The Prancing Pony Podcast - Episode 377: "This Must Be Thursday"
Release Date: June 22, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 377 of The Prancing Pony Podcast, hosts Alan Sisto and James Tauber delve deep into the intricate calendar systems within J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium. This episode, titled "This Must Be Thursday," explores the complexities and nuances of various fictional calendars, their origins, and their implications within the lore of Middle-earth. The discussion is enriched with insightful analysis, humorous banter, and notable quotes that shed light on Tolkien’s unparalleled attention to detail.
Exploring Tolkien’s Calendars
Timestamp: [02:24] - [12:12]
The episode begins with Alan and James setting the stage for an in-depth examination of Tolkien’s Appendix D, which details the various calendar systems used across Middle-earth. They express excitement about uncovering the layers behind the Shire Calendar, Elvish Calendar, King’s Reckoning, and the newly introduced Reckoning system.
Shire Calendar: Simplicity and Precision
Timestamp: [12:12] - [19:38]
Alan introduces the Shire Reckoning, highlighting its elegant simplicity:
- Structure: 12 equal months of 30 days each.
- Additional Days: 5 extra days divided into a three-day mid-year period (Lithe) and a two-day Yule period.
- Leap Years: Every four years, an extra Lithe day (Overlithe) is added, without a weekday name.
James remarks, “it’s one of those bits of detail that for some, it's easily skipped. It doesn't necessarily add anything of substance to the narrative,” emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship behind the Shire Calendar.
Notable Quote:
Alan Sisto [18:16]: "I love that the Mid Year's Day and the Lithe and then the Yule is that they're exactly opposite each other in the calendars."
Elvish Calendar: Complexity and Longevity
Timestamp: [19:38] - [35:04]
The conversation shifts to the Elvish calendar, revealing its complexity:
- Year Length: 144 of our years, divided into six seasons with names in both Quenya and Sindarin.
- Weeks: A six-day week called enqui.
- Leap Years: Every 12 years, an additional Middle Day is added to compensate for astronomical inaccuracies.
Alan humorously contemplates, “If you don’t think it makes sense, you can just figure it out over the next 177 years.”
Notable Quote:
James Tauber [23:25]: "Because we've already split things up into 24 hours. I'm trying to think of primary world stuff."
King’s Reckoning: Numenor’s Legacy
Timestamp: [35:04] - [57:33]
Alan and James delve into the King’s Reckoning, the calendar system used by the Numenoreans:
- Structure: 12 months with 10 having 30 days and 2 having 31 days.
- Special Days: Yestare (first day), Loende (middle day), Metare (last day) separate from the months.
- Leap Years: Every four years, except the last year of a century, similar to the Gregorian system.
They discuss Christopher Tolkien’s revisions and the influence of ancient cultures, particularly Ancient Egypt, on the Numenorean calendar.
Notable Quote:
James Tauber [56:02]: "They do have the same length of year or sun round as the elves as a 365 days."
Shire Reform: Stabilizing the Week
Timestamp: [57:33] - [75:58]
The hosts explore the Shire Reform, an adaptation to ensure that dates remain consistent with weekdays:
- Reform: Extra days (Mid Year’s Day and Overlithe) do not belong to any week.
- Benefit: Every date falls on the same weekday each year, simplifying planning and record-keeping for Hobbits.
Alan humorously suggests, “Let’s make it a thing,” proposing the “Sisto Reckoning” for enhanced calendar stability.
Notable Quote:
Alan Sisto [75:03]: "They stopped having to use weekdays in their letters and diaries after a Monday."
Footnote Fun: The Myth of Friday the 1st
Timestamp: [63:45] - [70:28]
Alan highlights a humorous footnote from Tolkien’s appendix about the impossibility of a “Friday the 1st” in the Shire calendar. This playful nod underscores the meticulous crafting of Middle-earth’s chronology.
Notable Quote:
Alan Sisto [69:02]: "I was like, are you sure? Let me double check."
Mailbag Segment: Celebrating Middle-earth Dates
Timestamp: [75:58] - [124:57]
Michael from California poses a question about other Middle-earth dates worth celebrating beyond Tolkien Reading Day (March 25) and Hobbit Day (September 22). Alan and James brainstorm various significant dates from the lore:
- Events to Commemorate:
- King Elessar’s Coronation (May 1)
- Funeral of Theoden (August 10)
- Horn of the Mark Blowing (November 2)
- Elrond’s Departure (September 29)
- Secondary Celebrations: Bilbo and Frodo’s birthdays, Frodo’s pivotal moments, Aragorn and Arwen’s wedding, etc.
Notable Quote:
James Tauber [113:06]: "We have to work out whether we would actually celebrate April 6th or we would work out what the corresponding day would be."
Conclusion and Upcoming Content
Timestamp: [125:03] - [127:48]
The episode wraps up with the hosts teasing future discussions on Appendix E and F, promising more deep dives into Tolkien’s world-building. They also acknowledge and thank their dedicated team and patrons, encouraging listeners to engage with the community through various social media platforms.
Notable Quote:
James Tauber [127:22]: "Until next time, adopt the Sisto Reckoning, and may you rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill."
Final Thoughts
Episode 377 of The Prancing Pony Podcast offers a fascinating exploration of the fictional calendrical systems in Middle-earth, showcasing the depth of Tolkien’s world-building. For enthusiasts eager to understand the temporal frameworks that underpin the narratives of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, this episode is a treasure trove of information, humor, and passionate discussion.
Notable Quotes Summary:
- Alan Sisto [18:16]: "I love that the Mid Year's Day and the Lithe and then the Yule is that they're exactly opposite each other in the calendars."
- James Tauber [23:25]: "Because we've already split things up into 24 hours. I'm trying to think of primary world stuff."
- James Tauber [56:02]: "They do have the same length of year or sun round as the elves as a 365 days."
- James Tauber [57:33]: "Because that was the King’s reckoning, but completely forgot the meanings of the names."
- Alan Sisto [75:03]: "They stopped having to use weekdays in their letters and diaries after a Monday."
- Alan Sisto [69:02]: "I was like, are you sure? Let me double check."
- James Tauber [113:06]: "We have to work out whether we would actually celebrate April 6th or we would work out what the corresponding day would be."
- James Tauber [127:22]: "Until next time, adopt the Sisto Reckoning, and may you rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill."
Stay Connected
To dive deeper into the lore and join the vibrant community of Tolkien enthusiasts, visit prancingponypodcast.com. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode.
This summary is a faithful representation of Episode 377 and is intended to provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the discussions surrounding Middle-earth's calendrical systems.