The word eucatastrophe (good catastrophe) was coined by J.R.R. Tolkien to describe what he believed was the essence and highest function of fairy-stories.
It is the sudden, unexpected joyous turn.
Tolkien explains, “In such stories when the sudden ‘turn’ comes we get a piercing glimpse of joy, and heart’s desire, that for a moment passes outside the frame, rends indeed the very web of story, and lets a gleam come through” (‘On Fairy-Stories’, 61).
Our latest content:
Delving into Tolkien’s Dark Sides (Part 1)
Fall season has arrived in my Shire. Along with the splash of my favorite leaf colors—burnt orange, apple red, and golden yellow—there’s a crisp chill in the air. Most mornings and evenings now call for a sweatshirt while walking my fine canine, Musti the Hound. And...
Interview with David Rowe
Author Interview by John PletcherDavid is the author of The Proverbs of Middle Earth.With whom would David choose to enjoy elevensies? Join John Pletcher for a the answer and more discussion with David Rowe, author of The Proverbs of Middle Earth. An Arabic proverb...
Interview with K. B. Hoyle
Author Interview by Dan Cruver K. B. Hoyle is a three-time recipient of the Literary Classics International Book Awards Seal of Approval. She was honored with this award in 2015 (BREEDER), 2016 (The Gateway Chronicles) and 2017 (CRIMINAL). Join Eucatastrophe...
What We’re Reading (August 2019)
What we're reading. Enjoy our curated list of articles, audio and video from around the web. What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments!The Lord of the Rings on Prime Panel Panel discussion on The Lord of the Rings on Prime held during...
Fair But Terrible – Fell & Fair Photoshoot
Article by Zan Campbell“Then Merry heard of all sounds in that hour the strangest. It seemed that Dernhelm laughed, and the clear voice was like the ring of steel. 'But no living man am I! You look upon a woman. Éowyn I am, Éomund's daughter. You stand between me...
Chocolate Strawberry Pie
by Emily Wert @QueenNellie1 INGREDIENTS baked pie shell 1 cup chocolate chips 2 (8-oz) package cream cheese 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups whipping cream 2 pint fresh strawberries 1 Tblsp half-and-half 1/4 cup chocolate chips INSTRUCTIONS Melt chocolate...
What We’re Reading (July 2019)
What we're reading. Enjoy our curated list of articles, audio and video from around the web. What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments!Tolkien’s last friend in Oxford when the world went to war ‘Not a single man I know is up except...
Medieval Influences in Tolkien’s Middle-earth
Roundtable Discussion by Zan CampbellJoin Fell & Fair founder Zan Campbell for a discussion with Carl Garris, recent graduate from Columbia University (Masters of History). This discussion is about the medieval influences in Tolkien's Middle~earth.
Exploring Epic Literary Paths in Middle-earth
Join John Pletcher for an incredible conversation with Joseph Pearce. Joseph Pearce is Senior Contributor at The Imaginative Conservative. A native of England, Mr. Pearce is Director of Book Publishing at the Augustine Institute, editor of the St. Austin Review,...
