(Bonus) The Wheel of Ka: Episode One, The Gunslinger

“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed…” A simple sentence used to kick start Stephen King’s series The Dark Tower. In this bonus episode of the Midnight Myth, Derek and new guest co-host Steve do a deep dive into book one, The Gunslinger. From the slow muties, to weigh stations, and old time saloons on the edge of apocalypse playing “Hey Jude”, you don’t want to miss this palaver. Go on— and download, listen, share and review— as there are other worlds than these.

The Wheel of Ka is a new podcast mini-series from the Midnight Myth. Monthly installments feature book-by-book analysis of Stephen King’s epic fantasy series, The Dark Tower. Read along and join us for discussion.

Read Along with us

If you enjoyed this podcast, and want to read the series along with us, click the link below to grab the book. It’s an Amazon affiliate link, so purchasing through here will help support the podcast. Thanks for listening!

Episode 94B: Its Dull You Twit- New

The epic conclusion of our two-part podcast series on the legendary outlaw Robin Hood has arrived, and we’re picking up where we left off—with 1991’s Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. Kevin Costner’s very American take on the beloved hero is only one of the many compelling aspects of the film, which embodies the progressive spirit that’s infused the legend for nearly a millennia. Derek and Laurel discuss the movie’s historical context within the Crusades, its charms and missteps as pertains to its view of non-Western characters, and the dramatic techniques folded into the age-old story. Plenty of swashbuckling and praise for the immortal Alan Rickman’s dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is to be expected as well.

Sources

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Episode 94A: Locksley

We have all heard the stories, seen the movies, read the children’s books, about Medieval England’s daring outlaw, who steals from the rich to give to the poor. Join us for part one of a two episode series, as we discuss the folk origins of Robin Hood. From the beer guzzling Friar Tuck to the notorious Sheriff of Nottingham, Derek and Laurel explore the long history of this enigmatic folk hero. How did a few ballads and festivals of Medieval England become one of the most prolific heroes of all time? Head to Sherwood Forest, put on your green hoods, and notch an arrow as you don’t want to miss this stunning deep dive into this bonafide legend. 

Sources

Images are Amazon affiliate links, meaning if you buy the item through our link, a small percentage will go to the podcast. Thank you for your support!

Episode 93: I Defy You, Stars

Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us! To celebrate the spirit of the day of love, The Midnight Myth goes back to the middle ages and the Renaissance. That’s right, it’s a Shakespeare episode. We’re dishing up historical context and analysis for one of the most important pieces of literature ever written: Romeo & Juliet. An early work in the bard’s long line of tragedies, comedies, and histories, Romeo & Juliet can be viewed as the work that invented our modern understanding of love. And the poet himself may be the man who invented modern man. All this and more in a very special Midnight Myth episode for lovers, fools, poets, and madmen.

Sources

Images are Amazon affiliate links, meaning if you buy the item through our link, a small percentage will go to the podcast. Thank you for your support!

Boomerangerang: From Westeros to Essos

Winter is HERE, and we need a good laugh to get us through the long night. This week, on a special episode of the Midnight Myth, we’re hanging out in Westeros, pitting your favorite characters from Game ofThrones against each other in some surprising scenarios. Who will lead a better campaign for PTA president? Who will succeed at ASOIAF Jeopardy? These crazy questions and more as we get to the heart of characters like Khal Drogo, Hot Pie, and Olenna Tyrell. It’s a Polar Vortex Boomerangerang.

Episode 92: The Bear and the Maiden Fair

Winter has finally come in the Northern United States, so what better time to revisit HBO’s Game of Thrones with a study of one of the most complex characters hailing from the North. This week, we’re talking about Ser Jorah Mormont, disgraced son of the Old Bear, advisor to the Dragon Queen, and a fascinating model for knightly codes of honor. We’ll go back to the history of chivalry, its imprint on literature through Arthurian Romance, and where this medieval system intersects with Jorah. We’ll also discuss the role of romantic love in the world of Westeros, and unpack the complicated questions of Jorah’s past romances, his desire for Daenerys, and the ultimate impact of his love.

Read the companion blog post, Jon Snow, the Fair Unknown to unpack further Arthurian connections to Game of Thrones, here.

Episode 91: Madison Avenue

The door may have closed on Sterling Cooper and the glamorous look into 1960s America that came with AMC’s Mad Men, but the world we inhabit today remains heavily influenced by the images and events of that turbulent time. Advertising and media continue to shape our cultural viewpoints. Presidential politics and every day life still exist in the shadow of civil rights, the assassinations of John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr… Join Derek & Laurel this week as we unpack a landmark television series that cast its major characters in the role of witness to the monumental events of American history. We’ll explore various theories of history, from Carlyle to Nietzsche, and determine where our histories and myths of the 60s collide.

Episode 90: Pobody's Nerfect

Holy motherforking shirtballs! The Midnight Myth is finally taking on NBC’s The Good Place, one character at a time. This week, the question is: what does it mean to be an Eleanor? Following the central protagonist through the two and a half seasons of the Good Place (and through countless metaphysical realms), we’ll discover some surprising truths about morality, change, responsibility, and of course—horniness.