Damien Walter

Join history teacher Stefan Sasse, who specializes in fascism, and journalist Damien G. Walter as they delve into the unsettling connections between fantasy worlds and authoritarianism. They discuss how 'Star Wars' reflects ideological threats and the moral complexities of the Jedi. Exploring 'Game of Thrones,' they analyze Daenerys’ fall from heroism to tyranny. The conversation also critiques superhero narratives and their ties to fascist themes, underscoring the urgent need for critical engagement with power and storytelling in both fantasy and reality.

In this discussion, Damien Walter, a storytelling expert, examines the search for a new mythos in 21st-century narratives, contrasting classic hero tales with modern storytelling challenges. He emphasizes the need for a generative arena to revitalize liberal narratives and explore the complexities of heroism. Alongside a fellow speaker, they delve into the dark costs of heroism, the paradoxes of modern liberalism, and the impact of societal changes on narrative structures, ultimately calling for a richer exploration of identity and community in today's tales.

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.