Welcome back to Airy Monday for the Pagan News Beagle! This week we're covering all the different ways in which pop culture is intersecting with magic, witchcraft, and Paganism, from the religions of Game of Thrones to the recent adventures of Marvel's Thor to the recent decision to remake the 1990s movie The Craft. Check it out!
First up, what's behind fantasy series' Game of Thrones religious factions? Entertainment Weekly talks about author George R.R. Martin, who wrote the novels the TV series is based upon, about his inspirations from history.
Any players of Dungeons & Dragons among us? The fantasy tabletop roleplaying game is known for many things, including offending some people's religious sensibilities. But what's religion like in the worlds of D&D? Sci-fi and fantasy website io9 takes a look.
Perhaps the most popular god in modern pop culture is Thor the Thunderer, whose profile has risen considerably in the wake of Marvel's adaptation of Norse mythology. Recently, however, the traditional Thor has been replaced with a woman. What's her story? Follow the link to Kotaku to find out.
Speaking of Marvel there's been a lot of talk about the upcoming movie adaptation of Doctor Strange, about a superhero who's chief "power" is magic and occult knowledge. Recently, there's been some controversy over casting rumors, which indicate Marvel plans to cast actress British Tilda Swinton as the Tibetan sorcerer known as the Ancient One. Find out more here, from comics website CBR.
Lastly, Sony Pictures announced just last month that they'll be remaking the 1990s supernatural thriller The Craft, about four teenage witches. Reaction to the announcement has been mixed, with some fans feeling the remake is unnecessary. What do you think?