We are the books we consume. Both in large and smaller ways publications, books, as well as social commentary we consume fuel our thoughts like a diet of vegetables. Some people never eat anything without examining each bite to determine if it is going to be suitable for their body; while some eat everything before their eyes, possibly believing that their well-developed internal organ, called the stomach of their minds will sort out between the grain and the dust.
However, I’m not trying to rant about the importance of reviewing the content we read, but to emphasize that the content we read is important to more than just entertainment.
Reading books educates us and inspires us, and makes us think. In a way, it is what defines us. Reading lets us experience things wide and diverse, and also exciting and dangerous, all within the comfort of our favourite chair.
Why should fantasy be on our list of foods that are most nutritious?
You only need to look over the conventions of the genre to appreciate. If you’ve been involved in fantasy in any way, you’ve experienced such a plot premise like the “hapless farmer who is battling The Ultimate Evil Dark Lord.” There’s plenty of discussion and critique about this story and certainly is a common plot element. You’ll find a myriad of variations of it in books in all genres.
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However, it’s been done often with a purpose. Like all ideas that endure there is a semblance of truth in this story is shared by all of us. I would like to invite you to consider looking beyond the story for a minute and consider the “hapless farmer” as a symbol of what it is.
It’s a coming-of-age storythat encourages everyone to reflect on our own experiences of failure or struggle, as well as heartbreak, and victory. It makes clear of how even the least individual can have a positive impact on society. In fact, everyone is important. It is a battle royale against evil and good and as our farmer battles himself against forces much bigger than him, we are asked to consider our own lives and consider how we could improve, and be able to confront those ultimate evils that we face in our lives.
In the course of the journey of the farmer we witness his courage, honor, and integrity — even the traits of nobility. If we’re eating without thinking about it or taking in every chapter the ideas are molded and alter the way we think. When you read fantasy these ideas of nobleness or courage, as well as honor, begin to permeate your daily life. Who wouldn’t like an extra dose of chivalry around the world? Perhaps a little more compassion? A bit more understanding or acknowledging the importance of other people?
Fantasy allows us to discover the most appealing qualities of humanity while at the same time we can’t help but take a look at our own lives and those around us in a an enlightened way.