I’m not sure what I find so appealing about swords, sorcery, dragons, and all the other exciting elements that make up my favorite genre. I will admit that some part of my interest likely has to do with escapism; it is fun to forget about my day job for a while and join the stealthy rogue on a quest to loot an evil baronet of his ill-gotten gemstones.
But I think there is more to it than just escapism. In the same way that some women find romance novels appealing for the love story, by making an emotional connection that may not exist in the real world, I find myself connecting with the characters and realms that are so far removed my normal everyday life. While I am perfectly content with my life, I also recognize that there is an element of suspense, excitement, and heroism that will never find its way outside a book, board game, or my imagination. And so I use the realm of the fantastic as an outlet, to live out the parts of my own character are so very rarely tapped into. Stealth, cunning, intrigue, and bravery are far more appealing when placed into extreme and unlikely scenarios.
Or maybe that’s just me trying to justify the escapism. Either way, I enjoy it.
But I think there is more to it than just escapism. In the same way that some women find romance novels appealing for the love story, by making an emotional connection that may not exist in the real world, I find myself connecting with the characters and realms that are so far removed my normal everyday life. While I am perfectly content with my life, I also recognize that there is an element of suspense, excitement, and heroism that will never find its way outside a book, board game, or my imagination. And so I use the realm of the fantastic as an outlet, to live out the parts of my own character are so very rarely tapped into. Stealth, cunning, intrigue, and bravery are far more appealing when placed into extreme and unlikely scenarios.
Or maybe that’s just me trying to justify the escapism. Either way, I enjoy it.