Mythmakers

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

Today we're re-releasing one of our most popular podcasts! 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. Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/mythmakers

Who are our mythmakers in fantasy and sci-fi? In a new thread to this podcast, Julia Golding highlights her 'must-read' picks from the fantasy greats. Find out the reasons why you should try Frankenstein (1818) - the novel rather than any of the spin-off films you might've seen. Hear about the structure, the ideas, the state of science in the 1810s, the politics of rights - and so much more that have a really modern relevance. Let us know your picks for fantasy must-reads. Julia ends with choosing the best place to be a scientist in all fantasy worlds - see if you agree! Visit http://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org for great gift items, event information, and sign up for our newsletter for super surprises!

What's wrong and right so far in the Rings of Power? Are you enjoying the new series? Julia Golding checks in at halfway to discuss what's going on in the programme. What's annoying Tolkien purists? What shout-outs and praise can we give? Setting aside whether or not it sticks to Tolkien, how does it do as a piece of writing? Find out what's going on in the costume department - shoulders and skirts are an issue! Have a listen, see if you agree, and let us know your views. We end with where's the best place to be a weaver. Visit http://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org for great gift items, event information, and sign up for our newsletter for super surprises!

In Part Two, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker tackle the Second and Third Age, linking it to The Lord of the Rings and The Rings of Power. Jacob also recommends these web resources for readers wanting an even deeper dive. https://tolkienprofessor.com/lectures/courses/silmarillion-seminar/ https://theprancingponypodcast.com/category/podcast-episodes/the-silmarillion/ Visit http://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org for great gift items, event information, and sign up for our newsletter for super surprises!

This autumn/fall we are going to tackle The Silmarillion in our next readathon (visit http://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org for info!). Many readers who come to it from The Lord of the Rings find it a daunting book to get through. Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker take you through what you can find in The Silmarillion, signposting those parts which link to the stories you might be following, such as LotR and The Rings of Power. They suggest which parts might appeal most to a first-time reader and give tips on how to read it. In part one they discuss creation and the First Age. Visit http://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org for great gift items, event information, and sign up for our newsletter for super surprises!

Come to our book launch celebration for James Nicol The Spell Tailors https://jamesnicolbooks.com A fun part of our online courses is that you get to be friends with fantasy writers who are publishing in today's market. We celebrate the arrival of the next book from one of our tutors - James Nicol. Listen to how he was inspired by the secret content of biscuit boxes and developed an original line of magic as a result. You can also hear his journey to being a writer and his process. Where in all the fantasy worlds do you think is the best place to be a tailor? Visit http://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org for great gift items, event information, and sign up for our newsletter for super surprises!

Join us for our first reactions to the Amazon Prime The Rings of Power series. It's useful to orientate ourselves at the start of a series so Julia Golding takes us through what the four ages of Tolkien and where the Second Age fits. She then outlines the headline differences between the Tolkien material and how they've adapted it - suited to a general listener. Next, we go on to our discussion under three main headings of story, performance and creative realisation. Stay tuned for our rating. And to neatly sum up, we conclude that the dwarves are Scottish, the hobbits Irish, the elves Welsh, the Men English, and the money...American. If you want to join one of our Inklings groups, please check out our courses at https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org - Next online course starts in October.

We will know very soon what choices the showrunners for the upcoming Amazon series Rings of Power have taken but let's look at what we can glean about the story choices already. How do you cope with such a big gap in the timeline? Do you know your Celebrimbors from your Ar Pharazons - and what has Sauron got to do with it all? What about the featured characters - how do they relate to the original material? Julia Golding looks at the story patterns and the character arcs and makes some predictions. Find out if you agree - and if she gets it right!

What are the myths and legends of the place where you live? Julia Golding meets Claire Fayers, author and reteller of Welsh myths and legends, also a tutor on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy Novel-in-a-Year course. Claire tells us about dragons and tappers in mines, as well as the stories that grow up about local landmarks. It is a process that can be seen even within a generation. Where does the dragon on the Welsh flag come from? Are Welsh dragons nasty or nice? Claire talks about using local stories to inspire new writing, making sequels. We also hear about Claire's journey to being a writer and tips on entering competitions for that first contract. To conclude, Claire and Julia discuss the best place in fantasy to be a miner. Where would you pick? You can find out more about Claire's books here http://clairefayers.com