Mythgard Academy

The Mythgard Academy lecture series focuses on novel-length books, with a weekly lecture over eight to ten weeks. However, as part of the Signum University Annual Fund Campaign the Halloween Extravaganza in 2015, Dr. Corey Olsen conducted a lecture on one of Tolkien’s shorter works: The Father Christmas Letters, a selection of letters Tolkien wrote to his children over a number of years. If you’ve never read or considered this short but imaginative book, this is your chance to delve into it. Mythgard Academy, the Simarillion Film Project, and other free events and series that we offer free to the public are funded by tax-deductible donations. Please consider donating by going to http://www.signumuniversity.org and clicking on the “Donate” link at the top of the fast links box.

As part of the Signum University Annual Fund Campaign in the fall of 2015, in this Mythgard Academy mini-class, Signum University President Dr. Corey Olsen discussed the story and themes of the episode "Blink" from Series 3 of Doctor Who. Later in the segment, he was joined by Signum students Katherine Sas and Curtis Weyant – of the Kat & Curt's TV Re-View podcast – to discuss how the episode fits more generally into the overall show. Mythgard Academy, the Simarillion Film Project, and other free events and series that we offer free to the public are funded by tax-deductible donations. Please consider donating by going to http://www.signumuniversity.org and clicking on the “Donate” link at the top of the fast links box.

The Adaptation of English Magic, Part 4

The Adaptation of English Magic, Part 3

The Adaptation of English Magic, Part 2

The Adaptation of English Magic, Part 1

The Return of English Magic

The King of English Magic

The Madness of English Magic

The Boundaries of English Magic

The Dispute over English Magic

The Digestion of English Magic: In Class 5, Jonathan Strange meets the emphatically practical Lord Wellington and performs questionable magic on the Iberian peninsula. We also discuss how Mr. Norrell shows his most endearing qualities just as he sinks to his most petty and selfish depths.

The Growth of English Magic: In week 4, we discuss the role of Vinculus and his book, and take a detailed look at his interactions with Childermass in the Tarot card reading episode. In addition, we are finally introduced to the eponymous Jonathan Strange and explore the odd presentation of his backstory via the perplexing tale of his father Lawrence Strange's vendetta against the servant Jeremy Johns.

The Emancipation of English Magic: In Class 3, we explore the role of the abolition movement and the theme of emancipation in the novel's subtext and in adding depth to the character of Stephen Black. We also take a look at the character and motivations of the Gentleman with the Thistle-down Hair, the resurrection of Lady Pole, and the prophecy given by street magician Vinculus.

Perspectives of English Magic: In week 2, we discuss the dramatic discrepancy between how London society actually views magic and how Mr. Norrell wishes them to see it. In doing so, we explore Mr. Norrell's first meetings with characters such as Mr. Drawlight, Sir Walter Pole, Captain Harcourt-Bruce, and the Gentleman with the Thistle-down Hair and their varied reactions to both Norrell and his proposed revival (or redefinition) of English magic.

The Discovery of English Magic: In the first class, we discuss the intricacy of Susanna Clarke's subcreation, examining how she creates the "impression of depth" through her fidelity to the style and tone of 19th century British literature and through the detailed presentation of a convincing alternative history. Special attention is paid to the book's presentation of magic, the treatment of Færie, and the introduction of the staid and miserly Mr. Norrell.

The Echoes of the Lays

The Great Escape

Dungeons and Great Doom

Release from Bondage