Mythmakers

Where would you rate The Return of the King in the trilogy? Join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker on today's episode of Mythmakers as they take a deep dive into the script and movie-making choices of the adaptation of the concluding part of The Lord of the Rings. What are your perfect moments - and your fails? Julia and Jacob disagree over one big scene - whose side are you on? Where are the opportunities for future filmmakers if they want to put their own stamp on the material? To conclude we pick our best fantasy world to be a king.

(00:05) Visual Choices in Return of the King
(14:18) Memorable Visual Moments in Film
(27:24) Multiple Endings in Return of King
(37:13) Necessary Endings in Film Stories
(51:56) Kingdoms of Fantasy Thrones Discussion

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

Middle films are always the most difficult. In this episode Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker continue their reconsideration of the Peter Jackson trilogy, turning their attention to The Two Towers. They consider the perfect moments and the fails, with one serious criticism which could definitely to revisited if a filmmaker takes it on again. Remember with them the wonder of Rohan, the storming of Isengard, and the introduction of Gollum. What was the big fail? It jarred at the time but now seems even more inappropriate. Listen and find out! Let us know if you agree.

(00:05) Discussion of "The Two Towers" Film
(08:07) Exploring "The Two Towers"
(25:12) Character Analysis in the Two Towers
(40:46) Fantasy Tree Worlds Discussion

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

20 years from now someone somewhere will surely be considering having another go at The Lord of the Rings on film. In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding is joined by academic and Tolkien fan Jacob Rennaker to look back at the Peter Jackson adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring, considering the script choices and casting, the cuts and the visual realisation. What were the moments that could not be bettered, and where is the room for a new creative to have another go? Have a listen and see if you agree!

(00:05) Analyzing the Changes in LOTR Films
(08:32) Exploring Themes and Moments in LOTR
(18:01) Critiquing LOTR Films
(34:47) Analysis of Omissions in LOTR Films
(41:41) Visualizing and Enhancing LOTR Locations

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

Once again, we have come to the end of another enthralling season of Mythmakers, we’ve embarked on many adventures spanning a variety of fantasy realms and topics, featuring some truly fascinating guests.

On today’s wrap up episode, Julia Golding takes us on a journey through some of the most popular and thought-provoking moments of our seventh season. From cinematic battles in Rohan to the strange power of medieval book curses, and from Lewis’s medieval cosmos to the evolution of Tolkien’s poetry and prose—this is a celebration of storytelling in all its forms. Joined by guests including Dr Eleanor Baker, Professor Nick Groom, and Jacob Rennaker, Julia explores how the fantastic continues to shape our imaginations, our worldviews, and our literary landscape.

(00:05) Fantasy Podcast Season Wrap-Up
(12:29) Medieval Mindset and Tolkien's Poetry
(24:47) Evolution of Tolkien's Poetry

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

(00:05) The Breaking of the Fellowship
(18:08) The Choice of Frodo
(31:05) The Fellowship's Transition Forward

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

(00:00) The Great River
(16:30) The Path Along the River
(32:22) Fantasy Podcast Promotion

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

(00:05) The Author's Journey in Lorien
(11:11) Gifts of Love and Creativity
(24:33) Galadriel's Gifts of Wisdom and Light

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

In 1997, Tolkien’s publishers collected several of his shorter works and published a collection titled ‘Tales from the Perilous Realm’—a BBC radio adaptation soon followed.

In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker unpack the collection, examining each story in turn. Are they all truly set in perilous realms? How do these realms connect to Middle-earth? And which tale is the best entry point for readers who may be hesitant to venture beyond The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings? The episode concludes with a lively discussion on a fitting question: which is the most perilous realm in all of fantasy?

(00:05) Tolkien's Tales From Perilous Realm
(11:12) Comparing Farmer Giles and Leaf
(19:11) Exploring Tolkien's Leaf by Niggle
(29:05) Exploring Tolkien's "Smith of Wootton Major"
(42:19) Tolkien's Adventures
(50:42) Exploring Perilous Realms and Fantasy Worlds

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

(00:05) Exploring Lothlorien's Twilight Beauty
(20:21) Reflecting on Fellowship Dynamics in Lothlorien
(27:39) The Temptation of Galadriel
 

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 


(00:05) Exploring Lothlorien in Tolkien's Work
(15:49) The Power of Lothlorien
(26:12) Elven Diplomacy in Lothlorien
(41:17) Timelessness and Enchantment in Lothlorien
(53:14) Oxford Centre for Fantasy Podcast Promotion
 

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 


(00:05) Analyzing Chapter 5
(12:21) Analyzing Book vs Film Differences
(18:34) The Balrog Confrontation Analysis
(32:32) Chapter Favorites and Future Plans
 

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

(00:05) Journey Through Moria
(14:54) The Doors of Moria
(31:34) Moria Obstacles and Character Insights
(46:20) Dwarf's Death and Elegy

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

If you love Rohan and want to delve into Tolkien’s influences, you’ll enjoy reading William Morris’s 1889 fantasy novel The House of the Wolfings.

Join Dr Ingrid Hanson of the University of Manchester as she takes Julia Golding deep into the heart of Mirkwood in today’s episode of Mythmakers. Discover the fabulous female characters, Hall Sun and Wood Sun, along with the landscapes and artefacts that inspired Tolkien.

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

(00:05) Chapter Three
(14:46) Journey, Fellowship, and Cultural Insights
(25:09) Ancient Lands and Unseen Threats
 

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

A fabulous new addition to the world of Tolkien literature is the recently published collection of his poetry.

Today on Mythmakers, join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker as they guide you through the highlights and must-read pieces, delving into Tolkien’s remarkable range and versatility. They explore what the collection reveals about his creative processes—did you know that, at one point, there were nine rings for the Elf-lords? The poems capture Tolkien wrangling his ideas as they evolve into their final form. There’s much to learn and discuss—enjoy! 

The poems are edited by Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond and published by HarperCollins.

(00:05) Exploring Tolkien's Poetry Collections
(15:36) Evolution of Tolkien's Myth-Making
(21:49) Unveiling Tolkien's Poetic Process
(30:12) Tolkien's Poetry Evolution and Purpose
(37:41) Tolkien's Evolution of Poetic Hope
(47:40) Tolkien's Poetry
(52:14) Poetry in Fantasy Worlds

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

(00:05) The Council of Elrond Analysis
(08:53) Council of Elrond Characters and Politics
(20:43) The Council's Decision and Frodo's Offer
(32:35) Mythmakers Podcast

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

It’s truly delightful when a world imagined by a dreamy child eventually blossoms into a novel for the adult writer.

In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding meets with Georgia Channon, who first conceived the idea for her book many moons ago during a school trip to a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Georgia shares her journey from stage to page, along with insights into what publishers are currently seeking from authors in this genre. Together, they explore the abundance of portal fantasy stories and discuss particularly what Georgia is doing with hers. Stay tuned to discover where they would both choose to become heroes!

(00:05) Author's Journey Into Fantasy Accents
(12:52) Exploring Portals and Magical Worlds
(23:02) Discovering Heroes in Fantasy Worlds

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite novel. Julia also brings her expert knowledge of life in Oxford and English culture to explain some points that might have passed you by. 

(00:05) Exploring Many Meetings in Middle-earth
(11:37) Journey Into Tolkien's Ethereal World
(26:01) Character Development in Middle-earth
(38:52) Interweaving Poetry and Tolkien's Themes

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

What a breath of fresh air it is to find an academic as passionate about discussing the adaptations of Tolkien works, as he is about Tolkien’s books!  

Today, on Mythmakers, in this wide-ranging interview, Julia Golding meets with Professor Nick Groom to discuss his book Twenty-First Century Tolkien. In the first part of their discussion, Nick provided a serious literary critical attention to The Lord of the Rings before moving on to explore its various adaptations. If you’ve not heard of it, you may be intrigued—perhaps even shocked—by the unmade John Boorman treatment, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the others, including Ralph Bakshi’s animated film, the BBC audio drama, as well as Peter Jackson’s films, The Rings of Power, and The War of the Rohirrim.

Join us for Part 2 of this fascinating dialog.

(00:06) Adapting Tolkien
(16:31) Exploring Adaptations of Tolkien's Works
(24:05) Examining Rings of Power Adaptations
(32:05) Fantasy Adaptations and Lockdown Worlds

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

What a breath of fresh air it is to find an academic as passionate about discussing the adaptations of Tolkien works, as he is about Tolkien’s books!  

Today, on Mythmakers, in this wide-ranging interview, Julia Golding meets with Professor Nick Groom to discuss his book Twenty-First Century Tolkien. In the first part of their discussion, Nick provides a serious literary critical attention to The Lord of the Rings before moving on to explore its various adaptations. If you’ve not heard of it, you may be intrigued—perhaps even shocked—by the unmade John Boorman treatment, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the others, including Ralph Bakshi’s animated film, the BBC audio drama, as well as Peter Jackson’s films, The Rings of Power, and The War of the Rohirrim.

Join us for Part 1 of this fascinating dialog.

(00:05) Author's Analysis of "Flight to the Ford"
(14:06) Paths of Hope and History

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit: