Mythmakers

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) Introduction & The Road to Isengard as a Transitional Chapter
(02:40) Gimli and Legolas: Rivalry, Relief, and Friendship
(09:24) Burial, Honor, and Moral Order After Battle
(13:23) The Haunted Forest, the Huorns, and Unseen Judgment
(21:43) The Ents Revealed and Worlds Beyond Men
(28:29) The Ruin of Isengard and the Shadow of Orthanc
(38:48) Reunion at Isengard: Merry, Pippin, and Restored Fellowship

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

In a bit of festive fun, join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker in this episode of Mythmakers as they explore how Christmas appears in the works of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. From the icy rule of the White Witch to a surprise visit from Father Christmas in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, they dig into the lore behind Narnia’s wintry themes. Then it’s on to Tolkien’s Father Christmas Letters and a look at how Yule is celebrated in Middle-earth.

Listen in to find out where they’d each choose to spend the festive season—and let us know if you agree!

(00:00) Welcome to Mythmakers Christmas episode
(03:10) Old Yule vs Christmas in Narnia
(06:05) Gift-giving contrast: wants vs needs
(10:05) Myth, primary/secondary worlds, and “eucatastrophe” moments
(19:20) Tolkien’s Father Christmas Letters introduced
(23:22) North Pole adventures, goblins, war echoes, and deeper worldbuilding
(32:33) Middle-earth and Yule
(37:47) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
(44:35) Choosing Narnia or Middle-earth

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

We may be in a golden age for audiobooks, but for those with sight impairments they have always been essential. Blind writer and returning guest Andrew Head joins Julia Golding on once again on today's episode of Mythmakers to share his thoughts on the audiobook biographies of Tolkien, Lewis, and the Inklings. Be sure to tune in as Andrew and Julia delve into the Mrs Moore controversy so have a listen to find out what that's all about!

(00:00) Welcome to Mythmakers and audiobook focus
(03:40) Narration style and listening experience
(10:02) C.S. Lewis biography
(15:21) Public faith vs private life in biography
(20:52) The Inklings biography and group storytelling
(24:51) Reconstructing Inklings meetings and friendships

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

Our friend from Australia, Andrew Head—a blind writer and devoted audiobook listener—joins Julia Golding once again on today's episode of Mythmakers to explore the world of Philip Pullman through audio. Together, they dive into the pros and cons of semi-dramatised audiobooks: Are they a help or a hindrance? Which are the best Pullman titles? Their conversation then takes a deeper turn as they reflect on Pullman’s atheistic worldview and how it comes through in his writing.

(00:00) Welcoming Andrew Head: Audiobooks, Accessibility & Blind Reading
(05:15) Comparing Three Audio Formats: Dramatisation vs. Straight Readings
(08:59) Audio Descriptions in Film & TV Adaptations of His Dark Materials
(11:17) Returning to the Story: Enjoyment, Themes & Faith Tensions
(14:38) Pullman’s Worldview, Critique, and Literary Craft

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) Journey to Helm’s Deep & Rohan’s Poetic Prose
(10:00) Shadows, Huorns, and Hints from Isengard
(20:00) Mapping the Fortress: Helm’s Deep, Strategy, and Hidden Heroes
(30:00) Waves of War, Turning the Tide, and Tolkien’s Battle Craft

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

This year marks 75 years since The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe arrived in bookshops, so join us on this anniversary episode of Mythmakers as Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker discuss the origins of the book and consider how it stood out among its literary contemporaries before we reflect on its enduring legacy today. If you have an opinion on this, have a listen and join the conversation to let us know what you think!

The book referred to in the news section is WARDROBE AND RINGS by Julia Golding, Malcolm Guite and Simon Horobin, and will be out on 28th November 2025, be sure to check it out.

(00:05) Exploring Narnia Through Different Ages
(11:10) Analyzing the Origins of Narnia
(20:29) Analyzing Character Dynamics and Planetary Influence
(31:22) Adapting Narnia Across Different Mediums
(37:19) Exploring Fantasy Adaptations and Influences

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) Youth and Age in Rohan
(15:17) Power Play and Pity in Court
(27:57) The Rise of Rohan's Warriors

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

In this episode of Mythmakers, join Julia Golding for a review of the newly released full-cast production of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone from Pottermore and Audible. Does this reimagined version enhance the magic, or distract from the original charm? Tune in to hear Julia’s take on the production quality, narration choices, and ultimately whether this edition is worth adding to your audiobook library, along with a couple of unexpected mentions of Mr. Darcy and Dr. House!

(00:05) Harry Potter Audiobook Review
(09:22) Examining the Structure and Satire
(16:38) Recommendation for Harry Potter Audiobook

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) LOTR Two Towers Riddles and Laughter
(17:14) The Reawakening of Gandalf
(21:45) Gandalf's Cryptic Wisdom and Laughter
(36:54) Gandalf's Return and Shadowfax's Arrival
(45:12) MythMakers Podcast Advertising and Promotion

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

Netflix is bringing The Chronicles of Narnia back to our screens with Greta Gerwig at the helm for the first two films in the series. Interestingly, the adaptation begins with The Magician’s Nephew, opting for chronological order rather than the order in which the books were written.

In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker dive into what we know so far about the creative direction of the films, and what Gerwig’s involvement might mean for this and future instalments, it’s a conversation every Narnia fan will want to hear! Be sure to listen in and let us know what YOU think of this bold new beginning.

(00:05) Greta Gerwig's Narnia Adaptation Discussion
(07:33) Adapting Narnia for Modern Audiences
(14:27) Casting and Setting Challenges in Narnia
(28:13) Controversies Surrounding Narnia Adaptation Hope
(40:12) Fantasy Podcast

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 Treebeard
(13:09) Encountering Treebeard's Character
(19:57) Unveiling Treebeard's Language Evolution
(28:53) Treebeard's House and Entwives
(38:01) Exploring Entish Poetry and Ents' March
(47:15) Ents' Last March and Battle Prep

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

We’re thrilled to welcome Marisa Linton to this episode of Mythmakers. A former student from our writing course and a valued member of one of our writers' groups, Marisa recently won the Times Chicken House Fiction Competition for her YA fantasy title The Binding Spell, and she’s now stepping into new territory with the release of her first adult fantasy detective novel, The Circle of Shadows.

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 the Uruk-Hai in LOTR
(11:36) The Capture and Escape of Pippin
(21:36) Escape and Battle in Fangorn Forest
(31:49) Meeting Treebeard in Fangorn Forest

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) An Author's Look at Two Towers
(12:30) The Three Hunters Chase Through Rohan
(26:21) Meeting the Riders of Rohan
(32:51) Journey, Wisdom, and Jeopardy in Fangorn
(44:14) Mystery of the Old Man

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) Analysis of "The Two Towers
(15:54) Elegy and Anticipation in Middle-Earth

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

We’re kicking off Season 8 of Mythmakers with a relevant and enchanting conversation, as Julia Golding welcomes Helle Norup back to the podcast. Having just published the second book in her children’s series, The Changeling Child, Helle’s feisty heroine, Saga, is an environmental campaigner—so we’re taking the opportunity to explore the long and evolving relationship between fantasy and the environment.

Can fantasy do something unique in this space that other genres can’t? Or are we simply rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic? Join us as we journey through the major titles that contribute to this debate, from Tolkien and Lewis to Richard Adams and Margaret Atwood. From defeating monsters to enchanting the woods, stay with us to the end to discover which fantasy world is the best place to be an environmental campaigner.

(00:05) Fantasy and Sci-Fi Addressing Environment
(10:19) Exploring Fantasy and Environment Relations
(28:59) Hope and Action in Climate Crisis
(35:55) Exploring Fantasy and Environmental Activism

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

Big news for Tolkien fans was the release of Andy Serkis unabridged version of The Lord of the Rings with Harper Collins on Audible. In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding reviews the recording, comparing it to the BBC dramatised version from 1981 and the Robert Inglis reading of 1990. Which version has the best songs? Who dares to dip into the appendices? Is there a rival to Andy's Gollum? Julia concludes with recommendations as to which might suit you and your listening needs.

(00:05) Exploring Lord of the Rings Audiobooks
(08:57) LOTR Audiobook Version Comparison
(18:51) Amazon Prime Lord of the Rings

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

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: