Mythmakers

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:

Words have the power to bless and to curse. In a fascinating discussion with Dr Eleanor Baker of Oxford University, Julia Golding takes Mythmakers on an exploration of the world of book curses in Eleanor’s Bodleian Library little book called—inevitably enough—Book Curses!

From there, we’ll go on to look at the Medieval culture of the book, and the role of magic books and curses in fantasy literature throughout the ages.

(00:05) Exploring Book Curses and History
(09:02) Magical Elements in Medieval Books
(18:08) Power of Curses in Fantasy Literature
(29:18) Exploring Magical Elements in Fantasy

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) 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:

Do you want to know the key to the Narnian universe?

Today, on Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker take a quick tour around the seven heavens as they discuss C.S. Lewis's book The Discarded Image, as well as the Medieval model, Michael Ward's groundbreaking study, Planet Narnia, and so much more. What other scientific model inspirations have writers found, and where would it be best to live within a Medieval universe? Join the conversation as we find out!

You certainly won't want to miss today’s episode of Mythmakers where Julia Golding is meeting with Professor John Holmes from Birmingham University.

John has made a name for himself by giving performances of Tolkien's 1938 lecture on dragons, complete with the magic lantern slides discovered in the archives of Oxford's Natural History Museum. Today, John and Julia will go on to discuss the fantasy writers of the Victorian period, Pre-Raphaelites, William Morris and Ruskin—all important influences on today’s modern fantasy, often mediated via Tolkien. In this discussion’s final lap, John talks about his work taking people into a very special forest—Ruskin Land—and researching their response to fantasy forests read in situ.

To learn more about Birmingham Institute for Forest Research (BIFoR), and to take a virtual tour of Ruskin Land, visit the links below:

Is this film a hit or miss? Did the New Zealand team, led by Phillippa Boyens, Japanese director Kenji Kamiyama and Executive Producer Peter Jackson, deliver? That's the question that preoccupies Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker today as they dissect their response to The War of the Rohirrim, in the Season 7 debut episode of Mythmakers.

Listen in to their nuanced account of the good and less than great parts of the film, and stay tuned for what they believe is the biggest challenge faced by the upcoming movie: The Hunt for Gollum. Do you agree with their star rating? Contact the Oxford Centre for Fantasy and let us know your thoughts!

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

Season 6 of Mythmakers has been a whirlwind of captivating stories, thought-provoking discussions, and fascinating insights into the world of fantasy and beyond. As we reach the end of this season, we're taking a moment to reflect on some of the standout moments with a collection of clips from five fan-favourite episodes.

Join Julia Golding as we journey to revisit a daring Young Adult heist set in a fantastical world, delve into the intersection of poetry and illustrations, and step onto the historic streets of Oxford to uncover the inspirations of C.S. Lewis. We'll dip back into our Sidecast, just as our adventurers are truly setting off, before taking another look at our verdict of The Rings of Power’s second season.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure so far—stay tuned as we continue to explore the fantasy genre, hear from a variety of esteemed authors, and so much more in season 7!

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

How does one come up with an original idea for a fantasy story? Hannah Kingsley in her debut novel Soul Hate (due to come out in February 2025) has taken the trope of the ‘soul mate’ and asked the question: 'what if...you had a soul hate?'

Join us on today’s episode of Mythmakers as she discusses with Julia Golding the origins of her story and the importance of giving her heroine a job that she felt passionately about. Hannah, being a gifted artist herself, is crafting special editions of the novel with custom spray-painted edges – you’ll want to hear how she came to develop this part of her creativity!