No other contemporary literary form can lay as legitimate a claim to the venerable fairy tale and mythic traditions as convincingly as can fantasy. A quick scan of the topic on Wikipedia informs us that the genre 'began to become visible in the Victorian times, with the works of writers such as William Morris, Lord Dunsany and George MacDonald.' Today, numerous fantasy realms exist in print, many spawning their own peculiarly devoted fans. Entire cosmologies, pantheons, even languages have been invented by modern story-tellers mining this seam. Yet a journey to the summit of fantasy literature will reveal a land populated by the balrogs and wizards of Middle Earth and by the talking beasts of Narnia.
These fantasy realms, created by Tolkien and CS Lewis respectively, have captured the imagination of millions of people whilst setting the standard for the genre. The influence of Tolkien in particular can be found in a diversity of places, from songs by Led Zeppelin to the visual arts. Lewis' The Chronicles Of Narnia provided millions with their introduction to the realms of literary fantasy.
As the modern heir to fairy tales, fantasy does an admirable job dealing with the big themes of humanity. Many protagonists are reluctant heroes, sent on a quest that is as much about an inward journey as it is an outward one.
As with science fiction, purveyors of fantasy have constructed a Fantasy Masterworks compilation, although it appears to favour one publishing house rather than offering up the whole menu of the entire genre.
These fantasy realms, created by Tolkien and CS Lewis respectively, have captured the imagination of millions of people whilst setting the standard for the genre. The influence of Tolkien in particular can be found in a diversity of places, from songs by Led Zeppelin to the visual arts. Lewis' The Chronicles Of Narnia provided millions with their introduction to the realms of literary fantasy.
As the modern heir to fairy tales, fantasy does an admirable job dealing with the big themes of humanity. Many protagonists are reluctant heroes, sent on a quest that is as much about an inward journey as it is an outward one.
As with science fiction, purveyors of fantasy have constructed a Fantasy Masterworks compilation, although it appears to favour one publishing house rather than offering up the whole menu of the entire genre.