If you’ve been reading my blog since the beginning, you won’t be surprised that I’ve read Philip Pullman’s controversial Dark Materials trilogy and–gasp!–enjoyed it. Fantasy is one of my favorite reading genres. Something in me loves the magic, the mystery, the fanciful creations, the vast expanse of numerous worlds other than the one we know. As a child, I snuggled next to my sister (my brother played busily with this toys on the floor), while Mama read to us from Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia. I identified with Jess and Leslie as they imagined a mythical world in Paterson’s Bridge to Terebithia. Later, in college, I tackled Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and his The Hobbit. I also discovered Cooper’s Dark Is Rising series and embarked on the powerful journey that is Rowling’s Harry Potter. Since then, I’ve thrilled to Funke’s Inkheart and Inkdeath, Bray’s historical fiction/fantasy trilogy that begins with A Great and Terrible Beauty, and, yes, Pullman’s His Dark Materials.
What’s all the fuss about fantasy? Why is it such a current fascination with readers? And why does it make some people feel so threatened?
I’ve at least figured out why I like it. In 2003, I read an article written by Natalie Burg, then a senior English major at Michigan State University, for the school’s publication The State News. She wrote,
People are drawn to “the chosen one” much more so than they are the ordinary hero. A plot with a prophecy is always more exciting. Miraculous powers seem to be a hit as well. Wait a minute…chosen one, prophecy, miracles, conquering evil…there seems to be another book based around these things. …My devotion to Harry Potter is a result of my devotion to my faith. J. K. Rowling has made a little messiah. And I’m buying it.
As I read Natalie’s words, I realized that something in me is indeed drawn to this type of mythical hero. I also thought of something I once read about C. S. Lewis and his pal J. R. R. Tolkien. Late into the night more than half a century ago, Tolkien, Lewis, and others talked about faith. By the time the sun came up the next morning, Lewis was convinced that Tolkien was right: as Lewis had always thought, Christianity was a great myth–complete with war, betrayal, curses and blessings, and of course a tragic hero (who just happened to be not so tragic in the end). What Tolkien had conveyed to Lewis, however, was that this myth was different from fantastic stories invented by human minds. This myth was true. Lewis became a Christian and the rest is history.
I don’t know how accurate that story is, but it’s been told in biographies and writings about both men. I cling to it because it validates what is truly my obsession with stories like Frodo’s, Harry’s, Lyra’s, and even Luke Skywalker’s. It’s okay for me to get caught up in their adventures and perils because, ultimately for me, they point to the greatest adventure of all–that of being a follower of Jesus Christ. (Plus, they’re simply fantastic reads!)
As to why some people feel threatened by fantasy books and films, I imagine it’s because they’ve been told fantasy is dangerous and counter to the teachings of God; that any mention of witches or wizards, magic, sorcery, spirits, etc. constitutes evil. Of course, I tend to disagree. For me, fantasy, which highlights the classic battle between good and evil and frequently employs imagery like that found in the biblical book of Revelation, often parallels or at least complements my faith. I certainly can’t make up another’s mind, though, and I must leave it to each person to decide.
I see nothing wrong with reading fantasy books or viewing fantasy films. Every individual is entitled to his or her opinion, but I do hope such opinions are at least researched and grounded on facts, rather than hearsay. It is ridiculous to me that people take up arms against something they personally know little or nothing about.
In closing, I recommend this blog article by Jeannie Babb Taylor. Her first two paragraphs say it all to me. Enjoy!
