Episode Eighteen: The Wicked and the Divine

In this episode, we discuss the film The Odyssey (2026), dir. Christopher Nolan. The movie of the summer! In this one, we talk production ethics, Tumblr literary theory, and Sea Peoples.   Content warnings: Profanity Discussions of racism and misogyny Mentions of sexual assault -- Music by Dark Fantasy Studios.

We're back! In this episode, we discuss the novel The Thief, by Megan Whalen Turner. For once coming in at a reasonable length, we talk fantasy genre convention, Hesiod, and getting jumpscared by guns.   Content warnings: Profanity -- Music by Dark Fantasy Studios. -- Support us by subscribing to our patreon!

In this exceptionally lengthy episode, we break down a single episode of Ancient Apocalypse, the Netflix docuseries hosted by Graham Hancock. Suffice to say we did not enjoy it. Featuring carbon dating, the myth of the flood, Star Guy, and a whole lot of made up bullshit.   Content warnings: Profanity Discussion of racism and white supremacy -- Music by Dark Fantasy Studios. -- Support us by subscribing to our patreon! And follow us on Twitter!

In this episode, we tackle three episodes of the new series of Doctor Who: Fires of Pompeii, The God Complex, and The Eaters of Light. Featuring Sibyls, the etymology of 'volcano',  Roman sexuality, and, of course, some complaining about Steven Moffat, join us on this romp through a show that's beloved by both of us! (And, for funzies, a few comments about aliens and Atlantis that proved to be foreshadowing for our first episode of 2023...)   Content warnings: Profanity Discussion of sex and sexuality Discussion of death, including mass death in natural disasters Discussion of imperialism and imperial violence -- Music by Dark Fantasy Studios. -- Support us by subscribing to our patreon! And follow us on Twitter!

In this episode, we discuss The Wicked and the Divine vols. 1-4, by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie. We talk Dionysus, the Satanic Panic (and also Satan, a bit), child sacrifice, and the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, plus a few takes that make it clear that at time of recording, neither of us had read the entire run. In summary: art good.   Content warnings: Profanity Discussion of child/infant death, specifically ritual child sacrifice Mentions of rape and sexual assault Mentions of sex and sexuality Discussion of drugs and drug use Mentions of racism and racist tropes Mentions of transphobia -- Music by Dark Fantasy Studios. -- Support us by subscribing to our patreon! And follow us on Twitter!

On this episode, we're joined by special guest Dr. Victoria Austen to discuss 1997 film Hercules. We talk trends in feminism, the Christianization of myth, and the cult of Elon Musk. Find Victoria on Twitter, @Vicky_Austen, and give her a follow! And click here for Dr. Polt's threads on Hercules, as mentioned by Victoria. -- Music by Dark Fantasy Studios. -- Support us by subscribing to our patreon! And follow us on Twitter!

In this episode on the FINAL (AT LAST) Percy Jackson book, we talk about the Iliad (some more), Nico DiAngelo ex machina, and why Hestia is the most underrated Greek deity.    Content Warnings: Mentions of canon-typical violence and death -- Music by Dark Fantasy Studios. -- Support us by subscribing to our patreon! And follow us on Twitter!

In this episode, we dive into one of Julia's favourite movies, 1999's The Mummy. Turns out one of Julia's favourite movies is pretty racist. Featuring (a significant lack of) archaeological ethics, the magical ability to read ancient Egyptian, and yet another shoutout to our friend and yours Edward Said.   Content Warnings: Extensive discussion of racism and racist (particularly orientalist) tropes Mentions of cannibalism Brief mention of incest Profanity Discussion of violence, death, and human remains   Support us by buying us a coffee! And follow us on Twitter!

This episode, we have a special guest: friend of the podcast Madi, who is a dedicated fan of Percy Jackson and joined us to share her perspective on this book! Digressions include environmentalism, how to pronounce 'Daedalus', and the Teletubby vaccination forgery scandal.   Content warnings: Profanity Discussion of violence and death; mentions of body horror (possession) Discussion of sexual assault   Support us by buying us a coffee! And follow us on Twitter!

In this special episode, Julia strikes out on her own to conduct a semi-scholarly takedown of C.S. Lewis's Till We Have Faces. Spoilers: she hated it. Featuring unfortunate fantasy naming, the Christianization of Cupid and Psyche, and a weak attempt to explain Apuleius.   Content warnings: Profanity Discussion of racism and misogyny   Support us by buying us a coffee! And follow us on Twitter!