"It is the mark of a good fairy-story, of the higher or more complete kind, that however wild its events, however fantastic or terrible the adventures, it can give to child or a man that hears it, when the 'turn' comes, a catch of the breath, a beat and lifting of the heart, near to (or indeed accompanied by) tears, as keen as that given by any form of literary art, and having a peculiar quality.
Even modern fairy-stories can produce this effect sometimes. It is not an easy thing to do; it depends on the whole story which is the setting of the turn, and yet it reflects the glory backwards. A tale that in any measure succeeds in this point has not wholly failed, whatever flaws it may possess, and whatever mixture or confusion of purpose."
J.R.R. Tolkien: "On Fairy Stories"
Happy birthday Mr. Professor, and may your words of ("realism-based") encouragement enlighten our souls!
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Upon the hearth the fire is red
Beneath the roof there is a bed;
But not yet weary are our feet...
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