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)