Fantasy Genres Episodes

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to fly on dragonback?

A Sidecast Episode

A Sidecast Episode

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 Re...

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to fight the occult?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to be a zombie?

Once again, we have come to the end of another enthralling season of Mythmakers, we’ve embarked on many adventures spanning a variety of fantasy realms and topics, featuring some truly fascinating guests. On today’s wrap up episode, Julia Golding takes us on a journey through some of the most popular and thought-provoking moments of our seventh season. From cinematic battles in Rohan to the strange power of medieval book curses, and from Lewis’s medieval cosmos to the evolution of Tolkien’s poe...

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to stage a heist?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to be Robin Hood?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to go on a caravan holiday?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to be a horse lord?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place for fantasy island?

Today on Mythmakers we enter into the second part of our discussion of evil in fantasy stories, progressing on to contemporary fantasy stories, and beginning with Harry Potter. Who is the most interesting evil character in Rowling's world? See if you agree with Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker’s picks! The discussion moves on to mad scientists, space operas, Star Trek, Dr Who, and Star Wars. While we can't cover everything, we do hope that you enjoy this in-depth tour of fantasy evil! Take a lis...

Terry Pratchett famously said that “dark lords should be rationed” - but there is so much more to say about evil in fantasy than the cliche of the dark lord in a sinister tower at the bottom right of your map! On today’s episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker look at the philosophical underpinnings of evil, starting with the Inklings. Moving from a discussion of the importance of the Fall in C.S. Lewis, to the purgatorial world of choices in Charles Williams, we complete this pa...

What's all this fuss about romantasy? Accompany Julia Golding on today’s episode of Mythmakers on a quest for the origin of this sub-fantasy genre, and for the subsequent deep dive into Rebecca Yarros' breakout success: Fourth Wing. Can you find the recipe for a successful romantasy? Is it too late to join in the craze if you are a writer whose book fits in this genre? Listen now to find out! For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome...

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to be a minor character with a spin out series?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to go to a casino?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to go to a casino?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to be a vampire or werewolf?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to be small?

As our Readathon of The Hobbit drew to a close, we celebrated our journey to the Lonely Mountain and back again with a Hobbit Tea Party Livestream event! Julia Golding was joined by friend of the Centre, Jacob Rennaker, and participants of the Readathon as we discussed our favourite aspects of the book and tested our knowledge with a fun quiz. Listen in to learn our guests' unique points of view and to test out how well YOU know The Hobbit.

As King Charles III is crowned in the first coronation in most people's living memory, we take this opportunity to look at our top 10 fantasy royals. We trawl the world for the best examples - and even venture into outer space. Do you agree with our list? And what bone do we have to pick with Stephen Colbert? :) Have a listen and let us know if we've missed your favourite fantasy royal.

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to be a Jazz player?

Where in all the fantasy worlds is the best place to be a Jazz player?