58. Is Star Wars a Fairy Story? – On Fairy Stories, Part 1

58. Is Star Wars a Fairy Story? – On Fairy Stories, Part 1

This week, Michael, Dan, and I discuss the first part of Tolkien’s seminal essay “On Fairy Stories”, where Tolkien defines what a fairy (aka fantasy) story is.

Why is this important? Well, the “fairy tale” in Tolkien’s era was relegated to simple children’s fiction, something adults grew out of along with their innocence and naiveté. But to Tolkien, these stories that take place in the land of Faërie contain more beauty and truths than any tale set in modern day environs.

In this essay Tolkien defines these stories by what they have, and what they are not, not precisely by what they ARE. And we even jump into whether Star Wars or Star Trek might match Tolkien’s definition!

Then, join us in our extended episode (https://theonering.com/members) where we:

  • Discuss what our favorite fairy story is (other than LOTR)
  • Try and figure out what the best fairy story of the last 2 decades is (or if there even IS one!)

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)!

BECOME A MEMBER!
Get access to the extended edition of this podcast, our private Discord chat, and live chats. Click here!

🔗 Episode Links
Tales from the Perilous Realm (“On Fairy Stories”)
Make Tolkien Great Again – Tengwar Hat

🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast
Get the Extended Podcast
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🔍 If You Like Tolkien
The Silmarillion
The Fall of Númenor
The Fall of Gondolin
The Children of Hurin
The Atlas of Middle-earth
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

🗣 Special Thanks to Austin Robertson for the use of his voice!

🖼 Special Thanks to Anna Grumbine for the artwork!

Episoder(159)

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148. Bilbo Doubles Down on Burglary – The Hobbit #33

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147. Is Thorin Gold-Sick or Just Sick of the Elves – The Hobbit #32

147. Is Thorin Gold-Sick or Just Sick of the Elves – The Hobbit #32

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30 Sep 20250s

146. Smaug’s Hydrophobia – The Hobbit #31

146. Smaug’s Hydrophobia – The Hobbit #31

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145. Is the Arkenstone a Silmaril? – The Hobbit #30

145. Is the Arkenstone a Silmaril? – The Hobbit #30

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144. Never Laugh at Live Dragons – The Hobbit #29

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143. Playing Tales of the Shire So You Don’t Have To

143. Playing Tales of the Shire So You Don’t Have To

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142. Size Matters to Every Dragon – The Hobbit #28

142. Size Matters to Every Dragon – The Hobbit #28

Bilbo finally becomes a real burglar in this chapter, venturing alone into the heart of the Lonely Mountain as Thorin and company are once again exposed for the unprepared adventurers they are. Meanwh...

22 Jul 20250s

141. An Interview with Elijah Wood

141. An Interview with Elijah Wood

Here’s the next episode in our series of interviews from the December 2, 2003 roundtable discussions! In this interview–just before The Return of the King was released–Elijah wood reflects on the jour...

11 Jul 20250s

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