Tolkien's Faith - a Spiritual Biography

Professor Holly Ordway returns to Mythmakers on today’s episode to discuss her new book on Tolkien's Faith. Having been first an agnostic, then an atheist, and now a Catholic, Professor Ordway uses her insider/outsider perspective to elucidate this fascinating topic. Join in as Professor Ordway discusses with Julia Golding the many flavours of Catholicism and the particular, and unusual, one that Tolkien followed as part of the English Oratory movement. Take a listen to what this offers to everyone, Catholics and non-Catholics, and how it relates to his writing within Middle-earth.

To find out more about Professor Ordway’s book and to purchase a copy visit hollyordway.com .

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!