The Prancing Pony Podcast Episode 360: "Climb Every Eyot"

Release Date: February 23, 2025
Hosts: Alan Sisto and Matt
Podcast Description: A weekly deep dive into J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, blending detailed analysis with humor and pop culture references.

1. Introduction

In Episode 360, titled "Climb Every Eyot," Alan Sisto and Matt delve into a pivotal moment within Tolkien's legendarium: the First Battle of the Fords of Isen, as depicted in Unfinished Tales. The episode promises a blend of scholarly analysis, engaging discussions, and the signature humor that fans have come to love over nine seasons.

2. North Wing: Listener Spotlight with Erica Bau

Guest: Erica Bau
Timestamp: [02:49] - [09:01]

Alan and Matt welcome Erica Bau, a dedicated Tolkien enthusiast, to the North Wing segment—a special feature reserved for patrons at the Elronds Honorarium and K Dan's contribution tiers.

• Background:
  Erica, hailing from Texas, is a retired Air Force member now working with the federal government to support the Air Force. Her passion for Tolkien was ignited by her late mother, who introduced her to the works. Erica shares, “I was always ahead of everybody else because Mama had us reading” ([05:29]).

• Tolkien Journey:
  Her first encounter with Tolkien was through the animated Hobbit, but it wasn’t until junior high that she began reading the books. Erica expresses her enduring love for Middle-earth, mentioning, “World's getting too much time to go back to Middle Earth. I play LotRO” ([05:35]).

• Favorites:

  • Legendarium Book: The Hobbit – “I do enjoy because many times I do feel like Bilbo when somebody knocks on the door and I'm trying to eat” ([06:03]).
  • Non-Legendarium Book: Roverandom – Holds special significance as she read it shortly before her mother’s passing ([06:20]).
  • Favorite Hobbits: Samwise Gamgee – “My favorite hobbit would be Sam” ([07:58]).

• Goals:
  Erica aims to attend Oxford Moot in person, having served as an online steward for the past two years ([06:54]).

• Lightning Round Highlights:

  • Favorite Scene: Frodo waking up in Minas Tirith to Aragon and others ([07:26]).
  • Favorite Poem: "The Road Goes Ever On" ([08:22]).
  • Favorite Author: C.S. Lewis ([08:29]).
  • Dream Destination in Middle-earth: Rivendell, specifically Elrond’s library ([08:41]).

Erica’s heartfelt contributions provide a personal touch, showcasing the profound impact Tolkien’s works have on listeners.

3. In-Depth Analysis: The First Battle of the Fords of Isen

Main Text Analysis:
Alan reads a passage from Unfinished Tales detailing the strategic and tactical elements leading up to and during the First Battle of the Fords of Isen.

Key Discussion Points:

a. Background and Character Dynamics

• Theoden’s Leadership:
  Alan and Matt explore King Theoden's situation—a beloved ruler whose health begins to falter, possibly due to Grima Wormtongue’s manipulations. “Theoden’s sense of weakness and dependence on Grima was largely due to the cunning and skill of this evil counselor's suggestions” ([02:07]).

• Theodred and Eomer:
  Theodred, Theoden’s son, and Eomer, his nephew, are portrayed as devoted and steadfast. Their relationship is further examined, highlighting how familial bonds shield them from Grima’s influence. Matt notes, “Theodred is 13 years older than Eomer at the time that he's brought” ([13:22]).

b. Saruman's Strategy and Grima’s Influence

• Obstacles to Conquest:
  Saruman aims to conquer Rohan, but Theodred and Eomer’s loyalty to Theoden presents significant obstacles. Grima attempts to sow discord between them, unsuccessfully pitting Theodred against Eomer ([12:21]).

• Theodred’s Death:
  Saruman’s order to kill Theodred is a turning point. The commanders’ hesitation leads to Saruman’s strategic mistake of not immediately launching a full-scale invasion, granting Rohan critical reinforcements ([09:28]).

c. Battle Tactics and Geographical Significance

• Fords of Isen as a Strategic Location:
  The Isen River’s narrow points—eyots—are crucial for defense. Saruman’s forces exploit this by attacking from both sides, but Theodred’s troops, though initially successful against the vanguard, face entrenched pikemen ready to counter cavalry charges ([53:32]).

• Rohirrim’s Defensive Maneuvers:
  The battle showcases the Rohirrim’s discipline and tactical acumen, despite heavy losses. Grimbold’s rear-guard action exemplifies heroic defense, though at the cost of Theodred’s life ([78:46]).

d. What-If Speculations and Alternate Scenarios

• Ents’ Potential Intervention:
  Alan and Matt speculate on Tolkien’s footnote regarding the Ents, pondering what might have transpired had Gandalf rallied the Ents earlier. They agree that while it could have devastated Saruman's forces, it might have left Rohan leaderless and crippled Gondor due to Saruman's delay ([40:00]).

• Saruman’s Tactical Errors:
  The hosts discuss how Saruman’s delay in launching a full assault allowed Rohan to sustain and eventually recover, underscoring the delicate balance of strategic timing in warfare ([35:15]).

Notable Quotes:

• Matt: “Theodred and Eomer have effectively been brothers for 10 years” ([21:20]).
• Alan: “Wormtongue was not the name on his resume when he applied” ([24:18]).
• Matt: “You don’t see them as anything else than your son and daughter” ([19:42]).

4. Listener Q&A: Appreciated Changes in Adaptations

Segment: Barlaman’s Notes
Timestamp: [91:12] - [112:16]

Listeners send in questions and comments about changes in Tolkien adaptations that they view positively.

Highlights:

• Positive Changes in Adaptations:
  Erica from Texas asks, “Are there any changes you think are actually good?” Matt and Alan discuss several adaptations they appreciate despite common criticisms.

• Examples of Appreciated Changes:

  • Bilbo’s Understanding of Spiders: In the Hobbit films, Bilbo’s realization that his invisibility helps against spiders was a clever cinematic addition not explicitly detailed in the books.
  • Individual Dwarves: Alan praises the films’ portrayal of Dwarves with distinct personalities, enhancing character engagement.
  • Arwen’s Expanded Role: Matt supports replacing Glorfindel with Arwen in film adaptations to deepen her character connection with Aragorn, making her a more integral part of the narrative.
  • Funeral Scenes: Both hosts commend the emotional depth added to scenes like Eowyn’s funeral song, which, while not detailed in the books, effectively conveys the Rohirrim’s loss and valor.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt: “I think it was the right call to give Arwen more screen time” ([103:13]).
• Alan: “The Lord of the Rings prologue is arguably the greatest prologue. It’s a masterpiece of all time” ([95:45]).

5. Conclusion

Alan and Matt wrap up Episode 360 with acknowledgments to their team and patrons, emphasizing the community aspect of the Prancing Pony Podcast. They tease the next episode, which will cover the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen, promising further exploration of Rohan’s trials and triumphs.

Final Remarks:

• Community Engagement:
  Listeners are encouraged to join the podcast’s social media channels and support the show via Patreon for exclusive content and perks.

• Upcoming Content:
  The next episode promises a continuation of the intense military engagements in Rohan, likely involving strategic deep dives and listener interactions.

Key Takeaways:

• The Battle of the Fords of Isen is a pivotal moment in Rohan’s history, highlighting themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and strategic warfare.
• Character relationships, especially between Theoden, Theodred, and Eomer, play a crucial role in resisting Saruman’s machinations.
• Adaptations of Tolkien’s work can introduce meaningful changes that enhance character development and narrative depth, as appreciated by dedicated fans.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "My dad works in B2B marketing." — Alan Sisto [00:00]

• "I do feel like Bilbo when somebody knocks on the door and I'm trying to eat." — Erica Bau [06:09]

• "Sam is my favorite hobbit." — Erica Bau [07:58]

• "Theoden’s sense of weakness and dependence on Grima was largely due to the cunning and skill of this evil counselor's suggestions." — Alan Sisto [12:07]

• "Grimbold, a man of great strength and stature, clove his way through, till with two others he reached Theodred, standing at bay on the knoll, too late." — Matt [78:35]

• "Theoden is like a paternal figure to Eomer and Eowyn, which adds emotional depth to their relationships." — Matt [17:21]

• "You don’t see them as anything else than your son and daughter." — Matt [19:42]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 360, providing both seasoned listeners and newcomers with a clear understanding of the discussions and analyses presented by Alan and Matt. From character explorations to strategic battle breakdowns, the episode offers valuable insights into Tolkien’s richly crafted world.