Contemporary fantasists all bow politely to Lord Tennyson…
“Contemporary fantasists all bow politely to Lord Tennyson and Papa Tolkien, then step around them to go back to the original texts for inspiration--and there are a lot of those texts. We have King Arthur and his gang in English; we've got Siegfried and Brunhild in German; Charlemagne and Roland in French; El Cid in Spanish; Sigurd the Volsung in Icelandic; and assorted 'myghtiest Knights on lyfe' in a half-dozen other cultures. Without shame, we pillage medieval romance for all we're worth.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Modern fantasy writers often reference classic medieval epics, drawing inspiration from diverse cultural legends while reimagining them in new works.
In simple terms: Writers borrow from old myths to create fresh stories.
Key Takeaway
Explore original myths for richer world‑building.
Themes
literature
mythology
creativity
Mood
enthusiastic
reflective
Type
inspirational
analytical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- game design
- film scripting
- role‑playing games
Key Concepts
intertextuality
cultural adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance homage with innovation?
- Which lesser‑known myths could inspire your next project?
A Different Perspective
Risk of over‑reliance on past tropes can stifle originality.