Fantasy, Recovery, Escape, Consolation: Tolkien’s Essay “On Fairy-Stories”

An introduction and summary of Tolkien's foundational essay "On Fairy-Stories," this video describes concepts he articulated that have had a strong influence on the fantasy genre, including Secondary Worlds, Sub-Creators, Fantasy, Recovery, Escape, Consolation, and Eucatastrophe.
A.P. Canavan's (‪@ACriticalDragon‬) video "Talking about Narrative: Cognitive Estrangement and Arresting Strangeness Identifying the Fantastic": • 14 Talking About Narra...

[@ACriticalDragon]

This is a great essay and it is hard to overstate its impact on Fantasy scholarship. Even considering a modern subgenre like grimdark, in many ways the antithesis of Tolkien's style, there are still elements of this approach that ring true. Thanks for the great video, Philip.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks, A.P.! As you know, I'm just summarizing some of Tolkien's salient points here in hopes that those who have read the essay will remember it and that, perhaps, a few who have not read it will take a look. Of course, as always, I'd love to have a more in depth discussion of the essay with you if that's something you'd enjoy.

[@TheGeekyHippie]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I would love to watch that particular video of the two of you.

[@EricMcLuen]

While it is a modern term it could be applied to older stories and myths. Grimm-dark?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@EricMcLuen Ha ha! I’ve no idea how I never thought of “Grimm-dark” before, Eric. If I use that one, I’ll be sure to credit you.

[@TheGeekyHippie]

@@EricMcLuen The Pun Lord approves! Well played dude, well played. 🧐

[@maddy0119]

Watching your channel is like taking the course on fantasy my college didn't offer. This was a lovely analysis of this essay, thanks for sharing!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m so glad you enjoyed the video, Maddy! All colleges should have a course in fantasy literature, in my humble opinion. 😁

[@brush2canvas849]

"to hold communion with other living things" -- beautiful indeed! Thank you, Philip for uploading this video today! My mind was definitely in need for some virtual communion with some beautiful and soothing thoughts.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

There are indeed some beautiful thoughts in Tolkien's essay. The male pronoun everywhere is a bit jarring for me these days, but other than that, I feel like the essay has aged well. Even many people unaware of its existence will find many of its ideas resonating with and enriching their understanding of fantasy, I think.

[@brush2canvas849]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy The late 1930s were definitely male centred in a way we can't find appropriate today. Still, fantasy as the highest art -- I can certainly get on board with that.

[@avi4905]

"the potency of the word" reminds me of medications that treats and eventually heal the broken. Escapism where healing can actually take place, away from the chaotic hectic reality. Divine, which is just another word for magic. That's exactly what fantasy is, a kind of magic that heals all those who seek it, being broken or simply fatigued. What amazing expression that are just so true and hit deep. Thank you for introducing us to great works. Fantastic video.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Beautifully said, Avi! Escape does make possible vital healing through the magic of the imagination. I’m happy you enjoyed the video!

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

That first quote is so very beautiful.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Tolkien had a way with words, didn’t he?

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy He most certainly did.

[@hanspeter4845]

Somehow missed this video but now that I found it I am glad I watched it.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Hans! I'm glad you found it too. Tolkien had so much to say that we can still learn from.

[@RoxanaMagdaD]

This was wonderful, I really enjoyed this video, thank you so much, Philip. In these very dark times, you just offered me some valuable and beautiful information and 22.59 minutes of peace of mind

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It gives me joy to know you enjoyed the video, Rox! I do think it’s important to find moments of light and beauty in such times, just as we so often see in Malazan.

[@McDabad]

Great video! I definitely would like more of this. I find that people judge my love of fantasy, especially people that don't often read. But Tolkien here gives some great arguments and I agree with almost every quote from the video. Thanks for bringing this essay to my attention, I will be reading it soon!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

You’re very welcome, Daniel. I’m glad the excerpts resonated with you. Tolkien’s thoughts have been very helpful for me over the years to articulate why fantasy can be such great literature.

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

Absolutely great video Philip, thank you so much for this, made my evening.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Si!

[@calista3371]

I am so thankful that you brought this essay forward. I have always loved Fantasy and this puts into words what I have felt about it and the power of being in imagination. Very well done. I love being in your class. :)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Calista! I'm happy that Tolkien's essay resonates with you. There are so many facets of it that I still find illuminating when it comes to why I read fantasy. Thank you for coming to class -- I have marked you present!

[@calista3371]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I do hope you will discuss Leaf Niggle at a later time. I would love to hear that discussion as well. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@christopherfly9374]

Some universal concepts here I think. In my novel I touched briefly one idea. Philosophers arguing against the belief in the gods (fantasy in their minds) state that such belief might help a person as it would allow one to explore concepts that would allow them to more fully appreciate the real world and therefore become a more rational person as a result.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Sounds intriguing, Christopher! I look forward to to finding out more when I read the book!

[@Vronsky-dd8mg]

Thanks for sharing Philip. Love your channel so much ☝

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you - I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@BookBlather]

I mean, it’s hard to not love dragons. Great discussion, Philip. Ironically, your video distracted me from my morning reading, which happens to be The Hobbit. It’s been at least 35 years since I last read it, and I forgot what great fun it is. Wonderful video!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

The Hobbit is such a wonderful and nostalgic read for me. I'm sure Tolkien would not have minded you taking a break from it to hear some of his thoughts behind its creation. Enjoy, Dave!

[@MatthewLikesToRead]

Thanks for the video, Philip!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for watching, Matthew!

[@Johanna_reads]

Wonderful discussion of this essay, Philip! Tolkien was so good at describing the effect of his own brilliance as a writer! While there's almost a whimsical tone in this essay ("a kind of elvish craft"), he makes some very persuasive points. I love the idea that reading fantasy can be considered a heroic act through his concept of escape. Do you think Tolkien would denounce some fantasy sub-genres today, such as grimdark and magical realism, that aren't intended to provide recovery, clear-cut secondary worlds, and/or eucatastrophe?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I suspect that Tolkien would have expressed disinterest in much of what is now labeled grimdark, but he was also one to recognize literary merit where it exists, and he would have understood, I think, the exploration of alienation even as he mourned its existence in fantasy. That’s my take, at least. Thanks for watching, Johanna!

[@Johanna_reads]

I love your fantasy essay videos! They deepen my appreciation of the genre and writers. Thanks for the thoughtful answer to my question!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@Johanna_reads My pleasure! 😄

[@derrisreaditbefore]

Thank you for this Dr. Fantasy

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

You’re welcome, Derri - Thank you for watching!

[@bearlincs]

Many thanks for posting the video and sharing your thoughts about this wonderful essay with us. It brought back many good memories of reading the essay when younger. I read it when in my teenage years, after being read 'The Hobbit' at primary school and a later personal reading of 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Silamrillion'. It expressed much more eloquently my own rather instinctive attraction and reactions to his works, as well as others like 'A Wizard of Earthsea' and 'The Dark Is Rising'. Your video brought back his beautiful turns of phrase, such as a desire for dragons! It opened up my thoughts to the genre in general, and has informed and guided my own writing over the years. I greatly appreciate and enjoy these videos, such as the ones you posted on the essays by Ursula Le Guin and Stephen Donaldson on fantasy.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, John. You expressed my experience and sentiments almost exactly in terms of my teenage engagement with “On Fairy-Stories” and its huge influence on my development as a reader and conception of the fantasy genre. Tolkien’s ability to put into words what I instinctively feel but could never express so well never ceases to amaze me.

[@elultimosonador3958]

it definitely changed my entire idea of fantasy being valuable in adult life.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Same here!

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

We should all love the lightning over the drabness of street lights.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Yes! Somewhere deep down in every person is that yearning for a sense of wonder - or perhaps we’re just odd! 😁

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

I find that it's usually those that can hold on to the Wonder that make for the most interesting of people.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I feel the same way!

[@esmayrosalyne]

I loved this video! I've never really been able to articulate why I love fantasy so much, but Tolkien worded it all perfectly (and I mean, what else could we have expected from him? haha). Thanks for making this type of content! Not only do your videos bring me a lot of joy, but it always feels like I learn something new from watching your videos and I appreciate that immensely! :)

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m happy that the video spoke to you, Esmay! Tolkien was not only one of the most influential fantasy writers ever, but he was also incredibly articulate about what he believed the genre could achieve. We are lucky to have his thoughts in this essay. My very best to you!

[@vaughnroycroft999]

Wonderful to find your very encouraging lesson and analysis of an essay that's meant much to me, as well. Finding it, decades after I fell in love with Middle Earth, and years after I began my own journey as a sub-creator, felt providential as well as revelatory. While I don't want to make this specifically about me, I so clearly recall the odd feeling when I first started exploring my own secondary world. I'm sure you do, too. It's the strangest thing, how it feels so real, like it already existed somewhere. It felt as much like unearthing it as it did creating it. Truly wondrous. The challenge, of course, is finding one's way to providing that state of wonder to others (something I know I'll continue to strive toward for the rest of my days). Wonderful way to start my day. Thank you, Philip! You're a terrific resource, but also an inspiration.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Beautifully said, Vaughn! What you wrote in your comment resonates with my experience very much in terms of “discovering” the world in which my story takes place. And you’re also so right about the challenge of conveying the sense of wonder I feel to a potential reader. It’s quite a journey! I’m glad to learn how important this essay is for you as well - it’s been a lighthouse of a sort for me in my exploration of fantasy. Cheers!

[@TheLittleX]

Great video! I often discuss with friends why i love fantasy but always struggled to pin point the exact reasons. This gave me something to think of. Thanks for that. Usually the bookpersons are passionate about characters, plot an satisfying endings or so. But the passion and excitement about fantasy itself that you express is so engaging that not for the first time, you brought me to read stuff i never thought of. My horizon truly expanded since i got into conversation with you.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m so glad you’re here! Tolkien’s essay really helped me to understand why I love fantasy, and it makes me happy to know that it resonates with many other people. My very best to you for your reading!

[@Praetorian_Rex]

Hi Philip, very interesting and profound video on Tolkien's On Fairy-Stories. It reminded me of The Prancing Pony Podcast, have you heard of it? The hosts of that podcast dive deep into Tolkien's legendarium on a level I think you'd find interesting. They also discuss this essay in their introductory episode.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thanks! I’ve heard of The Prancing Pony, and I keep meaning to check out their discussions, but I haven’t yet. It sounds great. Thanks for watching this one!

[@GypsyRoSesx]

Wonderful! Thank you

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s a foundational essay for me and for many others who love fantasy. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@crazy4cairns]

Thank you for this video, Philip. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I will definitely read the original work. Looking forward to more of your thoughts on it. I also tend to agree with Tolkein on the downsides of industrialization and the need for green spaces and wilderness. As Thoreau put it, "In wildness is the preservation of the world."

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m happy you enjoyed the video, Danie! In spite of the essay’s age, I believe it still has great relevance to fantasy today and what it can do for its readers, including the gift of imagined spaces that provide a source of escape and consolation. That Thoreau fellow had some good things to say too!

[@josephcarrel7202]

What fantasy does better than any other genre is allow the reader to escape reality. More and more as our modern world confines us we need an escape and fantasy allows us to do just that.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I completely agree, Joseph - well said! And Tolkien beautifully explains why escape is a good thing.

[@EricMcLuen]

Sorry for the tangents but the mind wanders... An analysis I would be interested in would be how much of Tolkein's writing changed with the advent of WWII. If the need for a eucatastrophe became even more pronounced. This thought reminds me of the shift in Jewish, and Xian, eschatology where the Kingdom of Heaven was literally the Temple in Jerusalem. However with its final destruction it shifted to the spiritual realm as there is no earthly happy ending. I would pose that the eucatastrophe, if I am understanding the term correctly, is not the destruction of the Ring which was a foregone conclusion. But rather the Ringbearers leaving their suffering behind, i.e. their Salvation. In of course a non-allegorical way.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

An interesting question, Eric. Lord of the Rings was supposed to be a sequel to The Hobbit, similar in tone. Was WWII part of the reason for the tonal difference? The timing is about right, I think. As for Eucatastrophe in Lord of the Rings, I don’t think you’re wrong in that Frodo experiences an unexpected grace, but it’s also that moment when all hope is lost, and a sudden turn brings salvation. One example is Gollum’s role at the very end, bringing about the desired end through his interference. Another could be the eagles bearing away Sam and Frodo when they expected to die (the eagles are often a form of “divine intervention” in Tolkien’s writing).

[@KFoxtheGreat]

I love this and will absolutely be seeking out this essay

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Yay! I hope you'll enjoy reading "On Fairy-Stories," which is incredibly nostalgic and still valuable for me.

[@KFoxtheGreat]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy based on your description, it reminds me of themes Pratchett explored in several of his books, especially in the Witches subseries of Discworld. I wouldn't be surprised if he was massively influenced by this essay!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@KFoxtheGreat Yet another reason for me to read the Witches sub series from Discworld!

[@KFoxtheGreat]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy don't worry, I'll keep them coming 😂

[@SJ-GodofGnomes21]

Everyone loves a Dragon!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Preferably from a distance, though! 😁

[@MrRorosuri]

💜💜💜

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you!

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

👏👏👏👏

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Penny!

[@MrRorosuri]

Dragons are so cool

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I completely agree! 😄

[@BrendanPatrickGrace]

Are there any good recommendations on how to find this essay or things like it to begin this aspect of reading? Also, the same question for poetry.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Great question, Brendan. There are some great essays out there on fantasy. I’ve done videos on this, Ursula Le Guin’s “From Elfland to Poughkeepsie,” and two of Stephen Donaldson’s essays on epic fantasy. I also did a video on an essay by Salman Rushdie on the fantastic that I agreed with in places and disagreed with in others. There are likely collections of these essays out there, and a Google search would probably uncover the titles. As for poetry, I suggest anthologies like the Norton Introduction to Poetry, which explain technical aspects of poetry and include loads of great poems.

[@safinan8008]

Hi 👋 did u get chance to talk to Steven Erikson about his book, getting normal size book not mass market??? Great video! Happy reading to you!! 🎬🎥

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Hello, Safina! Yes. Unfortunately, Erikson has zero say in the matter - the publisher makes decisions about reprints without really consulting the author. Happy reading to you too!

[@safinan8008]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy thank you so much for ur kindness! It means a lot that u asked my question... happy reading!!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@safinan8008 My pleasure!

[@TheGeekyHippie]

"Andrew Lang lecture." Would that be the same Andrew Lang who translated Arabian Nights (which I just finished this past week)? Also, I find it very weird that I'd never known "English" is also a verb (for translating or adopting something into English).

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Quite possibly the same Andrew Lang! Yes, it’s a bit old fashioned, I think, but you can “English” a book (translate it from some other language into English). I wonder if you can “French” something? Hmmm. Slightly different connotation, perhaps . . .

[@TheGeekyHippie]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I am normally conversant in a lot of archaic English terms, but that is definitely a new one for me. One of the terms I was annoyed with in the Lang translation was "Musulman" for Muslim. The first time I heard that word used I was like "this has to be a 19th Century translation, cuz that''s just not used anymore!" And he used "genius" and "genii" as the singular and plural versions of genie. Um, huh? The spirit in the lamp is called a genius? OK" English is, and probably always has been, weird.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@TheGeekyHippie Very true! English is an oddity in many ways. You’ll still hear “Musulman” in South Asia, by the way.

[@TheGeekyHippie]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I had no idea it was still in use. It's just so... Victorian sounding. Which puts in my head a sense of derision in the term. Am I right that it isn't used in that manner in South Asia?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@TheGeekyHippie There is probably some derision implied. Hindu/Muslim relations in South Asia can be very rocky at times. There’s a lot of history there.