Mythmakers

Is this film a hit or miss? Did the New Zealand team, led by Phillippa Boyens, Japanese director Kenji Kamiyama and Executive Producer Peter Jackson, deliver? That's the question that preoccupies Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker today as they dissect their response to The War of the Rohirrim, in the Season 7 debut episode of Mythmakers. Listen in to their nuanced account of the good and less than great parts of the film, and stay tuned for what they believe is the biggest challenge faced by the upcoming movie: The Hunt for Gollum. Do you agree with their star rating? Contact the Oxford Centre for Fantasy and let us know your thoughts!   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) War of the Rohirrim Film Review(11:58) Heroic Women and Oral Storytelling(23:46) Animation Challenges in Character Development(32:32) Character Development in the Legend of Helm(39:53) Analyzing Character Development in Film(46:54) Casting Choices in Film Sequels

Season 6 of Mythmakers has been a whirlwind of captivating stories, thought-provoking discussions, and fascinating insights into the world of fantasy and beyond. As we reach the end of this season, we're taking a moment to reflect on some of the standout moments with a collection of clips from five fan-favourite episodes. Join Julia Golding as we journey to revisit a daring Young Adult heist set in a fantastical world, delve into the intersection of poetry and illustrations, and step onto the historic streets of Oxford to uncover the inspirations of C.S. Lewis. We'll dip back into our Sidecast, just as our adventurers are truly setting off, before taking another look at our verdict of The Rings of Power’s second season. Thank you for joining us on this adventure so far—stay tuned as we continue to explore the fantasy genre, hear from a variety of esteemed authors, and so much more in season 7!   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     (0:00:05) - Fantasy Podcast Wrap-Up and Insights (0:08:03) - Learning and Creativity in Illustration (0:15:29) - Exploring Traditions and Literary Details (0:26:52) - Echoes of the Rings of Power

How does one come up with an original idea for a fantasy story? Hannah Kingsley in her debut novel Soul Hate (due to come out in February 2025) has taken the trope of the ‘soul mate’ and asked the question: 'what if...you had a soul hate?' Join us on today’s episode of Mythmakers as she discusses with Julia Golding the origins of her story and the importance of giving her heroine a job that she felt passionately about. Hannah, being a gifted artist herself, is crafting special editions of the novel with custom spray-painted edges – you’ll want to hear how she came to develop this part of her creativity! For more information about Hannah's incredible art visit https://www.kingdombookdesigns.com   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 3:05 Soul Hate and Fated Lovers 8:54 Crafting Strong Female Characters 12:13 Politics in Fantasy Worlds 14:28 Exploring Love Triangles 17:28 Real-World Parallels of Soul Hate 19:57 The Writing Process 22:18 Modern Vocabulary in Fantasy 26:20 The Role of Artisans 34:03 Fate in Fantasy Worlds 36:01 Humor in Fantasy Settings

Today, the Mythmakers podcast is setting sail with author Rose Black on a new fantasy pirate adventure for an adult audience: Fated Winds and Promising Seas (available on Hodderscape). Julia Golding discusses with Rose where the idea came from – and it’s not the usual place in this case! In a book about freedom and predestination, they go on to discuss representation in fantasy books and writing from a perspective that might seem not to be your own – how an author has to navigate the shoals of freedom to write the story she feels drawn to create, and reception of that within the world. Finally, they settle on where the best place would be to be rescued by pirates!   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 2:40 Journey to Becoming an Author 4:40 Exploring Fated Winds and Promising Seas 7:53 Themes of Freedom and Authority 11:37 The Cost of Magic 15:38 Representation in Fantasy 19:07 Inspirations from Pirate Media 23:18 The Influence of Dungeons & Dragons 26:01 Future Writing Projects 27:38 Imagining Fantasy Worlds

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

Author Tad Williams is well-known for his epic fantasy series, such as The Dragonbone Chair, as well as his sci-fi and urban fantasy works. He joins us today on the Mythmaker's podcast to talk to Julia Golding about The Navigator's Children, his conclusion to a vast epic, this part called The Last King of Osten Ard. This achievement has been compared to Tolkien's legendarium in its ambitious scope, so it is not surprising to hear that Tolkien was one of Tad’s major influences. He tells Julia about how he manages such a complicated, woven plot, how he keeps track, and what steps he takes before getting down to writing, as well as much more. Stick around to hear where would be best for a creation myth in all fantasy!  To learn more about Tad, and to get your own copies of his incredible books, visit https://hodderscape.co.uk/collections/author-tad-williams-pid-86249?_pos=1&_psq=tad+william&_ss=e&_v=1.0   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 Mythmakers11:09 Early Influences on Fantasy Writing26:45 Transitioning to Writing40:02 The Last King of Ostern Ard Series49:21 Music and Storytelling in Fantasy

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.    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   0:07 A Knife in the Dark 6:33 The Shire's Unusual Cutaway 11:01 Frodo and Strider's Cinematic Shift 20:59 The Midgewater Marshes 27:15 The Approach of the Black Riders 33:39 The Tale of Beren and Luthien 35:02 The Gathering Storm 37:56 Frodo's Bravery and the Ring's Toll

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

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.    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   0:05 Introduction to Fellowship of the Ring 1:07 The Pace of Dialogue 4:08 Strider's True Nature 7:29 Trust and Instinct 9:30 Barleyman's Comic Relief 12:14 The Letter from Gandalf 16:19 Insights into Strider 19:31 The Quest and Its Stakes 22:18 The Power of the Black Riders 24:58 Preparing for the Night 28:44 Safe for the Moment

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

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.    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 0:09 Introduction to Bree and the Prancing Pony 5:24 The Journey to the Prancing Pony 12:42 Meeting the Gatekeeper 17:40 Entering the Prancing Pony 20:32 Pippin's Tales and the Stranger 26:34 Frodo's Song and the Ring's Power 30:26 Suspicion Lingers

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

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.    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     0:06 Introduction to Fog on the Barrow Downs 2:44 Exploring Themes of Renewal 5:35 The Journey Begins 7:28 Warnings Ignored 9:36 The Fog of War 13:38 The Nature of Evil 18:26 The Power of Tom Bombadil 22:14 Shared Visions and Prophecies 23:35 Temptation and Contentment 24:55 Farewell to Tom Bombadil

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

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.    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 Tom Bombadil 1:53 Entering the Haven of Tom Bombadil 5:48 Goldberry's Enigmatic Welcome 16:38 The Shift to Storytelling 20:39 Dreams and Nightmares 23:21 A Rainy Day with Tom 26:54 Tom's Tales of Good and Evil 32:15 The Fast Forward of History 34:47 The Harmony of Tom and Goldberry 37:24 The Ring's Power Revealed

Have you enjoyed The Rings of Power Season 2? Join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker on today’s episode of Mythmakers as they offer their thoughts on the latest season of Amazon’s show. After sharing their initial impressions on the production and visual realisation, they delve deeper into the story choices, lore, and characters, before wrapping up with a rating out of 10 rings (what else would it be?). Along the way, they explore some controversial topics—does The Rings of Power have a female character problem, for instance? Have a listen and then let us know your thoughts!   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 Welcome to Mythmakers 14:21 Production Values Reviewed 17:34 Storylines and Structure 20:22 Long-Term Storytelling Challenges 23:29 Characters and Performances 59:53 Female Representation Issues

Is it time that we revisit the category of 'New Adult' books again? Kate Dylan's fantasy heist story fits in this category, post YA but written for the reading tastes of the 20-something year old audience who've just graduated out that group.   On today’s episode of Mythmakers, Kate will be engaging in a fascinating discussion with Julia Golding about why the themes of being on the edge, close to shattering, work so well with that age group (and many others). They’ll also discuss queer relationships in novels and how the market has changed since Kate started writing. Think that you know where would be best to stage a heist? Their suggestions may surprise you!   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 Welcome to Mythmakers 1:37 The Influence of Young Adult Literature 4:02 Transitioning to Fantasy Writing 8:50 Themes of Betrayal and Growth 12:04 The Heist Novel Unveiled 19:24 Chaos in the Writing Process 25:51 Collaborative Storytelling 27:11 Exploring Queer Representation 32:37 The Value of Art in Fantasy 36:18 Balancing Writing with Daily Life 41:13 Tips for Aspiring Fantasy Writers 46:02 Magic in Fantasy Storytelling 49:09 Heisting in Fictional Worlds

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.    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 Chapter 6 2:01 Preparing for Adventure 9:24 The Old Forest Beckons 18:41 Entering the Enchanted Realm 23:40 Meet Tom Bombadil 27:35 The Escape from Darkness

On today’s episode of Mythmakers, we’re meeting an exciting new writer coming out of the Bay Area. Hayley Dennings, author of This Ravenous Fate, has chosen the Harlem Renaissance for her vampire thriller and love story. Join us as she speaks with Julia Golding about her debut, the authors that inspired her and how she got published—this being her 5th book, an encouraging message for aspiring authors! They go on to discuss race and sapphic characters in fantasy, as well as Black History and much, much more. Hayley also has some great tips for other writers and explains the reading she does in the background to inspire her wonderful prose. Say tuned to find out where you should set up a speakeasy in a fantasy world…   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 Welcome to Mythmakers 6:08 The Journey to Publication 11:24 Dedication and Representation 16:26 Exploring Vampirism in the Jazz Era 19:57 Historical Context and Characters 25:33 Writing Style and Process 28:47 Upcoming Works and Future Plans 32:03 Imagining Fantasy Speakeasies

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.    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 An Author's Journey 2:55 Shifting Tones in Tolkien's Writing 5:06 The Pivotal Decision to Leave 10:18 The Nature of the Narrator 12:23 The Conspiracy Revealed 14:34 Frodo's Dream and Its Significance 16:39 Preparing to Enter the Old Forest