FICTION | FANTASY TALES
The Truth About Fantasy Tales
By now, nearly everyone is aware of JK Rowling and JRR Tolkien. After all, the Harry Potter series made Rowling a billionaire and Tolkien’s Hobbit and the LOTR have morphed into multi-million-dollar movies.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on a link and buy the product, I make a small commission, which does not change your price. Read my disclosure statement for additional information.
Sure, most fantasy could be described as fiction, thrillers, or even epic fairy tales, but there’s so much more to these treasures.
Well, actually, “The 10th Kingdom” was as close to an epic fairy tale as there ever was. I’ll never forget the first time I watched it with my kids, laughed my butt off, and enjoyed every minute of that 10-hour show. It was truly epic.
The 10th Kingdom (2000) Trailer Remastered HD
“Everyone needs a fantasy.” — Andy Warhol.
In the enchanting realm of fantasy tales, imagination is as necessary as tools to a mechanic or lies to a politician.
“Fantasy is the genre where dreams and reality converge, inviting us to explore the depths of our imagination.” — George R.R. Martin.
Unveiling the Magic of Fantasy Tales
These captivating narratives transport us to far-off lands, where dragons soar through the skies, wizards cast spells, and epic adventures await.
“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.” — Lloyd Alexander.
Join me on a journey through some of the most beloved fantasy series, where we’ll explore the worlds created by visionary authors and the enduring impact of these fantastical stories. We’ll go “there and back again.”
“I get so tired of people saying, ‘Oh, you only make fantasy films and this and that’, and I’m like, ‘Well no, fantasy is reality’, that’s what Lewis Carroll showed in his work’.” — Tim Burton.
JK Rowling: The Magic Behind Harry Potter
NOTE: My writing about the Harry Potter series does not signify an agreement with the author’s political/moral stance.
First, let’s enter the world of wizards and Muggles with J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
With over 500 million copies sold worldwide, the seven books in the series have cast an enchanting spell on readers of all ages.
The movies based on the books have also raked in over $7.7 billion at the global box office.
This modern fantasy masterpiece follows the young wizard Harry Potter as he discovers his magical heritage, confronts the dark wizard Voldemort, and embarks on a hero’s journey.
J.K. Rowling, a single mother who faced rejection from publishers before finding success, is now one of the world’s wealthiest authors.
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.” — JK Rowling.
Many believe Harry Potter is a YA series. However, a 2012 poll found that 55% of YA stories are bought by adults, for adults!
Here are the seven books with a short summary:
#1 — “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” — The story begins as young Harry discovers his wizarding heritage and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns of his destiny to confront the dark wizard Voldemort.
#2 — “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” — Harry returns to Hogwarts, uncovering a sinister secret hidden within the school’s depths, involving a dangerous creature and a mysterious diary.
#3 — “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” — Harry learns about the escaped prisoner Sirius Black and discovers shocking truths about his own past.
#4 — “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” — Harry competes in the Triwizard Tournament, only to find himself thrust into a deadly showdown with Voldemort’s return.
#5 — “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” — Harry joins a secret group of wizards, the Order of the Phoenix, to battle the rising threat of Voldemort and his followers.
#6 — “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Harry digs into Voldemort’s past, unearths horcruxes, and faces heartbreaking losses.
#7 — “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” The epic finale sees Harry, Hermione, and Ron embarking on a perilous quest to destroy horcruxes and defeat Voldemort, culminating in an unforgettable showdown and a battle for Hogwarts.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is a spellbinding journey of a young wizard’s growth, friendship, and ultimate battle against the dark forces of the wizarding world.
“It feels as though publishing and fandom and children’s literature and all of pop culture have always been the way we know them today. But Harry Potter changed the world.” — The Vox.
Harry Potter: The Complete Collection (1–7) Kindle Edition.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Official Trailer — Daniel Radcliffe Movie HD
The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings: JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth
J.R.R. Tolkien, the mastermind behind “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, was a philologist and professor whose love for languages and mythology led him to craft the rich tapestry of Middle Earth.
He wrote the languages of Middle Earth and translated them for us.
All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be the blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king. — From The Fellowship of the Ring.
“The Hobbit” introduces us to the reluctant Hobbit hero Bilbo Baggins and his epic adventure. “The Lord of the Rings,” a timeless classic, follows the journey of Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship to destroy the One Ring.
“Tolkien’s Middle Earth is a triumph of linguistics and mythology, a world that lives and breathes in the minds of readers.” — USA Today.
Tolkien was always able to get me out of the shithole that was my home as a kid and take one amazing adventure after another with my friends, the Fellowship.
TBH, I wished that my mother had met Gandalf and married him. I loved everything about Middle Earth, every Hobbit, every Elf, every Dwarf, everything! Well, not Orcs, Saruman, and Sauron. But without them, there is no story.
“This is one of the most freshly original and delightfully imaginative books for children that have appeared in many a long day — a glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible.” — The NY Times.
A media group from Sweden, Embracer, who owns Freemode, who in turn owns the rights to everything Middle Earth, has announced, despite the exhaustive and excellent coverage provided by Peter Jackson movies, more Middle Earth movies are on the way.
“Lord of the Rings is one of the most iconic storytelling franchises of all time, and we’re so excited. Stay tuned for more to come on this front.” — The Warner Brothers CEO, CEO David Zaslav.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Official Trailer #1 — HD
The Mortal Instruments: Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters
Cassandra Clare, hailing from Iran and now residing somewhere in Massachusetts in the United States, has bewitched readers with her Mortal Instruments six-book series.
Her books have sold over 50 million copies and have been translated into 35 languages worldwide.
On her birthday, Clary Fray discovered she is a human-angel hybrid, known as a Shadowhunter, who hunts demons.
When her mother is kidnapped, Clary relies on Jace, Isabelle, and Alec to navigate the world of demon-hunting. With the help of her best friend, Simon, Clary uncovers answers to find her mother in a world of vampires and werewolves.
With a heady mix of magic, romance, and thrilling battles, Clare’s storytelling prowess has enamored fans worldwide.
Own the Mortal Instruments six-book series.
“Plenty of romance, loss, and betrayal.” — Booklist.
“The Mortal Instrument series is a story world that I love to live in. Beautiful.” — Stephenie Meyer, Author of the Twilight series.
SHADOWHUNTERS: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS — Official Teaser #1 (2015)
Final Thoughts About Fantasy Tales
Although I only discussed three fantasy tales and series, there are many, many more you should consider, including:
A Game of Thrones (the HBO Tie-in Edition) or “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin. “A Song of Ice and Fire,” a fantasy novel turned TV show (Game of Thrones), captivated fantasy and non-fantasy fans alike. It’s an ambitious and gory tale, blending the War of the Roses politics with dragons, zombies, and witches.
“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by CS Lewis. It follows the adventures of four siblings who stumble into the magical land of Narnia through a wardrobe. There, they discover a world ruled by the tyrannical White Witch and join forces with the noble lion, Aslan, to overthrow her icy reign and restore peace to Narnia.
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass” by Lewis Carroll. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, published in 1865, inspires countless adaptations and nods. This whimsical tale delights children with ridiculous situations and nonsensical words and remains a fun read for children and adults alike, as one of the first portal fantasies in literature.
“Akata Witch” by Nnedi Okorafor. Known as the “Nigerian Harry Potter,” Okorafor’s YA novel introduces us to a remarkable protagonist, a Nigerian American girl with albino skin. Overflowing with enchanting abilities, her story captivates readers and stands out amidst a saturated genre. Okorafor’s work is a genuine masterpiece, deserving recognition and appreciation.
“Gulliver’s Travels” by Jonathan Swift. “His Majesty’s Dragon” by Naomi Novik. “The Bloody Crown of Conan” by Robert E. Howard. “The Once and Future King” by TH White. “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe. “The Last Unicorn” by Peter S. Beagle. “Magician: Apprentice” by Raymond E. Feist. “Assassin’s Apprentice” by Robin Hobb. “The Bear and the Nightingale” by Katherine Arden.
Many of these are series and might even be the second or third book. And, yes, I’m sure I missed dozens. Leave your favorite fantasy tale or series in the comments.
In the enchanting realm of fantasy tales, where imagination reigns supreme, we find ourselves transported to perilous and wondrous worlds.
Whether penned by JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien, or another, these tales offer us an escape from the ordinary into realms where magic, heroism, and adventure reign supreme.
That’s all for today. Thanks for reading and come back for more soon. If you enjoyed my story, follow me, clap, highlight something that interested you, and leave a comment or feedback.
You might also consider:
Alternatively, you could subscribe to get notified of all my new stories by email.
Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Also, a Top Writer in Bitcoin, Business, Investing, Nutrition, Travel, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, and Short Story.
