Mythmakers

Mythmakers

Welcome to Season 7 of Mythmakers!

Mythmakers is the podcast for fantasy fans and creatives brought to you by the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. We will be exploring fantasy old and new, look at what went into writing your favourite series, learn tips from the experts, and discuss new books, TV shows and films.

Mythmakers is brought to you from the city of Oxford - home to many of the world's greatest fantasy writers, from J.R.R. Tolkien and Middle-earth, to C.S. Lewis, creator of Narnia, and the grandfather of them all, Lewis Carroll with his Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Oxford story continues with outstanding contemporary writers finding inspiration among the ancient buildings, labyrinthine libraries, and gentle river meadows.

Ready to jump down the rabbit hole with us to find your next mythmaker? Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/

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Most Recent Episode

Mythmakers
Dragons, Victorians and Forests: Professor John Holmes on Performing Tolkien's Lecture, William Morris and Much More!

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:

https://canvas.bham.ac.uk/courses/52405/pages/cross-curricular-climate-change-education

https://www.thinglink.com/card/1803482248435991014

 

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

Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

 

(00:05) Exploring Tolkien's Dragons Lecture
(11:29) Exploring Tolkien's Creative Influence
(18:13) Exploring Influences on Tolkien's Fantasy
(30:57) Fantasy Authors' Shared Social Critique
(35:37) Enchanting Forests in Fantasy Literature

00:52:04
Feb 6, 2025 5:5 AM
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More Episodes

Mythmakers
Helen Glynn Jones and The Last Raven: Vampires, Humans and Other Monsters

What would it be like to be the only human in a family of vampires? This is the dilemma that Helen Glynn Jones' character faces in the first part of her Ravens series: The Last Raven.

Helen joins Julia Golding in today’s episode of Mythmakers to discuss the tradition of vampire myths around the world in the places she's lived, and in her own version as she imagines that being human is what makes you the monster. They go on to discuss betrayal as a plotline, coming of age, as well as the experience of being edited. Stay tuned to find out their picks for the best place to be turned into a vampire.

To purchase your own copy of The Last Raven visit: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-last-raven-the-ravens-book-1-helen-glynn-jones?variant=40805269798990


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

Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

 

0:10 Introduction to Mythmakers

3:32 Journey Through Fantasy Literature

4:20 Exploring Vampire Myths Worldwide

6:37 The Last Raven: Story Insights

12:26 Love, Betrayal, and Vampire Romance

15:06 Age Ranges and Young Adult Fiction

17:47 Coming of Age in Fantasy Stories

21:33 The Impact of Betrayal in Plot

25:51 The Editing Process Uncovered

30:53 Thoughts on Blogging and Writing

34:00 Choosing the Best Fantasy World

00:35:54
Dec 26, 2024 5:5 AM
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Mythmakers
Tad Williams and the Navigator's Children: How to Wrap up a Vast Epic Fantasy
00:50:38
Dec 19, 2024 5:0 AM
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Mythmakers
Mythmakers meets The Mythmakers: John Hendrix and his Graphic Novel about Tolkien and Lewis

In a perfect fit for the Mythmakers podcast, join us for today’s episode where Julia Golding meets illustrator and author John Hendrix to talk about his entertaining graphic novel: The Mythmakers. This is the story of the friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, and not only is it a biography of their fellowship, but it also explores in the company of our guides, a lion and a wizard, what the story is and where it comes from. Julia and John conclude by pondering where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place for a cartoonist (and also discuss some of the worst!).

 

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

Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

 

0:10 Introduction to Mythmakers

1:21 Childhood Influences and Fantasy Beginnings

4:21 The World of Comics and Graphic Novels

5:28 Journey to Writing Mythmakers

8:33 Exploring Mythmakers Structure

10:31 Visual Inspiration from Oxford

13:23 Mythologizing the Friendship of Lewis and Tolkien

14:46 The Inklings: A Literary Life

18:33 Tension and Dynamics of Creative Friendships

21:39 Perceptions of the Inklings in Academia

23:24 Religious Differences and Their Impact

28:28 The Mythos-Logos Division in Storytelling

31:04 Cartoons in Fantasy Worlds

34:42 Future Projects and Farewell

00:35:38
Dec 5, 2024 5:0 AM
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Mythmakers
Let's talk about mermaids: Berlie Doherty, Tamsin Rosewell and The Seamaiden's Odyssey

Mermaids come with some watery baggage, which raises the question: just how does one do a fresh take on this iconic mythical creature?

This was the challenge facing Berlie Doherty and Tamsin Rosewell - a writer and illustrator team. Find out their answers to this question in today’s episode of Mythmakers where they’ll be diving into the reinvention of mermaids in their fascinating conversation with Julia Golding. Did you know there are legends of inland mermaids? And where exactly is the best place to be a mermaid in all the fantasy worlds?

If you want to find out more about this intriguing topic after listening to the discussion, you can visit Berlie's website at https://berliedoherty.com/new-book-the-seamaidens-odyssey/ and follow Tamsin on Instagram at @hobs_lantern.

If you want a signed copy of their book, check out the wonderful https://www.madhatterbookshop.co.uk

 

 

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

Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

 

0:10 Underwater Kingdom Journey

2:47 Childhood Inspirations

4:20 Illustrative Styles

7:27 Story Overview

11:43 Sea Maiden Concept

14:12 Evolution of the Sea Maiden

17:39 Themes of Sisterhood

20:44 Collaboration Process

25:27 Artistic Techniques

34:49 Tips for Aspiring Creatives

39:21 Imagining Fantasy Worlds

00:44:20
Nov 21, 2024 5:0 AM
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Mythmakers
C.S. Lewis's Oxford

Today on Mythmakers, Julia Golding is joined by Professor Simon Horobin who has stepped into C.S. Lewis's shoes at Magdalen College, Oxford, and now he has written a beautiful book detailing Lewis's relationship with the iconic city. Join us as he discusses with Julia the peculiarities of college life in Oxford, the move to Cambridge later in life, Headington and the Kilns, as well as C.S. Lewis as a poet. The discussion ends off by venturing through the wardrobe into different fantasy lands…

 

Simon's book is available for purchase at https://bodleianshop.co.uk/products/c-s-lewiss-oxford

 

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

Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

 

0:10 Welcome to Mythmakers

3:38 The Legacy of C.S. Lewis

6:12 Exploring C.S. Lewis's Oxford

9:56 Oddities of Magdalen College

12:15 Women in Lewis's Life

15:00 Life at The Kilns

17:04 Lewis's Academic Journey

19:05 Surprising Discoveries in Archives

24:54 Transition to Cambridge

29:41 Oxford's Influence on Fantasy

35:08 Best Fantasy Worlds to Explore

00:39:30
Nov 7, 2024 5:5 AM
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Mythmakers
Heroes and Villains: Ana Sampson and Chris Riddell

Hero or Villain? These archetypal characters are the stock-in-trade of the fantasy genre, and so you’ll definitely enjoy this newest poetry anthology compiled by Ana Sampson, an experienced curator of poetry collections, and illustrated by the instantly recognizable pencil of Chris Riddell, multi-award-winning illustrator and former UK Children's Laureate.

 

Today on Mythmakers, in conversation with Julia Golding, Ana and Chris journey through history and genres, unearthing the gems. They reflect on the poems that inspired them as children, the role of compendiums in nurturing the artistic imagination, and why different approaches are often used to tell the same tale. They also explore the influence of politics on the anthology—and vice versa, and so much more. And if that wasn’t enough, Chris treats us to a live dragon sketch while several poems are read aloud—making this a truly unmissable episode!

 

Their book, Heroes and Villains: Poems about Legends (Macmillan), is available for purchase now. Credits for the poems read in full are: 'Nan Hardwicke Turns into a Hare' by Wendy Pratt, 'St Margaret of Antioch Speaks' by Jan Dean, 'If...' by James Carter, and 'The Dragons are Hiding' by Brian Moses.

 

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

Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

 

0:10 Welcome to Mythmakers

1:32 Childhood Poems That Shaped Us

5:27 The Lady of Shalott and Lockdown

10:15 The Role of Poetry Anthologies

12:05 Creating the Heroes and Villains Anthology

16:40 Exploring Heroes and Villains Through Poetry

20:2Research Gems in Poetry

36:19 Creative Tips for Aspiring Writers

39:04 Contemporary Issues in Fantasy

43:01 Collaborating with Publishers

46:56 The Intersection of Politics and Fantasy

52:46 Closing Thoughts and Inspiration

00:53:48
Oct 24, 2024 5:0 AM
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Mythmakers
Kate Dylan: Until We Shatter and 'New Adult' Fantasy
00:53:58
Oct 3, 2024 5:5 AM
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Mythmakers
Megan Whalen Turner: The Queen's Thief and the Secret of a Long Career as a Fantasy Writer
00:48:52
Sep 5, 2024 5:5 AM
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Mythmakers
We Review The Letters of JRR Tolkien: Revised and Expanded Edition

As a fitting finale to our 5th season of Mythmakers, we’re ending with Tolkien - namely his newly edited and augmented letters. Take a listen to Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker's 10 out of 10 review of the edition, they’ll break it down to what we learn about Middle-earth, how Middle-earth influenced his view of our real world events, his relationships (particularly with his family) the wars and all aspect to the letters - there's so much to discuss and to enjoy! Stay tuned for two particularly shocking details buried in the letters about hobbits and horses…

 

If you’re interested in the audio version mentioned, visit the link for a closer look: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Letters-of-J-R-R-Tolkien-Audiobook/B0CTNYDDKT

 

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

Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

 

0:00 Introduction to Mythmakers

2:11 Personalized Narration in Audiobook

3:34 Breaking Down Tolkien's Life in Letters

3:54 Tolkien's Views on Creativity

4:45 Insightful Letters: Tolkien vs. Other Literary Collections

5:34 Tolkien's Self-Deprecation and Passion in Letters

6:39 Emotional Range in Tolkien's Letters

8:24 Phases of Tolkien's Correspondents

13:45 Tolkien's Writing Process: Characters and Imagination

15:18 Tolkien's Unrevealed Stories and World Building

16:36 Tolkien's Lens on the World: War and Nature

16:36 Tolkien's Lens on the World: War and Nature (Continued)

23:52 Recommendation to Read Tolkien's Letters

26:56 Tolkien's Fatherly Concern in Letters

28:53 Tolkien's Letter on Faith and Angels

30:42 Tolkien's Reflections on Character Motives

32:04 Gollum's Near-Repentance in Tolkien's Eyes

56:37 Retirement and Lasting Legacy

1:01:06 Shadowfax's Journey to Valinor

1:02:31 Unique Delivery Methods in the Wizarding World

01:04:48
Aug 8, 2024 5:5 AM
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Mythmakers
Samantha Shannon: The Bone Season 10th Anniversary Edition

Imagine starting your journey as a fantasy writer in a media storm where you are greeted as the next J K Rowling. That's precisely what faced Samantha Shannon when her first novel The Bone Season was published while she was in her early 20s. Ten years on and an established writer, Samantha has re-edited the book and is celebrating this anniversary by finishing the fifth in the series.

 

Join us on today’s episode of Mythmakers as she discusses her beginnings as an author, her relationship to Oxford, and how she goes about her writing. You’ll want to hear her fantasy tips and find out her pick for the best place to have ESP!



For more information on Samantha visit her website at www.samanthashannon.co.uk and view her works on her publisher’s site at www.bloomsbury.com/uk/author/samantha-shannon

 

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

Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website

Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram

Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook

TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

 

0:00 Introduction to Mythmakers

4:20 Revisiting The Bone Season

5:54 Revising the Entire Series

6:31 Cathartic Editing Process

9:00 Coping with Media Expectations

10:36 Navigating Publishing Pressures

14:25 Unveiling the Atmosphere

18:10 Planting Seeds in Oxford

20:19 Finding Light in Darkness

23:54 Finding Family and Courage

25:53 Craft of World Building

35:20 Balancing Multiple Storylines

43:38 Writing Tip: Music Inspiration

45:38 Challenges of Magic Users

47:38 Exploring Different Worlds

00:50:16
Aug 1, 2024 5:0 AM
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