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 TopicsGandalf’s decision to save FaramirDenethor’s despair and the palantírHope, pride, and the choice of deathPippin’s transformation through traumaThe end of Gondor’s stewardsFlaming Old Fashioneds and bad decisionsTimestamps00:00 Welcome to The Pyre of Denethor04:07 Gandalf and Pippin race to save Faramir07:35 Beregond defends the House of the Stewards11:30 Denethor declares Gondor has failed18:07 Denethor reveals the Palantír25:02 Denethor chooses fire over hope33:36 Gandalf chooses Faramir over the battlefield39:31 Food for Thought: The heathen kings46:26 Was Denethor mad or manipulated?53:04 How Denethor’s death changes Pippin59:06 Flaming Old Fashioned's close the episodeToday's "Food for Thought": The Old-Fashioned Pyre of DenethorThis 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: 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)