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Mythgard Academy

by Mythgard Institute

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 channel.

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Episodes

  1. MSA036: Phantastes, Session 9

    Tonight we return to our wanderer in Fairy-land as he continues detail the impact of the Shadow on his journey. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: / discord For more about Signum Fellowship, the home of Signum University's programs, events, and community, please visit...

  2. MSA036: Phantastes, Session 8

    Our peculiar protagonist has been reunited with his shadow -- just like Peter Pan, right? Or maybe not.

  3. MSA036: Phantastes, Session 7

    Our determined narrator meets both warm and cold welcomes in the forest of Fairyland. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: / discord

  4. MSA036: Phantastes, Session 6

    We return to our bumbling friend lost in Fairy Land and watch him make even more excellent decisions.

  5. MSA036: Phantastes, Session 5

    Join us tonight for a discussion of Chapters 5 and 6 of Phantastes, in which we learn all about what not to do in the forests of Fairyland. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  6. MSA036: Phantastes, Session 4

    Tonight we continue with Chapters 4 and 5 of Phantastes, in which our narrator meets women in the most unlikely places. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  7. MSA036: Phantastes, Session 2

    This evening we wander into Fairy Land, as the nocturnal visitor of the night before foretold. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  8. MSA036: Phantastes, Session 3

    Tonight we continue with Chapters 3 and 4 of Phantastes, and we meet all sorts of fairies, large and small. This is a restored recording from Twitch. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  9. MSA036: Phantastes, Session 1

    Tonight we begin our discussion of Phantastes, and we learn an important lesson: When you suddenly find yourself in Fairy-Land, just play it cool. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  10. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 29

    Tonight we come to the end of the entire History of Middle-earth! Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  11. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 28

    As we approach the very end of HoME, we look at two instances of Tolkien's story-genesis process: The New Shadow and Tal-Elmar. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  12. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 27

    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: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  13. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 26

    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: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  14. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 25

    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: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  15. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 24

    Tonight we watch new stories emerge and old stories float to the surface again as Tolkien wrestles with the explanation of names he finds himself stuck with. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  16. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 23

    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: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  17. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 22

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

  18. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 21

    Join us tonight as we discuss the one simple trick for making Feanor your deadly enemy. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  19. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 20

    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: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  20. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 19

    Tonight we continue our delightful ramble through Tolkien's delighted ramble about the dwarves. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  21. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 18

    Join Corey as he moves from Tolkien's tense and conflicted relationship with the Appendices to the spacious and relaxing world of the Late Writings. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  22. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 17

    This evening we come to the end of the account of the emergence of the Appendices, with a discussion of Rohan and the Dwarves. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  23. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 16

    Tonight we come to the story of the development of the last of the Appendices, also known as the first of the Appendices. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  24. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 15

    Tonight we will indulge ourselves by reveling in the Authorized Version of Appendix B! Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  25. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 14

    Tonight we look at the amazing Tale of Years for the 3rd Age. Appendix B as it should have been... Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  26. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 13

    Tonight we will see Tolkien's story forcibly shrinking and growing again as he connects Numenor to the Lord of the Rings. https://signumuniversity.org/news/annual-fundraising-campaign-2025/ Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  27. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 12

    Tonight we continue to look at the story of Numenor, which is trying to grow in uncongenial soil. https://signumuniversity.org/news/annual-fundraising-campaign-2025/ Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  28. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 11

    Join Corey tonight in posthumously assuring Christopher Tolkien that everything is okay, and we understand the difficulties he was operating under. https://signumuniversity.org/news/annual-fundraising-campaign-2025/ Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  29. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 10

    Tonight we turn to the formation of perhaps the most puzzling of the Appendices: Appendix D, on the Shire Calendar Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  30. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 9

    Tonight we share in Tolkien's delight in names by studying the growth of the hobbit family trees. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  31. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 8

    Word-count decreases while stress mounts in the continued revisions of what will be Appendix F. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  32. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 7

    Tonight we will see Tolkien most purely in his element, delighting in linguistic worldbuilding and applied philology. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  33. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 6

    Continuing our discussion of Tolkien's original Appendix draft, we will watch Tolkien's linguistic imagination operating on several levels at once.

  34. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 5

    In which we consider the directions in which the Appendix is developing as Tolkien discusses the Common Speech. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  35. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 4

    Tonight we watch the Appendices of the Lord of the Rings begin to unfold, and consider the relationship between language and history in Tolkien's creative process. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  36. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 3

    Tonight we discuss some extra Prologue material that eventually grew into Appendix F. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  37. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 2

    Tonight we discuss the development and nature of the Prologue to the LOTR. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  38. MSA035: The Peoples of Middle-earth, Session 1

    Tonight we begin our discussion of the final book in our decade-long study of the History of Middle-earth series! It is time for the Peoples of Middle-earth. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  39. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 27

    As we approach the end of our Name of the Rose discussion, we turn to the frame and the film adaptation. ntro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  40. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 26

    Tonight we draw towards the end of Adso's story. Intro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  41. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 25

    In which all that is hidden shall become known and that which is covered shall be revealed. Intro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv

  42. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 24

    It is time for the final confrontation, in which William almost misses his date with the murderer. Intro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our Annual...

  43. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 23

    As we draw ever closer to the end of the mystery and the identity of the Forbidden Book of Horrible Death, we will definitely not talk about Adso's dream. Intro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server:...

  44. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 22

    In Tonight's class, we return to Jorge's sermon and draw one step closer to the Day of the Wrath of the Lord. Intro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for…

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  45. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 21

    Following the inquisition, we relax with a nice sermon from Jorge, the prologue for yet another murder. Intro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our...

  46. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 19

    Adso witnesses an abstruse but heated debate, and then fails to witness another murder. Intro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising...

  47. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 20

    For a fun demonstration of the complexities involved in interpreting signs, let's watch the Inquisition in action! Intro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support...

  48. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 18

    Tonight, Adso reconsiders his love from an academic angle, and then a non-murder-mystery tragedy befalls. Intro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our...

  49. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 17

    Adso and William tame the labyrinth, but Adso's passion and confusion persist. Intro music: Gregorian Chant Kevin MacLeod ( http://incompetech.com/ ) Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign....

  50. MSA034: The Name of the Rose, Session 16

    In which Adso discovers love, sees a real Inquisitor in action, and begins to lose faith in his mentor. Join us on the Signum University Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/szXMFAv Thank you for your support for our Annual Fundraising Campaign. If you missed the campaign event broadcasts,...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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 channel.

HOSTED BY

Mythgard Institute

CATEGORIES

arts books education

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Mythgard Academy have?

Mythgard Academy currently has 508 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Mythgard Academy about?

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...

How often does Mythgard Academy release new episodes?

Mythgard Academy releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 508 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.

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Mythgard Academy is created and hosted by Mythgard Institute.
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