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Mythgard Academy

Mythgard Institute
The Name Of the Rose
Till We Have Faces
Psyche
Orual
Middle-Earth
Tolkien
C.S. Lewis
Heresy
The Lord Of the Rings
Signum University
The Peoples Of Middle-Earth
Umberto Eco
Ungit
Inquisition
Bardia
Language
Adso
Linguistics
Tolkien's Genealogies
Fantasy

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 monthlyEpisodes498Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationBooksArts

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Artwork for Mythgard Academy

Latest Episodes

After a brief look at Lembas, we will discuss the barely begun sequel to the Lord of the Rings.

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

Support Mythgard Academy

Tonight we look at some of Tolkien's late writings in which he boldly changes the history of Middle-earth.

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

Support Mythgard Academy

As we work through the last texts in the History of Middle-earth, we rejoin old friends Pengolod and Aelfwine for one last chat.

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

Support Mythgard Academy

Tonight we discuss the vicissitudes of the House of Finwe, discovering Tolkien's linguistic play and the emergence of unexpected stories.

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

Support Mythgard Academy

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Verlin Flieger
Tolkien scholar, reflecting on life and career and relationship with Tolkien
Signum University / Tolkien scholarship
Episode: MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 26

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 183 ratings
  • Good Content Poorly Produced

    The last few episodes just abruptly end in the middle of speaking.

    The episodes can go a month or more before being published, then several all at once.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    LostRanger000
    United States12 days ago
  • 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

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
#116
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#207
Russia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#219
Netherlands/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#238
Sweden/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

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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 Signum Scene
5. Today's Tolkien Times

How many episodes of Mythgard Academy are there?

Mythgard Academy launched 8 years ago and published 498 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Mythgard Academy?

Recent guests on Mythgard Academy include:

1. Verlin Flieger

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