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Category Archives: Myth and Legend
Like Trees Walking
“The first tree she looked at seemed at first glance to be not a tree at all but a huge man with a shaggy beard and great bushes of hair. She was not at all frightened: she had seen such … Continue reading
Posted in Fairy Tales, Myth and Legend, Mythic Creatures
2 Comments
Mythopoeia
I’ve been on a bit of a Tolkien kick lately, because there’s a great deal worth exploring in his works, both fiction and non-fiction. One concept he developed and explored to a greater extent than his predecessors was that of … Continue reading
American Folklore and Fantasy
If I trace my lineage back, it goes to Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany, and an assortment of other European countries. No small wonder then, that I identify with the folklore from those regions, which provides the roots for much … Continue reading
Posted in Myth and Legend
5 Comments
Death and Resurrection: Patterns in Folklore and Fantasy
“The world is full of resurrections. Every night that folds us up in darkness is a death; and those of you that have been out early, and have seen the first of the dawn, will know it–the day rises out … Continue reading
Posted in Fairy Tales, God, Myth and Legend
6 Comments
Are Fairy Stories Only for the Young?
Sometimes I encounter the perception that fairy tales and fantasy belong to children and teens, and those of a more mature outlook want “realistic” fare. These adults say they want books that delve into real life issues, a perspective that … Continue reading
Posted in Fairy Tales, Myth and Legend
Tagged Beauty and the Beast, CS Lewis, GK Chesterton, JRR Tolkien
10 Comments
The History and Lore of Swords
(Elements of Fantasy)
Throughout history, swords played an important role in defending life and livelihood. Over the years, they evolved in form and the techniques used to wield them, but they remained favored weapons of war through many centuries. In time, they came … Continue reading
Posted in Elements of Fantasy, Myth and Legend
1 Comment
On the Mixing of Mythologies
Only in fairy tales can a heart live outside the body for years without end, and indeed the detached heart occurs in a number of fairy tales such as the The Giant Who Had No Heart In His Body (which … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Fantasy, Myth and Legend
Tagged Aarne-Thompson 302, CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien
4 Comments
The Laidly Worm and Other
Loathly Ladies of Lore
Most people have at least passing familiarity with Beauty and the Beast, a tale that has inspired many a speculative novel, but not with the similar stories that involve a cursed woman, such as The Laidly (or Laidley) Worm. This … Continue reading
Faith in Fantasy, Part 2
Despite all they shared in common, Tolkien and Lewis had distinct differences when it came to the creative process, even in the way they depicted spiritual realities in their stories. Yet the one thing they both agreed on was that … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Fantasy, God, Myth and Legend
Tagged allegory, CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, Supposal
7 Comments
Faith in Fantasy, Part 1
If you’ve been around this blog any length of time, you’ll know that I consider the spiritual element a vital part of good storytelling–and it’s weighed especially on my mind of late. When fellow writer Virginia Ripple posted about fantasy … Continue reading