Epic Fantasy Adventure with Timeless Values Part 2

“Epic Fantasy Adventure with Timeless Values” Part 2

Let’s continue our discussion on branding and writing styles. We focused in on the phrase found on the top of my main webpage:

“Epic Fantasy Adventure with Timeless Values”

Epic Fantasy Adventure…

Last time, we discussed the first part of the phrase and specific fantasy genres like “epic,” “heroic,” and “action and adventure.” We also distinguished between concepts like “grimdark” vs “noblebright.” My stories tend to have these qualities, including being “nobledark. They also have a few monsters, too.

I recommend you read Part 1 first. You can do so by clicking here.

Ancient Myths

In many ancient myths, whether they be Norse or Persian or Greek, there are certain values that are used over and over. Heroism, bravery, self-sacrifice, justice, truth, fairness, and wisdom. Sometimes stories reveal the fallacy of a negative trait, such as greed, theft, selfishness, or envy. Who can forget the story of Sigurd (or Sigfried) and the tragedy of greed and deception? Or Sir Gawain who goes through temptations before facing the Green knight? The Greek heroes must put aside fear and defeat great monsters and overcome self-centered rulers. Even contemporary secular studies say all societies have certain common rules of morality: family values, group loyalty, reciprocity, bravery, respect, fairness, and property rights.

Timeless Values

Morality is universal because it comes from our Creator. God is just, true, holy, and good. His very nature defines these things. He cannot be anything else. They are part of His being, and He has instilled them in His creation. Is not the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? (Galatians 5:22-23). These are timeless values that endure across the ages because they come from God.

However, we know that life is not always good. Evil happens. Wickedness, greed, gluttony, vanity, and envy all exist. Man and creation are cursed (Genesis 3) and evil exists. So heroes must arise to stand against and overcome these evils so they do not prevail.

Grimdark Modern Stories

Many modern stories, especially fantasy stories, are influenced by secular ideas of modern nihilism. Life has no meaning, so values are subjective. “Heroes” live for themselves or their own set of rules. ‘Might makes right.’ Survival may be the biggest goal. Nothing really matters or morality is mocked. The heroes are really anti-heroes or just unlikeable. I find these ‘grimdark’ stories depressing and unenjoyable. These ideas will not last. They may be here for a time in an atheistic, secular dominated culture, but because they go against our Creator and how He has made us, they will fade away eventually. And honestly, they are unrealistic.

Tales of Timeless Values

As I stated in part 1, I prefer noblebright or nobledark stories. Stories of hope and triumph. Good overcoming evil. Darkness may be victorious for a season, even a long season, but it fails in the end. Evil cannot last because it destroys itself. Greed, selfishness, envy, gluttony are all self-destructive. Those that stand for justice always will arise, even when the odds seem overwhelming. We want genuine heroes. Men and women who sacrifice it all for others, who stand in bravery even when all seems lost or hopeless. Stories of justice, truth, beauty, and integrity. These are the stories we love. Stories that glorify God and His nature. They are timeless and these are the stories I write. If you enjoy epic fantasy adventure with timeless values, try my stories. Sign up for my newsletter. Let us share an adventure together!

The Inn at the Forest’s Edge

My first published novelette, The Inn at the Forest’s Edge, takes place in Veardalan, a medieval style world with goblins and elves, unicorns and dryads roaming an ancient, enchanted forest. A young hero must enter the mystical woods, learn to face his doubts, and find his courage. If that stirs wonder in you, you may purchase it here.