The Value of fantasy

[greyhavener]

I don't think it matters so much when or by what medium one came to love Tolkien in particular or good fantasy in general, but that we've discovered them. I agree fantasy can be an escape from reality, but I also believe it can be a setting in which to clothe invisible truths and revive heroic myth.

To me characters of depth, believable conflict, meaty relationships, settings and abilities and results that are consistent with the universe presented...these elements make a good story whether it's Middle Earth, present day New York City or ancient China.

Naaramare pointed out that happy endings are acceptable in fantasy but not in current realistic fiction. The thing that I find most satisfying in fantasy (also in so many older stories) is the hope that comes when good triumphs over evil and heroic characters receive their reward. This is only enjoyable, though, when the ending is happy but not contrived. For example, Frodo was too wounded to stay in Middle Earth. He didn't get the happily ever after that any hobbit would expect, but his fate was rewarding for Frodo and for the reader.