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Artwork for Mythgard Academy

Mythgard Academy

Mythgard Institute
Till We Have Faces
Psyche
Orual
C.S. Lewis
Ungit
Bardia
The Fox
The Gods
CS Lewis
Texmoot
Temptations
Mythgard Academy
Love
Signum University
The House Of Ungit
Argon
Orwall
Judgment
Deadlands
Signum Collaboratory

Mythgard Academy aims to make engaging discussions of fantasy and science fiction literature free and open to everyone. The Mythgard Academy program features live discussions with Dr. Corey Olsen, The Tolkien Professor, and other experts on speculative fiction. Books are nominated and voted on by our supporters, and recordings are available for free via podcast and the Signum University YouTube ch... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes493Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksEducationArts

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Artwork for Mythgard Academy

Latest Episodes

Tonight we watch as Tolkien plays the retcon game in which he so delights with his favorite subject: language change!

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YouTube

Tonight we continue following the delightful, rambling unhurried ramblings of the aged Tolkien as he connects the First, Second, and Third Ages and its peoples.

Join us on the Signum University Discord server: discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

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YouTube

Join us tonight as we discuss the one simple trick for making Feanor your deadly enemy.

Join us on the Signum University Discord server: discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Support Mythgard Academy

Tonight we continue our delightful ramble through Tolkien's delighted ramble about the dwarves.

Join us on the Signum University Discord server: discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

Support Mythgard Academy

Key Facts

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Host

Corey Olsen
The Tolkien Professor and host of Mythgard Academy. Affiliated with Signum University and Mythgard Academy, he leads university‑level discussions on speculative fiction, with a focus on Tolkien and related lore.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 180 ratings
  • For Lifelong Learners

    This is a fabulous find. Prof. Olsen covers great books (mostly by Tolkien) from a college level, making for fascinating discussions.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jordan Upton
    United Statesa year ago
  • Consistently brilliant

    Been listening for years and years. No finer literary academic podcast of fiction, myth and fantasy exists. Dear listener, You have found your people. Welcome to the community.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DaveTheCrowe
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • An Unique and Remarkable Podcast

    From the beginning of podcasts, I’ve been an avid listener of history and literature podcasts. Recently discovered, this podcast stands out. It covers old and new favorites of mine, some of which I’ve read many times over the last 5 or 6 decades. It is not just a lecturer - indeed, Dr. Olsen presents as a student who is learning as one among many - but there are many present who questions and comments he reads with named voices. I myself have learned so much that is new and fresh and insightful.... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ken's
    United States5 years ago
  • Interesting lectures and discussions on literature

    Podcast Addict
    5
    fendeviper
    5 years ago
  • In-depth readings

    Dr. Olsen is a joy to listen to and study with. You’ll get more out of a book than you ever imagined possible. There’s a whole community of people who are as passionate about speculative fiction as I am, and it’s so cool.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Fang Aili
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A strong sense of community and collaborative learning around language and lore.
Scholarly, accessible and enthusiastic about Tolkien and related fiction.
The host makes university‑level literature discussions feel inviting and inclusive.
Content is deeply researched and thoughtful, with occasional notes on logistical announcements and community events.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#120
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#167
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#193
Denmark/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#197
Norway/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#232
Poland/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 13
Q: Do you believe there are positive examples of worship in Tolkien's works?
The speaker highlighted the Númenórean worship of Ilúvatar as one of the key examples of positive human worship practices in Tolkien's universe.
MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 13
Q: What do you think about Tolkien's use of the word "jealous" in the context of Numenor?
The speaker noted that Tolkien seemed to be using the word in a modern sense, unlike its traditional meaning which implies a protective nature over something one possesses.
MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 6
Q: How much time do we think Tolkien put into thinking about the narrative frame while writing?
The answer suggests that Tolkien probably put zero thought into the narrative frame while writing, indicating it was retroactively constructed.
MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 14
Q: What does Adso realize during his experience?
He realizes the intertwining of sexual desire with spiritual experience and questions the distinctions between them.
MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 16
Q: How do you tell the difference between lawful desire and communion with God vs. sinful concupiscence?
It's complicated and often intertwined, as seen through Adso's reflections and experiences.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mythgard Academy

What is Mythgard Academy about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Mythgard Academy delivers scholarly, lecture-style explorations of fantasy and science fiction literature, with a strong emphasis on Tolkien and related mythopoeic worlds. Episodes blend rigorous textual analysis, philology, and historical context, often featuring multiple contributors and live audience interactions. The show stands out for its university‑level rigor paired with an inviting community vibe, frequent references to appendices, linguistics, and world-building, and announcements of related events and educational initiatives. This combination makes it particularly appealing to fans who crave deep dives into language, lore, and literary craft, as well as to educators and students seeking thoughtful discussions beyond surface-level... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Mythgard Academy?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Mythgard Academy:

1. Mythgard's Exploring The Lord of the Rings
2. The Tolkien Professor
3. The Prancing Pony Podcast
4. The British History Podcast
5. The History of England

How many episodes of Mythgard Academy are there?

Mythgard Academy launched 7 years ago and published 493 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Mythgard Academy?

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