The Marginalian · People & society

J.R.R. Tolkien on Enchantment and True Realism

J.R.R. Tolkien, in his reflections on fairy tales and the concept of 'Faery,' proposed that enchantment is a vital aspect of human experience, distinct from mere escapism.

Tolkien believed enchantment arises from a deep capacity to feel life fully, encompassing both delight and 'ruth'—a profound sense of sorrow or pity. This state involves a constant awareness of a world beyond the familiar and a non-possessive love and respect for all things, both animate and inanimate.

He argued that enchantment is not religious but allows participation in the extraordinary. It represents a breaking free from the limitations of the known and controlled, fostering a love for the 'otherness' of existence.

Things perceived through enchantment appear delightful and glorious. This perspective, Tolkien contended, is not escapism but a truer form of realism than cynicism, pessimism, or optimism.

By allowing us to touch the extraordinary, enchantment returns us to our lives with a renewed appreciation for the ordinary world, which itself is an extraordinary triumph.

Tolkien equated 'Faery' with Imagination, encompassing aesthetic receptivity and artistic creativity. This includes an awareness of the limitless world, love for its contents, and a desire for wonder.

He concluded that this 'Faery' is as essential for human health and functioning as sunlight is for physical life, representing a necessary component for a complete human existence.

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