Ep. 272 - Tolkien's Philosophy of Fairy Stories w/Dr. Philip Chase

22 snips

Mar 4, 2025

Join Dr. Philip Chase, a medieval literature expert and Tolkien enthusiast, as he delves into the rich world of J.R.R. Tolkien's philosophy of fairy stories. They discuss Tolkien's critiques of industrialization and his legacy in fantasy literature. The conversation touches on the enchanting styles of Ursula K. Le Guin, the significance of hope and eucatastrophe in storytelling, and the philosophical depths of narratives. Discover how ancient cultures and languages inform modern fantasy, reshaping our understanding of connection and identity.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Discovering Fantasy

Philip Chase discovered fantasy through Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain.
Reading Tolkien's Lord of the Rings at 12 was a cathartic experience, shaping his academic path.

INSIGHT

Fairy Stories vs. Modern Fantasy

Tolkien distinguishes between older, communal fairy stories and modern fantasy written by individuals.
Modern fantasy, while individually authored, shares key elements with traditional fairy stories.

INSIGHT

Fantasy as Purest Art

Tolkien believes fantasy is the purest art form due to its reliance on imagination.
It allows for unrestrained sub-creation, unlike realistic fiction bound by observed facts.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

The Second Apocalypse series

R. Scott Bakker

The Edan Trilogy

Philip Chase

Thomas Covenant series

Stephen R. Donaldson

The Chronicles of Prydain

null

Lloyd Alexander

Lloyd Alexander's 'The Chronicles of Prydain' is a five-book fantasy series for young adults. The story follows Taran, a pig-keeper who becomes embroiled in a quest to save Prydain from the evil Arawn Death-Lord. The series features a blend of Celtic mythology and classic fantasy tropes, exploring themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. The books are known for their witty dialogue, memorable characters, and richly imagined world. They have earned critical acclaim and remain popular with young readers.

The Book of the New Sun

Gene Wolfe

The Book of the New Sun is a four-volume series that chronicles the atonement journey of Severian, a young man who is a member of the Guild of Torturers and Executioners. The story is rich in religious symbolism, particularly Christian allegory, and features a complex narrative with multiple layers of meaning. Severian's journey involves his transformation and his role in bringing redemption and resurrection to a corrupt and dying world. The series is part of Gene Wolfe's larger 'Solar Cycle' and includes intricate world-building and deep thematic exploration.

Foundation Series

A Science Fiction Masterpiece

Isaac Asimov

The Foundation series, written by Isaac Asimov, is a seminal work of science fiction that spans over 550 years. It begins with the decline of the Galactic Empire, which has ruled for 12,000 years. Mathematician Hari Seldon develops the science of psychohistory, predicting the empire's fall and a subsequent 30,000-year dark age. To mitigate this, Seldon establishes the Foundation, a group of scientists and scholars on the planet Terminus, to compile and preserve human knowledge in the Encyclopedia Galactica. The series follows the Foundation's journey through various challenges and adaptations over millennia, exploring themes of governance, warfare, and science. The series was initially published as short stories and novellas between 1942 and 1950, later compiled into novels, and expanded upon in subsequent books[3][4][5].

Gulliver's travels

Jonathan Swift

Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" is a satirical masterpiece that uses fantastical journeys to critique human nature and societal flaws. Gulliver's encounters with Lilliputians, Brobdingnagians, and other fantastical creatures serve as allegories for political and social issues of Swift's time. The novel's sharp wit and biting satire continue to resonate with readers today, offering a timeless commentary on human folly and the complexities of power. Gulliver's experiences highlight the absurdity of human conflict and the importance of reason and moderation. The book's enduring popularity stems from its ability to entertain while simultaneously provoking thought and challenging readers' assumptions.

Dune

Frank Herbert

Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people[2][5][4].

The Space Trilogy

The Ransom Trilogy

C.S. Lewis

The trilogy consists of 'Out of the Silent Planet', 'Perelandra', and 'That Hideous Strength'. It follows Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist, as he is kidnapped and taken to Mars (Malacandra), then to Venus (Perelandra), and finally back to Earth. Each book explores themes of good vs. evil, free will, and the cosmic hierarchy, drawing parallels with biblical narratives and classical mythology. The series delves into spiritual warfare, the nature of sin, and the struggle between personal ambition and moral integrity[1][3][5].

The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].

On Fairy Stories

None

George Orwell

In "On Fairy Stories," J.R.R. Tolkien explores the nature and significance of fairy tales, arguing that they are not mere children's stories but profound expressions of human longing and imagination. He delves into the concept of 'eucatastrophe,' a sudden and joyful turn of events that transcends the ordinary, and how it relates to the Christian narrative of redemption. Tolkien's essay is a rich tapestry of literary criticism, mythology, and personal reflection, offering insights into the creative process and the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of the world. He emphasizes the importance of fantasy literature in providing escape, consolation, and a glimpse into the deeper truths of existence. The essay remains a cornerstone of fantasy literature studies and continues to inspire writers and readers alike.

Earthsea

Ursula K. Le Guin

The Earthsea Cycle follows the journey of various characters, notably Ged (Sparrowhawk), as they navigate the complexities of magic, power, and balance in the world of Earthsea. The series is known for its Taoist themes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining equilibrium in the world and the consequences of using magic. It includes six novels: A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, Tehanu, Tales from Earthsea, and The Other Wind. The series is praised for its rich world-building, nuanced characters, and exploration of themes such as identity, power, and responsibility.