The fantasy genre has always been
an ever-favored aspect in literature that I’ve come to really love and
appreciate. When I was young I would plop down on my bed and pull out Harry
Potter or A Book Of Dragons for some afternoon reading. I didn’t have too many
books back then but when I did get one I made sure that it was a fantasy novel.
I absolutely love getting lost in a good book and I would say that this is
exactly why I love the fantasy genre so much. The experience of being pulled
into a story along with the world and the characters it establishes is really
just something else. It really makes the whole reading experience more genuine
in my opinion. I also love the fantasy genre because it’s the one genre where I
can suspend my disbelief and hold back my questions and just enjoy what I’m
reading. Talking animals and giant fire breathing dragons? Worlds full of magic
and ancient wonders like gods or elves? Doesn’t matter if they don’t exist, I’m
reading about them so that’s enough and I’m darn well enjoying it.
When it comes to fantasy no one
handles the genre better than J.R.R. Tolkien. The man is really a master of his
craft and he’s the shining example in my opinion of a true fantasy storyteller.
The worlds and the characters he’s created through The Lord of the Rings, The
Hobbit, and the Silmarillion is really incredible if you look into it enough.
The man’s created his own mythology and lore. From the Elves to Dwarves,
Humans, Hobbits, Urukhai and other various fantasy races, Tolkien’s created a
world full of wondrous fantasy beings. The world of Middle Earth has become a
staple world in the fantasy genre and it’s one I’d love to just jump into.
Speaking of Tolkien and fantasy
though, his book, The Hobbit, has started to really grow on me. I’ve read The
Lord of the Rings and have seen all three extended editions of the live action
movies, but I’ve just started to get into The Hobbit and I’m glad I did so.
It’s no surprise that The Hobbit is a great fantasy story just like the LOTR.
It takes place before all the action of the LOTR, but it still maintains the
great fantasy epic feel that’s a big part of Tolkien’s works. While reading the
novel I’ve got to say that my favorite part of it is Bilbo, the main
protagonist. A Hobbit from the Shire, Bilbo is reluctant to venture into the
outside world with Gandalf and the Dwarves to journey to the Misty Mountains to
reclaim a ‘lost treasure’. What I love about Bilbo is his character and how he
really develops through the story. He’s comfortable with just living a simple
life in the Shire with no worries but when he’s thrust into and adventure he
doesn’t want to be a part of he becomes a hero by the end of it all. He goes
from being your complacent, everyday-Hobbit to a brave adventurer and hero even
though he had never wanted to be so in the first place until he had no other
choice. His courage and charisma are also endearing and he’s really a great
fantasy character in this aspect. What I also found really great about his
character was how he seemed to stay who he was despite the events of the novel.
He didn’t let himself change or become corrupted (although that changes
unfortunately when the LOTR comes along). By the end of the novel he’s still
the lovable Bilbo we all know, but more heroic, confident, and adventurous.
