The Thomistic Institute

Truth, Goodness, and Fantasy Literature | Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P.

4 snips
Jan 1, 2025
Fr. Philip-Neri Reese, O.P., a Dominican Friar and philosophy professor, delves into the evolution of fantasy literature, highlighting its darker grimdark subgenre. He compares Tolkien's noble narratives with George R.R. Martin's morally complex storytelling. The discussion explores Thomistic thought, examining truth and goodness within these works. Fr. Reese also articulates the doctrine of transcendentals, shedding light on their unity and significance in literature. Ultimately, he critiques the orientation of grimdark fantasy in relation to higher spiritual truths.
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INSIGHT

Fantasy Subgenres

  • Fantasy literature has diversified into numerous subgenres beyond Tolkien and Lewis.
  • These include magical realism, dark fantasy, fairy tale fantasy, and many more.
INSIGHT

Fantasy Categorizations

  • Fantasy subgenres can be categorized by magic level (high vs. low), setting (other-world, portal, urban), or characters (coming-of-age, anti-heroic).
  • These categories often overlap, creating diverse combinations like high anti-heroic portal fantasy.
INSIGHT

Grimdark Fantasy

  • Grimdark fantasy, a troubling subgenre, emphasizes dark worlds, broken characters, and hopelessness.
  • Popular examples include works by Glenn Cook, George R.R. Martin, and Joe Abercrombie.
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