Can you recommend some best pre - Tolkien fantasy fictions?
Sure. 'The Epic of Gilgamesh' is a great one. It has elements of adventure, the search for immortality, and interactions with gods. Another is 'The Metamorphoses' by Ovid. It's full of stories of people and gods transforming, which is very much in the realm of fantasy. And then there's 'The Book of One Thousand and One Nights', with its rich collection of fantastical tales.
Of course. 'The Odyssey' by Homer can be considered pre - Tolkien fantasy. It has Odysseus' journey filled with mythical creatures like the Cyclops. 'The Aeneid' also has elements of the supernatural with gods interfering in human affairs. And 'The Canterbury Tales' has some stories that touch on the fantastical, like the Wife of Bath's tale which has elements of magic and transformation.
Definitely. 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' is a pre - Tolkien fantasy gem. It tells a story of a knight's encounter with a mysterious green - skinned being and the tests of chivalry. 'The Ramayana' from India is also a great pre - Tolkien fantasy work. It has epic battles, gods, and heroes. 'The Nibelungenlied' is another one, with its tales of heroes, dragons, and magic.
What are the best pre - Tolkien fantasy fictions?
One of the great pre - Tolkien fantasy fictions is 'The Faerie Queene' by Edmund Spenser. It has a rich tapestry of characters, from knights to magical creatures. Another is 'Beowulf', an epic poem filled with battles against monsters. And 'The Kalevala', which is a collection of Finnish folklore and has elements of magic and heroism.
What are some notable pre Tolkien fantasy novels?
One of the notable pre - Tolkien fantasy novels is 'The Faerie Queene' by Edmund Spenser. It's a complex and rich work filled with allegorical elements and fantastical adventures in a world of knights, dragons, and magic. Another is 'Le Morte d'Arthur' which details the legends of King Arthur and his knights. It has had a huge influence on the fantasy genre, with its tales of chivalry, quests, and the search for the Holy Grail.
How did pre Tolkien fantasy novels influence Tolkien's own work?
Pre - Tolkien fantasy novels provided a rich tapestry of ideas that Tolkien could draw from. For example, the Arthurian legends in 'Le Morte d'Arthur' had a concept of a heroic quest which Tolkien adapted into Frodo's journey to destroy the One Ring. The idea of a magical, otherworldly realm from works like 'The Faerie Queene' also influenced Tolkien's creation of Middle - earth.
Can you recommend some best Tolkien stories for beginners?
Another good one is 'The Children of Húrin'. It tells a self - contained and rather tragic story within Tolkien's legendarium. It's not as complex as some of his larger works and can be a good entry point to get a feel for his writing style and the kind of themes he explores, like fate and the consequences of pride.
Can you recommend some best - selling best adult fantasy fictions?
Sure. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is extremely popular. It's about a young wizard named Harry and his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The world - building is amazing and it has a wide range of characters. Another best - selling one is 'The Wheel of Time' by Robert Jordan. It has a vast and detailed world with a complex magic system and a long - running story arc. 'His Dark Materials' by Philip Pullman is also a best - seller. It has a unique concept of daemons and parallel universes.
Can you recommend some of Nora Roberts' best fantasy fictions?
Another great one is the 'In the Garden' series. It has a touch of the supernatural and fantasy, with a strong female lead and an interesting plot that involves ghosts and family secrets. It's a really immersive read as Nora Roberts is great at creating vivid settings and complex characters.
Can you recommend best medieval fantasy fictions for beginners?
Sure. 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a great start. It's a shorter and more accessible story compared to 'The Lord of the Rings' but still has all the elements of a great medieval fantasy like dwarves, dragons, and a quest. Another good one is 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman. It has a fairytale - like quality with a magical world just beyond a wall in a small English town.
Can you recommend some best pre 20th century novels?
Sure. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is a remarkable pre - 20th century novel. It tells the story of Captain Ahab's obsessive quest to hunt down the white whale, Moby - Dick. It's not just an adventure story but also a deep exploration of human nature, fate, and the power of nature.
Can you recommend the best Christian fantasy fictions for young readers?
For young readers, 'The Chronicles of Narnia' is a top choice. The stories are full of adventure, talking animals, and magical elements. The Christian themes are presented in a way that is easy for kids to understand, like the idea of good (Aslan) triumphing over evil. Another good one is 'The Littlest Angel' which tells a sweet story about an angel in heaven. It has simple and positive Christian values. 'The Legend of St. Nicholas' is also great for young ones as it tells the story of St. Nicholas with some magical and fantastical elements that are appealing to kids.
Can you recommend the best LGBT fantasy fictions for young adults?
One to consider is 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda'. It's a light - hearted story about a young gay boy's journey. It has a lot of humor and also deals with real - life issues like coming out. 'They Both Die at the End' is also a good option. While not strictly a fantasy in the traditional sense, it has an otherworldly element and a gay relationship that is very moving. It makes young adults think about life, death and love.