Fantasy and the problem with Tolkien

Posted on by Chris The Story Reading Ape

Sue Vincent's avatarThe Write Stuff

castle of dreamsPainting: Sue Vincent

It has to be said that Tolkien causes problems. Quite apart from being so addictive that, once read, you are likely to go back and read the books again, you may never find anywhere quite as rich as  Middle Earth within the pages of another book.

Anyone whose introduction to fantasy is via The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, will have a fabulously detailed, multi-layered and multicultural world permanently established in their imagination. Especially if you go on to read The Silmarillion too and become aware of the rich complexity and authenticity of the languages, histories and mythologies he created as the backdrop for his world. Tolkien’s elves, orcs and wizards will quickly become the standard by which all others are judged. The sheer scope of the story means that just about every possible trope is used, and every mythical or magical species is covered…

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9 thoughts on “Fantasy and the problem with Tolkien”

  3. I still have not seen any of the movie versions becuase of the imagery evoked these books evoked in me when I was in middle school.

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