405 – Tolkien Reading Day 2026

About this episode

The episode celebrates the 11th annual Tolkien Reading Day with readings themed around Unlikely Heroes.

Join us all in the Common Room for the Prancing Pony Podcast’s 11th annual Tolkien Reading Day special. Tolkien Reading Day is observed every March 25 in honor of the destruction of the Ring and the downfall of Barad-dûr. This year’s theme, as chosen by the Tolkien Society, is Unlikely Heroes — which describes each of the co-hosts who’ve joined with The Man of the West to present readings that showcase this year’s theme. Matt calls ‘dibs’, Don’s hero is a bird, Sara surprisingly doesn’t choose Aldarion, Shawn finds two heroes to thwack the Fëanor-shaped piñata, while James and Alan really aren’t crying at all, at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Matt, Don, Sara, Shawn, James, Alan

Topics covered

• Tolkien Reading Day
• Unlikely Heroes
• Literary Analysis
• Podcast Special
• Character Exploration

Keywords

• Tolkien
• Reading Day
• heroes
• Barad-dûr
• Fëanor
• podcast
• literature
• character analysis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tolkien Society

Books & works: The Man of the West, Fëanor

Places: Barad-dûr

More episodes of The Prancing Pony Podcast

• 416 – The Sound of Silence · June 7, 2026 · 1h 41m
• 415 – Saruman’s OPSEC Problem: Unfinished Tales with Dr. Bret Devereaux · May 31, 2026 · 1h 51m
• 414 – With or Without You · May 24, 2026 · 2h 5m
• 413 – The Unforgettable Fire · May 17, 2026 · 1h 55m
• 412 – Far Fallen · May 10, 2026 · 1h 55m
• 411 – Saruman Won’t Back Down · May 3, 2026 · 1h 55m