The Prancing Pony Podcast

Episode 405 – Tolkien Reading Day 2026

Date: March 22, 2026
Theme: Unlikely Heroes

Overview

In celebration of the 11th annual Tolkien Reading Day, Alan Sisto and a stellar cast of co-hosts—including James Tauber, Don Marshall, Matt (Nerd of the Rings), Dr. Sara Brown, Sean Marchese, and Alan himself—gather in the Prancing Pony common room to share readings from Tolkien's works. This year’s Tolkien Society theme, "Unlikely Heroes," inspires each host to select and discuss a passage featuring a character who becomes heroic in unexpected ways. The episode showcases a thoughtful exploration of heroism in Tolkien, with a rich mix of passages ranging from the Silmarillion to Leaf by Niggle, all underscored by the hosts’ camaraderie, humor, and deep reverence for Tolkien’s work.

Key Discussion Points & Readings

1. Introduction and Theme ([01:18]–[03:05])

• Hosts: Alan Sisto & James Tauber
• Summary:
  • Welcoming listeners and noting the tradition of Tolkien Reading Day.
  • Justification for March 25: the date of Sauron's fall.
  • This year’s theme: "Unlikely Heroes."
  • Structure: Each co-host presents a reading and a discussion on their chosen unlikely hero.

2. Elwing—The Bird-Woman Who Saves the World ([03:05]–[23:05])

• Presented by: Don Marshall
• Text: The Silmarillion, Chapter 24
• Timestamps: Reading begins [04:31]; Discussion [19:14]

Key Moments:

• Elwing, overshadowed by her husband Earendil and son Elrond, is highlighted as crucial in the salvation of Middle-earth.
• Stands out for her agency: rescuing the Silmaril, forming alliances, and ultimately facilitating the War of Wrath.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Without her, the whole thing falls apart." — Don Marshall [04:53]
  • "[Elwing] persuades the Teleri. She does what Feanor never could." — Don Marshall [22:35]

Discussion Highlights:

• The necessity of Elwing’s role: Without her, the Silmaril would fall to ruinous hands, and the Teleri would not aid in the final war.
• Don's passion for recognizing overlooked female characters in Tolkien.

3. Húrin—Defying Morgoth in Darkness ([25:44]–[48:43])

• Presented by: Matt (Nerd of the Rings)
• Texts: The Children of Húrin, “The Words of Húrin and Morgoth”; The Silmarillion, “The Ruin of Doriath”
• Timestamps: Reading begins [27:39]; Discussion [40:46]

Key Moments:

• Húrin’s heroic endurance of three decades of torment, standing defiant before Morgoth.
• Resists attempts to betray Gondolin’s location despite threats to his family.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Blind you are, Morgoth Bauglir, and blind shall ever be..." — Húrin [31:54]
  • "You are not the lord of Men and shall not be..." — Húrin [33:20]
  • "I am his thrall no longer." — Húrin [40:46]
• Tragic arc: Though used by Morgoth, Húrin’s choices inspire awe.

Discussion Highlights:

• The rarity of mortals standing up to a Vala with such steadfast courage.
• The high cost of Húrin’s choices, yet his determination shines as uniquely heroic.

4. Fredegar "Fatty" Bolger—The Hobbit Who Sounded the Alarm ([49:15]–[68:57])

• Presented by: Dr. Sara Brown
• Texts: The Fellowship of the Ring, Chapters 5, 6, and 11; The Return of the King, Chapter 9
• Timestamps: Reading begins [49:47]; Discussion [62:28]

Key Moments:

• Fatty’s decision to stay behind in Crickhollow is both risky and essential.
• When Black Riders come, he flees—but crucially, raises the alarm for Buckland, triggering a long-unused emergency protocol.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "He took on a job that was really important... to cover for Frodo and give him as much time as possible..." — Sara Brown [62:38]
  • "He didn’t just run away, he raised the alarm." — Sara Brown [62:59]

Discussion Highlights:

• Fatty evolves from a reluctant adventurer to an active resistor, later leading a rebel band.
• The power of ordinary folk in the epic, underscoring Tolkien’s celebration of unsung heroes.
• Comparison to other minor "resistance" figures like Lobelia Sackville-Baggins and Farmer Cotton.

5. Olwë and Finarfin—Standing Up for Principles ([69:01]–[94:43])

• Presented by: Sean Marchese
• Text: The Silmarillion, Chapter 9, "Of the Flight of the Noldor"
• Timestamps: Reading begins [71:06]; Discussion [84:34]

Key Moments:

• Focuses not on traditional battlefield heroics, but on moral courage:
  • Olwë refuses to lend the Teleri ships to Fëanor, standing for friendship and principle.
  • Finarfin finds the courage to turn back after the Kinslaying, seeking pardon and showing repentance.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "It may be the part of a friend to rebuke a friend's folly." — Olwë [76:31]
  • "Sometimes it just takes stepping up and being a leader and doing the right thing and other people will follow suit." — Sean Marchese [91:04]

Discussion Highlights:

• Heroism is found in dissent, compassion, and the willingness to walk a lonely road for the sake of one’s values.
• The moral complexity of kinship and loyalty among the Noldor.

6. Niggle—The Small Artist, Unexpected Spiritual Hero ([97:04]–[116:49])

• Presented by: James Tauber
• Text: Leaf by Niggle
• Timestamps: Reading begins [97:31]; Discussion [111:54]

Key Moments:

• Niggle’s unlikely heroism consists in quiet, unnoticed sacrifices and a final recognition of his intrinsic worth and lovingkindness towards Parish.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "He was a painter by nature... still, Leaf by Niggle has a charm of its own." — The Second Voice [98:53]
  • "He never expected any return, as so many of his sort call it." [99:51]
  • "It's a gift, he said." — Niggle, beholding his finished tree [101:58]

Discussion Highlights:

• The episode’s most profound meditation on heroism as everyday selflessness and creativity.
• Niggle as an allegory for Tolkien, and for all humble, struggling creators.

7. Beregond—Duty, Defiance, and Sacrifice in Gondor ([117:56]–[134:59])

• Presented by: Alan Sisto
• Text: The Return of the King, selections from Book V
• Timestamps: Reading begins [118:07]; Discussion [131:47]

Key Moments:

• Beregond, a "plain man of arms," risks everything (career, honor, life) to save Faramir from Denethor’s madness, defying orders and tradition.
• Despite breaking the law (leaving his post, spilling blood in the Hallows), is ultimately pardoned and honored by Aragorn.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Yet, Master Peregrin, to be only a man of arms of the Guard of the Tower of Gondor is held worthy in the city.” — Beregond [07:49]
  • “You must choose between orders and the life of Faramir.” — Pippin [124:21]
  • “All penalty is remitted for your valor in battle and still more, because all that you did was for the love of Lord Faramir.” — King Elessar [131:47]

Discussion Highlights:

• The importance of conscience over blind obedience.
• Beregond as a model for sacrificial love and loyalty in the face of dire personal cost.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "Without her, the whole thing falls apart."</br> — Don Marshall on Elwing [04:53]
• "You are not the lord of Men and shall not be. Though all Arda and Menel fall in your dominion... you shall not pursue those who refuse you.""</br> — Húrin to Morgoth [33:20]
• "He didn’t just run away, he raised the alarm." </br> — Sara Brown on Fatty Bolger [62:59]
• "It may be the part of a friend to rebuke a friend’s folly." </br> — Olwë [76:31]
• "He never expected any return, as so many of his sort call it." </br> — The Second Voice, Leaf by Niggle [99:51]
• "You must choose between orders and the life of Faramir." </br> — Pippin [124:21]
• "All penalty is remitted for your valor in battle... because all that you did was for the love of Lord Faramir." </br> — Aragorn to Beregond [131:47]

Structural Timestamps

• [01:18] Introduction to Tolkien Reading Day
• [04:31] Don Marshall: Reading on Elwing
• [19:14] Elwing Discussion
• [27:39] Matt: Reading on Húrin
• [40:46] Húrin Discussion
• [49:47] Sara Brown: Reading on Fatty Bolger
• [62:28] Fatty Bolger Discussion
• [71:06] Sean Marchese: Reading on Olwë and Finarfin
• [84:34] Discussion on dissent/repentance as heroism
• [97:31] James Tauber: Reading from Leaf by Niggle
• [111:54] Niggle Discussion
• [118:07] Alan Sisto: Reading on Beregond
• [131:47] Beregond Discussion

Tone and Camaraderie

• The episode maintains the familiar, jovial tone of the PPP (“like a couple of friends chatting at the pub…”), with respectful nods to the deeper, sometimes somber themes.
• Bad puns and irreverence balance the emotional depth, exemplified during transitions between hosts and in the gentle ribbing among co-hosts.

Final Reflections

This episode underscores Tolkien’s conviction that heroism is not the preserve of lords and warriors. Everyday courage—whether in the form of ordinary hobbits, overlooked elven women, or a late-blooming painter—echoes at every level of his legendarium. Each passage and discussion honors the quiet, persistent, and sometimes tragic heroism in Tolkien’s worlds, reminding listeners that anyone could be called to greatness.

The concluding message:
"May you rekindle hearts in a world that grows chill." — James Tauber [137:23]