by Matt Caldwell

Created on: August 26, 2009   Last Updated: February 09, 2011

Among the many genres of books which occupy the shelves of modern bookstores, Fantasy stands out as a playground for the speculative and the imaginative. The modern Fantasy story can take on many forms; it may boast of mythical creatures such as dragons and griffins, whisk you away through magical lands and mysterious ages, take you along as an assassin's apprentice, or leisurely guide you through King Arthur's court. Fantasy authors are often among the most fanciful and poetic authors to ever set pen to paper, and rightfully so-part of what distinguishes Fantasy as a genre is the fact that its very existence requires an imagination stronger than the prohibitive bonds which tie us to our own world. Fantasy drags us along, irrespective of time or space, on a journey rooted deep in the confines of our minds-a journey not unlike the one which we will now take, as we explore some of the most influential writings of modern Fantasy.

1. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: What survey of popular Fantasy would be complete without mentioning Tolkien's wonderful, fantastical masterpiece? In The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien created a world where man and elf and dwarf could band together to overtake evil. It was a world very unlike our own-yet it was a world with which people could identify. Good vs. Evil. Right vs. Wrong. In Tolkien's world, Justice prevailed-but not without a nasty fight (and some magic along the way). It is often said that The Lord of the Rings was the beginning of what is referred to as "Modern Fantasy." While that's debatable, there is no disputing the fact that Tolkien's epic trilogy continues to influence the world of Fantasy, even today.

2. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: A friend of Tolkien's, C.S. Lewis left his own mark on the world of Fantasy with his series, The Chronicles of Narnia. Narnia is a world where animals talk, where evil witches rule over icy plains, and where time moves disproportionally with our own sense of passing. In contrast to The Lord of the Rings (as well as various other Fantasy stories), The Chronicles of Narnia took place in multiple worlds, including the one we occupy today. This introduced an odd dynamic as our main characters switched (sometimes accidentally) between worlds and between identities. Also of interest in these stories is C.S. Lewis's heavy use of religous allegory. Regardless of the biblical parallels, The Chronicles of Narnia leaves you with a spiritual sense of wonder and a renewed sense of

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