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.
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.
This week we discuss book 3, chapter 11, "The Palantír", from The Two Towers. Dive into the thrilling conclusion of Book Three with the Fool of a Took Podcast as Pippin's curiosity leads to a dire encounter with the enemy.
Conversation Topics:
Mispronunciations and playful takes on the word "Palantír"
Recap of Saruman's foiled attempts at manipulation
Pippin's insatiable curiosity and humorous antics
The powerful and perilous nature of the Palantír
The detailed lore of the Palantír and its connection to Gondor
Pippin's encounter with Sauron and the underestimated role of Hobbits
Gandalf's revelations about the seeing stones and Sauron's methods
Riveting discussion of Gandalf's transformation and history
Merry and Pippin's continued misadventures and relationships
The poem of the Palantír: unraveling its metaphorical significance
The role of Shadowfax and the mythos surrounding magical creatures
Timestamps:
00:00 - Playful mispronunciations and the significance of the Palantír
02:07 - Recap of previous encounters and the defeat at Isengard
03:28 - The journey of "dirty balls" and the possession of the Palantír
06:38 - The humorous imagery of Theoden intercepting Wormtongue's actions
08:39 - Pippin's sleepless obsession and the theft of the Palantír
13:01 - Pippin's terrifying encounter with Sauron via the Palantír
17:07 - Gandalf reveals the history and function of the Palantír
18:45 - The connection between the Palantír and Sauron's influence
21:29 - Debating the potential fallout of Saruman's defiance
26:25 - The Nazgûl's dramatic flyover and the immediate call to action
28:00 - The urgency of departure and the plan to protect Pippin
32:32 - Pippin's realization of his role in the broader conflict
34:24 - Final reflections on Book Three's tone and the anticipation for Book Four
36:32 - Reflections on Hobbits' unique strengths and roles40:15 - The linguistic charm of Hobbit dialects and hilarious curses
43:11 - Sauron's chilling first words and his manipulative presence
47:41 - Gandalf's personal intrigue with the history of the seeing stones
51:07 - The depth of Hobbit capacity for emotional complexity and trauma
54:17 - Gandalf's assertive rise to power compared to Saruman
58:02 - Shadowfax and the challenges of Tolkien's fantastical physics
1:04:48 - Journey's end: lore-filled meatball celebration
1:12:28 - Foreshadowing for Book Four and Frodo and Sam's awaited adventures
1:14:43 - Sneak peek at the next chapter: "The Taming of Sméagol"
This weeks "Food for Thought":
A Meaty OrbThe Palantir was described as being dark in color with red coming from within. You know what's exactly the same? A meatball. No? OK shut up this was a hard one.
I used this Food Network recipe with 41 five-star reviews, and it did not disappoint: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/beef-meatballs-7231472
I doubled the garlic, added some Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to evoke the fires of Mordor, and served in a nice marinara sauce.