Podcast
Mythmakers
Hosted by Oxford Centre for Fantasy · EN
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!
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Were you a friend of Boromir? - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 4
3d ago00:43:40Tap to summarizeWe 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: Window on the West - An Unusual Chapter03:37 The Battle of Wits: Faramir's Interrogation Begins07:09 Characterizing Through Point of View: Frodo Under Pressure08:18 Were You a Friend of Boromir? The Pivotal Question12:50 Boromir Was My Brother: A Game-Changing Revelation14:11 The Poetic Vision: Boromir's Death as Anglo-Saxon Lament18:04 Faramir's Wisdom: Works of Art and Their Imprint22:27 The Detective at Work: Piecing Together Isildur's Bane25:07 Gandalf the Grey: Names and the Archives of Minas Tirith30:43 The Window on the West: A Vision of Beauty and Creativity35:39 Grace Before Meals: A Rare Religious Moment38:20 Springless Autumn: Gondor's Decline and Lost Hope41:23 The Moment of Choice: Faramir Resists the Ring42:31 Conclusion: The Highest Quality and Return to the JourneyFor 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/websiteInstagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/InstagramFacebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/FacebookTikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok
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The Rainshadow Orphans: Naomi Ishiguro and Anime Inspired Fantasy
1w ago00:52:13Tap to summarizeWe were delighted to welcome Naomi Ishiguro to the podcast to discuss the first book in her new trilogy, The Rainshadow Orphans. Her world is inspired by Japanese culture, involving three brave young people, undocumented workers in a found family, the young son of the emperor, and the outsider who has become mixed up with a terrifying gang. Although written as an adult novel, Naomi explains how the students she once taught at high school were also very much in her mind while writing. The conversation ranges from how to create characters, plot and stylistic choices, via anime and snacks. We end with a flight on dragonback. To order your own copy of The Rainshadow Orphans, visit:For UK readers: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-rainshadow-orphans/naomi-ishiguro/9781398562400 For US readers: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rainshadow-orphans-naomi-ishiguro/1148779915(00:00) Introducing Naomi Ishiguro and The Rain Shadow Orphans(01:14) Childhood Stories, Disney Animation, and a Love of Fantasy(05:17) What Readers Can Expect from The Rain Shadow Orphans(07:47) Space, Belonging, and the Politics of the Island(11:16) Writing After the Pandemic and Finding a New Creative Direction(13:47) Building an Anime-Inspired Fantasy World(18:45) Eastern Dragons, Weather Magic, and Representation(21:40) The Main Characters and the Heart of Found Family(30:28) Discovering Plot, Structure, Drama, and Shakespearean Influence(45:00) Snacks, Comfort, Dragon Travel, and Final ReflectionsFor 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
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Something Hot Out of the Pot - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 4 Ch 4
2w ago00:42:01Tap to summarizeWe 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.(00:35) Introducing “Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit”(02:40) Turning Away from the Black Gate(06:50) Entering Ithilien and the Return of Hope(10:40) Ruins, Lost Landscapes, and Tolkien’s Sense of History(12:20) Ithilien as Tolkien’s Poetic Garden(17:20) Sam’s Hunger and the Comic Relief of Cooking(19:00) Sam’s Love for Frodo(20:10) Rabbits, Hobbit Culture, and Sam’s Travelling Kitchen(22:00) Gollum, Potatoes, and the Clash of Tastes(26:00) The Cooking Fire and the Arrival of Faramir’s Men(31:00) Faramir, Boromir, and the Hidden Rangers of Gondor(36:30) The Skirmish in Ithilien and Sam’s First Sight of an Oliphaunt(42:30) Wonder, Danger, and the Chapter’s Lasting CharmFor 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
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The Best Fantasy Books of the 1990s
3w ago00:31:07Tap to summarizeWhat an extraordinary decade for fantasy! In the first instalment of a decade by decade look at fantasy publishing, in this episode Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker begin with a period that gave us countless instant classics. Each shares their top three picks—will you agree with their choices? Tune in to find out!(00:04) Revisiting the Fantasy Reads of the 1990s(02:31) Major Fantasy Titles of the Decade(05:28) Adding Game of Thrones and Good Omens to the List(07:51) Defining “Best” as Books Worth Returning To(09:19) Jacob’s Number Three: Star Wars and Heir to the Empire(12:03) Julia’s Number Three: J.D. Robb’s In Death Series(15:07) Jacob’s Number Two: Northern Lights / The Golden Compass(19:34) Julia’s Number Two: Garth Nix’s Sabriel(23:36) Why Harry Potter Tops Both Lists(28:54) Final Rankings and an Invitation to ListenersFor 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
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Galahad and the Grail: Malcolm Guite Is on a Quest
May 700:51:16Tap to summarizeToday’s guest on Mythmakers is the wonderful Malcolm Guite—poet, priest, literary critic, and so much more. He had been lured on a quest to tell his Arthurian epic in ballad form and has published the first volume, Galahad and the Grail, which takes us straight to the heart of the matter of Arthur.Listen as he joins Julia Golding to discuss how and why he set out on this journey, his plans moving forward, and the authors who have accompanied and inspired him along the way as he seeks to revive this timeless cycle of stories for our current age. Stay tuned to hear where you might best embark on your own Grail quest in other fantasy worlds—and where it might not go quite to plan.Follow along with more of Malcolm’s riveting adventures over at his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/@malcolmguitespell?si=o-Tw3IOrr2CKWIWp and learn more about his works at https://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/ (00:00) Introduction to Malcolm Guite and Galahad and the Grail(01:23) How Arthur Called Malcolm to “Take Up the Tale”(04:36) The Ballad Tradition and the Influence of Chesterton(05:34) Why Malcolm Chose Poetry for an Arthurian Epic(10:48) Literary Echoes, Influence, and Creative Collaboration(15:57) Dandrene, Lucy, and the Spiritual Imagination of C.S. Lewis(20:56) Galahad, Jeopardy, and the Challenge of the Perfect Knight(26:27) The Grail, Communion, and Charles Williams’ Influence(31:28) Why the Ballad Form Works for Enchantment(35:23) Dandrene, Women’s Wisdom, and Creation as God’s Word(38:40) Why the Epic Begins with the Grail Quest(41:20) What Comes Next in Malcolm’s Arthurian Cycle(43:33) Where Else Could a Grail Quest Belong?(48:16) Where to Find Galahad and the Grail(49:23) Looking Ahead to The Coming of Arthur and Future VolumesFor 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
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Nursery Toys, Their Fantastical Journeys and Which Is the Best Cinematic Universe
Apr 3000:57:52Tap to summarizeWith 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: Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok
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Casting, Colbert and Contracts: Big News of Lotr Films and the Best Way to Get a Book Contract
Apr 2301:09:39Tap to summarizeIn 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 NextFor 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
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The Call: Peadar Ó Guilín, Irish Fantasy and the Nature of Fairy Stories
Apr 1600:37:56Tap to summarizeIreland is one of the world’s greatest fantasy hot spots. Join Irish fantasy writer Peadar Ó Guilín and Julia Golding as they embark on an exploration of Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition and its influence on Peadar’s work.Discover how ancient tales of invasion gave rise to the Sidhe, and why the folk of the Mounds have it in for us. The Call features a brutal competition where they get their revenge—what might that tell us about the world Peadar grew up in and the themes emerging from his work? The conversation turns to The Sword Garden, his new book, which takes inspiration from Irish legend to begin a new tale of sci-fi fantasy world collisions. Be sure to stay to the end to hear Peadar and Julia pick the best place to take part in a magical contest—though most may be best avoided for health and safety reasons…To dive deeper into Peadar’s various works, visit https://www.peadar.org/(00:00) Introduction and Guest Overview(01:40) Language Evolution and Writing Systems(04:00) Ireland’s Influence on Fantasy Storytelling(06:00) Reimagining Fairies: The Aas Sídhe Explained(07:40) Irish Mythology and the Book of Invasions(11:40) Themes of History, Class, and Conflict in Fantasy(15:50) Irish Folklore Traditions and Story Cycles(18:20) Local Legends and Landscape-Based Storytelling(21:00) Stereotypes of Irish Writers and Global Perception(23:00) Preserving Folklore: Monks, Records, and Oral History(29:20) Tolkien, Fairy Stories, and Audience Perception(34:40) Favourite Fantasy Worlds and Final ReflectionsFor 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
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Notorious Virtues: Alwyn Hamilton and a 1920s Heiress Fantasy
Apr 900:39:46Tap to summarizeToday 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. Together, they explore the challenges of writing with multiple points of view and reflect on what the 1920s can reveal about our own moment in time. Discover Alwyn’s recommendations for recent fantasy titles as the conversation turns to magic systems, before finally ending on a lighter note—join the debate as to which fantasy world would host the most stylish party. Tune in to see if you agree with their pick!Discover more of Alwyn's works, and follow her social accounts, at https://www.alwynhamilton.com/ (00:04) Introduction to Alwyn Hamilton and Her Work(03:08) Harry Potter and Shared Reading Experiences(04:34) Removing Parents in Children’s Stories(05:08) Introducing The Notorious Virtues(08:00) Reversing Tropes and Exploring Adoption Narratives(11:00) Challenging Characters Through Unfamiliar Virtues(12:20) The 1920s Setting and Historical Influences(14:20) Wealth, Power, and Generational Control(18:00) Balancing Character Perspectives and Storylines(21:00) The Bodyguards and the Cost of Loyalty(24:30) Wealth Inequality and Social Commentary in Fantasy(28:00) Creation Myths and Magic as Currency(29:30) Influential Fantasy Magic Systems and Final ThoughtsFor 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
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Mammoth Rider: SJ Poyton's Long Road to Publishing
Apr 200:29:19Tap to summarizeHere’s a story that will encourage many of our listeners: SJ Poyton’s epic journey to publication has spanned nearly 20 years, and her perseverance has paid off with the release of her sci-fi children’s novel, Mammoth Rider. Think Jurassic Park, but much more plausible.In this episode, SJ and Julia Golding sit down to discuss the environmental themes behind the book, as well as the importance of including neurodiverse characters in a way that portrays their unique minds as simply being part of who they are, and even as a part of their gifts. SJ and Julia go on to decide how one should name a mammoth, before speculating about which mythical creature they would wish to introduce into the real world.To learn more about SJ, and to order your own copy of Mammoth Rider, visit https://www.sjpoyton.com/ (00:04) Introduction to SJ Poyton and Mammoth Rider(00:47) A 19-Year Journey to Publication(04:35) What Mammoth Rider Is About(06:56) How Mammoths Could Help Fight Climate Change(09:05) Greenland, Nyala, and the White Mammoth(12:15) Neurodiversity in the Book and in SJ’s Life(17:10) Dyslexia Representation in Fantasy(21:01) Writing the Sequel to Mammoth Rider(26:08) Science Notes, Ethics, and Questions for Readers(26:56) Which Fantasy Creature Would You Bring Back?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
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