Our 296 Noble and Worthy Contenders
Adhemar, Count of Anjou [Rufus Sewell], A Knight's Tale (2001)
Prince Aemond Targaryen [Ewan Mitchell], House of the Dragon (2022-)
Aguilar de Nerha [Michael Fassbender], Assassin's Creed (2016)
Ahchoo [Dave Chapelle], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Ahmad [Mahesh Jadu], Marco Polo (2014)
Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan [Antonio Banderas], The 13th Warrior (1999)
Alessandro Farnese [Diarmuid Noyes], Borgia (2011-2014)
King Alfred the Great [David Dawson], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Shah Ala ad Daula [Olivier Martinez], The Physician (2013)
Allan-A-Dale [Joe Armstrong], BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-2009)
Sultan Alauddin [Ranver Singh], Padmavaat (2018)
Amarendra Baahubali [Prabhas], Baahubali Series (2015-2017)
Amleth [Alexander Skarsgård], The Northman (2022)
Ancelyn ap Gwalchmai [Marcus Gilbert], Doctor Who: “Battlefield” (1989)
Antonius Block [Max von Sydow], The Seventh Seal (1957)
Aragorn, Son of Arathorn [Viggo Mortensen], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Arman [Matevy Lykov], I Am Dragon (2015)
Arn Magnusson [Joakim Nätterqvist], Arn: The Knight Templar (2007)
Arondir [Ismael Cruz Córdova], The Rings of Power (2022-)
Arthur Pendragon [Oliver Tobias], Arthur of the Britons (1972, 1973)
King Arthur [Richard Harris], Camelot (1967)
King Arthur [Graham Chapman], Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
King Arthur [Nigel Terry], Excalibur (1981)
King Arthur [Sean Connery], First Knight (1995)
King Arthur [Alexandre Astier], Kaamelott (2004-2009)
King Arthur [Bradley James], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)
King Arthur [Charlie Hunnam], King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
Asbjörn [Tom Hopper], Northmen: A Viking Saga (2014)
Ash Williams [Bruce Campbell], Army of Darkness (1992)
Asneez [Isaac Hayes], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Athelstan [George Blagden], Vikings (2013-2020)
Azeem [Morgan Freeman], Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Azog the Defiler [Manu Bennett], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
Balian de Ibelin [Orlando Bloom], Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Bard the Bowman [Luke Evans], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
Ser Barristan Selmy [Ian McIlhinney], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Father Beocca [Ian Hart], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Beowulf [Gerard Butler], Beowulf & Grendel (2005)
Bilbo Baggins [Martin Freeman], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
Bjørn Ironside [Alexander Ludwig], Vikings (2013-2020)
Bofur [James Nesbitt],The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
Boromir, Son of Denethor [Sean Bean], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Sir Bowen [Dennis Quaid], Dragonheart (1996)
Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert [Sam Neill], Ivanhoe (1982)
Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert [Ciaran Hinds], Ivanhoe (1997)
Bronn [Jerome Flynn], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Brother Cadfael [Derek Jacobi], Cadfael (1994-1998)
Carlos I [Álvaro Cervantes], Carlos Rey Emperador (2015-2016)
Caspian X [Ben Barnes], The Chronicles of Narnia (2010)
King Caspian X [Samuel West], Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1989)
Cesare Borgia [Mark Ryder], Borgia (2011-2014)
Cesare Borgia [Francois Arnaud], The Borgias (2011-2013)
Charles Brandon [Henry Cavill], The Tudors (2007-2010)
Prince Charmont [Hugh Dancy], Ella Enchanted (2004)
Prince Chauncley [Daniel Radcliffe], Miracle Workers: The Dark Ages (2020)
Chris Vexler [Karan Soni], Miracle Workers: The Dark Ages (2020)
Chu Hun [Peter Ho], Double World (2020)
“Cinderella’s Prince” [Chris Pine], Into the Woods (2014)
Connor MacLeod [Christopher Lambert], Highlander (1986)
Corlys Velaryon [Steve Toussaint], House of the Dragon (2022-)
Ser Criston Cole [Fabien Frankel], House of the Dragon (2022-)
Daario Naharis [Michiel Huisman], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Prince Daemon Targaryen [Matt Smith], House of the Dragon (2022)
Darkness [Tim Curry], Legend (1985)
Ser Davos Seaworth [Liam Cunningham], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Prince Dastan [Jake Gyllenhaal], Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Dong Yilong [Henry Lau], Double World (2020)
Khal Drogo [Jason Momoa], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Durotan [Toby Kebbell], Warcraft (2016)
Eamon Valda [Abdul Salis], The Wheel of Time (2022-)
King Ecbert Ealhmunding [Linus Roache], Vikings (2013-2020)
Lord Eddard Stark [Sean Bean], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Edgin Darvis [Chris Pine], Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (2023)
King Edmund the Just [Skandar Keynes, Mark Wells], The Chronicles of Narnia (2005-2010)
King Edward I Plantagenet [Stephen Dillane], Outlaw King (2018)
King Edward III Plantagenet [Blake Ritson], A World Without End (2012)
King Edward IV Platagenet [Max Irons], The White Queen (2013)
Edward, the Black Prince [James Purefoy], A Knight’s Tale (2001)
Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford [Claude Rains], The Prince and the Pauper (1937)
Elendil [Lloyd Owen], The Rings of Power (2022-)
Elrond Half-elven [Hugo Weaving], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Elrond Half-elven [Robert Aramayo], The Rings of Power (2022-)
Sir Elyan [Adetomiwa Edun], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)
Éomer, Son of Éomund [Karl Urban], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Erik Thurgilson [Christian Hillborg], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Étienne de Navarre [Rutger Hauer], Ladyhawke (1985)
Faramir, Son of Denethor [David Wenham], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Fezzik [André the Giant], The Princess Bride (1987)
Fili [Dean O’Gorman], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
Finan [Mark Rowley], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Fjölnir [Claes Bang], The Northman (2022)
Forge Fitzwilliam [Hugh Grant], Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Francesco de Pazzi [Matteo Martari], Medici (2016-2019)
Francois Villon [Ronald Colman], If I Were King (1938)
Frodo Baggins [Elijah Wood], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Sir Galahad [Michael Palin], Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Galavant [Joshua Sasse], Galavant (2015-2016)
Galessin, Duke of Orkney [Alexis Hénon], Kaamelott (2004-2009)
Gandalf [Ian McKellan], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Gawain [Dev Patel], The Green Knight (2021)
Gendry Waters [Joe Dempsie], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Geoffrey Chaucer [Pier Paolo Pasolini], The Canterbury Tales (1972)
Geoffrey Chaucer [Paul Bettany], A Knight’s Tale (2001)
George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence [David Oakes], The White Queen (2013)
Geralt z Rivii [Michał Żebrowski], Wiedźmin {The Witcher} (2002)
Geralt of Rivia [Henry Cavill], The Witcher (2019-)
Gest [Jakob Þór Einarsson], Hrafninn flýgur {When the Raven Flies}(1984)
Gimli, Son of Gloin [John Rhys-Davies], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Giuliano de Medici [Bradley James], Medici (2016-2019)
Glenstorm [Cornell John], The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
Prince Graydon Hastur [Tony Revolori], Willow (2022)
Gríma Wormtongue [Brad Dourif], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Gu Tingye [Feng Shaofeng], The Story of Minglan (2018)
Guildenstern [Tim Roth], Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)
Gündoğdu Bey [Kaan Taşaner], Diriliş: Ertuğrul {Resurrection: Ertuğrul} (2014-2019)
Sir Guy of Gisbourne [Basil Rathbone], The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Sir Guy of Gisburne [Robert Addie], Robin of Sherwood (1984-1986)
Sir Guy of Gisborne [Michael Wincott], Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Sir Guy of Gisborne [Richard Armitage], BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-2009)
Sir Gwaine [Eoin Macken], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)
Haldir of Lothόrien [Craig Parker], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Prince Hamlet [Laurence Olivier], Hamlet (1948)
Prince Hamlet [Christopher Plummer], Hamlet at Elsinore (1964)
Hamlet [Iain Glen], Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)
Lord Harekr [Bradley James], Vikings: Valhalla (2022-)
King Henry II Plantagenet [Peter O’Toole], Becket (1964)
King Henry II Plantagenet [Peter O’Toole], The Lion in Winter (1968)
King Henry V Plantagenet [Laurence Olivier], Henry V (1944)
King Henry V Plantagenet [Kenneth Branagh], Henry V (1989)
King Henry V Plantagenet [Tom Hiddleston], The Hollow Crown (2012-2016)
Henry VII Tudor [Luke Treadaway], The Hollow Crown (2012-2016)
King Henry VIII [Ray Winstone], Henry VIII (2003)
Prince Henry [Dougray Scott], Ever After (1998)
Hubert Hawkins [Danny Kaye], The Court Jester (1955)
Hugh Beringar [Sean Pertwee], Cadfael (1994-1998)
Prince Humperdink [Chris Sarandon], The Princess Bride (1987)
Inigo Montoya [Mandy Patinkin], The Princess Bride (1987)
Isildur, Son of Elendil [Maxim Baldry], The Rings of Power (2022-)
Ivanhoe [Anthony Andrews], Ivanhoe (1982)
Ivar the Boneless [Alex Høgh Andersen], Vikings (2013-2020)
Jacques le Gris [Adam Driver], The Last Duel (2021)
Jack [Tom Cruise], Legend (1985)
Jafar [Marwan Kenzari], Aladdin (2019)
Ser Jaime Lannister [Nikolaj Coster-Waldau], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
James Douglas [Aaron Taylor Johnson], Outlaw King (2018)
Jareth, the Goblin King [David Bowie], Labyrinth (1986)
Jaskier [Joey Batey], The Witcher (2019-)
Prince Jingim [Remy Hii], Marco Polo (2014)
Little John [Nicol Williamson], Robin and Marian (1976)
Little John [Eric Allan Kramer], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Prince John [Claude Rains], The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Prince John [Richard Lewis], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Prince John [Oscar Isaac], Robin Hood (2010)
Jon Snow [Kit Harrington], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Ser Jorah Mormont [Iain Glen], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Kai [Michael Gothard], Arthur of the Britons (1972, 1973)
Kili [Aiden Turner], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
The Kurgan [Clancy Brown], Highlander (1986)
al’Lan Mandragoran [Daniel Henney], The Wheel of Time (2022)
Sir Lancelot [Luc Simon], Lancelot du Lac (1974)
Sir Lancelot [Nicholas Clay], Excalibur (1981)
Sir Lancelot [Richard Gere], First Knight (1995)
Sir Lancelot [Santiago Cabrera], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)
Legolas Greenleaf [Orlando Bloom], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Leofric [Adrian Bower], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Sir Leon [Rupert Young], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)
Lin Shu [Hu Ge], Nirvana in Fire {Lángyá Bǎng} (2015)
Loial [Hammed Animashaun], The Wheel of Time (2022-)
Lurtz [Lawrence Makoare], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Madmartigan [Val Kilmer], Willow (1988)
Le Maître d'Armes (the fencing master) [Christian Bujeau], Kaamelott (2005-2009)
��Man With Snake” [Barry John Clarke], Edward II (1991)
King Mark of Cornwall [Rufus Sewell], Tristan & Isolde (2006)
Martin [Rutger Hauer], Flesh + Blood (1985)
Massetto [Dave Franco], The Little Hours (2017)
Matrim “Mat” Cauthon [Donal Finn], The Wheel of Time (2022)
“The Mayor of Hamelin” [Claude Rains], The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1957)
Mehmed II [Cem Yiğit Üzümoğlu], Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020-2022)
Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck [Dominic Monaghan], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Merlin [Nicol Williamson], Excalibur (1981)
Merlin [Sam Niell], Merlin (1998)
Merlin [Colin Morgan], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)
Mikoláš Kozlík [František Velecký], Marketa Lazarová (1967)
Miles Hendon [Errol Flynn], The Prince and the Pauper (1937)
Mordred [Jason Done], Merlin (1998)
Much [Sam Troughton], BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-2009)
Murtagh Morzansson [Garrett Hedlund], Eragon (2002)
The Mute [John Bernthal], Pilgrimage (2017)
Nasir [Mark Ryan], Robin of Sherwood (1984-1986)
Niankoro [Issiaka Kane], Yeelen (1987)
Niccoló Machiavelli [Julian Bleach], The Borgias (2011-2013)
Niccoló Machiavelli [Thibaut Evrard], Borgia (2011-2014)
Nicodemus Ravens [Jakob Oftebro], Skammerens Datter {The Shamer's Daughter} (2015)
Prince Oberyn Martell [Pedro Pascal], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Odda the Elder [Simon Kunz], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
“One-Eye” [Mads Mikkelsen], Valhalla Rising (2009)
Osferth [Ewan Mitchell], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Sir Percival [Tom Hopper], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)
Peregrin “Pippin” Took [Billy Boyd], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Pero Tovar [Pedro Pascal], The Great Wall (2016)
Perrin Aybara [Marcus Rutherford], The Wheel of Time (2022-)
Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish [Aiden Gillen], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
High King Peter the Magnificent [William Moseley, Noah Huntley], The Chronicles of Narnia (2005-2010)
Philip II [Timothy Dalton], The Lion in Winter (1968)
Phillippe Gaston [Matthew Broderick], Ladyhawke (1985)
“The Player” [Richard Dreyfuss], Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (1990)
Podrick Payne [Daniel Portman], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Prince Prospero [Vincent Price], The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Ragnar Lothbrok [Travis Fimmel], Vikings (2013-2020)
Ramsay Bolton [Iwan Rheon], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Rand al’Thor [Josha Stradowski], The Wheel of Time (2022-)
Ravenhurst [Basil Rathbone], The Court Jester (1955)
“The Red Death” [John Westbrook], The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Renly Baratheon [Gethin Anthony], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Richard Cypher [Craig Horner], Legend of the Seeker (2008-2010)
King Richard [Timothy Omundson], Galavant (2015-2016)
Richard II Plantagenet [Ben Whishaw], The Hollow Crown (2012-2016)
Richard III Plantagenet [Aneurin Barnard], The White Queen (2013)
King Richard III Plantagenet [Benedict Cumberbatch], The Hollow Crown (2012-2016)
King Richard IV [Brian Blessed], The Black Adder (1982)
Rilk [Jesse Lee Keeter] JourneyQuest (2010)
Robert of Artois [Jean Piat], The Accursed Kings (1972)
Robert of Huntingdon [Jason Connery], Robin of Sherwood (1984)
Robert the Bruce [Chris Pine], Outlaw King (2018)
Robin Hood [Errol Flynn], The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Robin Hood [Richard Todd], The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952)
Robin Hood [Sean Connery], Robin and Marian (1976)
Robin Hood [Michael Praed], Robin of Sherwood (1984)
Robin Hood [Kevin Costner], Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Robin Hood [Cary Elwes], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Robin Hood [Jonas Armstrong], BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-2009)
Robin Hood [Tom Riley], Doctor Who: “The Robot of Sherwood” (2014)
Robin Longstride [Russell Crowe], Robin Hood (2010)
Rodrigo Borgia [Jeremy Irons], The Borgias (2011-2013)
Rollo [Clive Standen], Vikings (2013-2020)
Roose Bolton [Michael McElhatton], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Rosencrantz [Gary Oldman], Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)
Count Rugen [Christopher Guest], The Princess Bride (1987)
Saburo Naotora Ichimonji [Ryu Daisuke], Ran (1985)
Saladin [Milind Soman], Arn: The Knight Templar (2007), Arn: The Kingdom at Road’s End (2008)
Samwise Gamgee [Sean Astin], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Sandor Clegane [Rory McCann], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Saruman [Christopher Lee], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Stannis Baratheon [Stephen Dillane], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Tajomaru [Toshiro Mifune], Rashomon (1950)
“The Sherriff of Nottingham” [Alan Wheatley], The Adventures of Robin Hood (1955-1959)
“The Sherriff of Nottingham” [Peter Cushing], The Sword of Sherwood Forest (1960)
“The Sherriff of Nottingham” [Alan Rickman], Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
“The Sherriff of Rottingham” [Roger Rees], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Sid [Luke Youngblood], Galavant (2015-2016)
Sihtric Kjartansson [Arnas Fedaravicius], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Simon Aumar [Justice Smith], Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Steapa [Adrian Bouchet], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Syrio Forel [Miltos Yerolemou], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
“Taunting French Guard” [John Cleese], Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Theoden, Son of Thengel [Bernard Hill], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Thierry de Janville [Jean-Claude Drouot], Thierry la Fronde (1963-1966)
Thomas Becket [Richard Burton], Becket (1964)
Thomas Cromwell [Mark Rylance], Wolf Hall (2015-2024)
Sir Thomas Gray [Nigel Terry], Covington Cross (1992)
Thorin Oakenshield [Richard Armitage], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
Thranduil, The Elvenking [Lee Pace], The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)
Thraxus Boorman [Amar Chadha-Patel], Willow (2022)
Tom Builder [Rufus Sewell], The Pillars of the Earth (2010)
Tormund Giantsbane [Kristofer Hivju], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Sir Tristan [Kingsley Ben-Adir], King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
Trumpkin [Peter Dinklage], The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
Mr. Tumnus [James McAvoy], The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Turgut Alp [Cengiz Coşkun], Diriliş: Ertuğrul (2014-2019)
Tyrion Lannister [Peter Dinklage], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Lord Tywin Lannister [Charles Dance], Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Ubbe [Jordan Patrick Smith], Vikings (2013-2020)
Uglúk [Nathaniel Lees], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Uhtred of Bebbanburgh [Alexander Dreymon], The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Ulrich von Jungingen [Stanislaw Jasiukiewicz], Knights of the Teutonic Order (1960)
“Unnamed Elf Escort” [Bret McKenzie], The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Uther Pendragon [Gabriel Byrne], Excalibur (1981)
Uther Pendragon [Anthony Stewart Head], BBC’s Merlin (2008-2012)
Vaisey, Sheriff of Nottingham [Keith Allen], BBC’s Robin Hood (2006-2009)
Vlad III Dracula [Luke Evans], Dracula Untold (2014)
King Vortigen [Jude Law], King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
Wat [Alan Tudyk], A Knight’s Tale (2001)
Wen Kexing [Gong Jun], Word of Honor (2021)
Westley [Cary Elwes], The Princess Bride (1987)
Wil Ohmsford [Austin Butler], The Shannara Chronicles (2016)
William Wallace [Mel Gibson], Braveheart (1995)
Will Scarlet O’Hara [Matthew Porretta], Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Will Scarlett [Patrick Knowles], The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Will Scarlett [Christian Slater], Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
Will Scarlett [Harry Lloyd], BBC’s Robin Hood, (2006-2009)
William Thatcher [Heath Ledger], A Knight’s Tale (2001)
Willow Ufgood [Warwick Davis], Willow (2022)
Xenk Yendar [Regé-Jean Page], Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Zbyszko z Bogdanca [Mieczyslaw Kalenik], Knights of the Teutonic Order (1960)
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Note: Good Omens is by both Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, it just doesn't fit in the character limit lol
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011)
The circus arrives without warning. No announcement precedes it, no paper notices plastered on lampposts and billboards. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not.
Within these nocturnal black-and-white-striped tents awaits an utterly unquie experience, a feast did the senses, where no one can be lost in a maze of clouds, meander through a lush garden muse of ice, stare in wonderment as the tattooed contortionist folds herself into a small glass box, and become deliciously tipsy from the scents of caramel and cinnamon that waft through the air.
Welcome to Le Cirque des Rêvez.
Beyond the smoke and mirrors, however, a fierce competition is under way—a contest between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood to compete in a “game” to which they have been irrevocably bound by their mercurial masters. Unbeknownst to the players, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battles of imagination and will.
As the circus travels around the world, the feats of magic gain fantastical new heights with every stop. The game is well under way and the lives of all those involved—the eccentric circus owner, the elusive contortionist, the mystical fortune-teller, and a pair of red-haired twins born backstage among them—are swept up in a wake of spells and charms.
But when Celia discovers Marco is her adversary, they begin to think of the game not as a competition but as a wonderful collaboration. With no knowledge of how the game must end, they innocently tumble headfirst into love. A deep, passionate, and magical love that makes the light flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
Their masters still pull the strings, however, and this unforeseen occurrence forces them to intervene with dangerous consequences, leaving the lives of everyone from the performers to the patrons hanging in the balance.
The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss (2007-present)
My name is Kvothe.
I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature--the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man's search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (2015-2016)
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone. . . .
A convict with a thirst for revenge
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager
A runaway with a privileged past
A spy known as the Wraith
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes
Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman (2001)
Days before his release from prison, Shadow's wife, Laura, dies in a mysterious car crash. Numbly, he makes his way back home. On the plane, he encounters the enigmatic Mr Wednesday, who claims to be a refugee from a distant war, a former god and the king of America.
Together they embark on a profoundly strange journey across the heart of the USA, whilst all around them a storm of preternatural and epic proportions threatens to break.
Scary, gripping and deeply unsettling, American Gods takes a long, hard look into the soul of America. You'll be surprised by what - and who - it finds there...
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (2012-2015)
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman (1973)
Westley ... handsome farm boy who risks death and much, much worse for the woman he loves; Inigo ... the Spanish swordsman who lives only to avenge his father's death; Fezzik ... the Turk, the gentlest giant ever to have uprooted a tree with his bare hands; Vizzini ... the evil Sicilian, with a mind so keen he's foiled by his own perfect logic; Prince Humperdinck ... the eviler ruler of Guilder, who has an equally insatiable thirst for war and the beauteous Buttercup; Count Rugen ... the evilest man of all, who thrives on the excruciating pain of others; Miracle Max ... the King's ex-Miracle Man, who can raise the dead (kind of); The Dread Pirate Roberts ... supreme looter and plunderer of the high seas; and, of course, Buttercup ... the princess bride, the most perfect, beautiful woman in the history of the world.
S. Morgenstern's timeless tale--discovered and wonderfully abridged by William Goldman--pits country against country, good against evil, love against hate. From the Cliffs of Insanity through the Fire Swamp and down into the Zoo of Death, this incredible journey and brilliant tale is peppered with strange beasties both monstrous and gentle, and memorable surprises both terrible and sublime.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (1964)
Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last!
But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!
The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare (2010-2013)
Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman (1990)
The world is preparing to come to an end according to the Divine Plan recorded in the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (recorded 1655). Meanwhile, a fussy angel and a fast-living demon have grown fond of living among the earth's mortals for many millennia and are not looking forward to the apocalypse. If Crowley and Aziraphale are going to stop it from happening, they must find and kill the Antichrist.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman (2002)
In Coraline's family's new flat there's a locked door. On the other side is a brick wall—until Coraline unlocks the door . . . and finds a passage to another flat in another house just like her own. Only different.
The food is better there. Books have pictures that writhe and crawl and shimmer. And there's another mother and father there who want Coraline to be their little girl. They want to change her and keep her with them. . . . Forever.
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Episode 167 : More Tune
"We on they mood board, though they livin' in denial."
- Solace
This month's selection came together slowly and then all at once! It's turned out to be a great combination of deep album cuts, some lesser-known bonus tracks and remixes, as well as some brand new nuggets you can and should add to your collection! Of course I had to give you some Guru, and we start the episode with a cover version of a record that samples another musical giant, the recently and sadly departed Ahmad Jamal.
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Playlist/Notes
Elzhi & Will Sessions : The World Is Yours
RIP to the great Ahmad Jamal, the legendary pianist who was famously sampled on the original "The World Is Yours" on the classic Nas "Illmatic" LP. As we've already played that on the podcast, we instead turn to the excellent re-imagining of that album by the all-Detroit combination of the band Will Sessions and the gifted MC Elzhi. It's always interesting when a musician is sampled by a Hip-Hop producer, and then that production later remade by other live musicians - bringing things full circle.
The Quarter Inch Kings : I'm No Comeback
As part of the Beat Tape Project, Toronto's Quarter Inch Kings channel some soulful flavour on this instrumental from "The AZ Beat Tape" - one that I could very well hear the Brooklyn Legend on.
Masta Ace & Marco Polo : Masta Polo
I was almost going to describe Marco Polo as one of the new generation of producers, but then I realised - it's been eighteen years! Still fresh, yet a veteran, he combines with a legend from the Juice Crew, Brooklyn's Masta Ace, for some classy 21st century boom-bap. You need to find the Deluxe edition of the Polo-produced "A Breukelen Story" album to get this one, and it's well worth the effort.
Terri Walker ft. Ty : OK
One of the finest soul singers these isles have ever produced, though an underappreciated one, Terri Walker has always shown love to the home team, with this track being a great example. The Nottingham stalwart Joe Buhdha is behind the boards, and the late London don TY warms up the mic before Ms Walker strides over the instrumentation. You might know her first few LPs, but definitely check for the later stuff, such as the EP this track was release on, "Joe Buhdha Presents Breakout". RIP Ty, live long Terri Walker.
Gang Starr : 2 Deep (City Lick Mix)
This is one of my earliest Hip-Hop 12" purchases, and a version of the Gang Starr classic deep single that I had to grow into! The UK's Dodge City Productions were, in retrospect, a perfect choice to take on remix duties here, a group well-steeped in the jazz that Gang Starr had helped pioneer as part of Hip-Hop. The late great Guru is in fine form, on his grown man business over all three verses - starting closer to battle mode and then weaving in his message. Apparently a Europe-only release, this is a worthy version to stand next to the original from the "Daily Operation" LP.
Curren$y : Fortune 500
This is clearly an anthem for LLC Twitter, with one long verse about getting that cash, and the outro showing Curren$y quizzing the next generation. The brand new "For Motivational Use Only" LP is another in the set of releases where Curren$y links up with a single producer to build a cohesive whole - in this case, the veteran Jermaine Dupri. I'd be lying if I said it was a collaboration that I was thinking about, but it works!
Medline : Payé Entièrement
Sound familiar? If you didn't guess from the title, this is a wicked instrumental cover of the classic "Paid In Full" by Eric B & Rakim that just cannot be denied. You can head straight over to Bandcamp to get the digital version as a bonus cut on the "Je Sais Que Tu As De L'Âme" release (put that into Google Translate if you don't speak French) - really, an essential pickup in my opinion.
Knaladeus : Lose Or Win
Not in terms of complexity as such, but in terms of tone, does Knaladeus here remind you of Black Thought at all? Either way, self-produced dopeness with quality songwriting from this artist out of Florida, one of the early tracks on his 2018 "Letters To You" album. His heartfelt lyrics on top of that beat are already a great blend, but the cherry is provided by DJ Stranger's cuts, drawing from the lyrics of Guru - once I heard those, this track was a lock for this episode.
Onra : 1-4 TONI
If you like a track with instructions (think "Jump Around", or hell, even "The Time Warp"), then this is up your street. That said, if you weren't already nodding your head to this one, you might want to clear your ears out first! Nice beat by the man from Paris, a 2018 track that went unreleased until Valentine's Day this year.
Superbad Solace : Throwing Fits
One for the Lo heads, from one of the foremost representatives currently recording! Solace has done it again with his "Sol Controller 3" project, and this track dedicated to the art of getting fresh is a personal favourite. The references to the Ralph Lauren brand and lifestyle are numerous, but as Solace points out, "you can buy gear, but you can't buy style"! The beat by Mono en Stereo makes you feel like you need to be posing on a yacht for a catalogue somewhere :)
Panama Gat : So Lonely
This man has a spectacular MC name, though it feels a little wrong to point it out when the subject of his song on this episode is so serious. It's raw at times, but that's often how it goes when you're expressing real emotion. On the production front, the soul-sampling beat reminds you of the work of Kanye West and Just Blaze around the same era, but it's not a bite in any way. I'm not sure who put it together, but my guess is 9th Wonder, as this is part of the Justus League "Just Us, Vol. 6" mixtape.
Leavv : Within
A little of that Chillhop flavour for you, with Leavv coming from Germany but this track coming from some kind of dreamland where even the passing clouds come with a bumping drum accompaniment. Find this on the "Chillhop Essentials - Fall 2017" collection, which even now is available as a "name your price" release on Bandcamp!
Ilajide : Boom Shakalak
I'd almost forgotten this track from "#0414917"! The programming of this beat by one of Detroit's finest is on a half-time vibe which makes it feel much slower than the 100bpm than it measures at, and he works that by keeping his flow on the mic downtempo too.
Tha Chill ft. Kokane : RNO
Part of the respected Compton's Most Wanted, Tha Chill missed out on featuring on two of the group's LPs due to legal troubles, but bounced back from them and not only reunited with the crew but has a solid set of solo releases to his name. This track is from the 2020 "Fohead" LP, and I think may be self-produced - the instrumental embodies his name, with it being a little dark and cold, and moderately uptempo without being hectic. On the mic he's joined by another "if you know, you know" west coast legend, Pomona's Kokane, an artist well worth exploring in his own right.
Sepalot ft. Blu : Surrender
Rough, angular, lurching electronic rawness! Heading back over to Germany (Munich, to be precise), we pick up this B-side from the 2008 "She Likes Me" 12", loaded with synths and disembodied yells. It's a challenging background for an MC, but Blu, who you might know for considerably more gentle material, handles it with no problem at all.
Erick Sermon ft. MC Lyte and Rah Digga : Tell Me (If You Don't Feel Me)
Erick Sermon is a respected MC in his own right, but part of his production greatness is in knowing when to draft in even more firepower, as he does here on the 2002 "React" album! Two different generations (in terms of career period, if not age) combine to burn up the guest features here, with Brooklynite MC Lyte and Newark's Rah Digga bringing it home over Erick's beat, which very much has the flavour of the era.
Dâm-Funk : The Flow
The "STFU II" EP is - relatively speaking - a chilled collection for the Pasadena modern funk legend. This track has clean, gliding keyboard pads, but also the right weight of drums and synth bass, plus the tempo, to allow you to dance to it if that's how you feel. Dâm-Funk has been building up a very respectable discography since his 2008 debut single - take some time to explore it if you haven't already.
DJ Quik ft. Ludacris : Spur Of The Moment / Pacific Coast Remix
This might not be the most progressive track in the world, but it sounds absolutely fantastic, still. A standout on 2005's "Trauma" album, in shows how skilled DJ Quik is not just as a producer (and MC), but also as a mixer/engineer. The sunshiney vibes pour out of this one, and Ludacris, who my Twitch crowd all seem to agree is an underrated MC, hits the mark perfectly as a guest. This track seems to have a different title depending on whether you have the CD or vinyl of the album, but the only difference between them is how you rewind it to play it again once it fades out!
Please remember to support the artists you like! The purpose of putting the podcast out and providing the full tracklist is to try and give some light, so do use the songs on each episode as a starting point to search out more material. If you have Spotify in your country it's a great way to explore, but otherwise there's always Youtube and the like. Seeing your favourite artists live is the best way to put money in their pockets, and buy the vinyl/CDs/downloads of the stuff you like the most!
Check out this episode!
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January 08
[1864] Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, eldest British grandson of Queen Victoria, born in Frogmore House, Windsor, United Kingdom.
[1873] Princess Elena of Montenegro, daughter of King Nicholas I, Queen of Italy (1900-46) as wife of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy.
[1908] William Hartnell, English actor, born in London, England.
[1920] Douglas Wilmer, British actor, born in London, England.
[1935] Elvis Presley, American King of Rock and Roll and actor, born in Tupelo, Mississippi.
[1940] Gianni Di Marzio, Italian football manager, born in Naples, Italy.
[1942] Stephen Hawking, English theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author, born in Oxford, England.
[1944] Terry Brooks, American fantasy fiction author, born in Sterling, Illinois.
[1946] Fritz Künzli, Swiss football striker, born in Glarus, Switzerland.
[1947] David Bowie, English rock singer-songwriter, mime and actor, born in London, England.
[1955] Spiros Livathinos, Greek football midfielder, coach and current scout of Panathinaikos, born in Patras, Greece.
[1971] Pascal Zuberbühler, Swiss football goalkeeper, born in Frauenfeld, Switzerland.
[1974] Arjan Blaauw, Dutch footballer and assistant coach (Be Quick 1887), born in Stadskanaal, Netherlands.
[1977] Amber Benson, American actress, singer, writer, director and producer, born in Birmingham, Alabama.
[1979] Adrian Mutu, Romanian football forward or attacking midfielder and manager (Rapid București), born in CălineȘti, Romania.
[1979] Seol Ki-hyeon, South Korean football winger and manager (Gyeongnam FC), born in Jeongseon County, South Korea.
[1979] Stipe Pletikosa, Croatian football goalkeeper and technical director of the national senior and u-21 teams at the Croatian Football Federation, born in Split, Croatia.
[1981] Genevieve Padalecki, American actress, born in San Francisco, California.
[1982] Emanuele Calaiò, Italian football striker, born in Palermo, Italy.
[1982] John Utaka, Nigerian football striker and youth coach at Montpellier HSC, born in Enugu, Nigeria.
[1985] Rachael Lampa, American contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and record producer, born in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
[1986] David Silva, Spanish football midfielder, born in Arguineguín, Spain.
[1987] Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Princess of the Kingdom of Thailand, born in Bangkok, Thailand.
[1988] Jirès Kembo Ekoko, football striker, born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
[1991] Allan Marques, Brazilian football defensive midfielder, born in Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
[1991] Stefan Johansen, Norwegian football central midfielder and captain, born in Vardø Municipality, Norway.
[1992] Shahdon Winchester, Trinidadian football winger, born in Princes Town, Trinidad and Tobago.
[1992] Apostolos Vellios, Greek football striker, born in Thessaloniki, Greece.
[1992] Jorge Resurrección Merodio "Koke", Spanish football midfielder, born in Madrid, Spain.
[1997] Ronaldo Cisneros, Mexican football forward, born in Torreón, Mexico.
[2000] Noah Cyrus, American singer and actress, born in Nashville, Tennessee.
[2011] HRH Prince Vincent Frederik Minik Alexander, Prince of Denmark, Count of Monpezat, born in Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
[2011] HRH Princess Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda, Princess of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat, born in Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
[1107] Edgar or Étgar mac Maíl Choluim, King of Scotland (1097-1107), dies.
[1324] Marco Polo, Venetian merchant, explorer and writer, dies at 69.
[1557] Albert the Warlike, Princess of Bayreuth, dies at 34.
[1642] Galileo Galilei, Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer, dies at 77.
[1855] Diponegoro, Javanese Prince who opposed Dutch colonial rule and Indonesian national hero, dies at 69.
[2011] Thorbjørn Svenssen, Norwegian football defender and captain, dies.
[2013] Jeanne Manford, co-founder of PFLAG, American gay rights activist, dies at 92.
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