Best Nicholas Kotar Podcasts (2025)

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Seven Against Thebes

Play Pause

6d ago

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Fr. Andrew and Dcn. Seraphim continue their #HotThebanSummer with the story of the Seven Against Thebes -- the great war against the Bronze Age city of Thebes, which Hesiod said, along with the Trojan War, was one of the two great wars of the Fourth Age, the Age of Heroes.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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O Tomb, My Bridal-Bed (Antigone Part 2)

20d ago

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Fr. Andrew and Dcn. Seraphim conclude their reading of “Antigone,” the tale of a sister who will stop at nothing to give her brother his burial.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Unwept, Unburied (Antigone Part 1)

2M ago

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Continuing the Oedipal story, Fr. Andrew and Dcn. Seraphim read the Sophocles play "Antigone," the tale of a sister who will stop at nothing to give her brother his burial.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Who Will Receive the Wandering Oedipus?

2M ago

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Continuing their series on the sad tales of Oedipus, Fr. Andrew and Dcn. Seraphim discuss the Sophocles play “Oedipus at Colonus,” in which the burial place of the cursed Oedipus becomes the center of a family feud.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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The Unwitting Theology of Warhammer 40k 1:24:06

2M ago1:24:06

1:24:06

Behold, mortals and mech-fanatics! Welcome to the very first episode of our theological deep-dive into the grimdark future where there is only war... and apparently, a surprising amount of sacramental symbolism. 🕊️⚔️ In this gloriously over-caffeinated conversation, I (underdressed but spiritually overdressed) sit down with the ever-eloquent Father…

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The World Knows My Fame

2M ago

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Fr. Andrew and Dcn. Seraphim examine the tale of Oedipus as told by Sophocles in "Oedipus the King," the horrifying story of the man who kills his father and marries his mother. Why is this awful story so enduring? Why should Christians even read it?By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Grimdark & the Godless Wheel: A Reflection on Abercrombie’s First Law 32:44

3M ago32:44

32:44

In this special (and long-promised) episode of Fantasy for Our Time, I dive helmet-first into the final installment of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law Trilogy—a.k.a. the Holy Scripture of Grimdark™ (depending who you ask). I wrestle with berserkers, battle ideologies, and gently poke the gnarled problem of evil with a theological stick. 🛡️ What is Grim…

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From Myth to Fairy-Story

3M ago

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In this episode of The Great Tales, we journey from the tragedy of Oedipus to the Breton Lay of Sir Digory, exploring how fairy magic replaces fate—revealing grace beneath the surface. What if the old sorrows still echo, but now end in joy?By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Legends from the Amber Sea

3M ago

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The podcast heads to Fr. Andrew's ancestral Baltic homeland of Lithuania, where we will explore three tales: The Tale of Sovijus, The Iron Wolf, and The Swan Queen.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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The Mossy Face of Christ - with Dr. Martin Shaw

4M ago

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We’re joined by mythologist, storyteller, and seanchaí Dr. Martin Shaw. With him, we explore traditional storytelling, hear timeless tales, and search for the “mossy face of Christ” hidden in the wild edges of myth and memory.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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How I’m Building the Next Inklings | Fantasy Publishing Behind the Scenes 24:44

5M ago24:44

24:44

Greetings, fellow fantasy fanatics and lore lovers! 🧙‍♂️✨ Ever wondered what happens behind the mystical curtain of indie fantasy publishing? In this rare “Craftsman’s Workshop” livestream, I reveal all the spellbinding chaos of my publishing plans for 2025 and beyond—straight from my candle-lit scriptorium (okay, maybe just my desk, but still magi…

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Don't Look Back

5M ago

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The Great Tales hosts prepare for the Church’s harrowing of Hades by examining another famous descensus ad infernos, the story of Orpheus and the underworld. They’ll also briefly talk about how the Church Fathers refer to him as the “first theologian” of the Greeks.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Kebra Negast: The Glory of Kings (Part 2)

5M ago

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Richard and Fr. Andrew continue their discussion of he Kebra Negast, which tells the story of how the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Ethiopia and hidden there, waiting for the revelation of the Incarnation.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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What If Aliens Were Catholic? w/ M.R. Leonard 55:32

5M ago55:32

55:32

Imagine this: Catholic aliens show up on Earth, but instead of demanding our surrender, they want to set up a Mass. Yep, you heard that right. In today’s conversation, I sit down with debut author M.R. Leonard, the brilliant mind behind Pilgrims, a sci-fi novel that reimagines St. Augustine’s Confessions with aliens, interstellar drama, and a heart…

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Kebra Negast: The Glory of Kings (Part 1)

6M ago

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The Kebra Negast is set within the frame narrative about the debate of the true glory of kings held at the First Council of Nicaea, it tells the story of how the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Ethiopia and hidden there, waiting for the revelation of the Incarnation.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Consolation of Grimdark: Why This Failed Quest Was More Satisfying Than Victory 22:39

6M ago22:39

22:39

Today, we embark on a perilous journey into the world of Grimdark fantasy, where heroes are fools, victories are tragic, and morality is as murky as a tavern’s back alley. After years of avoiding the genre, I finally took the plunge and read Joe Abercrombie’s Before They Are Hanged—the second book in The First Law trilogy. And what did I discover? …

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The Epic of Keret - with Fr. Stephen De Young

6M ago

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King Keret, son of the great god El, has been widowed and lost all his children, and he fears the extinction of his house. Fr. Stephen De Young joins the podcast to discuss this ancient Ugaritic epic, lost in the Syrian desert for over 3,000 years.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Cinema as Sacred Art: Why Tolkien’s World Needs Wes Anderson’s Touch w/ Reno Lauro 56:21

6M ago56:21

56:21

🎥 Ever wondered if The Lord of the Rings could feel both quirky and profound? Could Wes Anderson bring Tolkien’s world to life with meticulously composed shots, nostalgic hues, and objects that practically whisper stories of their own? In this week’s deep dive, I sit down with Reno Lauro—a cinephile, scholar, and someone who’s worked with none othe…

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Beowulf: An Enochic Apocalypse

7M ago

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The great Old English poem ‘Beowulf’ is one of the most intriguing and gripping stories from the early English Christian world. What few people know, however, is that this story about giants has roots in a much older apocalyptic tale – the Book of Enoch.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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A Dune Deep Dive w/ Richard Rohlin : Paul Atreides, Duncan Idaho, and Hollywood’s Religious Problem 49:23

7M ago49:23

49:23

At the time of this recording, it was my birthday, and - in true Hobbit fashion - I'm giving YOU the gift of diving into the vast deserts of Dune with the always insightful Richard Rohlin! In this impromptu episode, we’re unpacking Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films—praising the awe-inspiring visuals, iconic performances, and meticulous attention to det…

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The Quest is Achieved (Grail Part 2)

7M ago

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The Great Tales continues the discussion of the Holy Grail in the story of Perceval. What does it actually mean to achieve the quest of the Holy Grail? And who may achieve it?By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Surviving the Dark Forest: Lessons from Liu Cixin's Sci-Fi Masterpiece 33:14

7M ago33:14

33:14

What if the universe isn’t just vast and indifferent but actively hostile—a cosmic battlefield where silence is survival? Welcome, friends, to an exploration of The Dark Forest, the second volume in Liu Cixin’s masterful Three-Body Problem series. 🌠 In this episode, we journey into a future where humanity faces an alien threat so advanced they can …

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Who Serves the Grail? (Grail Part 1)

7M ago

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Arthur, King of the Britons, is the matter of the greatest of all Christian legends in the English language, and at the height of those legends is the Holy Grail. What exactly is this holy object? Did it ever come to England? And what does it mean to the Arthur legendarium?By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Inside the Kotarverse: Slow Productivity & Stories Worth Dying For 50:02

8M ago50:02

50:02

This is a special repost of one of my Craftsman’s Workshop Patreon streams, where I dive deep into a pivotal question: What makes a story truly life-giving? 🌱 Join me as I open up about how storytelling keeps us grounded, and share thoughts on what it means to build a meaningful creative life amidst a chaotic world. We cover everything from my evol…

1
The Wondrous Queen and the Chestnut Roan - with Dcn. Nicholas Kotar

8M ago

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Fantasy novelist and Russian language translator Dcn. Nicholas Kotar introduces two Russian fairy tales: “Marya Morevna, the Wondrous Queen” and “The Chestnut Roan.”By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Cantos of Arcadia: Crafting America’s Post-Apocalyptic Myth 42:46

8M ago42:46

42:46

🔥 Imagine America’s collapse into myth. Today, we’re exploring “Cantos of Arcadia”—my sci-fi project that merges epic story, future-archaeology, and existential dread. This is the story behind the story, the uncharted process of weaving America’s “what if” into a future epic that merges apocalyptic ruin with ancient myth. Expect discussions on myth…

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All Giants from Ymir Come (Prose Edda introduction)

8M ago

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The Eddas are the two great sources for Norse mythology. In this episode, Fr. Andrew and Richard introduce the Prose Edda of Snorri Sturluson, the 13th-century Icelandic historian, poet and politician.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Canon in Sci-Fi? The Case for Shards of Honor and The Vorkosigan Saga 📚 32:09

9M ago32:09

32:09

Join me as I dive into Shards of Honor, the first book in The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold! 🚀💫 From the depths of autocratic heroism to the ideals of speculative fiction, we'll explore it all: grimdark versus high fantasy ⚔️, reflections on repressive political systems 🛡️, and the intrigue of intergalactic escapades 🌌. If you’ve ever won…

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In the Realms of Gold (Iliad Introduction Part 2)

9M ago

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Fr. Andrew and Richard conclude their first look at the Iliad, one of the foundational stories of Western civilization, discussing not only the basics for understanding the poem but also why it’s been so enduring for so much of human historyBy Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Adrian Tchaikovsky on Giant Spiders, Sci-Fi, and the Unexpected Success of Children of Time 43:38

9M ago43:38

43:38

Welcome, fellow book lovers and sci-fi enthusiasts! In this video, I have the absolute pleasure of chatting with none other than Adrian Tchaikovsky—an international sensation and the brilliant mind behind Children of Time. This conversation is a treat as we dive into Adrian’s creative journey, his love for speculative fiction, and, of course, how a…

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Sing the Rage (Iliad Introduction Part 1)

9M ago

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Fr. Andrew and Richard Rohlin take their first look at the Iliad, one of the foundational stories of Western civilization, and offer clues and insights as to how we should approach this daunting poem.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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The Art of Fantasy, Grimdark, and Tolkien’s Vision: Why We Keep Escaping Into These Worlds 39:11

9M ago39:11

39:11

Hello, fellow wanderers! 🌟 In this video, we’re diving deep into the heart of fantasy and the curious intersection between Grimdark and Tolkien’s mythopoetic storytelling. Yes, you heard that right—me, the self-professed Grimdark skeptic, is about to unpack this genre that I once claimed was something we should avoid (gasp!). But things have change…

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St. Basil and the Pagans

10M ago

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Myths, legends, and lore are part of Christian tradition. Historically, Christians read and used even the mythology of paganism. In this inaugural episode of The Great Tales, Fr. Andrew and Richard discuss what St. Basil the Great has to teach us about reading pagan myth.By Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, Dcn. Seraphim Richard Rohlin

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Human-centric Sci Fi vs Lovecraftian Nightmares w/ Richard Rohlin 1:19:45

10M ago1:19:45

1:19:45

Hey dear friends! In this video, Richard and I dive deep into the evolving worlds of science fiction and fantasy. From Tolkien's carefully restrained magic to today's cosmic horror and existential threats, we explore how modern storytellers like Adrian Tchaikovsky are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human in a vast, often terrifying u…

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Trailer for The Great Tales

1+ y ago

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A new live show from Ancient Faith Radio. Join Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Richard Rohlin this coming fall as they examine the legends and stories that continue to remain relevant to the Christian Church today. The live edition of this show will air on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 2pm Eastern / 11am Pacific.…

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Touch the Darkness Again... 1:46:03

3y ago1:46:03

1:46:03

Could this be the Star Wars of our time?! . . . . no. Definitely not. Together, Richard and I discuss the final episode of The Rings of Power and, yet again, it's mostly a ranting session. It seems as though this entire venture has been set up as a cinematic prequel to the Peter Jackson films, and - if that's the case - it's supremely disappointing…

1
The Wooden Eagle

3y ago

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A certain Tsar collects artisans like trinkets. And what do you think? Of course they all compete for his attention. But once a goldsmith and a carpenter argue so much they nearly come to blows. The Tsar, never one to avoid an exciting opportunity, orders them to create the greatest work of art ever made. The result? Well, a hero's journey, two thw…

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The Shadow is a Passing Thing... Or Is It? 1:39:04

3y ago1:39:04

1:39:04

In this episode, dear friend Richard Rohlin and I continue our discussion on The Rings of Power, picking up with episodes 6 and 7. We try to open up by focusing on the positives, but, as per usual, chaos ensues! While there does seem to be minimal progress in the maturation of the show and its characters, we still see forced romantic tensions where…

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There Is a Tempest in Me . . . 1:28:06

3y ago1:28:06

1:28:06

Once again I'm joined by Richard Rohlin for a lively discussion about the Rings of Power! Together we discuss . . . well, many things; but, perhaps most peculiarly, whether elves are more like rechargeable batteries or glow-in-the-dark frisbees. While the series is wrought with problematic elements, we do manage to find genuine moments of delight. …

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Without My Sword . . . What Am I? 1:33:20

3y ago1:33:20

1:33:20

At last, what you've all been waiting for . . . I discuss The Rings of Power! My friend Richard Rohlin joins me for a wonderful conversation about the new series: what we like, what we don't like. Like so many of us, I was set up to hate the show on the front end; however, I must say - it's not THAT bad. Sure, parts of it feel like an AI rendering …

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Resilience and Courage Through Story: Accept Your Quest with Humility and Purpose 25:12

3y ago25:12

25:12

This is the final video of my series on accepting unexpected hardships and using stories to help overcome them in a lasting way. Using Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings as our model, we've finally come to the crux of the matter. Time to accept our quest. But this is a delicate and difficult thing. It can only be done after you've finished the firs…

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Resilience and Courage Through Story: Examining the Heart of Ideas You Hate 32:34

3y ago32:34

32:34

Welcome to week three of our series exploring how good stories can help us survive difficulty and come out stronger, living a deeper and more fulfilling life. In our first two videos, we discussed how to find a mentor and the importance of solitude for the deep life. Continuing using Aragorn's life as a model, we're entering the danger zone: how to…

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Resilience and Courage Through Story: Finding Meaning in Solitude 31:12

3y ago31:12

31:12

Welcome to the second episode in my series on finding resilience and courage during unexpectedly difficult times, all through the wisdom of fairy tales and classic literature. Last week, we discussed how we can find a mentor. But find him or not, the next step in overcoming difficulties is harder. We must embrace solitude. The stories have much to …

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Prince Ivan, the Witch Baby, and the Little Prince of the Sun

3y ago

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Little Prince Ivan was born dumb, and his parents couldn't wait to have another child. Anything was better than a voiceless future Tsar! But you should be careful what you wish for. They did have another child. A girl. But she had iron teeth. And an unfortunate taste for... well, everything! This strange, wonderful story has some of the most unusua…

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Resilience and Courage Through Story: Finding Your Mentor 41:10

3y ago41:10

41:10

In an age of information overload, we need, more than ever, to find someone to help us make sense of it all. But there are self-proclaimed experts, life coaches, and just plain hucksters everywhere! What're we to do? Well, maybe we need to take a page out of Russian fairy tales. Just as Ivan the Prince found his frog princess in a swamp, our answer…

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What Aragorn Can Teach Us About the Deep Life 41:44

3y ago41:44

41:44

One of the biggest questions of our age is what we are to make of ourselves in a post-pandemic reality. If we allow it, hardship can unlock a deeply satisfying way of living; however, it requires an ability to live in the tension of survival and progress. When we are no longer reacting, there comes a moment where we commit to transforming our life …

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What the Lord of the Rings Taught Me about Embracing Difficulty 40:02

3y ago40:02

40:02

We all have questions about what is the right way to live. Popular narratives seem to push a worldview of self-preservation no matter the cost. Is it better to avoid danger and difficulty? In our family lives? In our spiritual lives? Choosing the difficult path and engaging in self-sacrificial behavior benefits those around us. This is the story of…

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Just Like Salt and Baba Yaga

3y ago

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Today we're happy to share two shorter stories, one called "Just Like Salt" and the other the return of everyone's favorite villain: Baba Yaga.In the analysis section, Deacon Nicholas recommends a wonderful new book that has some fascinating things to say about early Christian poetry and imaginative fictions. Be sure to check out "She Who Loved Muc…

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The Last Kingdom and The Green Monk 27:20

3y ago27:20

27:20

I've noticed a trend in entertainment recently. It seems as though some strange anachronistic lens has been placed over history regarding faith and religion. People of a Christian faith are often depicted as weak and feeble, while people of pagan religions are shown as powerful and successful. Why does entertainment depict the Christian God as effe…

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When the Movie is Actually BETTER Than the Book 40:31

3y ago40:31

40:31

Today, I continue my examination of time in fantasy and sci-fi literature. What is time? Is it a line, a circle, or some combination thereof? Historically there are many ways to view it and interact with it; modernity seems to be much more concerned with managing it than experiencing it. Our current approach to time seems to be a revival of stoicis…