Hello, fellow wanderers! 🌟 In this video, we’re diving deep into the heart of fantasy and the curious intersection between Grimdark and Tolkien’s mythopoetic storytelling. Yes, you heard that right—me, the self-professed Grimdark skeptic, is about to unpack this genre that I once claimed was something we should avoid (gasp!). But things have changed, and I’m here to explain why.

I recently dipped my toes into The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie, a book that was supposed to be drenched in moral grayness, blood, and nihilism, but it surprised me. I found characters I could root for, humor, and even empathy! So, what is Grimdark really? And does it belong in the canon of speculative fiction?

Join me as we explore the nuances of modern fantasy, Tolkien’s lasting influence, and how these stories help us escape—not in the “dull the pain” kind of way, but in a way that strengthens us for the real world. We’ll touch on the works of Abercrombie, Richard Swan, and, of course, Tolkien himself. Expect musings on the nature of escapism, the moral compass of Grimdark, and whether we’re still capable of writing hopeful, heroic fiction today.

Timestamps:

0:00 Let’s Talk About Escapism: Tolkien, Transcendence, and Resilience 5:10 My Grimdark Journey: From Skeptic to The Blade Itself 15:20 What Even Is Grimdark? A Look at Modern Fantasy’s Moral Landscape 25:45 Tolkien vs. Modern Fantasy: Heroic Escapes vs. Bleak Realities 35:30 The Justice of Kings & More Grimdark Reads: Where Does It All Lead?

Hey dear friends! In this video, Richard and I dive deep into the evolving worlds of science fiction and fantasy. From Tolkien's carefully restrained magic to today's cosmic horror and existential threats, we explore how modern storytellers like Adrian Tchaikovsky are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human in a vast, often terrifying universe. 🤯

Together, we’ll unpack how the "what if" scenarios of classic speculative fiction are running up against the limits of our current worldview, where space isn’t just empty—it’s often hostile, dark, and filled with lurking horrors straight out of Lovecraft’s nightmares. 🐙 But here’s the thing: amidst all the bleakness, we’re also talking about how these stories can still uncover beauty, hope, and purpose.

I reflect on how storytelling, whether in epic space operas or grounded fantasy, is about rediscovering meaning beyond the nihilism, and how we might re-envision the cosmos not just as cold space, but as a light-filled place of mythic possibility. If you love world-building, cosmic philosophy, or just geeking out over sci-fi and fantasy, then grab a cup of tea (or something stronger, perhaps . . . ) and join us! ☕️

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction & Overview 2:35 From Tolkien to Tchaikovsky: The Shift in Storytelling 8:50 Cosmic Nihilism & The Lovecraftian Turn in Sci-Fi 16:22 The Search for Meaning in Modern Fantasy and Sci-Fi 25:00 Why We Need to Re-Envision Space as the Light-Filled Cosmos 33:45 The Future of Sci-Fi: From Found Texts to New Mythic Worlds

Could this be the Star Wars of our time?! . . . . no. Definitely not.

Together, Richard and I discuss the final episode of The Rings of Power and, yet again, it's mostly a ranting session. It seems as though this entire venture has been set up as a cinematic prequel to the Peter Jackson films, and - if that's the case - it's supremely disappointing.

It's clear that the writers don't trust their audience. Between the wizard dual and the way in which Galadriel has done nothing essential to the plot, there seems to be a sense that, as long as they're writing about something "worthwhile", quality doesn't matter. There also seems to be some attempt to articulate a theological vision, but it's lacking. The pacing is arrhythmic and strange. Seemingly there is some effort to be reminiscent of medieval storytelling, but it falls short.

Also, what's with all of the sympathy for the devil? This, above everything else, is a departure from Tolkien. This seems to be an issue of art vs propaganda disguised as entertainment.

Will we watch season 2? We'll see . . . maybe we should just focus on Andor.