Fantasy Literature has emerged as one of the most important genres over the past few decades and now enjoys extraordinary levels of popularity. The impact of Tolkien’s Middle-earth works and the serialisation of George Martin’s ‘Game of Thrones’ books has moved these and their contemporaries into mainstream culture. As the popularity grows so does interest in the roots of fantasy, the main writers and themes, and how to approach these texts.
Oxford is a natural home to fantasy literature with those who worked or studied here having written so many famous and influential texts (e.g. Lewis Carroll (C. L. Dodgson), C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Susan Cooper, Diana Wynne Jones, Alan Garner, and Philip Pullman to name but a few) – leading to the notion of an ‘Oxford School of Fantasy’. These lectures, short talks, and interviews seek to take listeners into these works and these writers and beyond.
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[Artwork by Minjie Su.]
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Dr. Laura Varnam discusses J.R.R. Tolkien's deep connection to the Old English poem 'Beowulf,' focusing on his seminal lecture "Monsters and the Critics" which reframed the poem as a work of art. She explores how Tolkien's insights influenced his own creative works, like the dragon Smaug, and set the stage for modern interpretations. The talk highlights contrasting approaches from translators like Maria Headley, who offers a feminist re-reading of Grendel's mother, and Edwin Morgan, who emphasizes the poem's humane aspects and enduring relevance.
A talk by PhD candidate Grace Khuri, University of Oxford, on Tolkien's Elvish history and English 'mythology', as part of the Tolkien 50th Commemoration seminar series. A talk by PhD candidate Grace Khuri, University of Oxford, on Tolkien's Elvish history and English 'mythology'.. Part of the series to mark the 50th anniversary of Tolkien's death organised and hosted by Exeter College and the Faculty of English.
Professor Giuseppe Pezzini delves into the increasing recognition of classical reception in Tolkien's works, highlighting his extensive classical education and the explicit and implicit echoes of ancient Greek and Roman literature. The lecture centers on the "narrative of decline," tracing its origins from Hesiod's Ages of Man and Plato's Atlantis myth, and showcasing how Tolkien adapted this universal motif. Pezzini explains Tolkien's approach to myth-making as "rewriting" rather than mere adaptation, creating new embodiments of archetypal themes, and ultimately presenting a nuanced perspective on decline through the focalization of his Elvish characters while holding a more progressive personal view.
Audio only recording by Dr Michael Ward, Faculty of Theology, University of Oxford, as part of the Tolkien 50th Commemoration seminar series. [Audio only] Consideration of the climax to 'The Lord of the Rings' and in particular events at the Field of Cormallen. Part of the series to mark the 50th anniversary of Tolkien's death organised and hosted by Exeter College and the Faculty of English.
Dr. S. Lee explores the intricate creation of 'The Lord of the Rings,' revealing Tolkien's 17-year journey from initial idea to publication. The lecture details his unique writing methodology, characterized by constant revision and the story 'writing itself,' alongside his deep commitment to worldbuilding through languages and a cohesive mythology. It also examines the significant impact of his life experiences, such as the World Wars and his academic work in medieval literature, on the epic's themes and details.
Dr Caroline Batten and Dr Megan Cavell discuss fantastic animals in fantasy text Dr Caroline Batten and Dr Megan Cavell discuss fantastic animals in fantasy texts, from their classical origins to the modern day. Topics include medieval bestiaries, The Last Unicorn, dragons and their mothers, Donkey's romantic arc in Shrek, the queerness of Ursula the Sea Witch, and the monstrosity of gender.
Dr Caroline Batten chats with author Katherine Langrish about her book 'From Spare Oom to War Drobe' Dr Caroline Batten chats with author Katherine Langrish about her book 'From Spare Oom to War Drobe: Travels in Narnia with My Nine-Year-Old Self'. Topics include Plato, medieval romance, racism in fantasy, the importance of fanfiction, the problem of Susan, and The Pilgrim's Progress.
The discussion delves into the depiction of faith in fantasy literature, moving beyond mere religious systems to examine profound personal belief. It highlights James Islington's Licanius Trilogy and Tasha Suri's Realm of Ash as rare examples that seriously explore the power and interiority of faith, demonstrating its world-changing consequences. The episode contrasts these nuanced portrayals with more common, superficial treatments of religion in other fantasy works, arguing for the depth that genuine faith adds to fictional worlds.
A discussion of the writer Brian McClellan. A look at Brian McClellan, author of The Powder Mage trilogy. This talk is presented by Katherine Olley, JRF at Oxford.
A discussion of the influence of 'The Wind in the Willows' on fantasy writers - notably C. S. Lewis A discussion of the influence of 'The Wind in the Willows' on fantasy writers - notably C. S. Lewis. the talk is by Professor Simon Horobin, Magdalen College, Oxford.
Professor Simon Horobin guides listeners on a biographical tour of C.S. Lewis's Oxford, starting from Magdalen College, where Lewis spent nearly 30 years and the Inklings famously met. The tour visits significant sites like Addison's Walk, the East Gate Hotel, and the University Church, revealing connections to his personal life, academic journey, conversion to Christianity, and the inspirations behind Narnia. It also delves into his friendships, his marriage to Joy Davidson, and his eventual move to Cambridge, highlighting his enduring legacy in Oxford.
An interview with Rachael Marsay about the William Morris and E. R. Eddison collections at the Bodleian Library An interview with Rachael Marsay about the William Morris and E. R. Eddison collections at the Bodleian Library. This covers the illuminated manuscripts of Morris, and the letters, drafts, and juvenilia of Eddison. Rachael Marsay is the Roy Davids Archivist at the Bodleian Library, Oxford. l
An Interview with Elizabeth Knox, author of 'The Absolute Book' Carolyne Larrington interviews critically-acclaimed fantasy author Elizabeth Knox about The Absolute Book, arcane thrillers, fairy realms, dream visitations from Norse gods, and the merits of school stories.
Carolyne Larrington and Caroline Batten interview Rebecca F. Kuang. Carolyne Larrington and Caroline Batten interview Rebecca F. Kuang, award-winning fantasy author of the Poppy War trilogy and the forthcoming Babel: An Arcane History, about style, influence, responding to fantasy tropes, military strategy, and shamanism.
Dr. Laura Varnam delves into the powerful presence of dragons in imagination, from the Old English epic Beowulf to modern fantasy. She discusses J.R.R. Tolkien's ambivalent response to the Beowulf dragon, which inspired his iconic Smaug, and explores Maria Headley's radical feminist translation, which transforms the dragon into a powerful female warrior. The episode concludes with Varnam sharing her own original poems, offering new perspectives on the dragon's character and its hidden "word-hoard" of language.
Author Maria Dahvana Headley reads from her 2018 novel The Mere Wife, is interviewed by Prof. Carolyne Larrington, and shares drafts from her 2020 translation of Beowulf. This lecture was recorded live at St John’s College, Oxford in November 2018. Author Maria Dahvana Headley reads from her 2018 novel The Mere Wife, is interviewed by Prof. Carolyne Larrington, and shares drafts from her 2020 translation of Beowulf. This lecture was recorded live at St John’s College, Oxford in November 2018.
This episode introduces George MacDonald, the Victorian fantasist who profoundly influenced Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, and possibly Tolkien. It explores his spiritual journey away from Calvinism towards a faith valuing beauty and growth, and how these beliefs shaped his imaginative works. The discussion highlights his progressive family life, strong female characters, and lasting impact on fantasy literature.
A talk on Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods'. A talk by Professor Heather O'Donoghue, Lincoln College, Oxford on Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods' and in particular the relationship to Old Norse mythology, and the issues of immigration and modern-day America. Professor O'Donoghue is Professor of Old Norse and Vigfusson Rausing Reader in Ancient Icelandic Literature and Antiquities at the University of Oxford.
A short talk introducing Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels and how they reflect the modern University. A short talk introducing Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels and how they reflect the modern University, by Andrew Shamel, Chaplain of Lincoln College, Oxford.
A short talk on Susan Cooper. A short talk on Susan Cooper, whose children's fantasy literature books are often labelled as being part of the 'Oxford School'. The talk is by Tom Morcom, DPhil (Old Norse), Linacre College.
A short talk on Daoxuan and medieval Chinese fantasy. A short talk on Daoxuan and medieval Chinese fantasy by Nelson Landry, DPhil student at the Oriental Institute, University of Oxford.
Catherine McIlwaine, Tolkien Archivist at the Bodleian, delves into the creation and success of the 2018 "Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth" exhibition. She details the journey from a modest Hobbit display to a comprehensive retrospective, overcoming logistical hurdles like gallery space changes and visitor flow. The episode also covers the exhibition's record-breaking attendance, the unexpected emotional responses from visitors, the extensive outreach programs designed to attract new audiences, and her involvement in subsequent international touring exhibitions.
Catherine McIlwaine, Tolkien archivist, discusses her diverse duties, including cataloguing, researcher support, and copyright liaison. She details how the pandemic unexpectedly broadened outreach through new technologies. The episode also explores the fascinating history behind the division of Tolkien's manuscripts between Marquette University and the Bodleian Library, driven by Tolkien's financial needs and later family decisions, alongside the careful management of the archive's fragile artwork and restricted literary papers.
This lecture is an introduction to J.R.R. Tolkien's third major work, 'The Silmarillion' (1977), and considers its lengthy development in numerous prose and verse texts over fifty years. This lecture offers a guided tour through the development of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Silmarillion' corpus, inclusive of The Silmarillion (1977) and the earlier versions of the same work published in the History of Middle Earth series (1983-1996). The most mythological and magisterial of Tolkien's major works, the 1977...
Dr. Katherine Olley examines prosimetrum, an ancient literary form interspersing prose with poetry, and its enduring presence in modern fantasy. She discusses how authors like Tolkien and Guy Gavriel Kay utilize this technique for dramatic effect, lending authenticity, enhancing emotional impact, and subtly enriching worldbuilding and character development. The lecture also explores prosimetrum's contemporary use in fantasy adaptations, suggesting a continued dynamic future for this performative storytelling method.
A short introduction to the writer Guy Gavriel Kay. An introduction to the novels of Guy Gavriel Kay, examining his development as a writer from his early high fantasy roots to his later more historically-inspired novels. The talk discusses the dominant themes in Kay’s work, from his reflections on the retrospective construction of history to his enduring fascination with the power of art. Dr Katherine Marie Olley is the VH Galbraith Junior Research Fellow in Medieval Studies at St Hilda’s Colle...
Discover how J.R.R. Tolkien, a renowned scholar of medieval literature, drew inspiration from Beowulf to craft his memorable antagonists like Smaug and Sauron. The podcast delves into Tolkien's unique approach to representing evil, which combines physical presence with a spiritual dimension, a concept he admired and adapted from Beowulf's monsters. It also highlights Tolkien's critique of Beowulf's abstract dragon and how he rectified this by giving his own dragons rich, distinct personalities.
Carolyne Larrington introduces the writing of Sylvia Townsend Warner. Carolyne Larrington introduces the writing of Sylvia Townsend Warner whose first novel 'Lolly Willowes' (1926) is a feminist fantasy classic, and whose last collection of short stories, 'Kingdoms of Elphin' (1977) makes play with European fairy traditions. Townsend Warner has recently been rediscovered as one of the most important English women fantasy writers of the twentieth century.
A brief introduction to the writer Ursula K. Le Guin. Caroline Batten offers a basic introduction to author Ursula K. Le Guin's life, work, and lasting impact on the genres of fantasy and science fiction. This ten-minute lecture is based on a talk given at 'Here Be Dragons': The Oxford Fantasy Literature Summer School in 2018. Caroline Batten is a doctoral researcher in Old English and Old Norse literature at the University of Oxford. Her doctoral thesis is the first stylometric analysis of the ...
