419 – A Voice In the Wilderness
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Hello, this is Jack Wilson, the host of the History of Literature podcast. For the past 10 years, I've been talking to novelists, biographers, and scholars about the greatest books in the history of the world and the men and women who wrote them. Like our recent episodes on Dante and Love, a starter pack of 10 Indian classics, the pop culture that influenced Sylvia Plath, and a talk with scientist and novelist Alan Lightman about the wonders of nature. Join us at the History of Literature podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Oh, hi there, listener. Gustavo Sorolla here with the cast of Tales from the Stinky Dragon podcast, and we're about to set the record for the quickest D&D session. Everyone roll initiative. I got the highest roll with a 19. I move 10 feet toward the listener and say, Hi, I'm Barbara Dunkelman. You should listen to our show, Tales from the Stinky Dragon. It's an immersive D&D actual play show with a fully voiced cast of characters plus sound design. And then I finish my action with a high five. Go ahead and make a dexterity check. That's an 18. Oh, that's a good high five. I rolled a 16 on initiative. I walk over to the tavern piano. I play a sixth song and say, hi, I'm John Risinger. Wow, do you hear that?
Tales from the Sneaky Dragon also has its own original score. It's like a movie, but for your ears. All right, yeah, go ahead and roll a performance check. That's a two. Not your best job. Okay, but I promise the show's actual music sounds really good. Okay, me next. I moonwalk up to the listeners. What's up? I'm Blaine Gibson. You should really check out the show. It's funny, heartwarming, and perfect for everybody. I'm talking D&D veterans, people new to the genre, old people, babies, everybody. And then I do a backflip. All right, roll an athletics check. That's a nat 20. Okay, that leaves Chris.
Hi, I'm Chris Damaris. Please subscribe to our podcast.
And then I draw my sword to attack them. Now it's your turn, listener. Subscribe to Tales from the Stinky Dragon wherever you listen to podcasts today.
Good evening, Little Masters, and welcome to episode 419 of the Prancing Pony podcast, where the hosts of this show have long gone about in simple guise as it were men already old in years. Speak for yourself, Alan.
Already old in years.
I mean, I'm still partly hail and body here, but... Fair enough. Well, folks, pull up a bench in the common room and join us. I'm Sean Marchese, the Lord of the Mark, and I'm here with the man of the West who reveals to none his powers and purposes, Alan Sisto. Well, that assumes I have either one, let alone both. Folks, join us as the Valar finally do Middle-Earth is Solid, and we begin our three-episode look at the Order of Those Who Know, better known as the Istari in Unfinished Tales. Valar doing Middle-Earth is Solid. First thought is, like, what could possibly go wrong? But... Now I got a David Letterman top 10 list. Yeah. Right. Yeah. Right. Top 10 reasons the Valar shouldn't meddle in anything that's apparently within the sphere of their control.
Anyway. Folks, no matter whether you came to Middle Earth through the books, the films, the TV show, or something else, each of you is welcome here in our common room. The Prancing Pony podcast continues in our 10th season of reading and talking our way through Middle Earth with conversations, digressions, and even speculations. And with you here, we can definitely include a few puns and bad jokes here and there. But our purpose is to dive deep into the lore, to discuss the story, our favorite characters, to talk about our favorite themes, Tolkien's inspirations, and a whole lot more. And while we take the work seriously, the same can't be said about ourselves. We're just a couple of old friends chatting at the pub, and we're really glad you've joined us.
And I'm sure you'll be glad you joined as well. But before we get to today's chapter discussion, it's time to catch up with my co-host and good friend, Sean. Now, it has been nearly two years and far too long since you were last on as a, well, as a real co-host for a book episode.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–7:02
2
Who are the hosts and what is the episode's focus on the Istari?
7:02–13:49
3
What work has Sean done with the Tolkien Collector's Guide and letters project?
13:49–1:05:02
4
How were the Istari described to appear and why were they sent?
1:05:02–1:10:25
5
How does Gandalf's height and demeanor affect how others perceive him?
1:10:25–1:13:51
6
Why did Círdan give Gandalf the Ring Narya and what does its message mean?
1:13:51–1:18:48
7
What happened to the Blue Wizards and could they have founded corrupted cults?
1:18:48–1:28:42
8
How does Gandalf's humility, Narya, and 'unhope' imagery define his role and transformation to the White?
1:28:42–2:17:57