JRR Tolkien Vs. Grimdark - Meaning And Nihilism In Fantasy With Damien Walter | EMP Podcast 106

Oct 31, 2022

Damien Walter, a writer and critic renowned for his insights on science fiction, joins to explore the depths of fantasy literature. They discuss the contrasting meanings in Tolkien's mythos versus contemporary nihilism, emphasizing the cultural implications of storytelling. The conversation touches on the psychological influence of heroic identities and the legacy of the 1960s counterculture on modern narratives. They also examine the evolving nature of escapism, myth, and the role of technology in shaping future storytelling.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

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The Power of Storytelling: Myths, Modernity, and Moral Depth

04:03 • 26min

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Cultural Echoes: The Legacy of the 1960s Counterculture

30:13 • 3min

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Christianity in Roman Society: Revolutionary Roots and Modern Parallels

33:21 • 10min

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Exploring Meaning in Fantasy: Tolkien vs. Contemporary Nihilism

42:56 • 3min

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The Psychological Importance of Heroic Identities

46:09 • 2min

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The Future of Storytelling: Tradition vs. Technology

48:00 • 29min

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Escapism and Myth in Fantasy Literature

01:16:42 • 30min

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The Philosophical Depths of Fantasy World Building

Published in 1949, 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' is a cautionary tale set in a future where the world is divided into three totalitarian super-states: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. The novel follows Winston Smith, a minor functionary in the Ministry of Truth in Oceania, who begins to question the all-pervasive authority of the Party and its leader, Big Brother. Winston's rebellion, fueled by his forbidden love affair with Julia and his interest in the mysterious Brotherhood, ultimately leads to his capture and brutal reeducation by the Thought Police. The novel explores themes of mass surveillance, censorship, and the manipulation of truth, serving as a powerful warning about the dangers of unaccountable governments and the erosion of individual freedom and dignity.

This graphic novel collects the backstories of the main characters from The Expanse, including James Holden, Naomi Nagata, Alex Kamal, Amos Burton, and Josephus Miller. The stories, created by James S.A. Corey but written by Hallie Lambert and Georgia Lee, and illustrated by Huang Danlan, provide insight into what led each character to join the crew of the Canterbury. The collection follows the television series continuity and offers a compelling look at the characters' pasts, making it a must-read for fans of The Expanse.

A Song of Ice and Fire

George R.R. Martin

A Song of Ice and Fire is a series of high fantasy novels that takes place in a fictional world where seasons last for years. The story is set primarily in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and follows multiple plotlines, including a civil war for the Iron Throne among several competing families, the threat of the supernatural Others beyond the Wall, and the rise of dragons in the east. The series is known for its complex characters, intricate plots, and detailed world-building, drawing comparisons to J.R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.

The Wisdom of Crowds

Joe Abercrombie

In this conclusion to the Age of Madness trilogy, Joe Abercrombie depicts a world in the midst of the Great Change, where the Breakers and Burners have seized power, and the old order is being torn down. The story follows characters like Citizen Brock, Citizeness Savine, King Orso, and Rikke as they navigate the chaos, destruction, and political upheaval. The book explores themes of governance, survival, and the complexities of human behavior during times of revolution and societal collapse. Known for his vivid characterizations, dark humor, and intense action sequences, Abercrombie delivers a morally complex and gripping conclusion to the trilogy.

Chaos

Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties

Tom O’Neill

Dan Piepenbring

This book is the result of twenty years of meticulous research by Tom O'Neill, who questions the Helter Skelter scenario presented by Vincent Bugliosi. O'Neill's investigation delves into police carelessness, legal misconduct, and potential surveillance by intelligence agents. The book explores the connections between Charles Manson, Hollywood figures, and the CIA's mind-control experiments, presenting a complex and alternative view of the Manson murders and their place in American history.

The Dragon Bone Chair

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.

Conor O'Malley, a 13-year-old boy, is dealing with the impending loss of his mother to cancer. Each night at 12:07, a monster appears to him, telling three stories in exchange for Conor's own truth. The monster's tales challenge Conor's perceptions of right and wrong and help him confront his deepest fears and the reality of his mother's illness. The book is a powerful exploration of grief, loss, and the complexity of human emotions.

Check out our new 5 day online workshop: Return to Movement. Now on sale for just $27! https://learn.evolvemoveplay.com/return-to-movement55572232 ============ Hey YouTube, and welcome back to the Evolve Move Play Podcast! This year has been as busy as it’s been exciting. Between running the Embodied Movement Summit, three seasonal retreats, taking part in an upcoming documentary about John Vervaeke, and building a brand new online course and members area, it has left little room to focus on the podcast. The show will be getting back to a regular schedule soon, but today I wanted to just drop in, say hi and share an awesome conversation I had with writer, critic, and podcast host Damien Walter! I had a wonderful time talking with Damien about our views on meaning, nihilism, fiction and storytelling, and I hope to have him on the show again in the future. If you enjoy the conversation, be sure to leave a like, comment, and subscribe if you haven’t yet. Your support means the world to us! Thanks a lot and enjoy the show! ============ Learn More about Damien Walter Website: https://damiengwalter.com/ Podcast: https://damiengwalter.com/podcast/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/damiengwalter/

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