Tolkien defines fairy - stories as stories that deal with the realm of Faerie. This is a world filled with magic, wonder, and the extraordinary. For instance, it includes things like elves, dwarves, and other fantastical creatures.
Tolkien believes that fairy - stories are a form of art. They are not just for children but can be appreciated by all ages. They have the ability to touch on deep human emotions and experiences, like fear, hope, and love. By using the elements of Faerie, such as magic and the supernatural, they can convey these emotions in a unique and powerful way that other types of stories might not be able to achieve.
He also defines them as stories that have the power to create secondary worlds. These are worlds that exist apart from our own but can be accessed through the imagination while reading the story. They are not just simple make - believe but rather complex and detailed worlds with their own rules and cultures. In Tolkien's view, a good fairy - story can make these secondary worlds seem real and engaging to the reader.
Tolkien defines fairy stories as a genre that involves elements of magic, wonder, and the creation of otherworldly settings.
The length of Tolkien on Fairy-Stories can vary. Different publications might have different page counts. Generally, it's not an overly long work, but it packs a lot of depth and thought.
Tolkien's view has had a huge impact. His emphasis on creating rich, detailed worlds in fairy stories has inspired modern fantasy writers to do the same. They strive to build immersive universes like Middle - earth.
One main idea is Tolkien's exploration of the nature of fairy - stories. He emphasizes their importance in creating secondary worlds that can offer different perspectives and escapes. For example, these secondary worlds can be places of wonder and magic, distinct from our own reality.
Tolkien composed 'On Fairy Stories' back in 1939. It's a significant work that explores his thoughts on the genre of fairy tales.
Another important aspect is the role of imagination in fairy stories. Tolkien believed that through the power of imagination, these stories can transport readers to new worlds and expand their understanding of different concepts. In 'The Tolkien Reader on Fairy Stories', he might have explored how this imagination is kindled and what it can lead to in terms of the reader's experience.
One key idea is the concept of recovery. Tolkien argues that fairy stories can help us see the world anew, as if for the first time. They have the power to strip away the dullness of the familiar and make things fresh and exciting again.
One of the main themes is the battle between good and evil. In Tolkien's fairy stories, there are clear distinctions between the forces of good, like the hobbits and their allies, and the forces of evil such as Sauron. Another theme is the hero's journey. Characters like Frodo have to leave their comfort zones, face numerous challenges and grow in the process.
One key idea is the importance of fantasy in fairy stories. Tolkien believed that fantasy allows for the creation of new worlds and ideas. Another is the concept of recovery, where these stories can help us see the ordinary world in a new light.
Tolkien's Essay on Fairy Stories is very important for understanding fantasy literature. His ideas about secondary worlds help us to see how fantasy authors build their fictional universes. The concept of eucatastrophe gives a distinct characteristic to fantasy stories. It makes us realize that in fantasy, there can be a turn towards the good that is not always present in other genres. Also, his exploration of the role of the author as a sub - creator shows how fantasy literature is a form of creative world - building. It's not just about writing a story but creating an entire world with its own rules, cultures, and histories, which is a fundamental aspect of much of modern fantasy literature.