Ep. 272 - Tolkien's Philosophy of Fairy Stories w/Dr. Philip Chase
Mar 4, 2025
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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.
Tolkien's philosophy posits that fairy stories serve not only as entertainment but also as profound reflections of our understanding of creation and existence.
The concept of 'eucatastrophe' highlights how unexpected joy can arise from struggle, illustrating hope's resilience even in adversity.
While modern fantasy draws from Tolkien's foundational fairy stories, it is crucial to appreciate the rich cultural heritage and collective imagination that defines traditional narratives.
Deep dives
Exploring Tolkien's On Fairy Stories
Tolkien's essay, On Fairy Stories, acts as a foundational text for understanding fantasy literature and its significance. He argues that fairy stories hold immense value beyond mere entertainment, as they provide insight into the world around us and stir the imagination. Central to Tolkien's philosophy is the concept of 'sub-creation', where authors craft their own worlds, reflecting their understanding of creation and the divine. This notion emphasizes that humans, as creators, engage in storytelling that mirrors a higher creative power, positioning fantasy as a legitimate and essential literary form.
The Importance of Wonder and Imagination
Tolkien asserts that the element of 'wonder' is crucial in fantasy literature, serving as a means to experience the 'arresting strangeness' of creation. This wonder awakens a deeper understanding of the natural world, contrasting the mundane aspects of modern life. Through imaginative narratives, readers are transported to realms where the extraordinary unfolds, allowing them to perceive beauty and meaning that often goes unnoticed in everyday existence. Tolkien believes that by engaging with such works, readers can reclaim a sense of joy and enchantment lost to a materialistic society.
Distinguishing between Fairy Stories and Modern Fantasy
While modern fantasy often incorporates elements of Tolkien's fairy stories, it is essential to recognize the distinctions Tolkien draws between them. For him, fairy stories encompass a broader tradition rich with cultural heritage and collective imagination, whereas modern fantasy is often the work of individual authors drawing from these older tales. In this context, he describes the three ways these stories can originate—independent invention, inheritance, and diffusion—all of which reflect how folklore evolves over time. By understanding these origins, readers gain a deeper appreciation of the tapestry of stories that shape contemporary fantasy.
The Role of Eucatastrophe
A key concept in Tolkien's discussion of fairy stories is 'eucatastrophe', which refers to a sudden, unexpected turn of events leading to joy and resolution. Unlike conventional happy endings, eucatastrophes emerge from a backdrop of sorrow and struggle, underscoring the complexities of the human experience. Tolkien believes these moments provide deeper meaning, illustrating that hope can prevail even in dire circumstances. This idea resonates within the larger themes of redemption and transformation, emphasizing the importance of envisioning a brighter future amidst darkness.
Interconnectedness in Fantasy and Reality
Tolkien explores the interconnectedness of storytelling, culture, and human experience in his essay by emphasizing that fairy stories fulfill primal desires: the quest to understand space and time and the yearning for communion with others. He argues that stories reflect universal truths, connecting us to a wider narrative that transcends individual experiences. This notion resonates with both philosophical and religious perspectives, suggesting that storytelling is an integral part of understanding our place in the world. Through engaging with fantasy, readers engage in a communal exploration of life, fostering a sense of connection with both characters and the broader human experience.
In episode 272 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Philip Chase of @PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy and he schools me on J.R.R. Tolkien's philosophy of fiction, fantasy, faerie, speculative fiction, and more! Read Tolkien's essay here and you'll be supporting my podcast: https://amzn.to/3XvsEfi→Sponsors/Discounts Check out https://murdycreative.co/PARKERNOTES and use promo code PARKERNOTES at check out for 10% off your entire order!!Grab a Field Notes notebook or memo book wallet like the one from the video from my affiliate link here to support my work and use promo code PARKERNOTES for 10% off your entire order: https://fieldnotesbrand.com/products/daily-carry-leather-notebook-cover?aff=44I'm finally a Saddleback affiliate so if you like their stuff buy something from my link and you can also support my work! Check out the catalog here: https://saddlebackleather.com/leather-moleskine-cover-medium/?ktk=d0pac01BLWJmZWY1MmZiYTFiJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA/joinJoin the Facebook group, Parker's Pensées Penseurs, here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/960471494536285/If you like this podcast, then support it on Patreon for $3, $5 or more a month. Any amount helps, and for $5 you get a Parker's Pensées sticker and instant access to all the episode as I record them instead of waiting for their release date. Check it out here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parkers_penseesIf you want to give a one-time gift, you can give at my Paypal: https://paypal.me/ParkersPensees?locale.x=en_US Check out my merchandise at my Teespring store: https://teespring.com/stores/parkers-penses-merch Come talk with the Pensées community on Discord: dsc.gg/parkerspenseesSub to my Substack to read my thoughts on my episodes: https://parknotes.substack.com/
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