Is Fantasy a dream or an escape?

What a great topic!

I would go so far as to say that we need this element of the "fantastic" in our lives. Especially in today's world where one does not need to imagine anything. I long sometimes for the days of my youth - growing up on a farm in the middle of nowhere, and only having one tv station. My brother and I were constantly outside, creating our own battles and worlds.

As it's been said, we do need, in a way, the role models that these stories bring. I would love my children to want to have the character and integrity of such "people" as Aragorn and Faramir.

As to escapism, I believe these stories do provide that and more. Please excuse the personal side here, but I struggled with depression for many years...and unbelievably the story of Lord of the Rings gave voice and image to a personal experience I couldn't explain to others. For example, How could I describe to people that I both loved and hated my depression? In speaking about it, I would often describe it as a ring that I had to carry...and destroy. My husband became my Samwise by walking the long road with me...does this make sense?

A resounding "yes" to the fact that we need fantasy, we need that which engages our hearts and our imaginations...