This week we discuss book 4, chapter 3, "The Black Gate is Closed", from The Two Towers. Conversation Topics:The boredom and despair creeping into the narrative Gollum’s complex character

The impossibility of sneaking past Mordor’s Black Gate.

The emotional depth behind Minas Ithil and Gollum’s tragic memories.

Frodo’s disillusionment and the mounting presence of Nazgûl overhead.

The army approaching Mordor from the south: oliphants, and all.

The pet names for Gollum: Slinker and Stinker.

Frodo’s subtle power moves: calling Gollum “Sméagol” vs. “Gollum.”

The dark silent watchers of Minas Ithil: spirits, eyeballs, or dark magic?

Sam’s whimsical poem about Oliphants: pure childhood wonder in the middle of chaos.

The iconic “cutting off Sauron’s finger” brownie moment: and the symbolic snack.

The pronunciation of “herb” versus “herbs.”Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the Fool of a Took podcast and today’s focus.

01:27 - Gollum compared to a lingering ex-boyfriend.

02:54 - A recap of Frodo, Sam, and Gollum's predicament from the previous chapter.

05:07 - Detailed description of the Black Gate and initial reactions.

08:21 - Gollum hints at a secret entrance, stimulating Frodo's cautious trust.

14:12 - Smeagol’s emotional moment and nostalgic tales of Gondor.

21:19 - Frodo ponders, "What would Gandalf do?"

25:47 - Understanding Sauron’s looming presence and the Nazgul's pursuit.

28:40 - Army movements and Sam’s whimsical poem about Oliphants.

31:52 - Sam's internal debate and indulgent curiosity about Oliphants.

35:34 - Deeper insights into Sam’s character as the story progresses.

37:29 - Discussion on Sam's upbringing and how it shapes his actions.

42:08 - Tolkien's strategic mapping of Mordor; understanding the lay of the land.

50:54 - The intriguing names 'Slinker and Stinker' bestowed upon Gollum.

57:04 - Gollum’s warning about Sauron devouring the world.

01:03:13 - Sam’s poem and its levity amid darkness.

01:04:37 - Food for Thought: The Black Hand of Sauron brownie treat.

01:13:27 - Wrapping up and looking ahead to "Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbits".Today's "Food For Thought": The Brownie Black Hand of SauronMy favorite part of this chapter was when Gollum said that Sauron only had 4 fingers, but they were enough. Problem is, it was unclear which finger he lost. Our team of experts and fools had to agree on which finger it was so that the brownie hand of Sauron was accurate. Did we succeed?Recipe from: https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/our-ultimate-chewy-brownies-recipeI baked them in a 7x11 Pyrex pan, and flipped them onto a cooling rack after about 20-30 minutes. I recommend using some parchment paper under the batter to release easier. Once fully cooled, flip the brownie slab onto your serving platter and carve a hand out of it. Make all your friends fight over which finger to remove. Accidentally make a Sauron Shocker and go feel bad about yourself.----------------------------------------------------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)