How does Tolkien (1964) define fantasy? Compare and contrast this to the other definitions from last week’s reader?
Tolkien defines fantasy as in fairy-stories the realm of which is wide and deep and high and filled with many things; all manner of beasts and birds; shoreless seas and stars uncounted; the enchantment of beauty and an ever-present peril; both joy and sorrow as sharp as swords. These materialistic genres contrast with the abstract forms expressed by Attebery in our last week's reader. Further onward, Tolkien defines a 'fairy-story' (contrasting the term 'fantasy' used by Attebery) is one which touches on or uses Faerie satire, adventure,morality, fantasy. It is magic of a peculiar mood and power at the furthest pole from the vulgar devices of the laborious, scientific, magician. Comparing with the mystic commotion as a whole of being fantasised as emphasised by Attebery, he went on to explain fairy stories have three faces: the Mystical towards the Supernatural; the Magical towards Nature; and the Mirror of scorn and pity towards Man. The intensity in which the others appear is variable, and may be decided by individual story teller. (Words 170)
Reference
Tolkien, J.R.R. (1988; 1964). On Faerie Stories. In Tree and Leaf. London: Unwin Hyman.
thanks for comparing the two way of defining fatasy of Tolkien and Attebery. On the three faces of fairy stories by Tolkien, can u pick the example of mirror of scorn and pity toward Man? I agree in fairy story have elements of magical toward Nature like the Elf living in tha wood in LoTR and is absent in Harry Potter fantasy which leaning toward mystical of supernatural though.
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