Post originally by Drew in Japan at 2003-08-16 19:20:23
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Two points, if I may.

For starters, this may be news to Bloodcat-san, but Tolkien did not invent the fantasy genre. To be certain, his contibution is far reaching and monumental, but fantasy, and the fantasy epic, existed long before him. Perhaps Bloodcat-san has heard of certain obscure little titles like the Iliad, Aeneid, Odyssey, or the Mahabharata?

Tolkien's work could be viewed as a regurgitation of Northern European (primarily Germanic) folk tales (no, he did not invent Elves, Dwarves, and Trolls...as shocking as this might be to you). He borrowed and reshaped well-used material. So forgive the rest of us, please, if we find it permissible to reshape his works as well.

As for your assesment of "Japanized" entertainment, as a long-time resident of Japan permit me to challenge your "educated" opinion (and why, one wonders, would someone with such a dreary opinion of anime watch so much of it???). A great deal of anime is, in fact, an interpretation of western material, but it is mingled with Japanese sensibilities in a way that, I think, is unique. Unshackled by quasi-religious reverence of Tolkien (and no--I am not condemning his works, just you asinine "regurgitation" statement), the Japanese interpret fantasy themes very differently than many Westerners. They have a more light-hearted take on the material, and treat it as--big surprise--"fantasy." To them, it's not supposed to be Tolkien or High Art...it's supposed to be fun.

I found Uresia to be delightful. I am a longtime gamer (not of the D&D breed...I have been a Glorantha fan for 20 years), and I think Uresia has new and clever contributions to make. It lovingly reflects the spirit of Anime Fantasy (a genre in an of itself, as far as millions are concerned).

Might I suggest you relax a little, tomodachi, and try to take fantasy (and yourself) less seriously?

Mata ne;

D