Exploring Fiction
Exploring Fiction
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Robert E. Howard's Best Story By Character
The king of sword and sorcery created more memorable characters in a single decade than most writers could conjure up in a lifetime. From Conan to Solomon Kane to Kull to Bran Mak Morn, the characters from the pages of Robert E. Howard’s stories became cultural icons and building blocks of the fantasy genre, even though they are somewhat overlooked today. Each had countless memorable stories, but all had one that stood out above the rest. Hello everyone, and welcome back to Exploring Fiction. Though I have not read every single story written by Robert E. Howard, I have recently finished diving into the collections for each of his four most famous characters. After mulling over these stories in my subconscious, I wished to examine which story for each of the big four: Conan, Solomon Kane, Kull, and Bran Mak Morn, stands out in my mind as the best and most memorable. As such, this video contains my opinions, and is not meant to be an objective list in any way. So, what is Robert E. Howard’s best story by character, and why? Let’s explore…
Disclaimer: The art used in this video does not belong to me, and is intended to fall under Fair Use.
0:00 Introduction
1:20 Honorable Mentions
3:48 Conan
4:53 Solomon Kane
6:30 Kull
7:54 Bran Mak Morn
10:00 Conclusion
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Music:
Magic Forest - Kevin MacLeod
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#robertehoward #swordandsorcery #conan #solomonkane #kull #branmakmorn #conanthebarbarian #pulpfantasy
Переглядів: 147

Відео

Kevan Lannister: Responsibility Punished | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 10 тис.19 годин тому
Even the most rotten of families possessed sane and rational members. While ruin and discontent was reaped and sowed in the halls of the Red Keep, some kept their wits about them. The unstable and contentious lions warred with enemies within and without, heightening paranoia and raising tensions in a landscape already wracked by war. But one man found it in his heart and soul to carry on as he ...
Why Harry Potter is So Nostalgic
Переглядів 83514 днів тому
Sometimes success can be taken for granted, especially when an idea or creation has been in the spotlight for many years. In the cultural zeitgeist, Harry Potter has been a titan of literature and film since its inception, so much so that everyone knows the image of the boy with glasses and lightning bolt scar. But when something becomes so astronomically popular as Harry Potter, and remains so...
Brotherhood Without Banners v Brave Companions: A Microcosm of Good v Evil in A Song of Ice and Fire
Переглядів 2,8 тис.21 день тому
Above all else, George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire has garnered the reputation of popularizing grey morality. There are no black and white heroes and villains, no good guys versus bad guys. There are only virtuous people who sometimes make evil decisions, and evil people who sometimes make virtuous decisions. Therefore, it may come as a surprise that there is an aspect of A Song of Ice a...
Combating Nihilism in a Grim World | The Wizard Slayer | Lore & Analysis
Переглядів 14328 днів тому
Either over a single night, or many long sleepless ones, a positive, hopeful worldview can quickly erode into a nihilistic one. This is true both in reality and in fiction. In the real world, in many ways it is currently the best time to be alive, while in others, loneliness, hopelessness, and general unease run rampant. In The Wizard Slayer Saga by Franklin Roberts, this idea is embodied by on...
The Silver: Called to Rule | ASOIAF Lore & Analysis
Переглядів 647Місяць тому
An empire crumbled, and its last remnants were ushered away with little more than a chance for survival. After agonizing years of tragedy, manipulation, and destitution, these remnants finally prepared to make their return and take back all they had lost. But first, they required an army. And though the great conquest envisioned in restless nights’ past did not come to fruition as originally im...
Harwin: A Disillusioned Heart | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 1,5 тис.Місяць тому
What a sobering thought it must be to realize the faction for which you’ve stood your entire life is not so different from the one you’d opposed and named evil in ages past. When the War of the Five Kings laid bare the truth about the petty squabbles between the Seven Kingdoms, even the North, for all its moral adherence, was shown to house war mongering, bloodthirsty men at heart. Still, there...
Yohn Royce: Lone Hope for Stability | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 2,6 тис.Місяць тому
Pure, unwavering implacability provided a stout pillar upon which to lean in dire times. While the volatility of a shifting political landscape threw most of the Seven Kingdoms into chaos, the eastern province of the Vale withdrew within itself. Though more for the reason of selfish paranoia than shrewd foresight, the eastern region of Westeros avoided open conflict, and thus made it through th...
Why A Dream of Spring Needs a Happy Ending | ASOIAF Lore & Analysis
Переглядів 3,2 тис.2 місяці тому
From A Game of Thrones to A Dance With Dragons, the principal players in the precipitous political landscape of Westeros altered drastically. Where before, men like Eddard Stark, Tywin Lannister, and Robb Stark jostled for authority, justice, and power, they have been thoroughly replaced by the likes of Stannis Baratheon, Roose Bolton, and Jon Snow. Yet, even as we wait with dwindling hopes for...
Ygritte: The Seduction of Freedom | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 9152 місяці тому
Embers burned in the mind of the crow. The fire before him held all the temptations he had sworn to leave behind, including intimacy and the abandonment of structure and rules. All there was to do was reach out and take it. Reach out, and begin a life with the fire beyond the Wall. But although it grasped at his heart and ensnared him in its heated embrace, the fire was not enough to dissuade t...
Aurane Waters: Fleeting Fellowship | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 1,6 тис.2 місяці тому
As allegiances grew questionable and friends ran thin, the ruling family of the crown turned to unconventional individuals to fill their positions of authority. New names were given to the seats of the small council, and men and women were granted privileges based less on experience and authority, and more on personal fancy and loyalty. When the title of master of ships was replaced with grand ...
Loras Tyrell: From Devotion to Duty | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 2,9 тис.2 місяці тому
For any respectable man, a promotion to knighthood ushered in new rules and responsibilities. In both conduct and performance, knights were meant to stand above other soldiers and men-at-arms. They were supposed to be greater fighters, greater citizens, and greater men. In truth, though, many knights took advantage of their status and lent upon it for selfish means. And when called upon for bat...
Rickon Stark: No Hand to Guide | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 3,6 тис.3 місяці тому
The supervisory hand of a parent or guardian is essential for setting a child up for success. This statement rings true across time, space, and story, even in a tale like A Song of Ice and Fire. While boys and girls became men and women at an earlier age, and were thus sooner exposed to the harsh realities of life as compared to other works of the real world, children were still children. Fun a...
Greatjon Umber: Savage Spirit | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 3,8 тис.3 місяці тому
Every army needs a barbarian. A man giant in stature and prowess, who could bellow war cries with a might voice and hoist a sword that could fell many enemies in a single swoop. In A Song of Ice and Fire, it only made sense that such a figure would emerge from the Last Hearth, one of the most unforgiving castles of the North. The loyalty of such an individual was difficult to earn, but equally ...
Jon Connington: Atonement Incarnate | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 2,5 тис.3 місяці тому
In the world forged by ice and fire, rarely did second chances present themselves. Failure, especially at the highest castes of society, was a cutthroat condemnation. At the very best, one could only hope for exile. But for the select few, those who were granted that option of deliverance, the slim possibility of redemption remained. Yet, the situation of one former Hand of the King was so impr...
Beric Dondarrion: Cursed with Life | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 3,2 тис.3 місяці тому
Beric Dondarrion: Cursed with Life | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Cleganebowl | ASOIAF Lore & Theory
Переглядів 2,2 тис.3 місяці тому
Cleganebowl | ASOIAF Lore & Theory
Sandor Clegane: Man and Beast | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 6 тис.4 місяці тому
Sandor Clegane: Man and Beast | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Continuing The Conversation: The Worst Person in A Song of Ice and Fire | ASOIAF Discussion
Переглядів 2,7 тис.4 місяці тому
Continuing The Conversation: The Worst Person in A Song of Ice and Fire | ASOIAF Discussion
Why Theoden Appeals to Gen Z
Переглядів 189 тис.4 місяці тому
Why Theoden Appeals to Gen Z
Garlan Tyrell: Worthy of a Name | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 7 тис.4 місяці тому
Garlan Tyrell: Worthy of a Name | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Who is the Worst Person in A Song of Ice and Fire? | ASOIAF Discussion
Переглядів 3,5 тис.5 місяців тому
Who is the Worst Person in A Song of Ice and Fire? | ASOIAF Discussion
Inspiration, Indie Publishing, and The Wizard Slayer: A Discussion with Author Franklin Roberts
Переглядів 1055 місяців тому
Inspiration, Indie Publishing, and The Wizard Slayer: A Discussion with Author Franklin Roberts
Harry Potter Films Ranked From Worst to Best
Переглядів 8125 місяців тому
Harry Potter Films Ranked From Worst to Best
Rodrik Cassel: Devoted Too Far | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 3,2 тис.5 місяців тому
Rodrik Cassel: Devoted Too Far | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
A Game of Thrones Prologue: A Deeper Threat | Lore & Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 1,8 тис.5 місяців тому
A Game of Thrones Prologue: A Deeper Threat | Lore & Analysis | ASOIAF
Ned Stark, Aragorn, and the Unwillingness to Rule
Переглядів 2,4 тис.6 місяців тому
Ned Stark, Aragorn, and the Unwillingness to Rule
Syrio Forel: Paragon Through Time | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 1,7 тис.6 місяців тому
Syrio Forel: Paragon Through Time | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Jojen Reed: March to Condemnation | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 2,8 тис.6 місяців тому
Jojen Reed: March to Condemnation | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Black Walder Frey: Repugnance & Rage | Character Analysis | ASOIAF
Переглядів 12 тис.6 місяців тому
Black Walder Frey: Repugnance & Rage | Character Analysis | ASOIAF

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @Insider887
    @Insider887 5 годин тому

    The worst in my opinion is Euron Grayjoy, in the books that guy is a monster to eclipse all monsters.

  • @ThommyofThenn
    @ThommyofThenn 7 годин тому

    I'm finishing up a long overdue ASOS re-read and was really attuned during the purple trial portions. When everyone else immediately turns on him, only two people seem to even give him the benefit of the doubt, Oberyn and Kevan. While Oberyn makes it clear he's only using his trial as a way to get his revenge. Does anyone think maybe Tywin bade Kevan to talk with Tyrion for any other reason than to communicate options? I don't see Tywin asking that and it seems pretty clear that Kevan is genuinely, at least semi-sympathetic to him. I like to think Kevan felt Tywin was too cruel by half to Tyrion but of course couldn't come out and say that to his violent brother. Maybe Kevan always saw the intelligence and other values Tyrion possessed and grew to care for him after a fashion

  • @cringlator
    @cringlator 22 години тому

    “Who approaches The Bloody Gate?🤓” “The bloody Hound, Sandor Clegane 🗣️🔥“

  • @irradiatedghoul945
    @irradiatedghoul945 День тому

    So many of these themes seem to have been inspiration for George RR Martin.

  • @mortemanku5279
    @mortemanku5279 2 дні тому

    As a gen z, nothing appeals to me anymore. The world for me is chaotic and everchaning.

  • @jpbertotti2708
    @jpbertotti2708 2 дні тому

    Don't get me wrong, I agree with the fact that Theoden ia a very inspiring character, I just find it really funny that the logic in this video is "I like Theoden, I am Gen Z, therefore Gen Z likes Theoden". At least, the video creator never shows any evidence of anyone else being Gen Z and liking him. As a matter of fact, there is barely anyone in the comments even who is Gen Z; all Gen X and Millennials.

  • @DefecTec
    @DefecTec 2 дні тому

    12:52 unless you’re white. We’ve been demonized the last two decades by morons

  • @sankarkrishnan407
    @sankarkrishnan407 2 дні тому

    In west all fears Lannister family not love them. Tywin earned fear not geniune loyalty. In that way Starks are lucky.

  • @masscreationbroadcasts
    @masscreationbroadcasts 3 дні тому

    I knew this was a popular video by a small channel.

  • @ArchonOne
    @ArchonOne 3 дні тому

    America went Marxist. Marxism sucks the joy and light out of life. It removes any incentive for accomplishment or valor. “Great Deeds” get you killed in that system. Learn to make yourself useful. Educate yourself. Read Fredric Bastiat’s; “The Law,” then get on your knees and thank God Donald Trump won, because he is your Gandalf tossing the weak victim mentality of modern Marxism. Our best days are ahead. Elons will be launching thousands of starships in a one way trip to Mars every 2 years until there is a brand new promised land to go do, “Great Deeds.”

  • @j.k.cascade2057
    @j.k.cascade2057 3 дні тому

    Compare this character to anything in the amazon r.o.p. series. What do you see ???

  • @LusiaEyre
    @LusiaEyre 5 днів тому

    The murder of Kevan clearly shows how Varys' intentions are not pure and all about the people. It's not peace and stability at all cost for him. Tommen is a boy good-natured enough to grow into a good man, and in the meantime, Kevan is his competent administrator. One could argue that leaving them to it would benefit the realm ravaged by war and maybe allow for a stable new dynasty when Tommen is old enough to have children with Margaery. To help, all Varys needed to do was to eliminate Cersei. But he's sowing discord and stirring up trouble to facilitate the ascension of his chosen king. Aegon's rule is somehow worth more spilt blood.

  • @TheCbot88
    @TheCbot88 7 днів тому

    Cause it’s not everyday that you can read an entire series of books where every single sentence starts with “Harry did this” or “Harry said that“. She’s like dr Seuss

  • @solomon4554
    @solomon4554 7 днів тому

    I think you mistook comely for homely in 4:41 haha

  • @LuzMaria95
    @LuzMaria95 7 днів тому

    even with all his flaws and/or stupidly bad decisions, I love Robb and he’s one of my most favorite characters ❤️‍🔥🐺

  • @CW11721
    @CW11721 7 днів тому

    Anyone else feel like all the great men of old are gone? Where are the men with the brilliance of word like Jefferson, who wrote a document strong enough to inspire an entire civilization? Where are the Churchills and Lincolns, who stood up in times of war against tremendous opposition, and never wavered? Where are the inventors, such as Edison and Bell, those who gave us light in the darkness and brought closeness through distance? The industrialists who brought industry to the world, or the Roosevelts who brought equality? Where are the men who braved the winter in Valley Forge, who stood firm in Flanders Fields, who Charged Normandy, or ran into the towers even as they were collapsing? Where are the women who raised such men? The women who worked the factories only because they were not allowed to fight? What is our generation to look towards? The millennials have not fought to fix mistakes of the past; they would rather abandon it that save it. Generation Alpha has been raised in front of a screen and taught to spout nonsense. Gen Z has yet to prove itself. Are we to hope for the salvation of the West from the likes of Trump, or from some other irrelevant politician? Where have all the great men gone?

  • @Jarvis466
    @Jarvis466 7 днів тому

    Poor Kevan...he won't be able to protect his grand-nephew and he genuinely felt love for his family.

  • @dellavonta187
    @dellavonta187 8 днів тому

    We needed great jon vs mountain

  • @theberserker6000
    @theberserker6000 8 днів тому

    There is something very cool I noticed about GRRM's writing, more often than not, the second or third son is the better head of a dynasty. Meakar the First, Stannis, Ned, Kevan, etc.... Many great rulers as second sons.

    • @dua86
      @dua86 8 днів тому

      I think that could be a side effect of the point that Ser Alliser makes in the show (not sure if it was in the books) when he talks about command with Jon. Anyone can call all the right shots when they aren't in charge, but when it's your turn you quickly find out there's no do overs or take backs and if you're lucky you get to live with your mistakes. Second sons get the benefit of seeing others make more mistakes first, and if they never get their shot people always get to imagine what might have been.

  • @rutherfordpendleton9270
    @rutherfordpendleton9270 8 днів тому

    I remember when i got to Kevann's chapter in Dance, realizing he was the epilogue POV.😂😢

  • @jorikrouwenhorst7220
    @jorikrouwenhorst7220 8 днів тому

    The one of only two Lannisters who didn’t deserve to be born a Lannister.

  • @quiquemarquez3211
    @quiquemarquez3211 8 днів тому

    He is of the night, some would even say he is the Great Other himself.

  • @picklejarmonsterfanboy9367
    @picklejarmonsterfanboy9367 8 днів тому

    is this ragebait?

  • @picklejarmonsterfanboy9367
    @picklejarmonsterfanboy9367 8 днів тому

    What? Renly was going to kill Stannis, how are his actions evil. Trying to kill Joffrey is more evil, since Joff did nothing wrong to him.

  • @PurpleUnicorm_of_HouseBrax
    @PurpleUnicorm_of_HouseBrax 8 днів тому

    Keep the ASOIAF vids rolling! Huge fan of your work

  • @picklejarmonsterfanboy9367
    @picklejarmonsterfanboy9367 8 днів тому

    Kevan is essentially a WW2 German officer. He is following orders, no matter how terrible they are. Kevan is one of the most evil POV character. He knows what he does is wrong, but he does it anyway.

  • @sassquatch212
    @sassquatch212 8 днів тому

    Kevan is such an underrated character. Such a shame they didn’t include him more in the show, especially his ending. His epilogue chapter is easily one of the best chapters in the series.

  • @crusader2112
    @crusader2112 8 днів тому

    The end of the (or one of the) first Cersei chapters cemented my respect for him. In my opinion he’s a “lesser Tywin” in the best possible way and I don’t mean that as an insult. He has the same Lannister cunning and wits and I have no doubt he’d be willing to do what was necessary for his house, but he seems more pragmatic than Tywin. Great video! 👍

  • @AegonTargaryenthesecond3096
    @AegonTargaryenthesecond3096 8 днів тому

    In my opinion Kevan is the better Tywin

    • @Huhbroski
      @Huhbroski 8 днів тому

      Tywin wouldn't go out like that, nor would he shame house lannister with that walk of attornment. Is he an objectively better human, no doubt, but his nowhere near the player that Tywin was.

    • @plasmiusphantom
      @plasmiusphantom 8 днів тому

      ..... Tywin went out on the toilet, though? Crossbow bow to the guts. They went out the same, though Tywin's is arguably worse, being done by his own son. Tywin would not have let the walk happen, for sure. I think Kevan only did because of all she did to Lancel.

    • @Huhbroski
      @Huhbroski 8 днів тому

      ​@@plasmiusphantomI'm speaking from a pure intelligence pov, Varys used Tyrions madness and irrationalality to kill Tywin, even then Tywin figured out who freed him "It was the eunuch, I'll have him killed, put that crossbow down", while in contrast Varys planned and set a trap for Kevan. Also call Tywin what you like but he never let sentiment get in the way of doing what's best for the family, so if Kevan did allow the Cersei thing out of spite he's less pragmatic. Tywin hated Tyrion too but treated him fairly with the privilege of a lannister.

    • @noahmiller8042
      @noahmiller8042 8 днів тому

      @@Huhbroski have we read the same books? Cersei needed to be humbled and punished for the shit she did. she more then anyone did so much damage to the lannister name then anybody.

    • @made-line7627
      @made-line7627 8 днів тому

      He's definitely the beta Tywin, though I do like Kevan.

  • @Rebel_Lord_Taron
    @Rebel_Lord_Taron 8 днів тому

    He is an amazing character and I really like him. And this is a good video to start my 44th birthday off today before I go fishing and camping!

    • @crusader2112
      @crusader2112 8 днів тому

      Happy Birthday 🎉👍

    • @ExploringFiction
      @ExploringFiction 8 днів тому

      Happy birthday!

    • @made-line7627
      @made-line7627 8 днів тому

      Happy Nameday! 🌷

    • @Rebel_Lord_Taron
      @Rebel_Lord_Taron 8 днів тому

      @made-line7627 thank you my lady. It has been great I have been camping since yesterday and fishing most of the night and I'm having a great name day

    • @Rebel_Lord_Taron
      @Rebel_Lord_Taron 8 днів тому

      @@crusader2112 thank you Lord crusader

  • @serelbass7283
    @serelbass7283 9 днів тому

    Good video!

  • @GUMMRUCHK
    @GUMMRUCHK 9 днів тому

    Cannot remember if it was in the books since it is has been ages since I read them but my favorite scene from the movies was his men lamenting that not enough men have come that they cannot break the lines or Mordor and Theoden instead of saying everything is fine or that more men will come agrees and then says "but we will meet them in battle nonetheless" It does not matter that they cannot win.

  • @JonCardwell-m8p
    @JonCardwell-m8p 10 днів тому

    This is my real personality type

  • @cdybft9050
    @cdybft9050 10 днів тому

    Wormtongue is the journalist, college professor, and activist whispering in your ear to hate yourself, hate your history, hate your family and telling you to castrate yourself, while saying everyone else is in a cult.

  • @VersieKilgannon
    @VersieKilgannon 11 днів тому

    That's not Aegon. I'm a firm believer in the theory that Varys is a Blackfyre and that Saera is his sister. "Aegon" is Faegon. Quaithe tells Daenerys to "beware the mummer's dragon". Varys was a mummer. He's trying to put "Aegon" on the throne. "Aegon" is the mummer's dragon. It makes too much sense to me... Either that, or GRRM is trying to cone up with another outlandish story simply because he's mad everyone has actually figured the story out in the absence of WoW. And that's the real reason we don't have our answers yet 😂

  • @syedusman6186
    @syedusman6186 12 днів тому

    To the bitter end my brothers. To the sweet embrace of death. Resist till your last breath.

  • @sawedhammer2679
    @sawedhammer2679 12 днів тому

    Every moment of doubt was eventually followed by "Forth Eorlingas!"

  • @sit-insforsithis1568
    @sit-insforsithis1568 14 днів тому

    For me it’s the first time I enjoyed reading. It took me on a journey and now I’ve read asoiaf and lord of the rings ! Alll thanks to Harry Potter and jk Rowling for lighting the spark :)

  • @sermycahwhent4165
    @sermycahwhent4165 15 днів тому

    Yeah, you forgot Old Nan. She said, "It be dragons, boy." Or something like that, and she was right. Nuf said.

  • @AegonTargaryenthesecond3096
    @AegonTargaryenthesecond3096 15 днів тому

    Dude I love Harry Potter

  • @SurnaturalM
    @SurnaturalM 15 днів тому

    I'm from generation X and he's also my favourite character. I have experienced how great the world used to be in the 70s and 80s, even in the 90s. And I understand the deep feeling of grief and the lost of many people, same for the world that we used to love. I do understand the hopelessness, despair and shame. That's why he's my favourite character. Having seen the world fall so bad and so far from what it used to be, I understand him.

  • @tonymontana8139
    @tonymontana8139 16 днів тому

    Yap

  • @Chim_Zee
    @Chim_Zee 16 днів тому

    Find purpose in Christianity. Seek a connection to God through Jesus Christ. God will provide ample opportunity to do meaningful good, all the while transforming you in ways you might not expect. Let your soul be saved.

  • @Simm2Dimm
    @Simm2Dimm 17 днів тому

    Not to get too political, but the reason the world feels so hollowed out now, is the simple result of de-regulatory policies which have allowed extreme wealth consolidation among the 1%. So there's nothing mystical about it.

  • @miketime4290
    @miketime4290 18 днів тому

    Bro is the freyest of the freys. Makes his namesake proud

  • @thegneech
    @thegneech 19 днів тому

    Well Gen Z, if you want to fight an evil dictator, you're about to get your chance. -.-

  • @shabarithelink
    @shabarithelink 19 днів тому

    A 14 year old girl and a 40 year old man is a mature issue.

  • @gohantanaka
    @gohantanaka 19 днів тому

    Gen Z likes him? Well, good. King Theoden is a heroic figure to emulate. Unshackled from his trauma, and then did heroic deeds that assisted in turning the tide against dark times.

  • @AdamNazari-k2l
    @AdamNazari-k2l 20 днів тому

    The best brave companion is named Sh*t mouth his catchphrase is f me with a bloody spear

  • @Dartyus
    @Dartyus 20 днів тому

    I think Theoden’s story also represents something of a fantasy for young people whose parents are trapped in the right-wing news cycle. Like there’s this powerful person who used to be heroic to you, maybe it’s your mom or dad or another family members, and they’re being hypnotized by an evil force, and if you could just wake them up they could be a hero again. In the same way Theoden laments the heroic times that came before him, I don’t think boomers ever managed to escape the shadow that their own parents cast. They never went rough the depression or WW2 or Korea. Then they see how the world is going and I think they get depressed that they created a worse world than they received. And with the poisonous whispers of legacy news they just start throwing that frustration outward. I think young people want to believe that if these whispers can be silenced and they can swallow their pride, their parents could live up to the heroic image they once had, and be just as legendary as the heroes of old. My dad is my hero. He’s literally Theoden. He thought young people were just complaining about nothing. But when I showed him what the job market and housing market was like, he swallowed his pride, and he’s now one of the most progressive people I know. He helps young people, he stands up for his gay and trans coworkers, and he supports his union. He might not fight in a world war like my grandpa, but for the rest of my life I’m going to talk about my dad like people in the fourth age will talk about Theoden.