across Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram for ongoing discussions and exclusive content.
Notable Quotes
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Andrew Ferguson on Limited Edition Quality:
"They're like prints. You could cut them out and stick them on the wall." [06:44]
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Alan Sisto on Limited Editions Authenticity:
"This will only be a thousand copies of this." [13:10]
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Narrative on Cirion's Offer:
"I will now declare what I have resolved with the authority of the stewards of the kings..." [59:37]
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Cirion's Instructions to Servants:
"Tell no one whither you go or what you have done." [46:18]
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Discussion on Tolkien's 'Textual Ruins':
"It's like a real history." – Alan Sisto [85:10]
Final Thoughts
Episode 357 of The Prancing Pony Podcast masterfully blends storytelling with scholarly discussion, offering both seasoned Tolkien fans and newcomers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Middle-earth's lore. Through detailed readings, expert analysis, and vibrant community interaction, Alan and Matt continue to illuminate the depths of Tolkien's legendary world.
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