Mythmakers

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

Welcome to the Mythmakers Season 3 premiere! Please share and tell a friend...we're so glad you're along for the journey! 22nd January ushers in the Year of the Rabbit. In this podcast, Julia and Jacob discuss rabbits in fantasy. Why are there more hares than rabbits? Who is the White Rabbit? Should you eat a rabbit in Narnia (if it doesn't talk)? We go from Beatrix Potter to Bugs Bunny - see if we missed any of your favourites. And find out which story we think is Rabbit Armageddon! Stick around for our top fantasy tips on what to watch or listen to. Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org for more fun, our shop, and our online courses!

In September we will be commemorating 50 years since the death of Tolkien. In this episode Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker look at the changing fortunes of Tolkien's reputation from that decade through to the present. They look at academic assessment, the influence on books and the world of visual media, films, TV and games. Where next for our favourite professor? Be sure to visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/ for more fantasy themed fun!

We need to talk about...orcs. Where do they come from? Are they ruined elves, or something else? What is the history of Tolkien's own thoughts on the subject? Are they problematic, associated with a form of racism current in mid-20th century, or is CS Lewis' defence of Tolkien's shades of grey in his morality right? If you want to understand more about these key characters in Tolkien's world, or even put your own point of view across in (politely phrased) comments, have a listen to Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker as they do a deep dive into the dark underworld of orcs. Show Notes: Episode Tweet: Discover the origins of orcs in Tolkien's world and explore the complexity of orc characters in fantasy literature and film with this special episode of the podcast! #Orcs #Tolkien #Fantasy #Literature #Film #OxfordCenter Chapters: (0:50:29) - Discover Fantasy With Oxford Center (0:00:04) - Exploring the Origins of Orcs (0:17:30) - Orcs in Tolkien's Writing (0:30:09) - Exploring the Complexity of Orc Characters (0:44:55) - Exploring the Problem of Orcs Chapter Summaries: (0:50:29) - Discover Fantasy With Oxford Center (0 Minutes) This podcast episode is brought to you by the Oxford Center for Fantasy. Learn more about what they offer, including online courses and in-person stays in Oxford, plus their shop for great gifts. Tell a friend and subscribe to the podcast to keep up with all the latest content' (0:00:04) - Exploring the Origins of Orcs (17 Minutes) Myth Makers' examines the origins of the word 'orc' and explores the complexities of the creatures in Tolkien's world. Tolkien's earliest conceptions of orcs were that they were created from stone, granite, heat and slime. Later, Tolkien explored the idea that orcs were created by Melkor in mockery of the Elves and as a corruption of their existing life. The discussion also covered potential reproduction methods and lifespans of orcs. Finally, Tolkien's musings on the sentience of orcs were discussed. (0:17:30) - Orcs in Tolkien's Writing (13 Minutes) Lord of the Rings' provides an interesting look into the politics of the world of Octom, with its divisions between the Urokai and original flavor Orks, and the tension between them. It is important to consider CS Lewis' view of the story, which acknowledges the complexity of the characters, rather than viewing them in a black and white way. The danger of associating Orcs with real world contexts is that it can lead to the dehumanization of people, which is what the Nazis did. It is important to check what we are doing with Orcs, to ensure that this does not happen. (0:30:09) - Exploring the Complexity of Orc Characters (15 Minutes) Orcs' was discussed, looking at how they are portrayed in fantasy worlds and how they have been characterized in literature and film. The conversation touched on the racial and classist aspects of Tolkien's work, with orcs speaking in a 'working class commander's dialect'. In the Rings of Power version, there is a spoiled elf who stands up for the orcs and raises moral questions about the difference between orcs and elves. The discussion then moved to the Hobbit films and their structural problems, and the character Adar in the TV series. (0:44:55) - Exploring the Problem of Orcs (5 Minutes) This conversation focused on the topic of Orcs, with a discussion of their presence in Middle Earth and the old English Ork. The importance of rationing the number of villains in a world was highlighted, and a tip was given on how to write villains in a modern vein. The conversation concluded with a special tip from the speaker on how to appreciate the musical setting of the Lord of the Rings series, with a link to Bear McCreery's podcast series and accompanying English translations of Kuania and the Black Speech.

Listen to this past weekend's livestream hosted by Julia Golding and Tolkien experts Jacob Rennaker and Paula Kalamaras as they discuss the reaction to The Rings of Power series. We discussed various talking points and questions, including: What was the overall reaction to The Rings of Power? Was it worth watching/making? Did the creatives do a good job adapting the material they were given? And what do you think we'll see next season? Watch to see our reaction and review.

For more information visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org