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Mythmakers

Mythmakers

Written by: Oxford Centre for Fantasy
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About this listen

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!

2024
Art Philosophy Social Sciences
Episodes
  • A Most Unquenchable Hobbit! - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 3 Ch 11
    Feb 19 2026

    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:

    Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
    Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram
    Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook
    TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

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    39 mins
  • Love Is in the Air: Romance and Fantasy
    Feb 12 2026

    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:

    Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
    Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram
    Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook
    TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

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    18 mins
  • Come Back, Saruman! - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Bk 3 Ch 10
    Feb 5 2026

    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:

    Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
    Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram
    Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook
    TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
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