The Prancing Pony Podcast Episode: 376 – Questions After Nightfall 31
Release Date: June 15, 2025

The Prancing Pony Podcast continues its ninth season with host Alan Sisto and a rotating cast of co-hosts delving deep into J.R.R. Tolkien's expansive Middle-earth legendarium. In this episode, "Questions After Nightfall 31," the hosts engage with their dedicated listener community, addressing a variety of intricate and thought-provoking questions about Tolkien's works. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. The Fate of the Returned Noldor

Question by Marilyn ([04:23])_
Marilyn inquires about the experiences of the Noldor who returned to Valinor, particularly whether penitent Noldor were shunned by the Teleri or interacted with Nienna.

Discussion Highlights:

• Alan Sisto ([05:05]) emphasizes the ambiguity in Tolkien's texts regarding the fate of the returning Noldor. He speculates that while the Vanyar might remain detached, others like Glorfindel chose to return to Middle-earth after being granted new bodies by Manwë.

• Kristen ([05:58]) suggests that interactions between returning Noldor and other Elves could be awkward, especially considering past conflicts like the Kinslaying at Alqualindë.

• James Tauber ([07:36]) raises questions about the choice mechanism for returnees and whether their return was voluntary or influenced by higher powers like Manwë.

• Marilyn ([09:09]) posits that Nienna, the Vala associated with mourning and compassion, might play a crucial role in the reconciliation process for returning Elves.

Notable Quote:
"Conversations in the halls of Mandos are going to be just as awkward as the ones in Valinor itself. Maybe more so." — James Tauber ([08:51])

2. Desired Additions to Tolkien’s Histories

Question by Marie ([11:32])_
Marie expresses a desire for specific tales or characters from Middle-earth's history to be included in The Silmarillion or The Lord of the Rings.

Discussion Highlights:

• Alan Sisto ([11:56]) mentions his interest in including the tale of Tal Omar from The Peoples of Middle-earth, highlighting its unique perspective and reflection of Tolkien's own views.

• Kristen ([13:03]) laments the omission of Pengalov, a pivotal character in the history of Beleriand, and wonders about Tolkien's possible regrets regarding the Silmarillion's framing narrative.

• Marie ([14:10]) wishes for Tolkien to have included the poetic oath of Fëanor within the published texts, underscoring its emotional and thematic significance.

Notable Quote:
"I mean, it's Tolkien's still wrestling with all of these ideas, but I remembered that because of the language bit..." — Kristen ([20:01])

3. Understanding Saruman’s “Many Colors”

Question by Andrea ([15:39])_
Andrea seeks clarification on Saruman’s declaration as "Saruman of Many Colors" and his activities as a ring-maker.

Discussion Highlights:

• James Tauber ([16:51]) interprets Saruman's shift from "the White" to "of Many Colors" as a rejection of his original role and purity, signaling ambition and hubris.

• Arthur ([76:14]) humorously connects Saruman’s actions to modern TV shows, drawing parallels between Tolkien's narratives and contemporary storytelling.

• Jim ([91:10]) muses on the governance style of the Dwarves of Moria, likening it to an anarcho-syndicalist commune, spurred by discussions around Saruman’s leadership.

Notable Quote:
"He is openly rejecting that lane. The irony of which means now there's a vacancy for Saruman and the White." — James Tauber ([21:48])

4. The Role of Humor in Tolkien’s Works

Question by Jim ([29:34])_
Jim explores Tolkien’s use of humor in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and whether it has been extensively analyzed in scholarly works.

Discussion Highlights:

• James Tauber ([30:37]) references the book Laughter in Middle Earth: Humor in and around The Works of J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Thomas Honegger and Maureen Mann, as a key resource on the topic.

• Kristen ([33:02]) and James ([36:17]) discuss specific humorous moments, such as Sam’s request for tobacco during the healing in Mordor and Gandalf’s interactions, highlighting how humor serves as a coping mechanism amidst tragedy.

• Arthur ([34:32]) adds that humorous elements also appear subtly in moments involving characters like Tom Bombadil and Goldberry.

Notable Quote:
"The Hobbit's a little different just because the tone...But sometimes you get the really dry humor in there." — James Tauber ([36:41])

5. The Dagor Dagorath and Its Implications

Question by Chris ([38:28])_
Chris questions the possibility of humans reuniting with Elves during the prophesied Dagor Dagorath, especially focusing on Arwen's fate.

Discussion Highlights:

• James Tauber ([38:57]) clarifies that the Dagor Dagorath, a non-canonical end-of-the-world battle, differs significantly from established Tolkien lore. He notes that Men typically do not return to Middle-earth after death, implying that Arwen would unlikely reunite with her family.

• Marilyn ([43:11]) speculates that Elves might be admitted to the Halls of Men after the destruction of Ea, introducing a theoretical reconciliation post-Dagor Dagorath.

• Arthur ([51:31]) humorously draws parallels between Tolkien’s myths and other fantasy series, illustrating the flexibility in fan interpretations.

Notable Quote:
"It is an interesting one, Chris. But there were so many...versions of the story, some of which may be more like Revelation..." — James Tauber ([40:24])

6. Clarifying the Maiar's Contributions

Question by Sam ([46:09])_
Sam seeks to understand what the Maiar might have sung into existence during the creation of Arda, aside from the major elements attributed to the Valar.

Discussion Highlights:

• James Tauber ([47:03]) theorizes that Maiar associated with specific Valar likely contributed to detailed aspects of creation, such as Ulmo's waters or Aulë's mountains, acting as assistants or project managers.

• Kristen ([47:38]) compares the Maiar’s roles to junior architects handling specific tasks within a larger project framework.

• James Tauber ([50:04]) notes the lack of explicit textual evidence detailing the Maiar's creative contributions, emphasizing the servants' supportive roles to the Valar.

Notable Quote:
"They are the people of the Valar. They're servants and helpers. They're going to do the tasks assigned to them..." — James Tauber ([48:12])

7. Debating the Mightiest of Arda: Eonwe vs. Tulkas

Question by Arthur ([64:19])_
Arthur questions whether Eonwe, described as the mightiest in arms, could defeat Tulkas in a hypothetical match.

Discussion Highlights:

• James Tauber ([64:47]) argues that Eonwe, being the most skilled with weapons, would likely overpower Tulkas in a weapon-based combat scenario, whereas Tulkas would excel in hand-to-hand combat like wrestling.

• Arthur ([66:14]) humorously suggests that stereotypes about strong, not-so-bright warriors might have influenced Tolkien’s characterization of Tulkas.

• Jim ([91:10]) adds levity by likening Dwarven leadership to an anarcho-syndicalist system, inspired by Saruman’s governance.

Notable Quote:
"I do have a feeling that to get the Glorfindel answer, we'd have to. It's probably a little too deep for today..." — James Tauber ([05:49])

8. Female Warriors in Middle-earth

Question by Neil ([57:55])_
Neil asks about the presence of female warriors in Tolkien’s legendarium, aside from notable figures like Éowyn.

Discussion Highlights:

• James Tauber ([58:20]) identifies Haleth as the earliest example of a female warrior and references other potential figures like Idril and instances during slave rebellions where women wielded weapons.

• Kristen ([60:08]) underscores the limited but significant representation of female combatants, noting that while Tolkien’s texts predominantly focus on male heroes, there are instances where women exhibited martial prowess.

• Marie ([59:56]) recalls mentions of women like Beren’s mother, who preferred fighting over refuge, highlighting their bravery.

Notable Quote:
"We have at least the idea of the Eotheod. We have explicitly their foes in the Balchoth." — James Tauber ([85:55])

9. Numenorean Influence in Gondor's South

Question by Neil ([58:20])_
Neil explores whether regions in southern Gondor are ruled by Numenorean-descended leaders or by locals whose lineage stems from those who remained in Middle-earth post-First Age.

Discussion Highlights:

• James Tauber ([83:57]) analyzes the naming conventions of Gondor’s southern regions, noting a prevalence of Sindarin names that suggest Elvish or ancient origins rather than direct Numenorean descent.

• Kristen ([85:19]) concurs, pointing out that many of these names are pre-Numenorean, indicating that local lineages likely persisted alongside Numenorean influences.

• Marie ([87:39]) speculates on intermarriage between fleeing faithful and local populations, though James emphasizes that official lineages like Dol Amroth trace back directly to Numenor.

Notable Quote:
"They are a twisting of not an independent creation of Melkor, whether their origin is elves or men." — James Tauber ([85:10])

10. Additional Listener Insights

Additional Questions and Comments:

• Andrea raised concerns about the "Forsaken Inn" mentioned in The Fellowship of the Ring, questioning its significance and why it’s named so.

• Sam followed up on the Union of Elves and Men, seeking clarity on Prince Imrahil and other similar unions, and how they fit into the broader genealogical narrative.

• Jim contemplates humorous governance structures in Middle-earth, inspired by Saruman’s leadership style.

Notable Quotes:

"Let me at him." — James Tauber ([65:13])

"It just goes to show how forward thinking Tolkien was." — Arthur ([76:06])

Conclusion

In this episode, The Prancing Pony Podcast effectively bridges the gap between Tolkien’s intricate lore and listener curiosity. The hosts provide insightful analyses while maintaining an engaging and conversational tone, enriched with humor and thoughtful speculation. From the nuanced fates of the Noldor to the subtle presence of female warriors and the complexities of Elvish and human unions, the episode offers a comprehensive exploration of Middle-earth’s depths, making it a valuable resource for both seasoned Tolkien enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Final Notable Quote:
"May you rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill." — Kristen ([94:55])

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This summary aims to encapsulate the essence of Episode 376 of The Prancing Pony Podcast, providing a structured and comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the full episode.