King Arthur and the Tolkien Lecture

Joining Julia Golding in this episode is Dr. Gabriel Schenk, an expert on Tolkien, fantasy writing, and Arthurian legends. Gabriel co-founded the annual Tolkien Lecture at Pembroke College Oxford (one of the colleges associated with the writer). You can see this year's lecture with acclaimed fantasy author Rebecca F Kuang as well as previous ones at https://tolkienlecture.org They go on to take a deep dive into the long story of Arthurian literature. Did he exist? Why was he so popular in the later medieval period? Where is the Shakespearian play on this theme as it seems a big gap in the bard's output? Who are the main writers who picked up the baton in the 19th and 20th centuries? In fact, this podcast provides you with a succinct summary of what you need to know to navigate Arthurian stories, ending up at the top tips for which series you might like to watch on TV. Gabriel and Julia end by choosing their favourite enchanted swords from the fantasy armoury. Do you agree with their picks and what would yours be?

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Mythmakers is the podcast for fantasy fans and creatives, brought to you by the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. In each episode, we embark on an exploration of the world of fantasy—both classic and contemporary. From the stories behind your favourite series to expert tips for aspiring writers, we dive into books, films, TV shows, and the creative process behind them.

Brought to you from the heart of Oxford—home to literary greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll—we continue the storytelling tradition in the very city where Narnia, Middle-earth, and even Wonderland took shape drawing on the city’s magical blend of ancient buildings, labyrinthine libraries, and gentle river meadows.

Ready to step into the Wardrobe with us into your next big adventure? Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/ to learn more!