[svalbard]

This is an interesting topic for debate and something I have pondered over for many years. I can only go on how I have changed in my literary tastes in fantasy. First of all there was Tolkien and his two greatest works, The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. He created a fantastical world that hinted at the myths of our own past and yet you knew you were in a different world, where in the end the Light would win through. You took joy from that, at least I did anyway. Tolkien's creation has being expounded upon by other writers.

Some have done this to some success. I would say that authors such as George R.R. Martin, Tad Williams and Steven Erikson are bright examples of this. They ground their worlds in a quasi-medieval setting, with all the grime and horror of those times. At the same time certain characters will rise above the quagmire of filth to strike a blow for what we as readers and lovers of fantasy need. Truth and right.

I will appologise(sp) for the short reply, but I am tired and need some sleep. I will come back and add some more to this later.