Mythmakers

<p>In 2021 Harper Collins published The Nature of Middle-earth by JRR Tolkien, edited by Carl F Hostetter - a fascinating collection of Tolkien's working materials. In this episode Julia Golding reviews the book, looking under the bonnet/hood of Tolkien's creativity. Is this worth reading if you are a Tolkien fan? Listen to find out. Particular highlights are the connection between free will and creativity, what to do with flaws of imperfections in your work, and Hostetter's appendix on Tolkien philosophical and religious themes. And finally, Julia picks the fantasy world with the best rivers. Where would yours be located?</p>

<p>Spiderman No Way home ended the year with over $1 billion at the box office and has joined the top ten highest-grossing films. In this episode (<em>contains spoilers</em>), Julia Golding is joined by Ed, our resident Marvel fan at the centre, to discuss all things Spidey. Where did Spiderman the film come from? We go back in time to look at the Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield films, discussing what went wrong with the Amazing Spiderman series. They then look at the Tom Holland trilogy and discuss the themes, role of women characters, and debate the success (or not) of the multiple villains. Which is the best Spiderman film of them all? Find out if you agree with Julia and Ed. And in conclusion, they decide where is the best fantasy world for Spiderman to go if not New York.</p>

<p>In today's podcast, Julia Golding is joined by internationally renown composer, Richard Blackford. Starting with his early community opera of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, to working with Maya Angelou on a piece for the inauguration of President Clinton, and more recently writing a piece based on a survivor's COVID diary, Richard is a man of incredible creativity. Join Julia and Richard as they discuss how composers use music to tell stories and how he collaborates with directors to provide the soul of a film in the score. In what way is fantasy defined in musical composition? Listen to find out! And stay tuned for the end when Richard and Julia pick the best place to be a composer.</p>

<p>'This is the Great story of the North, which should be to all our race what the Tale of Troy was to the Greeks.' This isn't a quote from Tolkien about what he hopes to do with his legendarium but his fantasy writing predecessor William Morris, writing about the Saga of the Volsungs. The Mythmakers podcast is delighted to welcome special guest, Dr. Ingrid Hanson, lecturer in English Literature at the University of Manchester. Learn about this towering genius who revolutionised the world of design, literature, politics, and much more! He also pioneered interest in the legends of the north with his translations and travel writing on two trips to Iceland. If you want to understand what made the Inklings possible, William Morris is a very good place to start. To conclude Ingrid and Julia where is the best place in fantasy to be a craftsperson. </p>

<p>Tolkien is a rich inspiration for so many of us so when Julia Golding found that one of the online fantasy course students, Stanley Hanna, had taught a seminar series on him for the Ottawa School of Theology and Spirituality, she thought he would make a great guest for the podcast. Join Stanley, a semi-retired Presbyterian minister from Quebec, and Julia as they discuss the nature of good and evil in Tolkien's Middle-earth, the role of temptation in his works and that of C.S. Lewis, stopping by with a final thought about where in all the fantasy worlds it is good (and bad) to be a religious leader.</p> <p>For more information visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org</p>

<p>Join the Oxford Centre for Fantasy's holiday season livestream on December 1st at 1pm ET | 6pm GMT with special guests, poet and Tolkien expert, Malcolm Guite, and Kath Langrish (From Spare Oom to Wardrobe: Travels in Narnia with my 9-year-old self). We'll be starting Advent with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, diving into their books to join in the Christmas spirit. We'll gallop like Rudolph across many topics, including: 'What is Father Christmas doing in Narnia?' 'Why does Middle-earth not appear to celebrate a midwinter festival?' 'Which is the most Christmasy of the other Narnia stories? 'Where do we go to celebrate Christmas with Tolkien?' From The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to The Father Christmas Letters, we will be celebrating the season in the best company and talking about how these writers have inspired our own writing.</p> <p>For more information on Malcolm's books and the recordings of his reading: https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com</p> <p>Interested in From Spare Oom to Wardrobe or Dark Angels? See: https://www.katherinelangrish.co.uk</p> <p>For an Oxford-based Christmas murder mystery, look at Red House, Julia Golding writing as Joss Stirling on https://goldinggateway.com.</p> <p>Other key books mentioned: John Masefield The Box of Delights Lucy M Boston The Children of Green Knowe</p>

<p>Oxford is a story hotspot so it is wonderful that there is a Story Museum in the city. Julia Golding is joined in this week's episode by the director of the museum, Caroline Jones, to hear the tale of how the museum came to be. From medieval monks in the basement to telephonists in the halls, the space has had an eventful history. Caroline takes you on an imaginary tour and we call in on Narnia and His Dark Materials in the exhibition space, ending up in the cafe. Caroline also talks about making the story museum reflect the diverse populations of the city through oral storytelling, as well as featuring new writers as they come along. To conclude, Caroline and Julia pick their favorite fantasy museum. If you'd like to find out more visit https://www.storymuseum.org.uk</p>

<p>Today Julia is joined by Nariel, a representative of the minority language community of Elfdalian. Nariel, who recently completed our Online Fantasy Course, has put all of us right about some misconceptions about Nordic culture so we invited her to share her story on the podcast. In early 2021 the European Council declared Elfdalian a minority language that should be protected and urged Sweden to do the same, but Sweden has so far been silent on the topic. It is older than English! Have a listen and find out about the origin of wargs and Gandalf. And just who really is a Viking? What fake symbols have seeped into Western culture to represent Vikings? Don't pass up this chance to listen to a lady who writes her shopping list in runes because it is quicker! We love Nariel's insight into the worlds that inspired Tolkien and hope you do too. If you want to find out more, you can visit http://www.ulumdalska.se/</p>

<p>What else is there to listen to beyond Andy Serkis' reading of The Lord of the Rings? Julia Golding takes us on a tour of the main audiobooks of Tolkien's works, first of all calling in on The Hobbit and then going to the Unfinished Tales and other works. Where can you find Saruman (aka Christopher Lee) as your reader? Or Sir Derek Jacobi? Did you know Brian Blessed, your favourite 'shouty' actor (Gordon's alive!), also took a role. The BBC Radiophonic Workshop, famous for the Doctor Who theme, also gets involved. Hats off to the father and son duo, Timothy and Sam West, for their reading of the works edited by Christopher Tolkien, making a really enjoyable listening experience. And who comes away with the prize for the best audiobook? Well, Julia admits to a childhood crush on the actor so listen to find out! You will also find out where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to be a singer.</p>

<p>Are you a re-reader of your favourite fantasy books? Join Julia Golding as she recalls the first time through the wardrobe and into Middle-earth. This leads to thoughts on the power of fantasy and why some dislike it. She goes on to look at Margaret Atwood, Terry Pratchett, and others as they defend the genre. Next is a deep-dive into why LotR in particular works as a book to return to again and again, then take a little side journey with the Equal Opportunities Commission... She ends by deciding where is the best place in fantasy to be a woman.</p>

<p>In today’s episode, Julia Golding is joined by Lisa Coutras, author of Tolkien’s Theology of Beauty: Majesty, Splendor, and Transcendence in Middle-earth. Lisa is a theologian with an interest in beauty as it appears in the works of Tolkien. We discuss how this quality underpins his world, a reflection of the values of his Catholic faith but written so as to be accessible to all as it is not narrowly allegorical or theological. For Tolkien, true beauty was the radiance of God’s glory so we discuss where this is seen in The Silmarillion, and in the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Lisa explains how the first is from the elven perspective where the gods are much more present, whereas the last two are from the Hobbit’s eye view and Providence is less obvious but still infused in the world. At the end, in Lisa’s honour, we ask, where in what fantasy world is the best place for transcendent beauty?</p>

<p>Ever wondered about the link between fantasy writers like Tolkien and the multitude of subcultures they inspired, from Dungeons and Dragons to LARPing, and video gaming. In this episode, we discuss these worlds with special guest Ethan Gilsdorf, author of Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks. We discuss Ethan’s quest to rediscover the world that enchanted his teenage self before such things became ‘cool’. He explains exactly what D&D is and how the game sits alongside fantasy fiction both influenced and influencing. We discuss his visits to LARP (Live Action Role Play) camps and conventions, and the limitations and possibilities of video games. We dig into some of the possible negatives and positives of a role-playing habit and what it might have to teach people IRL (in real life). And finally, we pick where is the best fantasy world to be a geek. There’s a surprise revelation as to who is the Shire’s geek so stick around for that!</p>

<p>What was it like to be behind the scenes as the very first Star Wars films were made? What was it like to be in the room to hear John Williams' soundtrack for the first time? What were the differences working with George Lucas and James Cameron (Avatar)? And what Starwars memorabilia has our special guest got saved up for his retirement - and on which planet will that be? In this special edition of Mythmakers with a friend of the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, Joe Gallagher, we discuss the last half-century of filmmaking, with a focus on fantasy films. Joe, who held senior positions at ILM (George Lucas' special effects workshop), Fox studios and also worked for Universal, was there for many of the major films from Starwars to Avatar via Alien. We discuss the role of creatives in the industry, the evolution of special effects, and whether anything is now unfilmable. Watch out for his tips as to what studios are looking for in a script and his advice for those wishing to break into the industry. </p> <h1>Starwars #Wookie #Alien #Avatar</h1>

<p>Do you not know who Prince Imrahil is? Or Erkenbrand? Then you've seen the film but not read the book. In this episode, we talk about why you really must go back to the book to get the war. Do you have views on what has been left out by the film adaptation of LotR? Starting with the fine details left out of the Peter Jackson movies, we visit our favourite missing characters - Erkenbrand, the Grey Company, Beregond and Bergil, Prince Imrahil. Tolkien deserves to be taken seriously as a war writer so we compared him with previous war writers, ranging from Tolstoy, Thackeray to Shakespeare, then put him alongside his contemporaries, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, the war poets, Cecil Lewis, etc. plus a visit to a modern writer, Tamora Pierce who remembers the human cost in the shape of displaced people and refugees. Also mentioned or quoted are John Garth, Tolkien and the Great War, and Joseph Loconte, A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War.</p>

<p>Big news for Tolkien fans is Andy Serkis has just released with Harper Collins and on Audible an unabridged version of The Lord of the Rings. In this episode, Juia Golding reviews the recording, comparing it to the BBC dramatised version (1981) and the Robert Inglis reading (1990). Which has the best songs? Who dares to dip into the appendices? Is there a rival to Andy's Gollum? Julia concludes with recommendations as to which might suit you and your listening needs.</p> <p>Visit <a href="https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/">https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/</a> for more information and resources.</p>

<p>Julia Golding is joined by Ed Saunders, fantasy enthusiast, to discuss the recent big fantasy adaptations. What did The Witcher get right in its first series, what did The Mandalorian excel at, and where did Game of Thrones go wrong with the last season's story arc after a strong start. Is having a lockdown secret script a problem for creatives when it comes to testing story instincts? How are the writers going to climb the Everest that is the Amazon Prime Tolkien series? (Good luck guys!) In the final section, we pick our favourite bar or tavern in a fantasy universe. </p>

<p>Excited for the Tolkien TV series made by Amazon Prime? Content remains secret but we know that it is to be set in the Second Age, the time of the forging of the Rings of Power and Numenor. In the first livestream from the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, we take a look at the possibilities, offering a one-stop guide to what you might want to know. Join writers, Julia Golding and Paula Kalamaras, and filmmaker, Tai Truesdell, as they discuss what sources the programme makers can draw on, the main storylines, and what options are available to the screenwriters. The big question they attempt to answer is ‘what would a writer make of this material and what problems will they face?</p> <p>Inspired by the idea of writing a series like this? We'd love to see you join in one of our writing courses. You can find out more and sign up today here. You can find out more and sign up today here: http://go.projectnorthmoor.org/onlinecourse The next course begins on 5th October.</p>

<p>One of the biggest fantasy worlds of modern times is the Marvel universe. Julia is in conversation with Ed Saunders, tracing the origins of the MCU in comics and latterly in films. We find out what the Marvel method is and how some creatives flourish while others struggle. Enjoy our deep dive into the strong currents of the fluctuating fortunes of the company, including the phase when they sold all their best properties and had to resort to the B team which included such also rans as Iron Man. And look how that turned out! We go on to discuss the thorny issues of representation of women and non-white heroes, before taking a look at where it is going next. In the final section, we discuss which is the best comic book city to visit and what insurance premiums must be like in the Avengers' New York.</p> <p>This podcast is brought to you by The Oxford Center for Fantasy, visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org for more information.</p>

<p>Today Julia Golding is joined by Matt Fox, creator of the Magic of Middle Earth exhibition currently showing at the Willis Museum, Basingstoke, Hampshire, open until 16 October. Matt's an avid collector of Tolkien-related artifacts. Hear about his huge collection, from artworks to bigatures, how he has recreated the Battle for Helm's Deep, and the chance for you to channel your inner hobbit for a selfie on his bar stool. We discuss what collecting has taught Matt about Tolkien and why is this is different from the world of sci-fi memorabilia collecting. What's the most collectible Tolkien toy prior to the Peter Jackson films? And in the most surprising turn in the conversation, find out about Smaug's missing legs! The exhibition is due to go on tour. You can get in touch with Matt and his collection on </p> <p>https://www.facebook.com/TheMagicOfMiddleEarth https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/magic-middle-earth http://www.brothershildebrandt.com</p>

<p>There are many experts on the Inklings but there are still lots you might not know about how they lived in their home of Oxford. Julia Golding challenges some myths and makes some new ones about Tolkien and Lewis, and their experiences here. Was the Eagle and Child Pub where Narnia and The Lord of the Rings was first read aloud - or was that somewhere else? What's the mental geography of Oxford for someone who lives here long-term? Find out about Oxford as a place for military training for both writers and the surprising role of Wytham Woods. We jump from local ferries to sport to favorite trees - there's bound to be something in this that you didn't know and might find enriches your reading of their work. We go on to pick our favourite fantasy forest. Can you guess where it is?</p> <p>Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/mythmakers </p>

<p>Why is Oxford, England, such a fantasy hotspot? From Lewis Carroll to Philip Pullman, Diana Wynne-Jones to Deborah Harkness, it has inspired writers and is even the location for many fantasy stories. It is famously home of the Inklings whose leading figures, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, established two of the biggest fantasy worlds yet invented. So what's the secret? Is it the university with its exchange of ideas, the beautiful built environment and countryside, or a combination of factors that make it a place where fantasy seems possible? Step through the wardrobe to find out. Stay listening to find out the pick for the best library in a fantasy series. Let us know yours if you want to suggest another top fantasy destination for bookworms.</p> <p>Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/mythmakers</p>

<p>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</p>