Comments on: Magic in the World of Alvin Maker: Prentice Alvin

By: Laura Gibbs

Laura Gibbs — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:58:45 +0000

In reference to Card, something I have come to appreciate from reading his blog is how our shared interest in stories and storytelling can overcome would probably be a bitter clash of personal politics. I’m pretty sure that when Card and I go vote, our ballots cancel each other out exactly every time… but that does not stop me from enjoying his amazing skills as a storyteller and the worlds he is able to create through the magic of his imagination.

By: tannji

tannji — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:33:05 +0000

I appreciate your reference to the similarities in story-telling between the bible, Homer, and the various authors of the Old Testament. I have offended people by doing similar, although by telling one particularly obtuse individual that I had learned more from Tolkien, Card, and Asimov than he ever would from the bible was probably a little harsher than was necessary. What I find personally ironic is that I grew up with a bias towards Mormons and their “Biblical Parody”, and come to have such respect for a “Mormon” and what is essentially a very similar work in scope and scale. I suppose it doesn’t matter where we learn or what, as long as we do in fact learn, and appreciate. Thanks….

By: Randy Hoyt

Randy Hoyt — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:24:07 +0000

Thanks for the feedback; I'm glad you are enjoying the articles here. There does seem to be a connection between modern fantasy and traditional mythology. I wouldnt' say they are identical: I suspect we do not approach our fiction the same way people approach their traditional myths. But the relationship seems quite strong to me, and I find it quite fascinating to think about it!

By: Jordan

Jordan — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:16:02 +0000

I like how you state that modern fantasy has picked up where traditional myth has left off, by using many of the same features as myth. Perhaps this accounts for the appeal that fantasy, and science fiction for that matter, has for people today, as myth did in ancient times.