Fool of a Took Podcast

In this episode of Fool of a Took, we discuss "The Steward and the King", Book 6, Chapter 5 of The Return of the King.

The War of the Ring is over, but Middle-earth still has some major business to settle: Faramir falls hard for Éowyn, Aragorn finally claims the throne of Gondor, a new White Tree is discovered, the Third Age comes to an end, and Arwen arrives in Minas Tirith.

Fool of a Took is a Lord of the Rings book club podcast following four friends through J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, chapter by chapter, with drinks, food, lore, arguments, and an irresponsible amount of Tolkien-related nonsense.

CONTENT WARNING: Explicit

Conversation Topics

Éowyn and Faramir’s romance in the Houses of Healing

The fall of Sauron and the passing of the Shadow

Aragorn’s return to Minas Tirith and coronation as King

Faramir’s future as Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien

Aragorn’s first decisions as King of Gondor

The new White Tree and the restoration of Gondor

The end of the Third Age and beginning of the Fourth Age

Aragorn and Arwen’s wedding

Timestamps

00:00:00 Welcome to Fool of a Took

00:01:43 The Steward and the King begins

00:05:22 Éowyn and Faramir in the Houses of Healing

00:08:43 The Shadow passes and Sauron falls

00:17:42 The Return of the King

00:24:29 Aragorn claims the throne of Gondor

00:29:13 Gandalf crowns Aragorn King

00:38:54 Aragorn discovers the new White Tree

00:40:13 The Third Age ends and the Fourth Age begins

00:43:53 Arwen arrives and marries Aragorn

00:51:04 Éowyn and Faramir’s complicated romance

01:05:57 Ioreth will not stop talking01:17:55 Understanding the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Ages01:27:36 Food for Thought: Aragorn’s Crown Pavlova

Today's "Food for Thought": King Elessar's Crown Pavlova

I knew I needed to create the crown for this chapter, and I have been wanting to try my hand at a pavlova. Done!

It was a bit tricky to decipher what exactly it looked like, so I made my own interpretation based on the limitations of egg white meringue. It was indeed white, had wings on either side, and contained seven gems around the circlet. This is the recipe I used for the pavlova: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/pavlova-recipe

I piped a 9" meringue circle on parchment paper using a large circle tip and filled in the middle, then piped some points on the front to hold the jewels. They... did not stand up so great. I built up the edges of the circlet to create a dish shape. Then I sketched a wing onto some parchment, flipped it over and traced it in reverse, and piped meringue to look like feathers. These baked on a separate tray.

While it was baking and cooling, I made caramel gem stones by cooking water and sugar in a pan until it caramelized, then dripping it onto parchment with a spoon until I had 7 that were roughly the same size and shape. Assembly required some toothpicks and whipped cream to act as glue. One wing pretty much fell apart- in the back it goes. Add whipped cream and chopped fruit to the center of the pavlova, and you are set!

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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.

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Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard

Got a question? Email us [email protected]

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)

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This week on Fool of a Took, we’re reading "The Field of Cormallen", Chapter 4 of Book Six of The Return of the King, and after everything Tolkien has put us through, we finally get to be happy for a minute.

We jump back to the Black Gate just as Sauron realizes what’s happening at Mount Doom, the Eagles show up, and his entire army starts falling apart. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam are sitting on the side of an erupting volcano waiting to die until Gandalf and the Eagles swoop in and save them. Sam wakes up two weeks later, discovers Gandalf is somehow alive, and learns that he and Frodo are now basically the most famous people in Middle-earth.

We also finally reunite with Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Merry, and Pippin, debate why Gandalf makes Frodo and Sam put their disgusting Mordor clothes back on, talk about the surprisingly cold Hobbit reunion, and dig into why “Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom” might actually mean a lot more than we initially thought.

CONVERSATION TOPICS

Sauron’s defeat and the collapse of his armies

Gandalf and the Eagles rescuing Frodo and Sam

Sam waking up and discovering Gandalf is alive

Aragorn honoring Frodo and Sam as heroes

The Fellowship finally coming back together

Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom

What happens after the war is “won”

TIMESTAMPS

02:35 Recapping Mount Doom06:39 Back to the battle at the Black Gate08:15 The Eagles are coming!11:40 Sauron falls and his armies collapse14:50 Frodo and Sam prepare to die17:26 Gandalf and the Eagles rescue the Hobbits20:45 Sam wakes up two weeks later

28:37 Frodo and Sam are honored as heroes

32:21 Strider returns as the King

38:23 The Fellowship finally reunites

43:05 What happens to Sauron’s remaining armies?

54:28 Sauron’s final shadow over Middle-earth

1:06:15 Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom

1:13:30 The Hobbits reunite… kind of

1:18:47 Food for Thought: Gwaihir’s strawberry raspberry pie

Today's "Food for Thought": Rescued by Gwaihir Pie

I loved the image of Gwaihir swooping out of the red Mordor sky to rescue the hobbits, so I put it on a pie.

Use your favorite double-crust pie recipe or buy one pre-made (I won’t judge). Prepare the bottom crust, roll out the top, and freeze it on a tray.

For the filling, I used strawberries and raspberries for that Mordor red. This recipe worked perfectly, though I needed extra for my deep-dish plate: https://www.driscolls.com/Recipes/Strawberry-Raspberry-Pie-Recipe

For Gwaihir, I found a screen cap of his rescue swoop, converted it to line art, and printed it. Place it over plastic wrap on the semi-frozen crust and trace the eagle into the dough. Cut out the outline and add details. I added separate pieces for his head and feet for depth.

Cut strips of dough into a starburst, place Gwaihir on top, brush with beaten egg, and bake. The strips look a little like French fries, but they add drama!

Full disclosure: this took freaking forever.

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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 [email protected] 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)

After two years of reading The Lord of the Rings, we’re finally here. This week, we discuss book 6, chapter 3: Mount Doom from The Return of the King.

We get into Sam literally carrying Frodo up the mountain, the Ring completely taking over, Gollum showing up at exactly the right (or wrong) time, and Frodo making it all the way to the finish line… only to completely blow it. We also argue about whether Frodo actually deserves credit for completing the quest, what the hell happens to the Nazgûl, why Sam’s mercy toward Gollum ends up saving everyone, and whether Samwise Gamgee has officially become the MVP of this entire story.

Fool of a Took is four friends drinking, eating, and making our way through The Lord of the Rings one chapter at a time. Two of us are reading the books for the first time, two supposedly know what they’re talking about, and somehow we’ve made it all the way to Mount Doom.

Conversation Topics

Sam and Frodo’s final journey to Mount Doom

Sam realizing they may never make it home

The Ring’s growing power over Frodo

Sam carrying Frodo and refusing to give up

Gollum’s return and Sam’s decision to show mercy

Frodo claiming the Ring and failing at the final moment

Gollum destroying the Ring and completing the quest

Timestamps

02:29 Recapping The Land of Shadow

06:28 Sam realizes they may never make it home

14:37 Frodo and Sam leave everything behind

20:04 Sam carries Frodo up Mount Doom

25:52 Gollum returns for one final attack

30:39 Frodo claims the One Ring

34:07 Gollum destroys the Ring

43:12 Did Frodo actually complete the quest?

50:09 Sam, Frodo, Gollum, and the Ring-bearers

54:50 Why Sam has become the heart of the story

1:04:21 What actually happens to the Nazgûl?

1:09:04 Could the quest have ended differently?

1:13:29 Food for Thought: Mount Doom lava cakes

Today's "Food for Thought": Mt. Doom Molten Lava Cakes

I have been holding off on making molten chocolate lava cakes until just the right chapter, and this is it!!

It turns out there are two ways to make these: you can simply underbake a chocolate cake and eat raw cake batter, or you can stick a ball of ganache into cake batter and cook it through. Both methods are described here: https://www.joshuaweis.... I chose the ganache method after trying both and deciding I didn't want to risk food poisoning.

Make sure to try a few test cakes, as ramekins of different dimensions and volumes will require different baking times.

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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: (  / foolofatookpodcast  )

TikTok: (  / foolofatookpodcast  )

Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard

Got a question? Email us [email protected]

Follow the fools on IG:

Chris (  / chrisnewhard  )

Robbie Jean (  / robbiejean815  )

Pat (  / rolling.seas2023  )

Laura (  / kennylaura525  )

Listen on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple...)

Listen on Spotify Link (https://open.spotify.c...)

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.

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Got a question, correction, or something we completely missed?
Email us: [email protected]

Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard.

#LordOfTheRings #TheReturnOfTheKing #Tolkien

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 [email protected] 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)

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…

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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 [email protected]

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)

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 [email protected] 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)

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 [email protected] 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)

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

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Original music for the show composed by Chris Newhard

Got a question? Email us [email protected]

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)

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 [email protected]

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)