Tolkien and modern fantasy - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lady Of Light · 07-30-2003, 06:52 PM

I was wondering what your (gestures vaguely at computer screen) opinion is about modern fantasy. Has Tolkien "ruined" all of the books for you because it's just so good? It seems to me like all fantasy writers are worried about this, yet I have not met someone who truly despises the rest of the genre because LOTR blows all of the new books out of the water.
It's just a thought, but I'd really like to hear about this.
In my opinion, Tolkien is a genre all of its own. I call it historical fantasy (clever, isn't it?) So I never compare any fantasy to Tolkien. While it may not have the same amazing scale and emotional weight, it can still be excellent. Any thoughts? Or am I just ranting?

07-30-2003, 06:52 PM	#1
Lady Of Light Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: VA Posts: 26	Tolkien and modern fantasy I was wondering what your (gestures vaguely at computer screen) opinion is about modern fantasy. Has Tolkien "ruined" all of the books for you because it's just so good? It seems to me like all fantasy writers are worried about this, yet I have not met someone who truly despises the rest of the genre because LOTR blows all of the new books out of the water. It's just a thought, but I'd really like to hear about this. In my opinion, Tolkien is a genre all of its own. I call it historical fantasy (clever, isn't it?) So I never compare any fantasy to Tolkien. While it may not have the same amazing scale and emotional weight, it can still be excellent. Any thoughts? Or am I just ranting? __________________ The knight looked to her with reproval, and she laughed, and he could not help but join in.