Fool of a Took Podcast

One does not simply finish The Lord of the Rings… except WE JUST DID! After three books, countless glasses of wine, and insane conversations, Chris, RJ, Laura, and Pat have finished Tolkien’s masterpiece!In “The Grey Havens,” the final chapter of The Return of the King, we say goodbye to Middle-earth. Sort of. We still have things to argue about.The hobbits rebuild the Shire. Sam uses Galadriel’s gift to restore its trees, Lobelia Sackville-Baggins gets an unlikely redemption arc, and Merry and Pippin parade around like decorated war heroes. But Frodo’s wounds refuse to heal. We discuss the Ring-bearer’s trauma, his sacrifice, his voyage into the West, and why Sam’s final words are the perfect ending.Also: Where the hell is Celeborn? Why does Gandalf have an Elven Ring? Are Mirkwood elves Slavic? And did Chris accidentally name his son Bilbo?Next up: Peter Jackson’s Return of the King movie deep dive, then our ultimate LOTR trivia finale. The book is over. FOAT isn’t!CONTENT WARNING: Explicit languageTIMESTAMPS / KEY MOMENTS00:00 We finished The Lord of the Rings!04:34 Rebuilding the Shire; Lobelia’s redemption09:47 Sam’s gift from Galadriel14:45 Frodo’s wounds, trauma, and the Ring18:08 Sam and Rosie move into Bag End25:46 The birth of Elanor Gamgee28:21 Frodo’s last adventure and the Red Book32:17 Elves, Bilbo, and the Ring-bearers35:32 Why Frodo must leave Middle-earth41:38 The Grey Havens, Círdan, and Gandalf’s Ring43:02 The Fellowship’s final goodbye44:27 Frodo sails into the West45:42 Sam returns home: “Well, I’m back.”47:31 Where the hell is Celeborn?1:03:02 Frodo’s trauma and Tolkien’s ending1:12:36 Did Chris name his son Bilbo?1:18:09 Gandalf’s Ring of Power1:25:45 FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Sam and Rosie’s cake!1:30:07 What’s next for Fool of a Took?FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Sam & Rosie’s Hobbit Wedding CakeFor our final chapter, I made something for Sam, our true protagonist (fight me). He and Rosie deserve a wedding cake! Instead of a buttercream cake, I made a fragrant almond cake with dried apricots arranged like flowers. Recipe adapted from NYT Cooking.Almond Cake with Saffron and HoneyCake:1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted1/2 cup fine semolina flour3/4 cup granulated sugar1 cup almond flour/meal1.5 tsp baking powderPinch of kosher salt4 eggs, beatenZest of 1 orange (save the flesh)Zest of 1 lemon (make a cocktail!)1/2 tsp almond extractSyrup:1 cup orange juice (use the zested orange)3/4 cup granulated sugar2 tbsp honey6 whole cloves6 cardamom pods1 cinnamon stickPinch of crumbled saffron12 dried apricotsPreheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 10-inch round cake pan (I used an 8-inch square) and line with parchment. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP (ask me how I know).Mix semolina, sugar, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, zests, and almond extract. Beat well and pour into pan. Bake about 45 minutes; mine was ready at 35–40. Test with a toothpick. Invert onto a cooling rack.For syrup, combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring to dissolve sugar, then set aside until cake cools. Poke holes in cake with a skewer. Place in a larger pan, pour syrup over, and let it soak in. Spoon excess syrup back over cake. Transfer to a plate and decorate with apricots and spices.⸻Thanks for watching! Like, subscribe, and share with a Lord of the Rings fan.YouTube: @FoolofaTookPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcastQuestions: [email protected] music: Chris NewhardFollow the fools on Instagram:Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhardRobbie Jean: https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815Pat: https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023Laura: https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7

The hobbits are finally heading back to the Shire! In Chapter 7 of Book VI of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Return of the King, “Homeward Bound,” Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, and Gandalf return to Bree and the Prancing Pony, where they discover that Middle-earth has changed considerably since their departure.This week on Fool of a Took, our drunken Lord of the Rings book club celebrates Bill the Pony’s return, catches up with Barliman Butterbur, and investigates the ruffians terrorizing Bree. We discuss Frodo’s lasting wounds, Aragorn’s restored northern kingdom, and Gandalf’s decision to leave the hobbits for a long-overdue conversation with Tom Bombadil.Plus, Gandalf’s questionable wardrobe, an inappropriate memorial for Bree’s fallen citizens, and beef barley soup with homemade brown bread. The War of the Ring is over, but something is wrong in the Shire. With “The Scouring of the Shire” approaching, our first-time readers are nervous.Fool of a Took is a comedic Lord of the Rings book club following four friends through Tolkien’s Middle-earth, one chapter and several drinks at a time.CONVERSATION TOPICSReturning to Bree and the Prancing PonyFrodo’s wounds and the cost of the War of the RingBarliman Butterbur, Bill Ferny, and Bree’s ruffiansAragorn’s kingdom and the missing RangersThe return of Bill the PonyGandalf’s retirement and Tom BombadilWhy home will never feel quite the sameTrouble in the ShireTIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome Back to Fool of a Took04:43 Homeward Bound: Chapter Recap07:13 The Hobbits Are Finally Going Home09:03 Frodo’s Wounds and the Cost of the Quest10:42 Returning to Bree and the Prancing Pony15:47 Bill Ferny, Harry Goatleaf, and the Ruffians22:35 Where Have All the Rangers Gone?26:43 Strider Is King?! Barliman Learns the Truth27:50 Bill the Pony Is Alive!29:20 No Pipeweed from the Shire?31:40 Trouble Is Brewing Back Home34:24 Gandalf Retires to Visit Tom Bombadil38:52 The Hobbits’ Journey Comes Full Circle47:14 A Memorial for Bree’s Fallen Citizens52:41 Can Frodo Ever Truly Go Home?56:12 Gandalf’s Mysterious Blue Mantle1:00:37 Dark Shapes in the Woods and the Aftermath of War1:08:26 Why Gandalf Is Leaving the Hobbits Behind1:14:29 Food for Thought: Beef Barley Soup and Brown Bread1:19:27 Preparing for The Scouring of the ShireFOOD FOR THOUGHT: BARLIMAN’S BEEF BARLEY SOUP & BROWN BREADBack at the Prancing Pony, we imagine Barliman Butterbur serving a hearty bowl of beef barley soup with buttered brown bread.Soup ingredients:1 lb stew beef, bite-sized2 cups beef broth1 tsp salt¼ tsp marjoram¼ tsp thyme⅛ tsp ground black pepper1 bay leaf4 cups water3 carrots, sliced3 celery stalks, sliced1 medium onion, chopped1 can diced tomatoes½ cup uncooked barleyBrown beef in oil in a Dutch oven. Add broth, salt, herbs, pepper, and bay leaf; cover and simmer 1½ hours. Add water, vegetables, barley, and tomatoes with their liquid. Bring to a boil, then simmer 45 minutes.Brown bread recipe: https://www.theenglishkitchen.co/2019/11/quick-brown-bread.html#recipeTip: Freeze buttermilk in 1-cup portions so you have it ready for baking.----Thanks for watching! Like, subscribe, and share with a Lord of the Rings fan.CONTENT WARNING: Explicit language.YouTube: @FoolofaTookPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcastQuestions: [email protected] music: Chris NewhardFollow the fools on Instagram:Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisnewhardRobbie Jean: https://www.instagram.com/robbiejean815Pat: https://www.instagram.com/rolling.seas2023Laura: https://www.instagram.com/kennylaura525Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7

The hobbits are finally heading back to the Shire! In Chapter 7 of Book VI of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Return of the King, “Homeward Bound,” Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, and Gandalf return to Bree and the Prancing Pony, where they discover that Middle-earth has changed considerably since their departure.This week on Fool of a Took, our drunken Lord of the Rings book club celebrates Bill the Pony’s return, catches up with Barliman Butterbur, and investigates the ruffians terrorizing Bree. We discuss Frodo’s lasting wounds, Aragorn’s restored northern kingdom, and Gandalf’s decision to leave the hobbits for a long-overdue conversation with Tom Bombadil.Plus, Gandalf’s questionable wardrobe, an inappropriate memorial for Bree’s fallen citizens, and beef barley soup with homemade brown bread. The War of the Ring is over, but something is wrong in the Shire. With “The Scouring of the Shire” approaching, our first-time readers are nervous.Fool of a Took is a comedic Lord of the Rings book club following four friends through Tolkien’s Middle-earth, one chapter and several drinks at a time.CONVERSATION TOPICSReturning to Bree and the Prancing PonyFrodo’s wounds and the cost of the War of the RingBarliman Butterbur, Bill Ferny, and Bree’s ruffiansAragorn’s kingdom and the missing RangersThe return of Bill the PonyGandalf’s retirement and Tom BombadilWhy home will never feel quite the sameTrouble in the ShireTIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome Back to Fool of a Took04:43 Homeward Bound: Chapter Recap07:13 The Hobbits Are Finally Going Home09:03 Frodo’s Wounds and the Cost of the Quest10:42 Returning to Bree and the Prancing Pony15:47 Bill Ferny, Harry Goatleaf, and the Ruffians22:35 Where Have All the Rangers Gone?26:43 Strider Is King?! Barliman Learns the Truth27:50 Bill the Pony Is Alive!29:20 No Pipeweed from the Shire?31:40 Trouble Is Brewing Back Home34:24 Gandalf Retires to Visit Tom Bombadil38:52 The Hobbits’ Journey Comes Full Circle47:14 A Memorial for Bree’s Fallen Citizens52:41 Can Frodo Ever Truly Go Home?56:12 Gandalf’s Mysterious Blue Mantle1:00:37 Dark Shapes in the Woods and the Aftermath of War1:08:26 Why Gandalf Is Leaving the Hobbits Behind1:14:29 Food for Thought: Beef Barley Soup and Brown Bread1:19:27 Preparing for The Scouring of the ShireFOOD FOR THOUGHT: BARLIMAN’S BEEF BARLEY SOUP & BROWN BREADBack at the Prancing Pony, we imagine Barliman Butterbur serving a hearty bowl of beef barley soup with buttered brown bread.Soup ingredients:1 lb stew beef, bite-sized2 cups beef broth1 tsp salt¼ tsp marjoram¼ tsp thyme⅛ tsp ground black pepper1 bay leaf4 cups water3 carrots, sliced3 celery stalks, sliced1 medium onion, chopped1 can diced tomatoes½ cup uncooked barleyBrown beef in oil in a Dutch oven. Add broth, salt, herbs, pepper, and bay leaf; cover and simmer 1½ hours. Add water, vegetables, barley, and tomatoes with their liquid. Bring to a boil, then simmer 45 minutes.Brown bread recipe: https://www.theenglishkitchen.co/2019/11/quick-brown-bread.html#recipeTip: Freeze buttermilk in 1-cup portions so you have it ready for baking.Thanks for watching! Like, subscribe, and share with a Lord of the Rings fan.CONTENT WARNING: Explicit language.YouTube: @FoolofaTookPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcastQuestions: [email protected] music: Chris NewhardFollow the fools on Instagram: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)Apple Podcasts: (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Spotify: (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)

The War of the Ring is over, Aragorn is King of Gondor, and the Fellowship is finally heading home. But in Chapter 6 of Book 6 of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Return of the King, “Many Partings,” saying goodbye proves to be an adventure of its own.This week on Fool of a Took, Chris, Pat, Robbie Jean, and Laura follow the Fellowship’s emotional journey from Minas Tirith to Rivendell. Along the way, Théoden is laid to rest in Rohan, Éowyn and Faramir celebrate their engagement, Legolas and Gimli embark on one final adventure, and Treebeard makes the spectacularly terrible decision to release Saruman.Meanwhile, Arwen makes an extraordinary sacrifice for Frodo, Elrond faces the heartbreaking consequences of his daughter’s mortality, and the hobbits reunite with a rapidly aging Bilbo Baggins.We discuss Tolkien’s bittersweet farewell to Middle-earth, the fading of the Elves, the beginning of the Fourth Age, and the surprisingly ominous foreshadowing hiding beneath this otherwise joyful chapter. Plus, we celebrate Bilbo’s 129th birthday with a golden, ring-shaped lemon Bundt cake!Conversation TopicsTolkien’s bittersweet conclusion to the Fellowship’s journeyArwen’s sacrifice and Frodo’s passage to the Undying LandsGimli and Éomer debate Galadriel versus ArwenThéoden’s funeral and the beginning of a new age in RohanEowyn and Faramir’s engagement and Merry’s extraordinary giftLegolas and Gimli’s final adventure togetherTreebeard’s disastrous decision to release SarumanSaruman and Wormtongue’s humiliating returnThe fading of the Elves and the changing of Middle-earthElrond and Arwen’s heartbreaking farewellThe hobbits reunite with an aging Bilbo BagginsTolkien’s unusual vocabulary, telepathic Elves, and unanswered mysteriesTimestamps00:04:45 Tolkien’s bittersweet farewell to the Fellowship00:07:12 Arwen’s extraordinary gift to Frodo00:10:16 Éomer and Gimli debate Galadriel versus Arwen00:13:33 Théoden’s funeral and a new King of Rohan00:20:05 Arwen and Elrond’s heartbreaking farewell00:21:07 Merry receives a legendary horn from Éowyn00:23:29 Treebeard releases Saruman from Orthanc00:27:28 Legolas and Gimli say goodbye to the Fellowship00:32:32 Aragorn’s final farewell and the fading of the Elves00:38:55 Saruman and Wormtongue return with a warning00:45:21 The Wise communicate through telepathy00:49:44 The hobbits reunite with Bilbo in Rivendell00:56:16 Bilbo’s aging and the lingering effects of the One Ring01:11:26 Arwen’s mortality and the tragedy of Elrond01:20:22 The mystery of the Entwives and Treebeard’s famous quote01:25:27 Food for Thought: Bilbo’s 129th birthday Bundt cakeToday's "Food For Thought": Bilbo's Birthday Bundt CakeIn this chapter, we are one day away from Bilbo's 129th birthday. What better way to celebrate than to make him a cake? The cake must be ring-shaped (obviously), so I chose a nice lemon-flavored Bundt cake. Recipe here: https://www.alattefood.com/easy-lemon-bundt-cake-recipeI usually use the baking spray in a can, and it worked very well to prevent sticking. ----------------------------------------------------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)

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: ExplicitConversation TopicsÉowyn and Faramir’s romance in the Houses of HealingThe fall of Sauron and the passing of the ShadowAragorn’s return to Minas Tirith and coronation as KingFaramir’s future as Steward of Gondor and Prince of IthilienAragorn’s first decisions as King of GondorThe new White Tree and the restoration of GondorThe end of the Third Age and beginning of the Fourth AgeAragorn and Arwen’s weddingTimestamps00:00:00 Welcome to Fool of a Took00:01:43 The Steward and the King begins00:05:22 Éowyn and Faramir in the Houses of Healing00:08:43 The Shadow passes and Sauron falls00:17:42 The Return of the King00:24:29 Aragorn claims the throne of Gondor00:29:13 Gandalf crowns Aragorn King00:38:54 Aragorn discovers the new White Tree00:40:13 The Third Age ends and the Fourth Age begins00:43:53 Arwen arrives and marries Aragorn00:51:04 Éowyn and Faramir’s complicated romance01:05:57 Ioreth will not stop talking01:17:55 Understanding the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Ages01:27:36 Food for Thought: Aragorn’s Crown PavlovaToday's "Food for Thought": King Elessar's Crown PavlovaI 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-recipeI 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!----------------------------------------------------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. 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 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 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 TOPICSSauron’s defeat and the collapse of his armiesGandalf and the Eagles rescuing Frodo and SamSam waking up and discovering Gandalf is aliveAragorn honoring Frodo and Sam as heroesThe Fellowship finally coming back togetherFrodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of DoomWhat happens after the war is “won”TIMESTAMPS02:35 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 later28:37 Frodo and Sam are honored as heroes32:21 Strider returns as the King38:23 The Fellowship finally reunites43:05 What happens to Sauron’s remaining armies?54:28 Sauron’s final shadow over Middle-earth1:06:15 Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom1:13:30 The Hobbits reunite… kind of1:18:47 Food for Thought: Gwaihir’s strawberry raspberry pieToday's "Food for Thought": Rescued by Gwaihir PieI 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-RecipeFor 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.----------------------------------------------------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 TopicsSam and Frodo’s final journey to Mount DoomSam realizing they may never make it homeThe Ring’s growing power over FrodoSam carrying Frodo and refusing to give upGollum’s return and Sam’s decision to show mercyFrodo claiming the Ring and failing at the final momentGollum destroying the Ring and completing the questTimestamps02:29 Recapping The Land of Shadow06:28 Sam realizes they may never make it home14:37 Frodo and Sam leave everything behind20:04 Sam carries Frodo up Mount Doom25:52 Gollum returns for one final attack30:39 Frodo claims the One Ring34:07 Gollum destroys the Ring43:12 Did Frodo actually complete the quest?50:09 Sam, Frodo, Gollum, and the Ring-bearers54:50 Why Sam has become the heart of the story1:04:21 What actually happens to the Nazgûl?1:09:04 Could the quest have ended differently?1:13:29 Food for Thought: Mount Doom lava cakesToday's "Food for Thought": Mt. Doom Molten Lava CakesI 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. ----------------------------------------------------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 [email protected] 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.CONTENT WARNING: ExplicitTimestamps00:00 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 ThoughtToday's "Food for Thought": The Last of Faramir's ProvisionsIn 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 PODCASTYouTube: @FoolofaTookPodcastInstagram: (https://www.instagram.com/foolofatookpodcast/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@foolofatookpodcast)LISTEN TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fool-of-a-took-podcast/id1770780731)Spotify: (https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3myYq2eUbKMMtiV7qAl7)FOLLOW THE FOOLSChris: (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: [email protected] 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 TopicsMerry watches the army leave Minas Tirith while Pippin marches toward MordorAragorn restores the fallen king at the Crossroads and publicly reclaims GondorGandalf refuses to attack Minas Morgul and protects Frodo’s secret pathSauron lures the army forward with silence, fear, and a deliberately weak ambushAragorn shows mercy to soldiers who cannot face the terror of MordorThe Mouth of Sauron reveals Frodo and Sam’s possessions and offers Sauron’s termsGandalf rejects the bargain and takes back the mithril coat, cloak, and swordMordor’s armies surround the Captains of the West at the Black GateTimestamps00:00 The Black Gate is closed… opened… somewhat unlocked06:56 Merry is left behind as the army marches east10:19 Aragorn restores the king at the Crossroads17:28 Mablung returns and the army walks into Sauron’s ambush24:04 Leaving Ithilien and entering the nightmare of Mordor29:46 The army camps within sight of the Black Gate38:48 The Mouth of Sauron arrives45:08 Frodo and Sam’s belongings are revealed50:26 Gandalf rejects Sauron’s terms52:30 The trap is sprung and Mordor attacks56:46 Pippin saves Beregond and kills the troll chieftain58:05 “The Eagles are coming!” and the end of Book Five1:05:48 Why the Mouth of Sauron is such a great villain1:17:05 Where the hell are Legolas and Gimli?1:26:42 Food for ThoughtThis weeks "Food for Thought": Troll Blood SoupI 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, chopped2 celery ribs, chopped1 carrot, sliced into thin rounds4 garlic cloves, minced2 tsp ground cumin1/4 tsp red pepper flakes2 cans black beans2 cups veg or chicken broth1 tsp sherry vinegarsalt & pepper to tasteCook 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: ExplicitSupport the pod on Youtube! @FoolofaTookPodcastInstagram: (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)