Mythmakers

With the King and Queen of the United Kingdom heading to the US this week, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker begin today’s episode of Mythmakers with a playful look at soft toy diplomacy and the source of many fantasy stories in nursery toys—including a bonus Tolkien connection.

From there, the conversation turns to the thorny question of which cinematic universe is the best? Expect strong opinions as Julia and Jacob weigh the merits of Marvel, DC, Star Trek, Star Wars, and amongst others…

(00:00) Introduction & Episode Overview
(01:12) Soft Toy Diplomacy & Winnie-the-Pooh Legacy
(03:00) Toys in Fantasy: Childhood Stories & Lasting Themes
(05:20) Imagination, Play, and Growing Up in Toy Narratives
(07:40) Worldbuilding in Winnie-the-Pooh vs Other Stories
(10:00) Toy Stories as Cultural Reflection & Social Commentary
(14:40) Play as the Foundation of Fantasy Storytelling
(18:40) Defining the Cinematic Universe
(23:30) Marvel & DC: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Evolution
(30:00) Star Wars: Expansion, Innovation, and Challenges
(36:30) Star Trek vs Star Wars: Themes and Cultural Impact
(44:30) Personal Preferences, Nostalgia, and Final Verdicts
(57:00) Closing & Transition to 1990s Fantasy Discussion

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

In today’s episode of Mythmakers, we cover three lively topics of discussion. Join Julia Golding and friend of the podcast, Jacob Rennaker, as they begin with the latest casting news for the upcoming prequel film The Hunt for Gollum—hits or misses?

Next, they turn to the content challenges surrounding Stephen Colbert’s script for the second Lord of the Rings film currently in development—which we’re calling “the interval.” Rather than focusing on canon, Julia and Jacob explore the storytelling possibilities from a creative perspective.

Finally, with Julia having just secured a new contract for a middle-grade fantasy novel, they discuss the best approaches for breaking through in today’s publishing market. What does it really take to get noticed by publishers these days?

(00:00) Introduction & Episode Overview
(02:00) Casting News for The Hunt for Gollum
(08:00) New Characters & Story Speculation (Halvard & Companions)
(10:00) Kate Winslet’s Role & Expanding Middle-earth’s Female Presence
(16:00) Andy Serkis Directing & Acting Challenges
(19:00) Stephen Colbert’s LOTR Film & “The Interval” Concept
(26:00) Character Depth: Frodo, Merry & Adaptation Challenges
(30:00) Tom Bombadil & Goldberry – Adapting the Unadaptable
(38:00) Balancing Tone, Audience & Modern Expectations
(41:00) Writing Fantasy Today: Breaking Into Publishing
(52:00) Editing Process, Trends & Modern Children’s Publishing
(56:00) Final Thoughts & What’s Next

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

Today on Mythmakers, we welcome author Alwyn Hamilton, who has crafted a gripping fantasy that mingles Grimm fairy tale tropes with a sleek, 1920s-inspired world on the brink of disaster. In this episode, Alwyn joins Julia Golding to discuss her path to publication and how she connects her series to build a richly expanding universe.

Saddle up and join the Round Table as Mythmakers embarks on a journey through some of the most famous retellings of King Arthur in celebration of Tolkien Reading Day. Which author started the ball rolling, and who poetically kicked it on into the 19th century? Where do the traces of these tales become most apparent in the works of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis? And who has continued the Arthurian tradition into modern times?

Finally, we turn to the screen—what is the most successful adaptation of them all? Tune in to see if you agree with our pick!

(00:00) Tolkien Reading Day and the Power of Arthur
(03:09) Malory and the Rise of Arthur in Print
(05:26) Arthur Pulls the Sword from the Stone
(09:24) Keats and the Melancholy of Arthur
(12:08) Tennyson, Avalon, and Echoes in Tolkien
(15:15) William Morris and Arthur’s Expanding World
(16:52) T.S. Eliot, Charles Williams, and the Modern Grail
(22:22) Film, Comedy, and Reinventing Arthur
(23:00) Tolkien and Lewis Through an Arthurian Lens
(27:02) Modern Retellings and Julia Golding’s Own Arthur Stories
(29:12) Why BBC’s Merlin Works So Well
(30:43) Reading Arthur to Better Understand Tolkien

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) A Chapter Built Around a Single Decision
(02:00) Why the Black Gate Must Be Impossible to Enter
(05:00) Mordor as a Living Landscape of Evil
(08:00) Frodo’s Resolve and the Stakes of the Quest
(11:00) Writing Into Uncertainty and Finding the Way Forward
(13:30) Trust, Suspicion, and Gollum’s Divided Nature
(17:00) The Hidden Path and Foreshadowing What Lies Ahead
(21:00) Tension, Stillness, and Delaying the Decision
(26:00) Sam’s Perspective and the Power of Small Hope
(29:00) Choosing to Trust Gollum and Moving 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) Introducing the Passage of the Marshes
(02:20) The Structure of the Chapter and Its Locations
(04:30) Gollum as Guide and Contradictory Character
(08:40) Food, Lembas, and Gollum’s Drama
(14:00) Frodo and Sam’s Changing Relationship
(17:00) Entering the Dead Marshes
(22:30) The Atmosphere and Worldbuilding of the Marshes
(27:30) The Dead Faces Beneath the Water
(31:10) The Ringwraith’s Overflight and Growing Fear
(37:10) Gollum’s Inner Debate and the Road to Mordor

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.

(00:04) Welcome to Mythmakers and the Two Towers wrap-up begins
(01:00) Aragorn’s “odd negligence” and a sense of fate driving events
(02:49) Boromir’s deathbed scene and the shift into a heroic register
(03:53) Aragorn’s stage-like lament and Legolas’ clear-headed plan
(05:05) Entering Rohan: potted history, songs over books, and Anglo-Saxon echoes
(07:22) The Riders arrive: horses, “manes,” and cinematic choreography
(08:47) Back to the hobbits: Pippin moves from “luggage” to leadership
(10:16) Orc factions, wartime alliances, and the craft problem of “common speech”
(13:00) Gandalf returns: riddles, limits on power, and “the turn of the tide”

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) Beginning Book Four and Returning to Frodo and Sam
(04:30) A Landscape of Confusion and Pathetic Fallacy
(11:40) The Cliff Descent and the Elven Rope
(16:30) Storm, Nazgûl, and Threads Connecting the Wider Story
(22:45) The Arrival of Gollum
(29:50) Pity Versus Precious and the Moral Turning Point
(36:30) Frodo’s Authority and Gollum’s Oath
(38:20) A Frustrating Chapter That Changes Everything

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.

(01:37) Tolkien the tinkerer: Palantír added mid-writing 
(04:22) Leaving Isengard 
(06:20) Merry & Gandalf: humour, recovery, and raising the stakes again 
(12:15) Warning notes and the danger winding up 
(18:24) The Palantír confrontation 
(22:05) Aragorn’s shift, kingship emerging 
(29:30) Saruman’s fatal step 
(34:40) Ending Book Three

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

Today on Mythmakers, you’re invited to join us on a short visit to the world of fantasy romance. What's all the fuss about romantasy and where did it come from? What's the secret sauce (pun intended) of Fourth Wing? And why was the world so transfixed by Twilight back early 2000s?

Be sure to stay to the end to hear Julia’s recommendations of what you might like to read this Valentine's Day from the fantasy genre.

(01:00) The Rise of Romantasy and Fourth Wing
(02:00) Market Forces and Female Readership
(04:40) Twilight and the Power of Restrained Desire
(06:50) What Makes a True Fantasy Romance
(09:20) Recommended Romantic Fantasy Reads
(14:00) Writing Romance in the Finding Sky Series
(15:10) Why We Read Romance and the Hope of Finding the Right Person

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 Ruins of Isengard and the Approach to Saruman
(04:55) Saruman’s Voice and the Power of Persuasion
(08:00) Resistance, Discernment, and the Cracks in Saruman’s Authority
(10:29) Théoden’s Judgment and Saruman’s Fall from Power
(14:03) Gandalf’s Mercy and the Failure of Pride
(18:11) The Breaking of the Staff and the Palantír Revealed
(22:04) Aftermath, Creative Discovery, and Seeds for What Comes Next

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

In this two-part episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding is joined once more by Andrew Head to review the full-cast Audible production of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Together, their discussion broadens to consider whether this form of audiobook, when not adapted for the actors, works or if it is simply distracting.

In the second part of today’s episode, accompany Julia on a deep dive into the recent report on the top ten grossing films of all time – where fantasy titles dominate. And as for the most famous film you've (probably) never heard of? Stay tuned to uncover that cinematic mystery!

(00:05) Entering the Wizarding World Through Sound
(03:33) Full-Cast Audio and the Promise of Immersion
(06:45) Casting Familiar Voices in New Roles
(10:45) Music, Foley, and Building an Audio World
(15:14) Comparing Full-Cast Drama to Classic Narration
(19:22) When Dramatization Works — and When It Distracts
(22:25) Revisiting Harry Potter as a Listening Experience
(26:01) Fantasy, Spectacle, and the Global Box Office
(30:21) Why Fantasy Continues to Dominate Film Culture

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) Setting the Scene
(02:19) Maritime Imagery, Storm Metaphors, and Tolkien’s Symbolism
(05:01) Hobbits, Food, and the Translation of Time
(07:15) Growth, Ent-Draught, and Storytelling Perspective
(09:37) Casting Away Treasure
(13:51) The Ents’ Assault on Isengard
(19:44) Gandalf’s Return, Soundscapes, and Narrative Tempo
(27:06) Wormtongue, Aftermath, and Foreshadowing the Shire

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) 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: