The Prancing Pony Podcast: Episode 369 – "Party Like it’s (Third Age) 1999"
Release Date: April 27, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 369 of The Prancing Pony Podcast, hosts Alan Sisto and Sara delve deep into the rich history of Tolkien’s Dwarven lore, particularly focusing on Durin’s Folk as chronicled in Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings. This episode, titled "Party Like it’s (Third Age) 1999," combines scholarly analysis with engaging discussions, providing both new insights and delightful banter for Tolkien enthusiasts.
Philology Fair: The Arkenstone and Its Linguistic Roots
[03:25]
Before diving into the main narrative, the hosts introduce the segment "Philology Fair," where they explore the linguistic intricacies within Tolkien’s works. In this episode, Alan and Sara analyze the Arkenstone, questioning whether it holds the same significance as a Silmaril.
Notable Quote:
Sara [04:00]: "Now, later, when Bilbo finds it, we read it was the Arkenstone, the Heart of the Mountain."
Alan [05:15]: "The authors of the Ring of Words actually point to a 10th century manuscript known as the Rushworth Gospels, where Eortnan Stan is used in the biblical instruction to not cast your pearls before swine."
They discuss Tolkien’s mastery in reviving Old English words and integrating them seamlessly into Middle-earth, enhancing the linguistic authenticity of his legendarium.
Reading from Appendix A: Durin’s Folk
[02:23]
Sara begins the primary reading from Appendix A, narrating the storied history of Durin the Deathless and his lineage. This segment covers the rise of Khazad Dum (Moria), the Dwarves' prosperity through mithril mining, and the eventual downfall caused by their confrontation with a Balrog.
Notable Quote:
Sara [06:22]: "Durin is the name that the Dwarves used for the eldest of the seven fathers of their race and the ancestor of all the kings of the Longbeards."
[07:45]
Alan adds scholarly commentary, referencing Douglas A. Anderson’s Annotated Hobbit, which connects the term "Longbeards" to the historic Lombards, highlighting Tolkien’s penchant for embedding real-world linguistic and historical elements into his fantasy world.
Dwarven Origins and Beliefs
[17:19]
The discussion shifts to the origins of the Dwarves, touching upon Aulë’s creation of the Dwarves and their subsequent enslavement by Ilúvatar. The hosts explore the Dwarves' belief in reincarnation, particularly the notion that Durin the Deathless returns in each generation.
Notable Quote:
Sara [22:34]: "But not every descendant was a Durin. I think that's very interesting."
Alan and Sara ponder the plausibility and cultural implications of such beliefs, considering the lack of photographic evidence and the dwarven methods of naming based on character traits rather than appearance.
Moria: Wealth and Doom
[27:31]
The narrative continues with a description of Moria’s wealth, primarily its abundant mithril deposits. However, this prosperity leads to over-mining, disturbing ancient evils within the mountain.
Notable Quote:
Sara [28:19]: "But Azog tells him to leave it, and he tosses him a few worthless coins for just added insult."
They debate whether the Balrog was awakened by the Dwarves' greed or released by Sauron’s manipulations, ultimately favoring the latter for its narrative consistency.
Establishment of Erebor and the Rise of Smaug
[39:41]
Thorin’s migration to Erebor and the subsequent discovery of the Arkenstone mark a significant turning point. The hosts discuss the political and economic implications of Erebor’s founding, its flourishing trade with nearby men, and the eventual incursion of Smaug, the dragon, leading to the devastation of the Lonely Mountain.
Notable Quote:
Sara [40:07]: "Was he wearing a raspberry beret? That's what I want to know."
Amidst their scholarly discourse, Alan and Sara inject humor, likening Thorin’s journey and the establishment of Erebor to modern-day party scenarios, enhancing the episode’s engaging atmosphere.
The Battle of Azanulbizar: A Pyrrhic Victory
[74:19]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to recounting the Battle of Azanulbizar, a six-year-long war driven by vengeance against Azog. The hosts detail the strategic maneuvers, the heavy casualties on both sides, and the eventual intervention of the dwarves from the Iron Hills, tipping the scales in favor of the Dwarven forces.
Notable Quote:
Alan [76:09]: "What do you think, by the way, about this almost spoilery statement at the beginning of the description of the battle? We get the name of it right at the memory of which the Orcs still shudder and the Dwarves weep."
They emphasize the battle’s grim nature, highlighting the futility and enormous loss, which underscores the theme of vengeance leading to unbalanced suffering.
Listener Interaction: Are Dwarves Inherently Greedy?
[101:04]
In response to a listener’s question from Connecticut, Alan and Sara tackle the stereotype of Dwarves being inherently greedy and materialistic. They acknowledge Tolkien’s initial portrayal of Dwarves with traits of greed but commend his later development of more nuanced and multifaceted Dwarven characters, such as Gimli and Thorin.
Notable Quote:
Sara [101:14]: "But when it comes to Thorin, Thorin Oakenshield you know, when he's denying the people a share of Smaug's gold hoard it's because he's. He has succumbed to dragon sickness."
This segment encourages listeners to view Tolkien’s Dwarves beyond stereotypes, recognizing their complexity and the influence of external factors like the Rings of Power on their behavior.
Exploring Wereguild and Its Implications
[95:10]
The hosts take a sidebar to explore the concept of "Wereguild," explaining its origins in Old English as a form of legal reparation or compensation for murder or injury. They discuss how this concept plays into the narrative, particularly in the context of Dwarven honor and vengeance.
Notable Quote:
Alan [96:08]: "It's typically a set sum, often codified into law."
Sara and Alan delve into historical parallels and their representations in Middle-earth, adding depth to the listeners' understanding of Dwarven societal norms.
Conclusion
Episode 369 of The Prancing Pony Podcast offers an in-depth exploration of Dwarven history, linguistics, and cultural traits within Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Through meticulous readings, thoughtful analysis, and engaging dialogue, Alan and Sara provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Durin’s Folk, the intricacies of the Arkenstone, and the tragic consequences of vengeance-driven conflicts. The episode not only enriches the lore but also challenges listeners to look beyond established stereotypes, celebrating the complexity and richness of Tolkien’s creations.
Don't Miss Next Week:
In the subsequent episode, the tale continues with Thrine and the enigmatic Ring, promising further revelations and discussions about the fate of Khazad Dum and the Dwarven legacy.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Sara [04:00]: "It shone like silver in the firelight, like water in the sun, like snow under the stars, like rain upon the moon."
- Alan [05:15]: "The authors of the Ring of Words actually point to a 10th century manuscript known as the Rushworth Gospels, where Eortnan Stan is used in the biblical instruction to not cast your pearls before swine."
- Sara [22:34]: "But not every descendant was a Durin. I think that's very interesting."
- Alan [76:09]: "What do you think, by the way, about this almost spoilery statement at the beginning of the description of the battle? We get the name of it right at the memory of which the Orcs still shudder and the Dwarves weep."
- Sara [101:14]: "But when it comes to Thorin, Thorin Oakenshield you know, when he's denying the people a share of Smaug's gold hoard it's because he's. He has succumbed to dragon sickness."
Join the Conversation
Engage with the Prancing Pony Podcast community on Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and other social media platforms. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with fellow Tolkien enthusiasts as Alan and Sara continue their exploration of Middle-earth.
Disclaimer: This summary is based on the provided transcript of Episode 369 and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights shared by the hosts. For a complete experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.