Fool of a Took Podcast

Fool of a Took Podcast
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Comedy
  • Updated Weekly

One does not simply walk into serious discussion…  Fool of a Took Podcast  is a show where deep lore meets even deeper nonsense!  Enter the Shire-adjacent mind of Chris, your host, guide, and certified Fool of a Took as he sets out to read The Lord of the Rings for the very first time, joined by his book-loving wife RJ, fellow first-time reader and baker Laura, and Laura’s husband Patrick, a devoted Tolkien super-fan.   Fool of a Took is your book-club companion through Middle-earth—whether you’re discovering LOTR for the first time, revisiting it again, or geeking out as a lifelong Tolkien fan.

  1. 4d ago

    057 - Frodo Is Running on Empty in "The Land of Shadow"

    Frodo and Sam are finally inside Mordor as we discuss “The Land of Shadow,” Chapter 2 of Book Six of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. After escaping the Tower of Cirith Ungol, Frodo and Sam make their way deeper into Mordor, only to discover that the Morgai blocks their path toward Mount Doom. Forced north through the Land of Shadow, they struggle with exhaustion, dwindling food and water, Gollum secretly following them, and the growing weight of the One Ring. Sam finds a moment of hope in a single star above Mordor, while Frodo finally sees Mount Doom and the enormous armies of Sauron standing between them and their destination. We break down Sam’s devotion to Frodo, the incredible star scene, Sauron’s war machine, Orc infighting, the Nazgûl, Gollum’s return, Frodo’s growing despair, and one of the worst forced marches imaginable. Plus: Orc serial numbers, “Quick, Sam!” vs. quicksand, Mordor vs. murder, Orc traffic jams, and another completely serious discussion of Tolkien’s masterpiece. Fool of a Took is a Lord of the Rings book club podcast following four friends through Tolkien’s Middle-earth, one chapter at a time. Come read along with us as we discuss the story, characters, lore, themes, food, drinks, and all the ridiculous things we notice along the way. Timestamps00:00 Welcome to The Land of Shadow 03:41 Recapping Sam’s rescue of Frodo and the escape from Cirith Ungol05:03 Frodo and Sam enter Mordor with a Nazgûl hunting them10:28 Trapped between the Mountains of Shadow and the Morgai18:55 Dawn breaks over Mordor and terrible news reaches Sauron23:20 The hobbits find desperately needed water25:39 Sam sees a star above Mordor and finds hope in the darkness28:28 Frodo finally sees Mount Doom and Sauron’s enormous armies38:28 Two Orc trackers reveal Gollum is still following the hobbits43:10 Frodo learns what Sam endured to rescue him50:14 Frodo and Sam are trapped on the road as an Orc company approaches53:56 The hobbits are mistaken for deserters and forced into an Orc march55:26 An Orc traffic jam gives Frodo and Sam their chance to escape58:39 Are the Nazgûl actually terrible hunters?1:01:08 “Mordor was a dying land, but it was not yet dead”1:05:28 Frodo’s gratitude and Sam’s incredible devotion1:20:26 Frodo and Sam’s escape vs Merry and Pippin’s capture1:24:14 Food for Thought Today's "Food for Thought": The Last of Faramir's Provisions In this uplifting chapter, we watch Sam and Frodo slowly starve. They ration out their lembas and the cured meat and dried fruit that Faramir gave them wayyyy back in the day. In solidarity, I made roasted cured meat and dried fruit appetizers. I paired prosciutto & fig and salami & mango, wrapped the meat around a chunk of fruit, secured them with toothpicks, and roasted them at 350F for 15-20 minutes or until they started to brown and crisp. I also made a few unroasted ones just in case. They came out delicious! Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed today’s episode, give us a like, subscribe to Fool of a Took, and share this video with another Lord of the Rings fan. SUPPORT & FOLLOW FOOL OF A TOOK YouTube: @FoolofaTookPodcastInstagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Spotify: (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7) FOLLOW THE FOOLS Chris: (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard)Robbie Jean: (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815)Pat: (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023)Laura: (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525) Got a question, correction, or something we completely missed?Email us: Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.com Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard. #LordOfTheRings #TheReturnOfTheKing #Tolkien

  2. Sep 2

    056 - Everybody’s Dead in “The Tower of Cirith Ungol”

    This week we discuss book 6, chapter 1: The Tower of Cirith Ungol from "The Return of the King". We’re back with Sam, and somehow things in Mordor are going both much better and much worse than expected. Sam crosses into Mordor, discovers the orcs of Cirith Ungol have mostly murdered each other, battles haunted security statues, chases an orc up approximately ten thousand stairs, and finally finds Frodo alive at the top of the tower.We also dig into Sam’s temptation by the Ring, Frodo’s brutal reaction when Sam returns it, the mysterious Watchers, Gondor’s original purpose for Cirith Ungol, and why Tolkien’s descriptions of Mordor are so unbelievably good. Plus: Mordor farmers markets, Samwise the Strong fanfiction, filthy Tarks, raccoon-based military strategy, and a refreshing Mordor Sunrise.Conversation TopicsSam crosses the pass and finally enters MordorThe Ring tempts Sam with visions of becoming “Samwise the Strong”Gorbag and Shagrat’s orcs completely destroy each otherSam encounters the mysterious Watchers of Cirith UngolShagrat escapes with Frodo’s mithril coatSam finds and rescues Frodo at the top of the towerFrodo lashes out when Sam returns the RingThe history and original purpose of the Tower of Cirith UngolTolkien’s incredible descriptions of Mount Doom and MordorOrc language, “Tarks,” Snaga, and the chapter’s deeper lore00:00 Welcome to The Tower of Cirith Ungol and the beginning of Book Six03:50 Catching up with Frodo, Sam, Shelob, and the split timeline08:05 Sam crosses the pass and finally enters Mordor13:20 The Ring tempts Sam with visions of becoming “Samwise the Strong”18:06 Sam encounters the mysterious Watchers guarding the tower26:06 Sam chases Snaga through Cirith Ungol and up a ridiculous number of stairs34:55 Sam confronts Shagrat and gets hit with Frodo’s mithril coat41:01 Sam attacks Snaga and finally rescues Frodo44:50 The Ring turns Frodo against Sam in a heartbreaking moment50:54 Galadriel’s phial helps Frodo and Sam escape the Watchers56:51 Why Tolkien’s descriptions of Mount Doom and Mordor are so effective1:02:50 The Gondorian origins and original purpose of the Tower of Cirith Ungol1:18:44 “Filthy Tarks,” Snaga, and the meaning behind Tolkien’s Orc language1:26:51 Food for Thought Today's "Food for Thought": Mordor Sunrise Cocktails (with Watcher garnish)This felt like a great chapter to show off a cocktail introduced to me by my friends Mark and Vicki. 2 parts vodka2 parts cranberry juice1 part Amarettofresh-squeezed orange juice to tasteThis can be served shaken with ice, or over ice. I chose over ice so that my toothpick garnishes would have something to rest on. The garnishes are a 3-headed peep to represent the vulture heads of the Watchers. I simply snipped off the heads of 2 peeps and stuck them onto a whole peep, then skewered it with a toothpick. Cheers! ----------------------------------------------------Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: ExplicitSupport the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris NewhardGot a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.comFollow the fools on IG:Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard)Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815)Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023)Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525)Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  3. Aug 19

    055 - One Does Simply Walk into Mordor when "The Black Gate Opens"

    This week we discuss book 5, chapter 10: The Black Gate Opens from "The Return of the King". The Captains of the West march straight toward Mordor on what is essentially a 7,000-man suicide mission. Along the way, Aragorn restores the symbols of Gondor, soldiers begin to break under the terror of Mordor, and Sauron patiently draws the army deeper into his trap. At the Black Gate, the Mouth of Sauron arrives with horrifying evidence that Frodo and Sam may have been captured, Gandalf refuses his terms, and the full strength of Mordor pours out to surround the army. Conversation Topics Merry watches the army leave Minas Tirith while Pippin marches toward Mordor Aragorn restores the fallen king at the Crossroads and publicly reclaims Gondor Gandalf refuses to attack Minas Morgul and protects Frodo’s secret path Sauron lures the army forward with silence, fear, and a deliberately weak ambush Aragorn shows mercy to soldiers who cannot face the terror of Mordor The Mouth of Sauron reveals Frodo and Sam’s possessions and offers Sauron’s terms Gandalf rejects the bargain and takes back the mithril coat, cloak, and sword Mordor’s armies surround the Captains of the West at the Black Gate Timestamps 00:00 The Black Gate is closed… opened… somewhat unlocked 06:56 Merry is left behind as the army marches east 10:19 Aragorn restores the king at the Crossroads 17:28 Mablung returns and the army walks into Sauron’s ambush 24:04 Leaving Ithilien and entering the nightmare of Mordor 29:46 The army camps within sight of the Black Gate 38:48 The Mouth of Sauron arrives 45:08 Frodo and Sam’s belongings are revealed 50:26 Gandalf rejects Sauron’s terms 52:30 The trap is sprung and Mordor attacks 56:46 Pippin saves Beregond and kills the troll chieftain 58:05 “The Eagles are coming!” and the end of Book Five 1:05:48 Why the Mouth of Sauron is such a great villain 1:17:05 Where the hell are Legolas and Gimli? 1:26:42 Food for Thought This weeks "Food for Thought": Troll Blood Soup I know, it would have been a cool cocktail, but after what I did to my co-hosts last week, I couldn't. Instead, a thick and lumpy black bean soup would have to suffice. Adapted from: https://cookieandkate.com/spicy-vegan-black-bean-soup/ 1 Tblsp olive oil1 medium onion, chopped 2 celery ribs, chopped1 carrot, sliced into thin rounds 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 2 cans black beans 2 cups veg or chicken broth 1 tsp sherry vinegarsalt & pepper to taste Cook onion, celery, and carrots in oil for 10-15 min. Add garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds. Add beans and broth, then simmer 30 min. Blend some or all of the soup, depending on how chunky you want it. Stir in sherry vinegar. I doctored mine with cayenne and lime for more heat and acid, plus extra liquid since I blended all the beans. Add salt and pepper to taste. I also added black food coloring because it wasn’t dark enough to be troll blood. If you don’t eat a lot of beans, beware the revenge of the troll… ---------------------------------------------------- Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: Explicit Support the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard Got a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.com Follow the fools on IG: Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard) Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815) Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023) Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525) Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731) Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  4. Aug 12

    054 - "The Last Debate"... Marching Straight into Mordor?

    This week we discuss book 5, chapter 9: The Last Debate from "The Return of the King". The battle is won, but the war definitely isn’t. This week, the fellowship finally gets the story of Aragorn and the Army of the Dead before Gandalf gathers the leaders of the West for one last, slightly suicidal strategy session. We talk ghost armies, Legolas discovering the sea, Aragorn coming into his own, Sauron’s greatest weakness, and why marching directly toward Mordor might actually be the only plan left. Plus, Laura turns the Shadow Host into extremely alcoholic ghost Jell-O shots, which goes about as well as you’d expect. Conversation Topics Legolas and Gimli reunite with Merry and Pippin The story behind Aragorn and the Army of the Dead How the Corsairs of Umbar were defeated Why Aragorn released the Oathbreakers The themes of hope and fear in The Last Debate Why Gandalf says they can’t defeat Sauron by force Aragorn’s decision to march on the Black Gate The plan to distract Sauron while Frodo finishes his mission Aragorn finally comes into his own as king How Tolkien’s World War I experience influenced this chapter Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Chapter 9: “The Last Debate” 03:24 Tolkien finally fills in the missing pieces of the battle 05:33 Legolas and Gimli head into Minas Tirith to find the hobbits 09:30 Legolas hears the call of the sea 15:35 Aragorn’s desperate race toward Minas Tirith 22:38 Aragorn captures the Corsair fleet 28:48 The Last Debate begins 30:24 Gandalf explains why Sauron cannot be defeated by force 37:29 Aragorn makes the call: they’re marching on Mordor 41:08 7,000 soldiers against the might of Mordor 43:06 Aragorn is finally coming into his own 52:07 The important question: How exactly do ghosts run? 1:05:10 Aragorn releases the Army of the Dead 1:09:45 Where is Faramir during all of this? 1:14:42 Food for Though1:19:02 Next week: “The Black Gate Opens” 1:23:22 What happens to Fool of a Took after LOTR? This weeks "Food for Thought": The Shadow Host Jello Shots This week we honor the good work of the Shadow Host by making jello shots in their likeness. Or something. 1 6-oz packet blue jello 1 packet unflavored gelatin 1/2 cup vodka (I used Everclear because I ran out of vodka and regretted it... we ALL regretted it) 1/4 cup Gordon's strawberry gin 1/4 cup ginger beer 1 cup hot water In a medium-sized bowl, bloom the gelatin in the liquor/ginger beer mix. Add hot water and jello packet. Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate for 3-5 hours. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut your army out. Add candy eyes (they will not stick) and a toothpick sword! I added a small amount of edible glitter and a drop of black food coloring to make them less neon blue. ----------------------------------------------------Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: ExplicitSupport the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris NewhardGot a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.comFollow the fools on IG:Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard)Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815)Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023)Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525)Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  5. Aug 5

    053 - Dr. Aragorn Will See You Now in "The Houses of Healing"

    This week we discuss book 5, chapter 8: The Houses of Healing from "The Return of the King". Chris, Patrick, Laura, and Robbie Jean return to Minas Tirith for one of the most hopeful chapters in The Return of the King. As Merry, Éowyn, and Faramir struggle against the Black Breath, Aragorn enters the Houses of Healing and finally begins to look like the king he was born to become. Along the way, the hosts debate Tolkien’s best healing scenes, share the recurring nightmares that would become their own “Black Breath,” and spend far too much time laughing at Gondor’s endlessly talkative healers. Between thoughtful discussions and the usual chaos, this episode reminds everyone why the quieter chapters often have the biggest emotional payoff.Conversation TopicsMerry and Pippin reunite after the battleThe Black Breath and magical depressionAragorn refuses to claim the throneFaramir recognizes his kingÉowyn’s wounds go beyond the battlefieldSassy Aragorn returns with healing handsThe hosts reveal their worst recurring nightmaresTimestamps00:00 No Laughing in the Houses of Healing04:22 Merry Wanders Through a Hateful Dream13:16 The Hands of a King20:24 Aragorn Secretly Enters Minas Tirith29:04 Faramir, Éowyn, and Merry Need Healing38:02 Aragorn Awakens Éowyn47:02 The People Discover Their King53:02 The Hosts Face the Black Breath1:12:55 Faramir Recognizes Aragorn1:22:04 Food for Thought: Healing Herbal TeaToday's "Food for Thought": The Tea of HealingThe Athelas tea that Aragorn made filled the room with a lovely, sweet scent and healed our heroes. Rather than spraying my co-hosts down with perfume, I brought one of my favorite delicious-smelling herbal teas.No recipe for this one. If you're looking for ideas, the tea I used had chamomile, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rose hip, valerian root, hibiscus, and cornflower. Enjoy with pinkies out and be healed!----------------------------------------------------Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: ExplicitSupport the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris NewhardGot a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.comFollow the fools on IG:Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard)Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815)Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023)Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525)Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  6. Jul 29

    052 - Why "The Pyre of Denethor" is So Tragic

    This week we discuss book 5, chapter 7: The Pyre of Denethor from "The Return of the King". While the Battle of the Pelennor Fields rages below, Gandalf and Pippin race back through Minas Tirith to save Faramir from his own father. Denethor reveals the source of his despair, rejects the return of the king, and chooses fire over hope. The group discusses Denethor’s manipulation through the palantír, Gandalf’s impossible decision, Pippin’s growing trauma, and the symbolic end of Gondor’s stewards. Laura also serves flaming Old Fashioned's, which goes about as safely as expected. Also, Warriors of Virtue FTW. Conversation Topics Gandalf’s decision to save Faramir Denethor’s despair and the palantír Hope, pride, and the choice of death Pippin’s transformation through trauma The end of Gondor’s stewards Flaming Old Fashioneds and bad decisions Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to The Pyre of Denethor 04:07 Gandalf and Pippin race to save Faramir 07:35 Beregond defends the House of the Stewards 11:30 Denethor declares Gondor has failed 18:07 Denethor reveals the Palantír25:02 Denethor chooses fire over hope 33:36 Gandalf chooses Faramir over the battlefield 39:31 Food for Thought: The heathen kings 46:26 Was Denethor mad or manipulated? 53:04 How Denethor’s death changes Pippin 59:06 Flaming Old Fashioned's close the episode Today's "Food for Thought": The Old-Fashioned Pyre of Denethor This week, we raise a toast to Denethor's charred remains. I figured his signature cocktail would be an Old Fashioned, because of course it would. However, to make it a little more personal, I SET IT ON FIRE!Old Fashioned Recipe1.5 oz bourbon whiskey1 tsp simple syrup2 dashes bittersOrange peelLuxardo cherriesCombine bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in a glass with ice. Add some of the cherry syrup if you want a touch more sweetness. Stir or shake until cold, then strain into a heavy whiskey glass with a large ice cube. Twist an orange peel over the top and drop into the drink. Add 1 cherry. For the flaming element, I made a small boat by slicing off the end of a lime, then sprinkling sugar on top. Place the lime boat on top of each drink. Then drip some 151-proof liquor onto the sugar and light it with a long lighter or match. PLEASE PLEASE blow it out and let the glass cool for a hot second before drinking ! ---------------------------------------------------- Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: Explicit Support the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard Got a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.com Follow the fools on IG:Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard) Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815) Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023) Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525) Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731) Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  7. Jul 22

    051 - "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields" is Peak Tolkien

    This week we discuss book 5, chapter 6: The Battle of the Pelennor Fields from "The Return of the King". After a five-month hiatus (and one new baby later), the Fellowship of Fools returns to tackle one of Tolkien’s greatest chapters. The Battle of the Pelennor Fields delivers everything: Théoden’s heroic charge, Éowyn’s unforgettable stand against the Witch-king, Merry’s unlikely heroics, Aragorn’s dramatic arrival, and enough battlefield twists to keep everyone guessing. The crew also debates Tolkien’s writing choices, uncovers hidden callbacks dating back to Tom Bombadil, and wrestles with one very controversial ending. Conversation Topics Returning after five months and welcoming the newest member of the Fellowship Théoden’s legendary charge and the Rohirrim’s arrival Éowyn and Merry fulfill the Witch-king’s prophecy Théoden’s final moments and Éomer’s rise as King Aragorn’s arrival and the turning of the battle Tolkien’s long-term storytelling pays off with Merry’s Barrow-blade Timestamps 00:00 Welcome back after a five-month break 02:10 Recapping The Ride of the Rohirrim 04:25 The Witch-king faces the Riders of Rohan 06:05 Théoden’s charge changes the battle 12:00 Théoden falls beneath Snowmane15:20 Éowyn reveals her identity 20:15 Merry strikes the Witch-king 22:05 Éowyn defeats the Lord of the Nazgûl 24:15 Théoden’s final words 31:00 Éomer becomes King of Rohan 38:05 Aragorn arrives with the Black Fleet 43:45 Tolkien’s hidden payoff with Merry’s Barrow-blade 58:30 Discussing Tolkien’s historical influences and language 01:03:30 Arwen’s banner and the return of hope 01:07:20 Food for Thought 01:14:35 Birthday cake Today's "Food for Thought": The Cake of the Pelennor FieldsIn honor of Chris’s birthday and his inability to read a map, I made a Minas Tirith and Pelennor Fields cake. Use any dense cake and frosting recipe that is sturdy enough to cut and stack. I used buttermilk chocolate cake, chocolate filling, and vanilla buttercream. Bake two 8-inch round cakes and let them cool. Slice one cake in half, fill it, add a thin crumb coat, and chill for 30 minutes. From the second cake, cut six circles in gradually smaller sizes using cutters, cups, or whatever you have. Stack them with frosting between each layer, secure with a skewer, and chill again. Tint buttercream green, gray, blue, and black. Decorate the bottom cake as the Pelennor Fields with grass, roads, the Anduin River, the Rammas Echor, and small Corsair ships. Place the stacked Minas Tirith tower at the edge, decorate it with stonework, and use a silver candle for the highest point. Finish by placing candles across the fields to represent the fires of Mordor. ---------------------------------------------------- Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: Explicit Support the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/) TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast) Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard Got a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.com Follow the fools on IG:Chris (https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhard) Robbie Jean (https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815) Pat (https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023) Laura (https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525) Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731) Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

  8. Jul 15

    050 - "The Ride of the Rohirrim" Shatters the Darkness

    This week we discuss book 5, chapter 5: The Ride of the Rohirrim from "The Return of the King".The Rohirrim are closing in on Minas Tirith, but an enemy army blocks the road and no one inside the city knows they are coming. With the help of the mysterious Wild Men of the Drúadan Forest, Théoden discovers a secret path that could preserve Rohan’s greatest advantage: surprise.Conversation TopicsA quick recap of the Siege of Gondor and Merry’s quiet journey among the Riders of RohanThe enemy blockade and the Rohirrim’s desperate need for a hidden pathGhân-buri-Ghân and the Wild Men of the Drúadan ForestAncient roads, forgotten peoples, and the tension between nature and industryHirgon’s death and the unanswered Red ArrowThéoden’s strategy and the power of secrecy and timingThe dawn charge on the Pelennor Fields and Tolkien’s epic depiction of battleTimestamps00:00 Welcome and Siege of Gondor recap05:30 Merry among the Rohirrim and the blocked road10:45 Meeting Ghân-buri-Ghân and discovering the secret path16:30 Ancient roads, language, and forgotten peoples22:00 Hirgon’s death and the Red Arrow27:30 Théoden’s battle plan and the importance of secrecy33:00 The changing wind and the approach of dawn38:30 The charge of the Rohirrim45:00 Themes, Tolkien’s language, and chapter analysis52:00 Final thoughts and Food for ThoughtToday's "Food for Thought": Bowl of RocksIn this chapter, Ghan-buri-Ghan suggested that men must eat rocks because of their skill in stonework. That felt like an excellent opportunity to make some edible rocks. Based on this recipe: (https://hungryhappenings.com/my-dad-r...)I added extra Oreo crumbs to make some rocks darker, some natural/red cocoa powder to add another color, and they all looked shockingly natural and tasted amazing!----------------------------------------------------Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed todays episode, give us a like and subscribe and share this video with someone who likes The Lord of the Rings. Content Warning: ExplicitSupport the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcast Instagram: (  / foolofatookpodcast  )TikTok: (  / foolofatookpodcast  ) Original music for the show composed by Chris NewhardGot a question? Email us Foolofatookpodcast@gmail.comFollow the fools on IG:Chris (  / chrisnewhard  )Robbie Jean (  / robbiejean815  )Pat (  / rolling.seas2023  )Laura (  / kennylaura525  )Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq...)

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About

One does not simply walk into serious discussion…  Fool of a Took Podcast  is a show where deep lore meets even deeper nonsense!  Enter the Shire-adjacent mind of Chris, your host, guide, and certified Fool of a Took as he sets out to read The Lord of the Rings for the very first time, joined by his book-loving wife RJ, fellow first-time reader and baker Laura, and Laura’s husband Patrick, a devoted Tolkien super-fan.   Fool of a Took is your book-club companion through Middle-earth—whether you’re discovering LOTR for the first time, revisiting it again, or geeking out as a lifelong Tolkien fan.

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  • Creator
    Fool of a Took Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Fool of a Took Podcast
  • Show Website
    Fool of a Took Podcast